SAGE
Disclaimer: I wrote this chapter while experiencing a significant writing block, so please excuse any lack of coherence.
I observed as everyone in the cafe rose from their seats in confusion, including myself. Something was definitely amiss, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it.
Breaking my train of thought, Wade's hand reached out and closed my laptop with a loud thud, causing me to flinch internally. In one swift motion, he grabbed my backpack, neatly stowing the laptop inside. I watched dumbfounded, unable to react in time.
His eyes quickly scanned the table and the cafe surroundings, as if mentally cataloging what needed to be done. Meanwhile, I sat there, staring at him like a fool.
It's evident that impulsive actions are not my strong suit.
His keen, calculating green eyes roved over everything and anything, his jaw slightly clenched in annoyance. Finally, his gaze settled on me, and for a moment, I thought I detected a hint of softness before it vanished, leaving behind the familiar stoic expression I had grown accustomed to.
I merely glanced at him, perplexed, as he gave me a pointed look. His tongue flicked against the inside of his mouth, subtly grazing his inner jaw, and I couldn't help but find it oddly attractive—never mind.
He let out a scoff, stepping closer, while I instinctively became defensive, though I tried not to show it.
I'm just being absurd now.
He grabbed the sleeve of my hoodie, pulling me along with him, and for a brief moment, I wondered why I was allowing him to drag me along so willingly.
I suppose we'll never know.
My mind finally started functioning, and I managed to free my hand from his grip, halting abruptly.
He pinched the bridge of his nose in annoyance, looking up at me with a "If I could, I would strangle you" expression.
"If you don't cooperate with me, I swear to God I will throw you over my shoulder and carry you all the way home," he warned.
And I've never walked faster in my life.
I could sense him smirking, even though I couldn't see his face.
What has my life come to?
Approaching his car, I intended to take a seat in the back when Maxwell abruptly turned me around, replacing my shocked expression with a furrowed brow.
"Where do you think you're going?" he questioned, his brows narrowing as he tried to figure out my intentions.
"To take a seat," I replied in a chilly tone, making it clear that I had no intention of engaging in conversation with him.
His knuckles turned white as his hands clenched into fists at his sides.
"Do you take me for your chauffeur?" he mocked, tilting his head slightly.
"Bingo," I smiled and moved away from his grasp.
"Come sit in the front," he commanded, while my hand reached for the back door handle.
"No, I'm fine," I countered, opening the door and preparing to get inside, when I suddenly felt a force pushing me away, and the sound of the door closing.
"I can still throw you over my shoulder, you know?" he laughed, but without any hint of humor this time.
I let out a sigh and settled for sitting in the front seat, lacking the energy to argue any further. Glancing at the time on my phone, I noticed it was 9:53 am.
He quickly slid into the car, starting the engine as the radio switched on. Just my luck, it had to be this song playing.
When I was 13, I had my first love...
Someone, please put me out of my misery at this point. Why does it have to be this song?
There was nobody that compared to my baby...
I despised this song like no other. Trust me, I tried to like it because, honestly, it's catchy, but every time I heard it, it reminded me of the times when Wade and I used to sing it together, dancing like fools.
She had me goin' crazy...
It was our song, our go-to whenever we felt down. I had a Bieber obsession back then, not gonna lie, and it's still there, albeit diminished.
Oh, I was starstruck...
I swear I'll jump out of this car. It has to be better than sitting in this tense atmosphere, reminiscing about our shared memories.
She woke me up daily, don't need no Starbucks...
I turned to look at him, noticing his lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes cold, and his jaw clenched. His grip on the steering wheel was so tight that his knuckles turned white.
She made my heart pound and skip a beat when I saw her on the street...
The song abruptly paused as Wade almost punched the radio, his breathing heavy.
Is he having a panic attack?
Furrowing my brows, I looked at him, seeing a mix of anger, sadness, and frustration on his face.
Why is he acting this way? I thought he loved Justin Bieber. Is the song triggering something?
Shifting my gaze away from him, I focused on the road. I noticed the sirens blaring and officers urging people to drive faster, along with a multitude of cars traveling in the same direction.
Under the noon sun, the roads shimmered, while the vibrant blue sky was dotted with towering buildings.
We arrived at the house, and as soon as he parked the car, Wade sprinted out, as if he had seen a lion.
Sometimes, I question the people I associate myself with.
Hurriedly entering the house, I found Wade chugging a bottle of water.
Is he okay?
Should I ask? No, why should I care?
Suddenly, he spun around, locking his gaze with mine, causing him to choke on the water and cough, clutching his chest.
Damn it.
I rushed to where he stood, patting his back repeatedly, gradually calming down as his breathing returned to normal and the coughing subsided.
"Thanks," he mumbled, stepping away.
I washed my hands in the sink and settled on the couch, waiting for Danny or Kai to call. They must have already heard the news and would be working to resolve the situation.
My phone rang, and I glanced at the caller ID, seeing it was Kathryn, my stepmother.
My dad met Kathryn a year after my mom left us. She was working as a barista in one of my favorite cafes, supporting herself and her one-year-old daughter after being abandoned by the man who got her pregnant.
It was love at first sight for my dad. He saw Kathryn and knew she was the one for him. It took some time, as Kathryn was guarded and wary of repeating past mistakes, but my dad never gave up. Finally, after around six months of pursuing her, she agreed to be with him.
My dad immediately proposed marriage, wanting to be the best father figure for Alisia and the best husband for Kathryn. Alisia was a blessing to all of us and played a significant role in helping me return to a normal life.
"Hi, Kathryn," I chirped, glancing at Wade, who was sitting on the opposite sofa, frowning at his phone.
"Hey, love, how's your first day as a married woman going?" she teased.
Kathryn didn't know the full story of what happened between Wade and me. To spare her worries, we simply told her that we were exes and, due to the rivalry between our families, we ended up hating each other and breaking up.
"It's alright," I mumbled, trying to keep my voice low.
"And is he treating you well?" she asked, oblivious to the change in my tone.
"Stop ignoring me, you bitch! Tell me why there's only one room?"
"Oh, please! Who do you think you are? It's not like I'm desperate to sleep with you. I have no shortage of women or men, for that matter. You're just a burden I'm stuck with for the next three damn years, so mind your own business and leave me alone."
"What? You want to slap the other cheek too?"
"No, just sleep on your side of the bed. It's fine."
"That's what she said."
"Well, because you're my wife, aren't wives supposed to do these kinds of things?"
"Right, I said this was a marriage, didn't I? Well, babe, it was all wrong. This is not a marriage and never will be. It's just a deal, nothing more. I agreed to this marriage because I pitied you and your dying dad. Don't think otherwise."
"I didn't mean what I said on the wedding day in the dressing room or before that. You know that, don't you?"
"I'm not ordering you around; I'm protecting you. That's why I'm here, and that's what I'll always do, whether you like it or not. Get that through your head."
"Well, it was... interesting. Yeah, that's it," I said, glancing back at Wade, who was now staring at me.
"Okay," she trailed off, clearly puzzled by my response.
"Uh, actually, I need a favor from you," she continued, sounding a bit nervous.
"Go ahead," I replied, maintaining my chirpy tone to make her feel more at ease.
"Alisia and Ryan want to come live with you and Wade for a while."