Keith's perspective
As I held Eira's wrist, my gaze fixed on hers, memories of the disturbing vision I had seen earlier flooded my mind. The moment she started driving me, the accident occurred, leading to her untimely death and my hospitalization for months. I even fell into a coma.
The only problem was explaining why we couldn't leave now. I glanced at Eira's curious expression, still waiting for answers. However, if I told her I'd seen the future and was trying to prevent it, she'd think I was joking.
Eira's voice broke the trance. "Sir?"
Her gaze drifted to her wrist, which I'd been holding for a while. I slowly released it.
"Are you okay, sir?" she asked.
I took a deep breath, searching for a plausible explanation. How could I make her understand the gravity of our situation without revealing the truth? Revealing my ability to see the future would only raise questions and doubts.
I cleared my throat and folded my arms, trying to appear resolute. "I said we can't go now, didn't you hear me?"
Eira scoffed, her expression incredulous. "Of course, I did, which is why I'm asking you why we can't."
I hesitated, scrambling to think of a plausible explanation. "There's no particular reason. I just do not feel like going now."
Eira's eyes narrowed, awaiting a genuine reason. I knew she wouldn't settle for my vague response.
"I said we can't go, and that's it," I insisted, trying to sound authoritative.
Surprisingly, Eira actually let it slide. "Alright," she agreed, her sudden compliance catching me off guard.
I glanced at her, shocked. "Ugh?" I arched my brow. "You are okay with it? Doesn't that mean you will be working extra hours?" I inquired.
Eira shrugged nonchalantly. "Yes, sir. As long as you are paying me for the extra hours, then we are cool."
Her casual attitude toward the sudden change surprised me.
"What do we do now that you've changed your mind about going home?" Eira asked, raising an eyebrow.
I shrugged, unsure. "I don't know. Maybe we could just stay and observe for a bit."
Eira scoffed. "That's too boring. But if that's what you want, sir, then fine."
We leaned against the car in silence for a while, the awkwardness between us palpable. Our relationship was strictly professional, leaving me uncertain about how to initiate conversation.
Eira broke the silence, her tone laced with amusement. "If you're this wealthy, why did you take all my cash that day?"
"I see you haven't forgotten," I said, a hint of embarrassment creeping in.
"Of course not," Eira replied, her eyes sparkling. "I vowed to get revenge on you someday."
A sheepish grin spread across my face. "You won't be taking revenge anytime soon, considering I'm your boss."
I chuckled. "If I'd known we'd meet again, I wouldn't have taken all your money that day."
Eira's gaze lingered, her expression softening.
"It's great to see you're sorry," Eira said with a grin.
I raised an eyebrow. "I never apologized."
"Your expression says otherwise," she teased.
I protested, "It doesn't."
Just then, approaching footsteps broke the tension. The security guards acknowledged me with a nod. "Sir?"
"Why haven't you left yet?" one of them asked.
I offered a faint smile. "It's nothing."
One of the guards pressed, "It's getting late, sir. You should head home now."
I glanced at Eira, my mind racing. We needed to leave, to avoid the impending accident.
"I'll go now," I said, and the guards smiled and bowed.
As Eira reached for the driver's door, I intercepted her. "Get in, I'll drive," I said, collecting the keys from her hand.
Eira's eyes widened in surprise. "What?"
I repeated firmly, "I'll drive you."
Her expression transformed from shock to curiosity.
"Why are you driving me, sir?" Eira asked, her tone laced with confusion. "I'm the designated driver."
"I'm aware of that," I replied, settling into the driver's seat.
I gestured for her to take the passenger seat, my expression firm.
Eira hesitated, but eventually, she relented, buckling into the passenger seat.
As she secured her seatbelt, I sensed her gaze on me, filled with unspoken questions.
I deliberately avoided eye contact, unwilling to engage in conversation.
I knew she was bursting with inquiries, but I wasn't ready to provide answers.
As I pulled out of the parking lot, the silence between us grew thicker. Eira's gaze lingered on me, but I kept my eyes on the road, avoiding her questioning stare.
The city lights blurred together outside my window, a colorful haze that mirrored the turmoil in my mind. I gripped the steering wheel tightly, my knuckles white.
Eira shifted beside me, her movements subtle. I sensed her unease, her desire to break the silence.
But I remained quiet, lost in my thoughts. The vision of the accident still haunted me, and I couldn't shake the feeling that every passing moment brought us closer to disaster.
The GPS guided me through the streets, the soft voice a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere inside the car.
Eira cleared her throat, the sound barely audible. I glanced at her, catching her gaze before quickly looking away.
As we arrived at her house, guided by the GPS, we stepped out of the car. Eira's eyes sought answers, but she bit back her questions, bowing her head instead.
"Sir..." she began, her voice tentative.
I cut her off, my tone firm. "Don't ask me."
Her head snapped up, curiosity getting the better of her. "Why shouldn't I? This is strange. You brought me home when I'm the one supposed to drive you."
I sighed, closing the distance between us. My gaze locked onto hers, unwavering.
"Consider my actions today as protecting you," I said, my voice low.
Eira's lips formed the words "Protecting me?" her tone was barely audible.
I nodded, my response barely above a whisper. "Yes."
Her eyes searched mine, seeking clarification. I added, "I'm protecting you because I want to."
A soft flush spread across her cheeks, and her expression transformed from curiosity to surprise.
"Goodnight," I said abruptly, turning back to the car.
As I walked away, my heart pounded in my chest. What had possessed me to reveal so much? I couldn't believe I'd spoken those words without hesitation.
As I reached for the door handle, a sickening crash echoed through the night, sending a chill down my spine. It sounded unmistakably like a vehicle hitting someone.
My heart skipped a beat, then began racing wildly. I stood frozen, unable to muster the courage to turn around and face what might have happened.