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Chapter 191 - Chapter 188 - Bitter Emotions.

Baldwin's Mansion

The morning light filtered through the grand windows of Baldwin's mansion, casting a soft golden glow over the luxurious bedroom. Inside the vast walk-in closet, Savannah stood in front of a floor-length mirror, adjusting the last piece of her ensemble-a delicate silver earring that gleamed against her porcelain skin.

She had chosen a lavender-colored, solid A-line midi skirt with a subtle ruffle hem, paired with a crisp white, long-sleeved shirt that buttoned neatly to her collar. Her dark hair fell sleek and straight, framing her delicate features as she ensured everything was in place.

Just as she finished putting on the earring, a deep voice called out from behind, laced with curiosity and concern.

"Where are you headed, Ana?"

Savannah didn't turn around, her eyes still fixed on her reflection. She could see him in the mirror—Blaze stood at the closet door, still in his night pajamas, his dark eyes focused on her intently.

"To the hospital," she replied simply, her tone steady and devoid of any extra emotion.

Blaze frowned slightly, taken aback. When he had woken up earlier, she had been peacefully asleep, her breathing slow and calm. He had quietly slipped away to his study to tackle some unfinished work, never expecting to find her up and dressed so suddenly.

He stepped closer, closing the gap between them, and without a moment's hesitation, wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. His embrace was firm yet gentle as he pulled her against him, breathing in her familiar scent—a fragrance that always soothed him, anchoring him in a way nothing else could.

"You don't have to go if you don't want to," he murmured, his lips brushing against the side of her neck.

"I want to," Savannah replied, her voice steady and resolute.

She remained still in his embrace, but this time it was different—where his touch used to send delightful shivers down her spine and make her heart race with love, now she felt nothing at all.

Blaze could sense the change. It stirred something deep within him, yet he managed to keep his cool, transforming his expression into a gentle smile.

"Just give me a moment," he said. "I'll get ready quickly and drop you off."

"No need for that," Savannah replied, her voice low but resolute. "I'll grab a taxi. It's only 6:30, and you have unfinished work to do."

Blaze studied her intently, searching her eyes for any hint of warmth, but all he found was a wall of distance. It made him uneasy, but he decided not to press her.

"Alright," he finally said after a brief pause. "Then Arthur can take you."

Savannah opened her mouth to argue, but Blaze interrupted her. "That's the end of it. Okay?"

She knew arguing with him was pointless, so she simply gave a small nod before stepping out of his embrace and sitting down on the plush couch in the closet to slip on her heels. As she reached down, Blaze crouched in front of her, halting her movements. Gently, he took her foot in his .

"You know," he said, a playful smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, "this is one of my favorite moments in life."

Savannah watched him, her expression unchanged, before quickly standing up. She grabbed her purse and phone from the nearby table and turned to leave, but Blaze caught her waist again, pulling her back just a bit.

"Make sure you eat on time. Don't overwork. I'll pick you up later. And if you feel like you can't continue, call me. I'll come for you," he instructed, his voice gentle but firm.

For a fleeting moment, Savannah caught a glimpse of the Blaze she once adored. The one who made her heart race, her safe haven. Just for a heartbeat, she almost let herself fall for that illusion again. But reality was a harsher pill to swallow, more bitter than she remembered. She quickly shoved the thought aside, fighting back the emotions that threatened to spill over.

Blaze let out a breath, his fingers brushing against her cheek as he cradled her face in his hands. But his next words sent a shiver down her spine.

"I know you know," he said, his voice suddenly sharp. "One mistake can lead to a cruel aftermath. Keep that in mind, Ana."

Savannah stood there, frozen. This was the harsh truth now. This was what their love had morphed into.

Blaze leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to her lips, but Savannah barely responded. Shaking off his hands, she turned and walked out of the closet without saying a word.

Left alone, Blaze clenched his fists, his jaw tightening as a dark storm brewed in his eyes. He despised himself. Despised what he was turning into. But he felt powerless to change it. He had crossed a line, and Savannah...

She was his.

After Sometime

The ride to the hospital was quiet, the only sound being the hum of the car's engine. Savannah sat in the back seat, her head resting lightly against the window as she stared outside. The early morning calm unfolded before her, the golden light of dawn casting a peaceful glow over the streets. For the first time in ages, she felt an odd sense of tranquility. As if, beyond the suffocating walls of the mansion and Blaze's possessive hold, there was still hope waiting for her somewhere.

Her moment of peace was broken by a voice from the front seat.

"Who did you talk to on the day of the incident?"

Arthur's voice was steady, but there was an undertone of something more—an obligation, perhaps, or a hint of intimidation.

Savannah didn't shift her gaze from the window. "Am I obliged to answer you?" she asked firmly.

Arthur hesitated, then sighed. "No, you're not," he admitted, his fingers tightening slightly around the steering wheel. "But you know if Boss finds out who it was... you don't know how cruel he can be."

It wasn't a direct threat, but it felt like a reminder—a warning wrapped in casual words.

Savannah exhaled slowly. "It's been nearly a month now. Don't you think I realize you haven't uncovered a single clue yet?" Her voice was unnervingly calm, her expression unreadable as she continued to gaze out the window at the world passing by.

"I know you're playing games," Arthur replied, his tone sharpening. "You should be afraid—"

"Pull over the car."

Arthur blinked, glancing at her through the rearview mirror. "What?"

"I said, pull over," Savannah repeated, her voice quiet but resolute.

After a moment of hesitation, Arthur finally brought the car to a stop by the curb. Savannah wasted no time, flinging the door open and stepping out. Arthur quickly followed, confusion knitting his brows together.

"Where are you going?" he asked, a hint of urgency in his voice.

Savannah paused and turned to face him. "You don't need to drive me anymore. Just go home."

Arthur's expression darkened. "Boss won't like that."

"I don't care," she replied simply, turning away and walking off.

Arthur took a step forward, but Savannah suddenly halted and shot him a warning look. "If you follow me, I'll jump in the middle of the road."

Arthur froze. There was no hint of desperation in her voice, no recklessness—just a chilling certainty. He knew she meant it.

"I won't run away," she assured him. "So don't worry."

Without another word, she turned and continued toward the hospital. Arthur stayed behind, watching her go, his jaw clenched. He knew better than to push her.

For now.

Author's Note :

Hope you're having a good day:)

How are y'all?

Thankyou for reading<3<3

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