Chapter 3 A warning to her

Aubrey's pov ;

I was having fun, laughing and joking with Alex and Sophia, but I was cautious. My pregnancy was still a secret, and I didn't want to risk anything. They dragged me to dance, and I obliged, but only for a little while. I didn't want to overexert myself.

When they offered me a drink, I declined, citing a headache. They teased me for it but I just smiled and changed the subject. I wanted to share my happy news with them, but not yet. The last seven days had been deeply stressful for me and I wasn't ready to open up yet.

Sophia playfully nudged me while whispering, "Hey, Rey, I think that guy is checking you out."

I snapped back to reality and followed her gaze. The man staring at me was handsome, with a charming smile, but he wasn't Ryder. I hated myself for even thinking of him.

The man caught my eye and smiled, but I quickly looked away, signalling him that I wasn't interested. I didn't want to encourage him or lead him on. I just wanted to enjoy my night with my friends, without any complications.

But as I turned back to Alex and Sophia, I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was being watched. I glanced around, but the man was no longer looking at me. Maybe I was just being paranoid. I pushed the thought aside and focused on having fun, trying to forget about Ryder and the drama he had brought into my life.

I was lost in the laughter and teasing between Alex and Sophia, when my carefree moment was shattered as my hand was grabbed. I looked up, my confused eyes meeting Ryder's raging ones.

I was shocked, my heart racing with surprise.

Ryder's eyes blazing with anger. I tugged my hand back, displeased. "What are you doing here?" I demanded.

He sneered as his eyes coldly flicked between me and Alex, who was sitting close to me. "Am I intruding on your fun with your new boyfriend?"

My face darkened in discomfort. "You must have seen the divorce papers by now. When you're free, let's settle them once and for all."

His eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched. "I didn't agree to a divorce, so come back with me," he growled, his voice low and menacing.

But I was fed up with his bullshit. "What right do you have to ask me to return when you're a cheater?" I shot back, standing abruptly. Alex and Sophia stood up as well with me.

Ryder's face turned red with rage and he took a step closer to me only for Alex to block him. "What do you want?"

"She's my wife," Ryder told him as a fact, his eyes fixed on me with a possessive glare. "So, move out of the way."

Sophia stepped forward as well. "She's not your wife anymore, Ryder. She has already signed the divorce papers."

Ryder rolled his eyes and he lunged at Alex, "You're just a rebound, a distraction from her failed marriage," Ryder snarled at Alex. "So, don't try to be a hero."

I felt a surge of anger at his words. "How dare you," I hissed. "You have no right to talk about me or my relationships."

His eyes locked onto mine, his hatred and resentment burning bright. "If you don't return by tomorrow, you'll regret it," he warned maliciously.

"You're just jealous that I'm moving on with my life," I shot back firmly. Just who does he think he is? "And I'm having fun without you."

"You're having fun with him?" he repeated, his voice venomous. "You're just using him to get back at me, don't you?"

Alex stepped forward, his fists clenched. "That's enough. Back off.

Ryder's face turned red with rage as he grabbed Alex's collar, his eyes blazing with fury. "You think you're a big shot, don't you?" Ryder sneered. "But you're just a small-time actor, a nobody. And I'll make sure you never work in this industry again if you don't stay away from my wife."

Alex stood rigid, his jaw clenched and his muscles taut with tension. I could see the nervousness in his eyes, but he held his ground.

I stepped between him and Ryder, placing a shaking hand on Ryder's arm. "Ryder, please stop. Leave and stop creating unnecessary scenes."

But Ryder shook me off, his grip tightening on Alex's collar. "You stay out of this," he growled at Alex, his gaze never leaving Alex's face. "This is between me and her."

My heart raced as I watched the two men facing off. "Ryder, let him go. Now." My own voice trembled with fear.

With a final glare at Alex, Ryder released his hold on him and turned to face me. His chest rose and fell with each heavy breath as he spoke through gritted teeth. "This isn't over," he warned me, his threatening gaze fixed on mine. "You have until tomorrow to come back to me. Or else."

And with that ominous declaration, he stormed out of the exit, leaving us all in an uncomfortable silence.

I sagged against the chair, feeling drained and overwhelmed by the whole situation. Sophia came over and wrapped a comforting arm around me. "Don't worry, Rey," she said soothingly. "Don't be scared by his threats, he can't do anything."

But despite her words, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease, the fear of what Ryder might do next.

Because I know the menace of a man better than anyone. His warnings aren't just mere threats.