Chapter 56

Chapter 55 +25 BONUS “Yes... I... I’m okay,” Luisa stammered, which made Alden finally realize the strangeness of his behavior.

He instantly let go of her face, took a few steps back, and cleared his throat. “I’m sorry. I know you don’t want me getting close to you. I shouldn’t have touched you like that.

An awkward silence ensued as they both stared down at the ground before Luisa mustered the courage to speak.” I... Thank you. For saving me from Victor.”

“I did not ‘save‘ you. I just helped you out with the bastard. No need to thank me,” he said, trying to downplay the magnitude of the help he’d given her.

Luisa shook her head. “No, I have to thank you. If you hadn’t arrived, he would’ve probably taken me away because I’m so weak and-”

“Hey, no. Don’t say that,” Alden quickly cut her off. He felt an overwhelming urge to hold her and assure her, but he managed to stop himself. Just barely. What was wrong with him?

“You’re not weak, Luisa. He’s a man, and you’re a woman, so he naturally has more physical strength than you. That doesn’t make you weak. That makes him a coward for wanting to take advantage of that.” He paused, gazing at her before continuing.

“Besides, you didn’t go with him without a fight, and that just shows how courageous you are.”

Luisa was stunned by his words. None of the men she’d been with before had ever said such beautiful things to her. Not Brandon and definitely not Victor. And yet Alden...

She kept her stare fixed on him, unable to tear her eyes away, until someone cleared their throat.

It was Clark, who commented sheepishly, “Is it me or does it feel a little too hot out here?”

Luisa felt her cheeks burn with embarrassment for how she’d stared at Alden in such a dumbstruck way because of the nice things he said to her.

Before things could get any more awkward, she turned to Thalassa. “Lassa, I think I’ve had enough for tonight. Shall we go home now?”

Thalassa nodded. “Yes, that was why I came searching for you. Let’s go now.”

Luisa managed a small smile at Alden, which he returned as he nodded his head. Just as Thalassa was about to follow Luisa, her arm was suddenly grasped.

Stiffening, she calmed down a little when she realized it was Clark.

“Hey, you’re just leaving?”

Thalassa frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I mean we finally saw each other again after such a long time. You won’t even say goodbye?”

Thalassa realized he was right, flashing him an apologetic smile. “Goodbye, Clark.”

She attempted to free her hand and continue walking, but he held on. “So when am I going to see you again?”

Standing just some distance behind them, Kris heard this, his jaw clenching as he waited for Thalassa to answer. Even though she had her back to him, Thalassa could feel his piercing gaze.

Because of that, she wanted to give Clark the address to her house, but at the same time, she didn’t want him getting any ideas.

+25 BONUS Chapter 55 “You can always come see me at my office tomorrow. TT Fashion House,” she finally said.

With that, she and Luisa headed to their car with Luisa in the driver’s seat and Thalassa in the front passenger seat.

After they drove off, Clark had a shit–eating grin on his face, which irritated Kris to no measure.

“You sure don’t waste any time,” Kris commented with a tight smile.

Clark chuckled. “I mean, it’s just my luck that she missed me as much as I missed her. She clearly wants to keep seeing me.”

“Well, congratulations,” Kris said tightly, feeling sick to his stomach for whatever reason.

“But I still need your help,” Clark said as he placed his hand on Kris’s shoulder, oblivious to his irritation. “I’d like to bring flowers to her tomorrow but I’ve kind of forgotten her favorite flowers. I’m sure you remember, so can you tell me?”

“Oh, why not? I will more than help you.” Kris smiled dubiously. “Her favorite flowers are roses.

Clark grinned. “Oh, of course. Why didn’t I think about it? It’s every woman’s favorite. Thank you so much, man.”

Patting Kris on the shoulder, he sidestepped him and headed towards his car.

Alden approached Kris with a small frown. “Why did you help him out?”

Kris smirked. “Who says I did?