Chapter 10

The expression on the man’s face immediately transformed from that of confidence to fright.

“B-blackwood?” He stammered before falling to his knees. “I had no i-idea you were with her sir, please forgive me.”

“Get out before I do something despicable.” Alexander briefly speaks, wiping the dirt on his hand with his silky handkerchief.

The three men all nodded hastily before quickly scurrying away like frightened rabbits and it made me wonder, why was everyone so afraid of Alexander? Even in my past life, everyone including the Winston's were terrified of him, I mean looking at him you'd instantly know he's not someone to be messed with, but that alone couldn't be the reason why everyone was so scared, right?

I push that thought aside and instead force a small smile at him. “Thank you.”

“I did that for the baby, not you.” Alexander responds, his eyes still on the hand he was wiping and I dismissively click my tongue.

So rude.

Soon enough, as if luck wasn't on our side, rain began to pour down heavily and I see pedestrians scurrying to take shelter. The old lady who had sold us some food earlier gazed at us, her expression a mix of concern.

"It's raining heavily, you two won't be able to make it back home in this weather.” She spoke, her voice laced with genuine worry. "Those dangerous prisoners on the loose.. and the rain.. it's not safe. You're welcome to stay with me and my grandkids."

I turn to the road and see how chaotic it was. There was still traffic, stagnant and unmoving. Some people had already begun to pack their cars in a corner, leaving it there for the night and quickly hurrying to take shelter. Jarred had also packed the car by the side, now leaning against the door with a black umbrella hovered over his head. I can see this man loved standing.

"We'll find a hotel." Alexander's response was immediate and cold and the old lady woman's face creased with worry.

"But the nearest hotel is at least 45 minutes away. You'll be soaked to the bone by then.. and what about those prisoners?"

Her eyes darted to me, and I, who was not ready to go anywhere, placed my hand on my stomach, caressing it gently, giving her the memo that I had a ‘baby’ in my tummy.

The old woman's gaze snapped back to Alexander. "And I presume your wife is pregnant? You wouldn't want her and the baby walking in this rain?"

Alexander's expression changed from indifference to shock, his eyebrows rising in surprise and I immediately seized the opportunity. "Yes, you definitely don't want our baby catching a cold." I said, making emphasis on the word ‘baby’ with puppy eyes.

Alexander's glare was icy, but I just pouted and continued to caress my stomach and seeing my movement, the old woman's face softened, her eyes filled with warmth. "Come, come. Let's get you settled. My grandkids will be excited to have visitors.”

Alexander gazed over at Jarred and the latter nodded and walked towards us, I presume he was telling him to come with us. The old lady on the other hand, quickly locked up her shop and directed us towards her home.

As we hurried down the muddy road due to the harsh rain, Alexander suddenly pulled me by the arm towards him, and leaned towards my ear, his deep voice enveloping my hearing. “It seems you'd like a death wish.”

I cough, trying to eradicate any sign of fear, and a smile soon settled on my lips and I caressed my tummy. “Please be more gentle when pulling me next time, you don't want to hurt your baby.”

Alexander: “...”

We finally arrived at the old lady's home. It was nothing luxurious but it looked very cozy. We followed her in and I could immediately sense Alexander's unease. He was probably not used to stepping into places like this but I ignore it and instead face the lady with a smile.

The old woman introduced us to her two grandkids, a sweet little girl with two curly ponytails and a grown boy, probably around 19, with a not very welcoming demeanour. “This is my little granddaughter Kiya, and this is my grandson, Lionel.”

“Hii!” The girl whose name was Kiya waved at us excitedly, but neither Alexander nor Jarred acknowledged her presence, both instead stood still, exuding suffocating auras. I chuckled nervously and squat to the girl's level, giving her a high five.

“Hi there Kiya, I'm Au–Victoria.”

The girl smiled brightly. “Victoria? That's the name of my doll! Do you wanna see her?”

I nod, she was so cute and pretty. “Of course, I'd be delighted to.”

Kiya nods and excitedly skips off to go bring her doll all the while repeating. “Yay, she wants to see my doll, she wants to see my doll!”

The grandson, Lionel, on the other hand, eyed Alexander and Jarred warily, his jaw slightly clenched and he soon whispered to the old lady, but loud enough for us to hear. "Grandma, why did you bring these strangers here? We don't know them."

Alexander ignored him and instead walked in, his gaze scanning the small living room, so did Jarred and I.

“Don't talk like that Nel, these people needed my help and you know I'm always happy to do so.”

I hear the grandmother speak before walking towards the kitchen and busying herself there, preparing a simple meal.

Once it was done, she set the food on the little dining table but Alexander declined the offer, his eyes warning me to do the same. “Food poisoning.” He said in a low tone. “I can't risk it."

I rolled my eyes but placed down my cutlery nonetheless, the old lady noticed and gazed at me with a concerned look.

“Is there a problem with food dear? You don't like it?”

Before I'm able to reply, the grandson snorted. "They probably think we're too poor to give them healthy food."

My face flushed with embarrassment. "No, no, we're just.. not hungry, right?" I glanced at Alexander, who nodded curtly.

But Lionel instead harshly slams his cutlery against the table and takes his grandmother into the kitchen.

“Lionel!” The old lady snaps. “What has gotten into you? Why are you behaving so ill mannered towards our guest?”

Lionel scoffs. “Guests? Grandma, do you know who that man over there is?”

The old lady creases her brows but doesn't say anything and Lionel shakes his head. “That is Alexander Blackwood, the same man behind the demolition crew that had destroyed your previous shop.”