His palms were slick with sweat, a stark reminder of losing control, similar to the day eighteen years ago when his parents perished.
Feelings of sorrow, rage, helplessness, and confusion surged within him, trapped in his chest, threatening to unleash his inner turmoil.
Eventually, he pulled over, stepped out, and lit a cigarette. Between the city lights, as he inhaled deeply, his tumultuous emotions began to ease.
Years of experience had taught him to manage his feelings swiftly. Outwardly composed, a profound loneliness gnawed at him from within.
Bianca had breached his guarded heart, and now, the fear of losing her weighed heavily on him.
After spending a significant time alone on the road, Dave arrived at the entrance of the hot spring resort. As he neared, his usual calm demeanor returned.
“Your car…” Bianca stopped in front of a silver-gray Bugatti, captivated by the car’s license plate.
“It belongs to my boss,” Dave said casually.
He opened the driver’s side door and got in.
Bianca carefully opened the passenger door and seated herself, mindful of the luxury car’s interior.
She had always suspected that Dave’s employer was no ordinary man, but seeing the car confirmed he must be quite influential.
Driven by curiosity and recalling Blake’s advice from earlier that day, Bianca decided to ask, “What kind of business does your boss run?”
“He owns a company,” Dave replied, his voice edged with dismissiveness that dampened Bianca’s spirits.
His responses were brief, much like when they first met. She sensed the same aloofness as if there were an invisible barrier keeping her from getting too close.
Was he intentionally avoiding conversation with her? Did he not want her to know much about his life and the people in it?
Bianca stole a glance at the man beside her. His handsome face was clouded with a coldness that seemed to chill the air around them.
“Are you upset with me?” she asked softly.
“No,” Dave replied curtly, his gaze fixed ahead as he swiftly started the car.
Bianca clenched her hands in frustration and pressed her lips together, deciding to remain silent for the rest of the drive.
Dave drove with one hand on the wheel, guiding the car through the streets with practiced ease.
The expensive Bugatti sped down the road, surrounded by an awkward silence.
Meanwhile, back at the resort’s lounge, Blake bumped into Paige.
“Blake, weren’t you supposed to see Bianca off? Why are you back so soon?” Paige asked, looking surprised.
“Her boyfriend came to pick her up. So, I left,” Blake replied casually.
“What?” Paige’s eyes widened. “Bianca has a boyfriend? I thought she was single!”
“She’s never been in a relationship before, but now she’s with someone,” Blake confessed to Paige with a touch of sadness, heading towards his room. Passing by Paige, he paused, locking eyes with her. “Please, don’t worry about my personal life. I can handle it on my own. Just try not to create any misunderstandings next time.”
With that, Blake was ready to retreat to his room. Paige sensed a hint of blame in his tone. Was he blaming her for setting up Bianca’s invitation and trying to match them?
Paige grabbed Blake’s arm, searching for answers. “Blake, tell me the truth. Do you have feelings for Bianca?”
Knowing Blake well, Paige admired his charm and kindness. Despite having many admirers, she had never seen him look at any girl the way he looked at Bianca.
It reminded her of the way Everleigh used to gaze at Brady Lawson.
Blake stood quietly, his eyes hidden by his hair. Paige could tell he was deeply affected.
Paige comforted Blake, urging him to pursue Bianca. “If you have feelings for her, go for it. She’s only dating someone right now, and she’s not married. Who knows if that will change? Do you know much about her boyfriend? Is he right for her? Bianca is innocent and might fall for the wrong guy’s sweet talk. Can you stand by and watch her end up with someone who might not make her happy?”
Blake looked down, remembering when he saw Bianca on the bus with Dave. It seemed he could only offer her a simple life.
Despite his feelings, he respected Bianca’s choices. He quietly told Paige, “I can’t interfere in Bianca’s love life.”
With that, Blake pulled away and left.
Paige felt disappointed and shouted after him, “If you don’t fight for what makes you happy, no one else will! You’re as quiet as your mother!”
Blake stopped abruptly and turned to look at Paige.
Despite Blake appearing cheerful, he was actually quite sensitive and reserved. Paige rarely mentioned his mother around him because of this. She regretted her slip of the tongue instantly.
“Did my mother really die in an accident? What was her life like when she was alive?” Blake asked softly, looking at Paige.
Paige hesitated, avoiding his gaze. She had never told Blake the truth about his parentage-his mother was Everleigh Pearson, a famous singer, and his father was Brady Lawson, from the powerful Lawson family, one of the top clans.
Everleigh’s death wasn’t accidental; it was a tragic suicide. In her prime, she jumped from a thirty-story building.
The Evans family, leaders of the top clans, held immense power. To join this powerful family through marriage, Brady pushed Everleigh to her tragic end.
Paige couldn’t bring herself to reveal these painful details to Blake. She believed he deserved to live free from the burdens of the past generation.
Paige hoped Blake would break free from his mother’s tragic life and find happiness. She wanted him to live a joyful and free life of his own.
Everleigh’s life was troubled by depression and ended too soon. Paige was determined to protect Blake from facing the same fate as his mother.
Rubbing her temples, Paige avoided Blake’s eyes and said, “Let’s not dwell on the past. I’m feeling tired. I’m going to bed now. Good night.” With that, she turned and went back to her room.
Whenever Blake brought up his mother, Paige skillfully changed the subject. It was clear she was keeping something from him.
Blake watched as Paige slowly vanished from view, standing in the wind, lost in deep thought.
On their way back home, Bianca and Dave shared a quiet ride, not speaking a word.
As soon as Dave entered the apartment, he put on his slippers, went directly to the bathroom, and locked the door tightly behind him.
Turning on the tap, Dave splashed cold water on his face repeatedly. Leaning on the sink, he let the water run down his cheeks, trying to relieve his tension.