Chapter 175
“Sadie, let me drive you,” a familiar voice offered from beside her.
Looking up, she saw Alex by his car, parked at the curb, watching her intently.
“That’s kind of you, but I’ll take a cab.” She declined politely, not wanting to be a burden.
“It’s late, and it’s not safe to be out alone. Please, get in,” Alex insisted. After hesitating, Sadie nodded, opened the passenger door, and climbed in.
“You don’t have to chauffeur me anymore, Alex. It’s too much trouble for you,” she murmured, buckling up.
As Alex started the car, his face showed concern and something else he kept hidden. “You’re going to work at Wall Group?”
“Yes, it’s a joint project. I couldn’t say no,” Sadie responded, her voice filled with reluctance.
“Sadie…” Alex started, then stopped, his hands tightening on the steering wheel. He knew too well the hurt Noah had caused her. The prospect of her facing that old torment bothered him.
“I know what you’re worried about, Alex,” Sadie said, turning to face him firmly. “But I need to do this for the studio. I’ll be back once it’s done.”
Alex exhaled slowly. “I still don’t feel comfortable with you being around Noah.”
Sadie let out a bitter laugh. “Alex, Noah and I are over. He’s just a business partner now. Besides…”
She paused, her tone tinged with irony. “His heart is with Kyla. He doesn’t care about me.”
Alex clenched the steering wheel tighter, a twinge of pain crossing his face.
“Sadie!” He tried again, but the words stuck.
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Sadie turned to the window. “Thank you, Alex. I really value this.” Silence fell heavily in the car, punctuated only by the engine’s soft rumble.
As they reached Laura’s apartment complex, the car stopped smoothly. As soon as Sadie emerged, a small figure raced toward her, wrapping himself in her embrace. “Mommy!” It was Averi. His face buried against her, he murmured, “Mommy, you’re home.” Sadie’s heart warmed instantly. She knelt, lifted Averi into her arms, and kissed his cheek. “Have you been good, Averi?”
“I have!” he replied, beaming, his arms tight around Sadie’s neck, his eyes shining with delight.
Noticing Alex exit the car, Averi offered a polite greeting. “Good evening, Alex.”
Alex smiled at the tender scene and gently tousled Averi’s hair. “Averi, you’re such a good boy.”
“Sadie, have you been looking for a rental place?” Alex inquired, concern evident in his tone.
The question reminded Sadie of her neglected task. “I’ll start tomorrow.”noveldrama
“Why don’t I help you? You seem tired,” Alex said, his concern palpable.
“That’s very kind, but I can handle it, Alex. You’ve done enough,” Sadie replied with sincerity, her voice edged with guilt.
She was grateful for Alex’s generosity, yet she was determined not to depend on him continuously. She needed to be self-sufficient to safeguard both herself and her son.
“That’s what friends are for,” Alex said, smiling weakly.
He watched Sadie cuddling Averi, their tender interaction evoking a whirl of emotions in him. How he wished he could openly be at her side. But…
He glanced at Sadie, yet found himself speechless, the words he needed to say trapped in his throat.
“Go upstairs and rest,” he murmured gently.
Sadie nodded, and with Averi snug in her arms, she headed upstairs.
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