Chapter 135
+25 Bonus
I finished up at work earlier than usual, my mind too restless to focus on anything else. The drive to Graham Corporation felt longer than it should have. The weight of my plans hung heavy on my chest, but I clung to the idea that this was my chance to turn things around.
When I arrived, I parked and scanned the entrance. I didn’t want anyone to see me waiting. Thankfully, Raina stepped out alone, her phone pressed to her ear. She was pacing, her posture tense, her voice carrying faintly through the quiet space.
I stayed back, listening, trying to gauge her mood. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke.
“When can I see Liam?” she asked.
My jaw clenched at the mention of Alex. Of course, she was talking to him.
The case. I had almost forgotten about the custody battle with everything else going on. This could be my way in–a chance to remind her of my value, to show her I was the one who truly cared about her and Liam’s well–being.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward. “Raina,” I called, keeping my tone as gentle as possible.
She jumped, visibly startled. Her phone slipped from her hand and clattered to the ground.
I frowned, my steps faltering. She wasn’t like this before–always so composed, so steady. Why was she so jumpy now?
“Hey,” I said softly, Bending down to pick up her phone before she could. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
Raina’s eyes darted to mine as she took the phone from my hand, her fingers brushing mine briefly. “It’s fine,” she muttered, her voice strained. She stepped back, putting a small but noticeable distance between us.
I studied her closely. Her eyes were puffy, red–rimmed from crying, her usually bright expression dulled by exhaustion. My chest tightened. I hated seeing her like this, even if part of me whispered that it could work to my advantage.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice guarded.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside me as Raina looked at me warily. She wasn’t saying anything, just watching me with guarded eyes, and it made my chest tighten. Why did she always seem like she was holding something back lately?
“I’ve been trying to reach you,” I started, keeping my tone measured, though it was hard to ignore the knot in my stomach. “You haven’t been answering my calls or replying to my texts. I needed to talk to you somehow.”
Her expression softened for a moment before the walls went up again. “I’ve just… there’s been so much going on,” she said, her voice quieter now. “I need time to adjust.”
I nodded quickly, as if agreeing would make her drop the wall between us. “I get it. I’m not upset or anything, Raina,” I said earnestly, leaning forward slightly. “I’m just worried about you.”
There was a flicker of something in her eyes–doubt, maybe? She looked down, avoiding my gaze, and it sent a pang through me.
“Raina,” I said softly, Just because I hated her family didn’t mean I hated her. I never have. I was… actually worried about Raina.
She looked up at me then, her lips parting as if she wanted to say something, but instead, she sighed. “I’m sorry,” she murmured. “There’s just so much going on. I need time to adjust.”
I hesitated before asking, “Can I at least be present? Be here for you?”
She stiffened slightly, her expression turning cautious again. “No,” she said firmly, taking a step back. “I want to be alone.”
Her words hit me like a slap. My jaw tightened as frustration bubbled beneath the surface. “Is this because of Alex?” I blurted out before I could stop myself.
Her eyes widened, but she didn’t say anything, and that only made my frustration grow.
“Are you pushing me away because of him?” I demanded, stepping closer.
She still didn’t answer, and something inside me snapped. Without thinking, I grabbed her arms, my grip firm but not hard enough to hurt.
“Think, Raina,” I said sharply, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. “Use that brain of yours for once! Liam needs us. You can’t let Alex—”
“Nathan!” she cried out, her voice high and laced with pain.
Her reaction was like a bucket of ice water thrown over me. I immediately let go of her arms, my heart pounding.
“Raina, I’m so sorry,” I began, reaching for her, but before I could say another word, a fist came out of nowhere, colliding with my jaw.
