Chapter 380 A Night Destined to be Unquiet
As we stepped out of the restaurant, the cool night breeze hit us, instantly sweeping away the stifling heat and tension that had built up inside.
Lucas, always blunt, grumbled, "Fiona and Edward were just too much! Their behavior in there was infuriating."
Lila nodded vigorously, echoing his sentiment. "Totally. I never realized Fiona was like that. Back then, we still considered her a friend."
She turned to me with concern. "Diana, don't let it get to you. She's just trying to stir up trouble."
I shrugged helplessly and gave a wry smile. "I'm fine. I knew her before she married David. She's always been this overbearing. It looks like she's back to her old self now that they're divorced."
Alaric gently took my hand, offering silent comfort, then addressed Lucas and Lila, "I'm really sorry about tonight. You didn't deserve to be dragged into this mess."
Lucas waved it off. "Alaric, what are you talking about? We're friends. But honestly, I thought Edward had more backbone. Turns out he's just as disappointing."
Lila sighed. "He's a businessman, after all. It's all about profit for him. Let's not talk about them anymore. Diana, get some rest when you get home. Call us if you need anything."
I was deeply grateful for my friends' support. "Thank you all. If it weren't for you, facing them alone would have been much worse. Please be safe on your way home," I said.
Lucas and Lila exchanged a smile before heading toward their car. Watching their retreating figures, Alaric and I walked to our own car.
Alaric opened the door smoothly, his eyes soft as he looked at me. "Get in. I'll take you home."
I settled into the seat, leaning back as a wave of exhaustion washed over me. As I closed my eyes, Fiona's arrogant face and Edward's uncertain expression flashed through my mind..
The car started moving, city lights casting shifting patterns through the windows. Alaric pressed play, and soothing music filled the silence.
Even with my eyes closed, I could feel Alaric's gentle gaze on me. At a red light, he reached over and wrapped his hand around mine, silently giving me strength.
Soon, we arrived at my apartment building. Alaric parked the car and spoke softly, "I'll come up with you. I've been worried about Skylar and want to see how she's doing."
Warmth spread through me, and I nodded. We walked quietly to my door. I fished out my keys, unlocked the door, and we stepped into the dark apartment, moonlight filtering through the curtains.I motioned for Alaric to follow me to Skylar's room. She was curled up under the covers, sound asleep.
"Looks like she's sleeping well," Alaric whispered, leaning down to gaze at her tenderly. "Get well soon, Skylar."
He stood up and gently pulled me into a hug. This time, I didn't pull away.
His voice was low and tender. "Diana, I love you. I'll always be here for you and Skylar. I won't let anything hurt you."
After a moment, he released me and walked to the door. He paused, looking back. "Rest well. Call me if you need anything." With that, he left, his figure disappearing down the hallway.
I closed the door, leaning against it with a long sigh, my mind replaying the day's events.
I stood there for a while before heading to the kitchen for a glass of ice water. The cool liquid slid down my throat, refreshing me instantly.
Just as I was about to get ready for bed, my phone rang, startling me in the quiet apartment. I quickly grabbed it from my bag, seeing an unfamiliar number on the screen.
Curious and a bit apprehensive, I answered, "Hello?"
The background noise of clinking glasses and chatter came through, followed by a slightly frantic male voice. "Is this Ms. Cooper? I'm a bartender at the Moonlight Lounge. There's a man here who's very drunk and keeps mentioning your name. I managed to get your number from him."
A sense of unease settled over me. I asked cautiously, "Did he say his name?"
There was a moment of silence, and then the bartender spoke again, "Sir, what's your name? I need to let Ms. Cooper know."
A slurred, heavily intoxicated voice came through. "My name is David."
The bartender said, "Ms. Cooper, are you still there? He said his name is David."
I sighed, realizing David must have heard about Fiona and Edward. He wouldn't be this drunk otherwise.
Knowing I couldn't leave him at the bar, I sighed again, got the bar's address, grabbed my coat, and headed out.
The streets were eerily quiet. I flagged down a cab and got in, immediately hit by the stench of stale smoke and sweat. I opened the window a crack, trying to breathe.
The driver, a greasy, overweight, middle-aged man, turned to me, his eyes roving over me in a way that made my skin crawl. He flashed a grin that revealed his yellowed teeth, asking, "Where to at this hour?"
Suppressing my discomfort, I replied coolly, "Moonlight Lounge."
The car started moving, the driver occasionally glancing at me in the rearview mirror. I shrank into the corner of the seat, hoping to reach the bar quickly.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
