No Love Blooms Where You Walk

Chapter 8

After that day, I thought he would finally leave me alone. But he didn't. If anything, he was more persistent than ever, showing up every day to keep me company. But I wasn't ready to let him in.

The heir to the Steele family, sitting outside my door like a lost puppy, caught the attention of some sharp-eyed media, and of course, it became a trending topic. And what followed? Emily showing up with Tommy in tow.

It was afternoon, the sun blazing down, but it couldn't seem to burn off the drama that lingered around her. Emily was in a wheelchair, wearing a simple, plain dress that made her appear even more fragile and delicate. Her voice wavered as she begged Alexander, tears choking her words.

"Alex, please, come back. Tommy and I can't live without you."

Tommy was clinging to his leg, shaking with fear, his little arms wrapped tightly around him. "Dad, please come home. I miss you so much. I can't even sleep at night!"

But Alexander stood firm, unbothered by Emily's emotional display. His eyes didn't stay on her for long; they moved past her, straight to me, as if I was the only person who mattered.

"I'm taking Rachel back," he said, his voice calm but with an undeniable force behind it. "In the Steele family, she and I are the real couple."

His words were sharp, a stark reminder of the twisted situation we were all in. I didn't know whether to be furious or disgusted. He's the one who brought Emily into the picture, and now he was trying to pull me back in, refusing to let go of either of us. It was sickening.

When Emily heard this, she broke down in tears so violently that she nearly fell out of her wheelchair. I couldn't watch anymore. I opened the door and told them to leave.

But instead of leaving, Emily wheeled herself straight towards me, her eyes wide with desperation. I instinctively took a step back. Her act might have worked on Alexander, but it didn't fool me anymore.

I gritted my teeth. "Emily, if you don't leave, I'm calling the police. And I'm not letting that kidnapping incident go."

Her eyes flickered with fear, and she suddenly shouted, loud enough that Alexander wouldn't hear. She grabbed onto my clothes, her knuckles white from the pressure, and began begging me, tears streaming down her face.

"Rachel, I know I was wrong. It was all my fault before. Please, give Alex back to me. Tommy and I really can't live without him!"

I was beyond frustrated. I yanked her hand off my clothes, making her stumble, and ignored her as I walked away.

But just then, a car horn blared behind me. I turned, surprised to see Jack.

"Get in the car," he called out.

Alexander, who had followed me, rushed forward. "Rachel, don't go with him."

Without saying a word, I opened the car door and climbed in. Jack slammed the door shut, started the car, and we sped off. As I looked in the rearview mirror, Alexander's figure grew smaller and smaller, fading away.

"Where to?" Jack asked, glancing at me.

I didn't have an answer. "How about a flight?" I said quietly.

Jack gave a small nod. My mind was in chaos, and I didn't feel like talking, so I let the silence settle around us as we made our way to the flying club.

Once there, I followed Jack and boarded the plane, ready to clear my head with some practice flying. Just as I started to focus, a sharp whistle cut through the air. A plane shot past us, flying in formation. I looked over and saw Alexander in the pilot's seat, his eyes burning with intensity, clearly itching for a race.

Jack seemed to sense the challenge and didn't hesitate to engage. A tense competition ensued, the two planes pushing each other harder with every turn. In the end, Alexander barely managed to pull ahead, landing first.

As the propellers came to a stop, he hopped out of his plane, sweat dripping down his forehead. He walked briskly toward me, his face serious but desperate.

"Rachel," he said, breathless, "From now on, you can do whatever you want. Fly, go wherever. I won't stop you. Just come back with me. I'll give you everything. Please, give me another chance."

I didn't hesitate for a second. "Alexander, we can't go back to what we were. Don't come looking for me again."

With that, I turned and walked away, hearing him call after me.

Just as we reached the club's entrance, we saw Emily and Tommy standing by the door, waiting for Alexander. Emily's eyes were frantic, searching for him as if she couldn't breathe without him.

But then, a car sped up, tires screeching against the pavement, heading straight for them. Alexander and I were too far to help in time.

Just as the car was about to hit them, Emily did something I never expected. She shoved Tommy aside and bolted, leaving the child behind, running for her life.