Chapter 94
RAINA
The second I walked into the house, I felt an ache gnawing at me. It had been days since I’d seen Liam, and the need to hold him, to kiss his forehead and tell him everything would be okay, was overwhelming. I couldn’t sit still. My body hummed with restless energy, my mind a hurricane of thoughts
Against my better judgment, I grabbed my phone and texted Alex
“I want to see Liar”
His response was immediate, almost as if he’d been waiting for me.
“Drop the restraining order, and you can see him whenever you want.”
I scoffed at the message, my jew tightening. Of course, he would use this against me. Manipulative as always. It was classic Alex.
For a second, I hovered over my phone, debating whether to respond or not. My pride told me to ignore him, but my heart said otherwise. Liam came first. My son needed me, and if this was the price I had to pay, so be it.
Fine. I texted back. But if you act like a stalker again, I’ll put it right back up
Before I could blink, he replied, “Meet me at
(lunch”
After everything—after the divorce–I’d felt so relieved that I buried myself in work to keep my thoughts at bay. I’d been swamped all morning, going over files, and that was when I caught it–the supply errors from Alex’s company over the Vince Project.
For a moment, I considered taking the issue to him myself, but I hesitated. I wasn’t ready to meet him face–to–face, not yet. Who knew what kind of conversation would spring up between us? It wasn’t worth the headache
I had told Dominic about it earlier, but the more I thought about Liam, the harder it became to wait. He had already been abandoned long enough.
By the timech rolled around, I grabbed my bag, ready to leave, my steps brisk and focused. But as I reached the door, I paused.
What about Nathan?
He’d been sick. I’d tried to take care of him, but he’d waved me off, insisting he’d be fine.
Am I wrong for wanting to see mys
y son? I questioned myself, guilt creeping in. But almost as quickly, I shut it down. No. There was no reason to feel guilty. Liam came first—always.
Steeling myself, I opened the door and stepped outside. I had barely taken a few steps when I heard two voices call my name at once.
“Raina!!!
sank when I looked up.
I stopped, startled. My heart sank when
There, standing in front of me, were Nathan and Alex
Nathan looked better- his color had returned, and his movements seemed steadier–but Alex’s smug expression ruined any relief I might’ve felt.
“What are you doing here?” I asked Nathan, my voice soft but tinged with surprise,
He stepped closer, wrapping his arms around i
embrace.
Ime and pulling me into a hug. For a moment, I relaxed against him, feeling the familiar warmth of his
“Lunch,” he said lightly, though his voice carried a hint of frustration. “I’m here to take you to lunch.”
Before I could respond, he leaned in to kiss me.
I turned my head quickly, avoiding his lips. “Nathan, we’re on a break, remember?
He sighed, smiling faintly. “That didn’t stop me last time.”
I shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips despite the situation. “How are you feeling? You didn’t talk to me much last night.”
Nathan was about to answer when Alex’s voice cut through like a blade.
“Tell her, Nathan Tell her who that woman from last night was.”
I stiffened. My eyes darted between the two men. Nathan glared at Alex, and Alex smirked in return, clearly enjoying the tension.
“What is he talking about?” I asked, looking directly at Nathan now.
Nathan’s jaw tightened, but he ignored Alex. “Where are you going, Raina?”
*To see Lim,” I said, my voice firm.
His arm tightened slightly around my waist–not enough to hurt, but enough to make me aware of his unease. “Raina, I’m here to sald quietly, leaving closer to whisper the next part. “And no, there’s no ether woman.
o take you to
you to lunch,” he
The whispered words made my stomach twist. I wanted to believe him–really, I did–but Alex’s accusation lingered like a shadow in my mind
Slipping from Nathan’s grip, I offered him a soft but determined smile. “Thanks,” I said, stipping out of Nathan’s grip. “I already spoke to Alex about meeting Liams.”
In my mind, I tried to push away the nagging thought about the other woman Alex mentioned. Maybe I’d ask him about it later–If it was true. I hoped he was just bollshitting me, trying to stir trouble like always.
Nathan’s voice pulled me back “What about the restraining order?
“For now, it doesn’t matter,” I replied firmly. “I’m not waiting two months estil the case just to see my son.
I gave him a small, apologetic smile. “I’ll see you later.”
As I turned to leave, I caught the sing smile Alex shot Nathan. It grated on my nerves, but I refused to acknowledge it. My chest ached as I walked away —it hurt to leave Nathan standing there–but my childhen woukl always come first. Before anyone else.
In the car, Alex broke the silence first.
“You look beautiful today,” he said casually.
I ignored him, staring out the window.
He chuckled softly, then pulled his phone out, recording our conversation “Promise the something, Raina. If you find out where Liam’s location is, you won’t disclose it to anyone–not even Nathan. And you won’t go there without me.”
Comments
