They locked eyes for what felt like an eternity, caught in a silent standoff. No one willing to yield, a tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Then, at last, David shattered the stillness."You take the plate; I'll grab the second one," David declared, breaking the deadlock. Rowan mumbled a thank-you, almost drowned by the quiet air. She inched the plate closer, savoring each bite as David began to eat, both immersed in the meal. Not a word passed between them, the taste of the food seemingly eclipsing any need for conversation.Just as the tranquility settled, Rowan's phone erupted in a series of insistent vibrations. Glancing at the screen, she saw it was Rolland calling. The temptation to answer tugged at her, but the last person she wanted to disclose her meeting with David to was Rolland. Silencing the call, she decided against picking up."Ring!!!! Ring!!!!! Ring!!!" The persistent buzzing continued, Rowan swiftly muting the phone again. If she answered, Rolland would hound
"David, please," Rowan's voice quivered as she gently held the sobbing girl. The weight of her compassion was evident in the warm embrace she offered, a silent reassurance that echoed louder than words."Don't mind uncle," Rowan whispered softly, her hand gently soothing the child's trembling shoulders. She was determined to comfort the girl, to wipe away the tears that spoke volumes of hidden pain."Don't tell me you're following the girl to wherever she said her house is," David's tone carried a mix of concern and confusion. His brows furrowed, revealing the inner struggle of not wanting Rowan to put herself in potential danger, even though he couldn't deny her generous spirit."There's no need to follow me; I'll drop her at home and be back," Rowan's assurance held a touch of vulnerability. It was a promise laced with her unwavering kindness, a commitment to making things right in a world where compassion often felt scarce.As Rowan and the little girl moved away, David stood there
Finally, Rowan arrived home. As she stepped out of the cab and walked towards her house, her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, all centered around David and the events that had unfolded between them tonight. Lost in her contemplation, she collided with James, who was standing outside, patiently waiting for her."Ouch!" James groaned, the unexpected collision bringing Rowan back to reality."What were you thinking about so much?" James asked, slightly amused. He had anticipated her to stop upon seeing him, but she had walked right into him."I'm sorry, I didn't see you there," Rowan apologized, attempting to soothe James by rubbing his forehead."No problem at all," James reassured her."Let me get some pain relief ointment for you. I wouldn't want it to swell up," Rowan said, and James agreed to follow her to her room.Upon opening the door, Jessica's voice echoed from the living room as she assumed it was Rowan entering."How did your date go? I hope the guy is cooler than everyone a
Flora was inside the house, restlessly lying on the couch, repeatedly dialing the DPO in charge of Rowan's investigation. Each attempt went unanswered, adding to her growing restlessness and anxiety. David discovering the involvement of Andrew in the recent events was the last thing she wanted, and the fact that Andrew had thwarted the plan to harm the baby further infuriated her. She couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for not being aware of Andrew's attempt earlier; she would have welcomed the opportunity to finish what he started.Though her primary concern now was for Rowan to exit their lives, the lack of answers from the DPO intensified her frustration. After the tenth unsuccessful attempt, she flung the phone onto the couch, clenching her fists in a burst of anger. Her eyes darted around the room, fueled by a simmering rage, until they settled on the clock. A fleeting thought crossed her mind, wondering if David would even come home today.Driven by impatience and irritatio
Inside the car, David struggled to contain the anger that simmered within him. The revelations from Flora's conversation on the phone echoed in his mind, creating a maelstrom of conflicting emotions. It was difficult for him to fathom that Flora might be involved in harming Rowan's baby.As he drove, David couldn't shake the disturbing thoughts that plagued him. What if Flora was indeed responsible for the death of Rowan's first child? What if she was connected to the individuals injecting poison into Rowan? The mere possibility sent a shiver down David's spine, instilling a growing fear of uncovering the truth. The woman he had desired for so long, the woman he believed he knew, now seemed like an enigma capable of unimaginable acts.With no particular destination in mind, David continued driving until he reached the beach. Parking his car, he stepped out, seeking solace in the calming embrace of the sea breeze. As he walked toward the shore, hands tucked into his pockets, his gaze f
"I'm not lying, David. I can see you still have feelings for your ex-wife, and it's tearing us apart. I don't want that, but I've got a solution – we need to befriend Rowan. Trust me, David, I wouldn't deceive you," Flora pleaded, her eyes reflecting a mix of sincerity and desperation. Yet, David remained unconvinced, a stubborn resistance evident in his every expression."Let's just sleep on it," David finally suggested, his doubtful eyes betraying a lack of trust. Flora could feel the weight of his disbelief, and she knew there was only one person to blame – Rowan.If only Rowan had never entered their lives, they wouldn't be facing these heart-wrenching setbacks. Watching David walk away without caring about Flora's feelings, something he'd never done before, felt like a sharp dagger to her heart."David, you have to decide tonight!" Flora yelled, the frustration and hurt evident in her voice. She was tired of constantly trying to make him want her, exhausted from attempting to mak
James, genuinely concerned for Rowan's safety, tried to convince her not to meet Flora. He reminded her of the pain their encounters had caused in the past, but Rowan, enticed by the offer Flora had presented, couldn't resist the curiosity and the need for closure."I will accept your decision, but I will follow you to her," James insisted, his protective instincts kicking in."No, I want to go and meet her alone. She thinks I'm afraid of her, that's why you've been following me around. I won't give her the satisfaction of believing I'm truly afraid to be alone with her," Rowan asserted, determination in her voice."But you're pregnant, and she isn't anymore. She might hurt you, and the baby could get hurt too," James argued, his worry evident."Don't worry, James. I'll take my phone along, and if she tries anything, I'll give you a call. I can handle this," Rowan assured him, her conviction making James reluctantly accept her decision.As James left, Rowan resumed her normal routine
"Flora, did you really mean it that David protected your friend, the one who almost cost me my life?" Rowan's voice trembled with a mix of disbelief and hurt. She couldn't fathom the idea that David, the man she had once trusted and cared for, would prioritize Flora's wishes over her safety and the well-being of their unborn child.Flora, maintaining a cold and indifferent demeanor, looked at Rowan with a superiority that fueled Rowan's anguish. "What are you thinking? That David will choose you over my requests from him? Sorry to let you know, he loves me and me alone, so back off."Rowan's eyes welled up with a mixture of sadness and frustrationFlora left Rowan alone in the coffee shop, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Rowan remained seated, trying to process the revelation that David had chosen to protect Flora's interests over seeking justice for the person who had nearly cost her the life of her unborn child.Tears streamed down Rowan's face, each drop a testament to