“What do we do now? I didn’t expect Joaquin to have access to Ximena’s social media passwords. And I certainly didn’t anticipate him checking Twitter.”
Callie fretted, realizing the oversight. Twitter messages were permanent; changing IPs wouldn’t hide them.
Nelson closed his laptop, his demeanor calm but assertive, “Why are you panicking?”
“How can I not panic? He’s traced it back to me! And sooner or later, he’ll find Ximena too. Oh, and her parents… I haven’t even called the police yet. I need to do that now!”
Callie was frantic, her phone slipping from her grasp to the floor. but Nelson grasped her trembling hand, his voice steady, “Calm down! I’ve already positioned someone to keep an eye on Ximena’s parents. If Joaquin makes a move, I’ll know immediately. I’ve also put pressure on his gambling haunts; calling the police isn’t necessary yet.”
Callie was stunned, not expecting him to have already taken steps. “But what about me? If Joaquin can’t find Ximena and reaches a dead end, he’ll come after me next,” she voiced her deepest fear, her gaze flickering with unresolved anxiety.
Nelson’s frown deepened, his hold tightening reassuringly, “With me here, what do you have to fear?”
Her hand was held firmly, and Callie’s rationality began to return. His promise echoed in her mind, leaving her momentarily unsure how to respond.
Seeing her calm slightly, Nelson released her hand, “Paucaster Villa Complex is secure; no unauthorized person can enter, the same with Oconnor Group. He can’t touch you there.”
“But my daily commute… and visits to the hospital to see my dad. What if he stakes out those places?” Callie’s voice was laced with worry.
Nelson considered for a moment before responding, “From now on, you will commute with me. If I don’t have time for your hospital visits, I will arrange for someone to accompany you.”
The implication was clear-if there was no scheduling conflict, he would be the one to accompany her.
Callie nervously intertwined her fingers, “You… you don’t have to go to such lengths to protect me.”
“It’s my duty,” Nelson stated matter-of-factly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, “As part of the Oconnor family, your safety is my responsibility. Of course, that’s contingent on you following my instructions.”
Callie quickly agreed, relieved and somewhat moved by his commitment, “I’ll listen. I’ll march to the beat of your drum.”
The sense of security Nelson provided was immense. Being the executive of Oconnor Group, he wielded significant influence-a safety net she was now profoundly grateful for.
He touched his fingertips, still feeling the warmth from her touch.
“There’s something else you need to be aware of,” he added.
“What is it?”
“Your attempt to dissolve Ximena’s engagement to deter Joaquin and his mother from their pursuit of the medical fees was naive. Given Joaquin’s debts and desperation, he will only become more extreme, not less inclined to pursue.”
Nelson’s insight cut to the heart of the matter, his analysis sharp and clear.
Callie felt a headache coming on as she realized her oversight. “At the time, I didn’t consider all the angles. I focused too much on canceling their engagement and didn’t consider its consequences.”
“So, what do you think I should do? I believe they can’t have the hospital refund the medical bills, but I’m afraid they might resort to harming my father to get what they want!”
“Just wait and see for now.”
That night, shaken by her earlier fears and the day’s events, Callie couldn’t find peace even in sleep.
“Nelson!”
Callie woke up startled from a dream in which Joaquin held a knife to her throat, demanding to know Ximena’s whereabouts, causing her to scream in terror.
Startled awake, she sat on the balcony bathed in moonlight, pondering why, in her moment of fear, she had called out for Nelson.
Since their marriage, he had indeed been her steadfast protector.
Was she, without fully realizing it, starting to depend on him?