Chapter 13

A knock on Lauren's bedroom door roused her. She sat up, half tired and sleepy, and yelled, "Come in."

Dan came in, looking abnormally agitated. He had an envelope in his hand. He put it on the bedside table and added, "This was left at the front gate this morning." "Mr. Magnus and you are the intended recipients." 

As Lauren picked up the envelope, her fingers shaking, her heart fell. Carefully opening it, she read the handwritten note that was inside: 

Alex, you can't hide forever. Your beloved wife is now playing the game as well. 

Her blood ran cold as she gasped. She said, "Dan, who could have done this?" 

Dan's mouth clenched. We're looking into it. Nothing of value can be seen in the security footage. However, I've already told Mr. Magnus. 

Alex emerged at the doorway, his face a mask of rage, before Lauren could reply. With his gaze fixed on the letter she was holding, he wheeled into the room. "Hand it over to me," he insisted. 

Lauren silently passed it over. Alex's jaw tightened as his gaze skimmed the note. He whispered, almost to himself, "Jake." 

"Jake?" Lauren's voice was tremulous as she asked. "How is this related to him?" 

Alex's face grew even more serious. "There's nothing to be concerned about," he remarked abruptly. "Dan, make the house twice as secure. No one enters or exits without authorization. 

Dan gave a nod and walked out of the room. Lauren's annoyance was evident as she gazed at Alex. You can't keep excluding me, Alex. Who is responsible for this? Why are they aiming for us? 

Alex's voice stayed stern, but his eyes softened a little. Lauren, it's my problem to handle. Not yours. 

She raised her voice and added, "I'm your wife." "I have a right to know why I'm in danger." 

With a sigh, Alex's shoulders somewhat relaxed. "Jake is dangerous. For years, he has been attempting to discredit me. He's trying to scare me with this note. But I will not allow him to prevail. 

Fear constricted Lauren's chest, but she nodded. "All right. Just assure me that you will exercise caution. 

After a little minute of staring at her, Alex nodded. "I swear." 

That afternoon was unusually quiet at the mansion. Lauren tried to divert her attention from the menacing note by meandering through the hallways. She discovered Clara overseeing the lunch preparation in the kitchen. 

"Clara, how may I be of assistance?" In the hopes that the diversion would calm her, Lauren inquired. 

Clara grinned broadly. Naturally, Mrs. Magnus. Could you please set up the plates? 

After giving a nod, Lauren got to work setting the delicate china on the dining table. She couldn't help but feel the weight of Alex's earlier remarks while she worked. Jake posed a danger, but to what extent would he go? 

Alex came into the dining room, interrupting her thoughts. His face was unreadable as he gazed at her. "Come with me, Lauren," he said. 

He led her to his study and motioned for her to take a seat. He started by saying, "I need to talk to you about tonight." "I've made plans for us to go to a charity gala. It matters in terms of appearances. 

Lauren gave a startled blink. "A gala? following everything that has transpired? 

Alex's mouth formed a thin line. Indeed. We must not be weak. Jake thrives on dread, and I refuse to provide him with that kind of fulfillment. 

Lauren gave a slow nod. "All right. I'll be prepared. 

Alex's eyes grew a little softer. "I'm grateful. And Lauren, stay with me this evening. I refuse to allow anything to happen to you. 

Lauren's green gown glistened in the ballroom's brilliant lighting. She was both anxious and in wonder as she stood at Alex's side. Influential people were gathered in the room, and their voices could be heard chatting and laughing. 

Alex put his palm softly on her lower back and introduced her to a number of business associates. She was unable to ignore the warmth of his touch despite the formal environment. 

Alex led her to the dance floor as the evening progressed. His voice was quieter than normal when he said, "Dance with me." 

Lauren paused. "But your wheelchair, Alex." 

He smiled at her, a tiny, sincere smile. "I'll get by." 

Alex wheeled himself smoothly as Lauren followed, and they danced slowly to the music. As they danced, their eyes locking in an unspoken agreement, the world seemed to disappear. 

"I appreciate you being here," Alex muttered. "I understand that this is difficult for you." 

Lauren's face turned red. She said, "It's not as bad as I thought it would be." "With you in particular." 

For the first time, she felt she caught a glimpse of vulnerability in Alex's eyes as his palm tightened slightly on hers. 

Alex and Lauren went back to the estate after the gala. There seemed to be a peaceful intimacy in place of the tension that had existed earlier. Alex paused as they passed through the dark hallways and turned to face her. 

"Lauren," he uttered softly. "Thank you for this evening." 

Startled by the warmth in his voice, she turned to face him. "I didn't do much," she said quietly in response. 

Alex's hand touched her cheek as he extended his arm. "You were flawless," he remarked, his eyes keen. 

While his touch lingered, Lauren's breath caught. There appeared to be a crackle of electricity in the air between them. Her heart thumping in her chest, she slowly covered his hand with hers. 

"Alex," she muttered. 

He leaned in and planted a timid but passionate kiss on her lips before she could say another word. As they intensified their kiss, Lauren's arms encircled his shoulders and she melted into the moment. 

The world ceased to exist for a few lovely minutes. Only the two of them were there, absorbed in one another. Alex's breathing was labored as he leaned his forehead against hers until they eventually separated. 

His voice was almost audible above a whisper as he confessed, "I don't know what's happening between us." However, I don't want it to end. 

Lauren nodded, emotion gleaming in her eyes. "I don't either." 

The quiet calm broke when they went back to their rooms. Dan stood glumly in the corridor, waiting for them. 

He said, "Mr. Magnus, Mrs. Magnus." "We discovered another message. It was engraved into the gate this time. 

Alex's face grew serious. "What is it saying?" 

Dan paused, then answered. "It states that you cannot keep her safe indefinitely." 

Lauren gazed at Alex and a shiver went down her spine. His eyes blazed with rage, and his jaw tensed. 

"Jake has overreached himself," Alex stated icily. "Time to put an end to this."