Nathan glanced up, unruffled. “Alex.”
could feel the tension thickening like an Impending storm, but Nathan didn’t bite. His demeanor stayed calm, almost infuriatingly so
Alex tumed to me, his expression bardening. “We should get going.” he said pointedly.
“I’ll meet you outside,” replied, my voice firm but polite. Alex hesitated, but with a deep breath, he turned and walked out, his shoulders stiff.
As the door closed behind him, turned to Nathan. He stood slowly, his gaze meeting mine
Before I could speak, Nathan stepped closer, his eyes earnest. “I don’t want to lose you,” he confessed. “The past month without you made me realize my life is empty without you. Please, go on a proper date with me.”
I hesitated, every reason to say no siding in my mind. But then saw the sincerity in his eyes, and something in mecracked, “Okay,” I said finally, my voice quieter than I intended. “But there’s a condition. I need to take my kids somewhere, and Alexis coming with us.”
Nathan didn’t even blink “Eine, Whatever you need.”
And just like that, we were all at the amusement park the kids can ahead, their laughter blending with the sounds of rides and excited crowds. I wanted to focus on them, on the simplicity of their joy, but Alex wouldn’t let up.
He waited until we wen
we were away from the kids, then comered me near a concession stand. “Did you even bother to read the files I sent you?” His tone was low, but ther tension in it was unmistakable.
1sighed, already tired of this conversation. “Alex, let it go. I figure things out on my own.
HE
is expression darkened, and his voice rose, though he was careful not to draw attention. “Let it go? Are you serious right now? Do you have any idea how reckless you’re being
I crossed my arms, trying to shield myself from the storm 1 knew was coming. “I’m not reckless
“Not recess?” His laugh was bitter, almost crael. “Would you be this nonchalant if it was your safety–or Liam’s–on the line? Nathan is dangerous, Raina You ted to know who he really is before you start throwing yourself at him.
The woods hit me like a slap, and beton knew it, I was retuming the favor. My palm comected with his check in a sharp crack that seemed to echo louder than the screams from the nearby coller master.
“How dare you,” 1 hissed, my voice trembling with fury. “The only reason I’m even speaking to you right now is because of Liam. But now? There’s nothing left to talkabout. Leava.!!
Alexstared at me, his hand lightly brushing his cheek where I’d struck him. For a moment, I thought he was going to say something else, but he just shook his head
stormed alt,
I stood there, bembling, my hands balled into fists. My chest bumed with anger and hurt. His words kept echoing in my mind, each one digging deeper. Reckless, Throwing myself at Nathan. A whope
I refused to let anyone definere like that. If Alex thought I was weak or careless, he hay dead wrong. I wasn’t about to let his judgment–or anyone else’s–stop me. Right then and there, I made my decision. I would expose Eliza in count. I’d expose everything she had done to Liam, no matter how messy or painful it got,
And as for Kathan? I’d find the truth on my teams. Not Alex’s. Not anyone else’s. Mine.
