“Well…” She faltered, the word hanging in the air.
Alex, perceptive as ever, noticed her discomfort and inquired softly, “What’s the matter?”
As Sadie nibbled her bottom lip, her resolve weakened. “It’s nothing,” she replied, managing a strained smile. “Thank you for your kindness.”
She thought she’d stay at the guesthouse Alex suggested until she found something more permanent.
With the owner’s relaxed attitude and reasonable rates, Sadie had no trouble reaching an agreement.
As sunlight streamed through the window, its rays filled the room with the earthy scent of polished wood. Sadie inhaled deeply, feeling the knots of tension in her shoulders begin to unwind.
She turned to Alex, her expression softening with genuine gratitude. “Alex, I can’t thank you enough for all your support during this ordeal,” she said.
Alex’s smile turned tender, his gaze lingering on her face with an unspoken promise of protection. “It’s nothing, really,” he replied, his tone smooth and comforting, like a quiet reassurance.
Reflecting on the countless ways Alex had been her unwavering support, Sadie felt a surge of warmth spread through her.
“There’s an upscale restaurant nearby with great reviews. Are you available? My treat,” Sadie offered.
Alex hesitated briefly. “Your doctor recommended a light diet for now-no seafood, among other restrictions.”
His gaze held a flicker of concern as he studied her.
Sadie chuckled and said, “I won’t order anything I’m not supposed to. Come on, you’ve done so much for me. Let me show my appreciation.”
Her voice was light, yet firm, making it clear she wouldn’t take no for an answer.
A brief look of disappointment crossed Alex’s face, but he quickly masked it with a warm smile. “It’d be rude to decline, wouldn’t it?” Though his expression remained gentle, a quiet sadness lingered in his eyes.
They arrived at the restaurant and stepped through the grand revolving door. The glow of an opulent crystal chandelier bathed the space in dazzling light.
That was when the evening took an unexpected turn.
Sadie’s eyes immediately landed on Noah and Kyla, walking towards a private dining room together. Noah’s tailored suit and confident posture gave him an air of quiet authority, while Kyla, clinging to his arm, wore a sweet, knowing smile.
Sadie’s chest tightened. She instinctively wanted to avoid them, but Kyla’s sharp gaze had already spotted her.
“Sadie? Weren’t you supposed to be resting in the hospital? What brings you here?” Kyla’s voice carried a mix of surprise and something far less innocent.
Her eyes flickered toward Alex, and a smirk played on her lips. “You sure have time for romance, even while recovering.”
Noah’s attention shifted to Sadie, his expression darkening. His gaze held a storm of emotions-jealousy, frustration, and something unreadable. Sadie exhaled slowly, steadying herself. The last thing she wanted was to show weakness in front of Kyla.
“Is that really all your mind can process? Maybe you should get it checked,” Sadie said coolly, her tone laced with quiet defiance.
Kyla’s smile faltered. She clutched her chest theatrically, her voice suddenly soft and fragile. “I was just worried about you. Shouldn’t your health come first? I didn’t think you’d snap at me like that…” The sickly-sweet tone was suffocating.
The silence that followed was thick with tension.
Before Sadie could fire back, Alex spoke up. “You’re the one who sounds unwell. Maybe you should see a doctor before it turns into an emergency.”
His voice was mild, but his protective stance made his meaning unmistakable.
Kyla’s face grew even more somber, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as if she were weighed down by an overwhelming sense of injustice.
She bit her lip, her shoulders quivering ever so slightly, casting a pleading glance at Noah, hoping he would take her side.
Yet, Noah’s gaze remained fixed on Sadie. His eyes were unreadable, his voice low and controlled as he asked, “Why are you and Alex here?”
Sadie responded evenly, “The same reason you’re here with Kyla.” Though her tone was composed, there was an unmistakable edge of defiance.
Internally, she scoffed. They were at a restaurant-what else would they be doing if not eating? Did Noah think she was a fool?
Noah’s expression hardened at her words. His sharp features grew taut, his eyes flashing with a mix of frustration and jealousy.
Today was Kyla’s birthday.
To celebrate, Noah had brought her to a high-end dining establishment.
Was Sadie perhaps celebrating Alex’s birthday as well?
He wondered how Sadie and Alex had grown so close.
Jealousy gnawed at him.
A recent conversation with Kyla came to mind.
She had mentioned that Sadie and Alex were often seen together. At that moment, Noah hadn’t thought much of it.
Now, however, the thought consumed him.
A heavy feeling pressed on his chest, suffocating him.
His composure shattered.
“Let’s go home now!” Noah demanded, grasping Sadie’s wrist forcefully.
Sadie faltered and nearly fell from the sudden pull.
She resisted vehemently, her expression tight with frustration.
“Release me!”
Her wrist throbbed painfully.
Annoyance surged within her.
How dare he manhandle her in such a manner?
Noah’s gaze was intense, his voice brooking no opposition. “You don’t have a choice, Sadie.”
He contained his fury, his grip on her wrist unyielding, as if trying to fuse her into his existence.
Just as Noah tried to pull Sadie closer, Alex intervened, grasping her other wrist.
“Sadie’s not going back with you. Stop forcing her!” Alex said resolutely, meeting Noah’s eyes without faltering.
As he felt the tremor in Sadie’s wrist, Noah’s heart swelled with empathy for her.
He spun around, his eyes sharp and focused intently on Alex. “Release Sadie now!”
The air crackled with tension, charged with an unspoken threat.
Suddenly, a loud “Bang!” shattered the silence.
Kyla had collapsed to the floor, gripping her chest.
Her complexion turned ghostly, her lips colorless, and her breaths shallow.
“Kyla!” Noah immediately turned his focus to her.
The sound startled Sadie, who instinctively glanced over at Kyla. With great effort, Kyla murmured faintly, “It’s… it’s alright… Don’t fret over me… I’ll… I’ll manage…”
Her voice trailed off weakly, each word seeming to be her last.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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