Chapter 3 Night to remember

Isla

My encounter with Rex was a nightmare. Despite his attempts to be friendly, his advances made me extremely uncomfortable. I didn't want to be rude, but I was ready to set boundaries. Just as I was about to tell him to back off, a voice from behind intervened.

I turned around, shocked, and saw none other than 'Mr. Handsome.' What was he doing here? Why was he standing up for me?

Seeing him defend me with such confidence and authority made my heart flutter. His demeanor and tone swept me off my feet.

The fight erupted suddenly, leaving me confused and helpless. Their physiques were intimidatingly bulky, and I couldn't intervene.

As the chaos subsided, Mr. Handsome approached me, his bruised face etched with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked.

My heart melted at his kindness. How could he prioritize me when he was injured? I felt guilty, thinking, "This is all my fault. If only I had stood up to Rex earlier."

Despite his bruises, Mr. Handsome remained handsome. I struggled to respond, still reeling from the shocking events.

Finally, I found my voice. "I'm fine, but you... you're hurt because of me," I said, my tone laced with concern. "I'm so sorry."

He chuckled lightly. "It's nothing, just a scratch. A little balm will fix it."

"Glad you're okay," he added, his warm gaze easing my worry.

Yet, guilt still gnawed at me.

"I should get going," Arden said, glancing at his watch. "I have a long day tomorrow."

"Thank you so much," I replied.

"You're welcome," he said with a smile, turning to leave. But as he took a step, he winced, trying to hide his pain.

"Wait," I called out, not wanting him to go.

He turned back to me. "I'm done for the day," I said. "We could walk together, if you don't mind. That guy might still be lurking."

Arden's eyes sparkled. "Let's go then."

As we stepped out, he mentioned, "I booked a ride, but can't find the driver."

"I know a bus station down the road," I suggested. "If we're lucky, we can catch the bus."

"Sounds better," Arden agreed.

As we walked, he asked, "I'm Arden, by the way. What's your name?"

"I'm Isla," I replied, feeling a flutter.

"Arden," I whispered to myself, savoring the sound.

"Nice name," Arden said with a smile.

We chatted endlessly, discussing everything and nothing. I was thrilled to be talking with him.

Noticing a nearby convenience store, I excused myself and dashed in to grab ointment and bandages.

"What did you buy?" he asked with curiosity in his eyes, when I returned.

"You'll find out," I teased, smiling.

I had planned to tend to his bruised face, but our bus was departing. We rushed to catch it, laughing as we jumped aboard.

The bus sped along, and before I knew it, my stop arrived. Our time together was ending, and my heart sank.

"My stop's here," I announced, gathering my belongings.

"Alright, all the best," Arden said, standing up with me.

"You too," I replied, handing him the pack. "Use this for your bruises."

He smiled, understanding. "So this is what you got."

I chuckled. "Thanks, very mindful of you," he added, gratitude etched on his face.

Our eyes locked in a warm glance.

As I turned to leave the bus, Arden called out, "Isla, hold up!"

I froze, turning back to him.

"If you ever want to reach out," he said, handing me his business card.

I took the card, my cheeks flushing with excitement. Arden smiled, and we shared a warm wave as the bus sped away.

I let out a silent cheer, "Yayyy!" Walking down the alley to my house, I hummed softly, clutching the card tightly. No one was taking this from me.

I slipped into the house, tiptoeing to avoid waking my siblings, Ana and Julian. A quick glance confirmed they were fast asleep.

After a refreshing shower, I settled into bed, Arden's smile still fresh in my mind. Memories of our encounter made me blush.

Rex

Rage coursed through my veins. How dare he, a complete stranger, stand up against me? I hadn't planned on escalating the situation, but his words cut deep.

"Irresponsible" and "incapable" echoed in my mind, fueling my anger. The same labels my father had hurled at me countless times. His disapproval no longer fazed me, but hearing it from this stranger's lips and the audacity of his remark triggered me.

Memories of my father's criticisms resurfaced, and I felt my blood boil.

"Damn it! I should have smashed that glass over his head."

There was something about him that irked me - an aura of superiority that rubbed me the wrong way. I wondered who he thought he was.

Whoever he was, I vowed to make him pay for meddling in my business, striking me, and ruining my day. "He'll regret messing with me."

I opted to go to my parent's mansion since it was closer.

I arrived at my there. Inside, I found my mother lounging elegantly on the sofa, magazine in one hand and wine glass in the other. Her awake presence surprised me; I'd expected her to be asleep by now.

I attempted to slip past her unnoticed, hiding my bruised face. I didn't want her to see me in this state.

"Rex," she called softly. I halted, reluctantly turning around.

"Look at me when I'm talking to you," she instructed, though her eyes remained fixed on the magazine.

"Look at how radiant Nicole looks," she said, smiling with satisfaction. The words stung, especially after the night I'd had.

I was exhausted and frustrated. "Mom, please, not now," I pleaded, regretting my decision to come to the mansion. I should have gone to my villa instead.

"Why can't... Oh good heavens!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening as she took in my battered appearance. "Rex, what happened to you?" she asked, gently touching my face. "Look at your body... face!"

I winced in pain. "I got into a fight with some guy," I explained.

My mother's expression transformed from concern to outrage. "What? Who dared to hit Pamela Norman's son so brutally?" she demanded.

For a moment, I was glad I'd told her. She'd handle it swiftly, if not exactly how I'd like. "I'll teach him," she vowed, her eyes flashing. "No one messes with my family."

She turned to practical matters. "Let's tend to your face. Nicole's coming for dinner tomorrow, and you're a mess."

I bristled at the mention of Nicole. "Can't you go without mentioning Nicole for once?" I snapped, frustration boiling over. "Damn it!"

I stormed off to my room, leaving my mother's concerns behind.