Chapter 9 Eight

Lexie sat silently inside Ram Jordan's car, feeling like a child scolded by a parent. She had no idea why he was so angry, but his face was so tightly furrowed that no skilled painter could possibly capture the intensity of his frustration.

"Seriously, Lexie. This kind of attitude is absolutely rubbish!"

Ram snapped, throwing her a sharp glare before turning his attention back to the road.

Lexie fought the urge to roll her eyes, knowing it would only piss him off even more. She figured she couldn't afford another argument with someone like Ram Jordan. What was the point of insisting on fighting when she already knew she would lose in the end?

It would just be a waste of time and energy.

"What has gotten into your mind, Lexie?"

Ram's annoyance persisted, but Lexie remained quiet, letting out a deep sigh instead of answering.

"I know you're young, but to walk out of your house almost naked? For Christ's sake, Lexie, how on earth do you expect people to respect you?"

His lecture went on, his frustration evident as he hit the steering wheel. Lexie nearly jumped when he honked the horn aggressively at a reckless driver who suddenly cut into their lane.

Taking advantage of Ram's distraction, Lexie glanced down at her outfit and frowned.

"It's not that bad..."

She muttered under her breath, pouting. But Ram only shot her an even harsher glare.

"Not that bad? Your see-through top is practically showing everything!"

His irritation was clear. Lexie pouted again.

"Why are you so mad, though? You're worse than my dad when it comes to scolding me."

She finally snapped, meeting Ram's glare with equal defiance.

"Well, then, I wish I were your father right now so I could spank you myself."

He said seriously, even raising a hand as if emphasizing his point.

Lexie smirked. "Well, come to think of it, my father never spanked me. But maybe you could. I could call you Daddy while you do it. You could even tie me up, maybe pull my hair while you're at it... Family strokes, you know?"

She teased, running a hand down his arm.

Instead of laughing, Ram looked even more irritated.

"Eyes on the road!"

Lexie snapped when she caught him still glaring at her instead of focusing on driving.

"We might crash! Look at the road!"

She gestured toward the street.

"Family strokes? Even you watch those kinds of things?"

Ram sounded both disgusted and surprised.

"Yes, yes, I'm a terrible kid. Now, can you stop scolding me? Besides, you said we'd fight at your house, not in the car. So, shhh."

Lexie zipped her lips with a gesture and exaggeratedly rolled her eyes, making it clear that she was done with his lectures.

Ram still looked annoyed, but he surprisingly followed her request-or was it more of a command?

The rest of their drive went smoothly, and within minutes, they arrived at his house.

"In all fairness, this guy does listen when asked."

Lexie mumbled to herself as she gazed at the mansion's grand exterior.

"What?"

Ram asked, confused. Lexie only shrugged, refusing to elaborate. She didn't want to push his patience any further.

"Hmm... old people are hard to deal with..."

She hummed the words, earning another sharp glare from Ram before he parked the car.

"Get out."

His voice was cold. Lexie rolled her eyes again.

"I'm going, I'm going. Geez, you act like you're always being wronged!"

She huffed, opening the door with exaggerated irritation. She was about to step out when she suddenly froze, panic creeping into her chest.

Was this her bad luck catching up? Or was karma finally making her pay for what she had planned for Ram Jordan?

"What?"

Ram frowned at her hesitation, clearly confused by her sudden change in demeanor. Lexie stayed silent, her eyes locked on a particular pair of figures outside.

"Oh, I forgot to mention. Remember my nephew I told you about? I forgot he was arriving today with his fiancée to settle some things."

Ram explained briefly, but Lexie barely heard him.

Her focus was entirely on Rafael-her ex-and Amanda, the woman wrapped around his arm like a snake. Her traitorous cousin, grinning smugly, making Lexie seethe with irritation.

"Come, I'll introduce you to them."

Ram said, pulling her attention back to him. The anxiety in her chest grew stronger as she desperately tried to think of a way out.

She knew her plan would be ruined if she didn't act fast.

"Ahh-uhm, next time?"

She stammered, feeling the overwhelming urge to crawl under Ram's car when Rafael turned in their direction.

She forgot that Ram's car had tinted windows. She didn't need to hide.

"Come on, it's okay. You can meet them."

Ram reassured her.

'Hell no, I can't!'

Lexie screamed in her head.

"Next time, maybe? I-I mean, look at me... I'm almost naked. It would be embarrassing to meet your nephew and his fiancée like this. They might think you just picked me up off the streets!"

She blurted out, trying to calm her nerves.

'Just agree, damn it!'

She internally begged Ram.

He seemed to consider her words for a moment before shaking his head.

"Wear proper clothes next time, okay?"

Lexie nearly jumped in joy.

"Alright, just wait here. I'll have someone bring you inside without them noticing you."

Ram instructed before stepping out of the car. Lexie watched as he greeted Rafael and Amanda. Her mood soured further when Amanda was the first to lean in for a cheek kiss.

"Ugh, so fake. I'd love to throw her in a sack."

Lexie muttered, sticking her tongue out at her cousin before they disappeared inside.

A few minutes later, two women in maid uniforms approached her car.

"Ma'am Lexie?"

One of them, who looked about her age, asked politely. Lexie nodded.

"Please follow us. Sir Ram asked us to escort you inside."

The older maid added, holding up a large umbrella.

Lexie quickly stepped out, cautiously glancing around to make sure neither Rafael nor Amanda saw her.

She followed the maids hurriedly, sensing their confusion but not caring.

She was led to a grand door-one she was sure wasn't Ram's room.

"Please, enter. This will be your room. There are clothes prepared inside. Would you like something to eat or drink?"

The younger maid asked. Lexie forced a smile.

"Just water, thank you."

She replied before hesitating.

"Uh, did Ram mention why I have my own room in his house?"

She asked curiously.

The maid simply smiled and shook her head. Lexie frowned but let it go.

"Own room? In Ram Jordan's mansion? This is fast, but definitely better than Rafael or Amanda."

She mumbled before stepping inside.

The room was luxurious and clearly designed for a woman. Lexie's jaw nearly dropped.

But excitement quickly faded into sadness and anger.

How could she be happy in such a beautiful room when, just downstairs, Ram was talking to her ex-fiancé and the woman he chose over her?

"Rafael..."

She whispered, tears spilling from her eyes.

She didn't even bother wiping them away. She wanted to slam her head on the marble floor just to replace the pain in her heart.

"Stop crying, self... He's not worth it."

She told herself, wiping her tears harshly. But no matter how much she tried, she couldn't stop crying.

Instead, she let herself sob.

After all, out of everyone who knew their story, she was the one most entitled to be hurt.

Exhausted, she crawled onto the bed, tucking herself in. Darkness quickly consumed her.

Lexie woke up to find Ram sitting at the foot of her bed, watching her with a serious expression.

"Don't tell me you're still not done scolding me?"

She groaned.

"I'm not here to fight with you."

Ram replied, his tone unwavering.

Lexie suddenly felt nervous. Did Rafael see her? Did he tell Ram who she was?

"I was here to ask why you fell asleep crying."

Lexie's heart clenched.

"W-well, don't worry about it. I just remembered something and couldn't stop crying..."

She lied.

"Your ex?"

Ram asked. Lexie hesitantly nodded.

"Come, let's get some lunch. It's already past 2 PM."

Ram said, but she swore she heard irritation in his voice.

Before she could stand, he added coldly,

"If you're here just to use me to get over your ex, stop now. I don't like being used, Lexie."

Then, without another word, he turned to leave.

"And put on proper clothes. Seeing you dressed like that makes me want to eat you instead."

With that, he walked out, leaving Lexie stunned.