Chapter 0017
+25 LONUS
How…dare he
1 yanked myself away, my palm connecting with his cheekh a slap that echoed in the silence. His head snapped to the side, his breathing ragged, but the look in his eyes was anything but defeated.
“Don’t you ever-” My voice shook, my chest heaving with the effort to steady myself. “Don’t you ever touch me like that again, sir!”
Alexander’s jaw tightened, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that sent a shiver racing down my spine. His cheek reddened where my hand had struck him, but he didn’t flinch.
“You can lie to me,” he said, his voice low, dangerously cal. “You can tell me you’re not Lauren, that you don’t remember. But you felt that too.”
“I felt nothing.” I snapped, my voice sharp as a gunshot. “don’t know you!”
I didn’t wait for him to say anything else. Turning on my heel, I stormed out of the office, my heart pounding so loudly I could barely think.
The cool air outside felt like a slap to my overheated skin as I hurried to put as much distance as I could between. myself and Alexander. My lips still tingled from the force of his kiss, and I cursed myself for even letting it happen.
This couldn’t happen again. It wouldn’t happen again.
But as I walked away, I couldn’t shake the memory of his touch–the way he’d looked at me, like I was his world and he’d been starving for air.
My breaths came shallow and fast, and I gripped the strap of my bag so tightly my knuckles turned white.
What had just happened?
This was the same man who had once wanted me gone, who had looked at me as though I was nothing more than a stain on his otherwise perfect life. He had hurt me–hurt my child–and now he had kissed me.
It wasn’t just a kiss. It was a declaration, a plea, and a battle all at once.
What was going on?
Shoving the thought away, I quickened my pace, my mind racing as I pieced together my next steps.
By the time I walked through the door, I was a bundle of nerves barely held together by sheer willpower. Abigail met me in the living room, her eyes lighting up as they always did when she saw me.
“Mommy!” she exclaimed, running into my arms. Her warmth grounded me, anchoring me in the present even as my mind swirled with doubts.
I hugged her tightly, breathing in the comforting scent of her shampoo. Abigail, my little everything–the reason I endured, the reason I ran, the reason I survived.
She unknowing calmed part of the storm in my chest, her little arms around my neck saving me.
Later that night, when Abigail was tucked into bed, Daphn was quick to my side in the kitchen, cleaning up after dinner. She knew something was wrong again, but she didnt press this time. Only gave me a knowing look and waited, waiping down the counter.
“Alexander recognized me,” I said, my voice trembling as I tried to steady it. The weight of the day pressed
+25 BONUS
Sheavily on my chest. I denied it, but I loow he’s not going to let it go. He’s relentless. I’ll recommend another doctor for Owen, someone who’s a better fit, but I can’t stay here. I need to leave. Abigall’s safety comes first.”
Daphne leaned against the counter, her brow furrowing as he listened. She was quiet for a moment, her fingers drumming lightly on the surface. Finally, she said, “You know, Alexander and Sophia never actually got married.”
Her words caught me off guard, and I blinked at her. “What?”
“There’s a rumor,” she continued, her tone laced with curiosity, “that it’s because he’s still hung up on his late
wife
“Enough. Why bring that up now? Besides, that’s impossible,” I cut her off, tossing a hand. The suggestion sent a chill through me, and I shook my head quickly.
to live a quiet life with
“Whatever their situation is, it doesn’t matter. It has nothing to do with me, I just want to live at Abigail, far away from Alexander and his mess!”
