Chapter 96

**Chapter 0096**

She lifted her gaze to meet mine. For a long time, she stared at me as if she was trying to decide whether I was telling the truth.

“Really?” she finally asked.

“Yes,” I told her. “Besides, your father would kill me if I overstepped.”

She smirked and shrugged.

“He is very protective,” she admitted. “I just don’t understand what Ethan is thinking.”

Irene looked worried. “He’s been hard to read lately,” she said.

I replied, “From what I remember, he’s always been like that. Don’t take it to heart, though. He loves you and wants to be with you.”

“You,” she said softly. “He chose you.”

She seemed to relax at that moment. A genuine smile appeared on her face, and she nodded in agreement.

The waitress brought us our meals, and we chatted casually as we ate. However, I felt a bit empty inside because the conversation didn’t seem to fill the silence in my heart.

I didn’t like lying to her about my past with Ethan and how he loves her. I knew he was just using her, and if she found out, it would break her heart.

After dinner, Irene picked up my plate and said, “Let’s clean up together.” I nodded, feeling a mix of guilt and worry. I wanted to tell her the truth, but I was scared of hurting her.

I had just reached for the front door when she stopped me.

“Let’s go out the back,” she whispered, a playful glint in her eyes.

“What?” I asked, raising my eyebrows in surprise. “Why?”

“Because the guards are out front, and I just want a little longer without them,” she said, looking out the front door. “Let’s take a walk.”

I didn’t argue with her. I just followed her out the back door.

We walked through the dirty alley until we reached the street. I spotted Leroy’s car and the guard’s car parked a bit away, near the front door of the restaurant. Irene noticed them too, and we quickly decided to hurry in the opposite direction.

As we ran, I couldn’t help but laugh. It felt like being a child sneaking around my parents. Irene was also giggling, and we both struggled to catch our breath while holding our stomachs from laughing so hard as we turned the corner.

I leaned against the building we were near, feeling sure we were far enough away to take a quick break. “We can’t avoid them forever,” I chuckled.

“I know,” she sighed. “I just wanted to have some fun.”

I wrapped my arm around hers.

“I get it,” I told her. “Maybe we can hang out again?”

She brightened up, her eyes shining with happiness.

“Really?” she asked, surprised.

I had to admit, I enjoyed spending time with her.

I enjoyed spending time with her. She was easy to be around and easy to love. It was no surprise that Ethan wanted her and not me. It wasn’t just about her popularity; it was about who she was as a person. She deserved someone better than Ethan.

I wanted to tell her the truth, but I hated lying to her. It didn’t feel right, and I knew it would only hurt her in the end. Gavin was wrong for hiding this from her.

“Tell me,” she said, pulling my attention back to her.

“Let’s get back before they send a search party out for us,” I said to her.

As we walked, my anxiety grew. I wanted to tell her the truth, even though I knew Gavin wouldn’t approve. But just as I opened my mouth to speak, I hesitated.

As I was about to speak, a white van pulled up next to us. A group of men jumped out and surrounded our car. They were masked strangers, their presence intimidating, and they carried strange, unpleasant scents. They were also much larger than I had expected.

I quickly took my fighting stance, ready to defend myself, knowing that I needed to be prepared for anything.

I didn’t stand a chance because there were so many of them and only one of me.

I could see the panic on Irene’s face. She looked like she was about to scream, but then, suddenly, she passed out. Someone had stuck a syringe into her neck.

“Irene!”

“I yelled, trying to reach her, but then I felt a sharp sting in my neck. Suddenly, arms wrapped around my body, and everything went black.”