Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

Chapter 165

I let my eyelashes veil the tears welling up in my eyes. For some inexplicable reason, I found it hard to

hold back my emotions that day.

We strolled down a secluded path, our footsteps the only sound echoing in the quiet alleys.

“Addrion's in the hospital. His injuries are pretty severe. It’ll take quite a while for him to recover.”

Ronan said, “I can take you to see him when you're ready.”

“He's in Silverdale City?” I halted mid-step, turning to look at Ronan.

“Yes. It's a safer place.”

“Will you be staying in Silverdale City?” I asked him, hoping for a positive response.

He shook his head. “No.”

I wanted to ask where he would primarily be, but I held my tongue.

“What about your parents' nanny? How are you going to deal with her?”

“I'll discuss it with my parents first. But not now. With Jaylan’s issue still unresolved... I need to reclaim

what's rightfully mine! Only when I get rid of him in my life can I proceed. Or else, I fear he will get

suspicious!” My tone turned bloody cold. “Those damn prying eyes are so annoying...”

“Until the Oldtown Avenue project is finalized, you all are safe. We've got the situation under control!”

Ronan assured me, possibly sensing my apprehension.

“Under control? You know about the Oldtown Avenue project, too?” I was shocked, wondering just how

much Ronan knew.

“Yes.” Ronan responded quietly, “I know that Oldtown Avenue just as well as you do, maybe even

better now.”

My heart sank a little. I realized why he might be more familiar with the place. It meant he had visited

here frequently. But as to why he did so, I didn't want to or have the nerve to ask.

Sometimes, daydreaming was more pleasant than reality.

Suddenly, a group of children's laughter and playful shouts echoed from a nearby alley. A small bike

shot out from it at lightning speed. By the time I realized the impending danger, it was too late. I let out

a scream, shutting my eyes in fear.

I felt a grip tighten around my waist, and my feet lifted off the ground. The next thing I heard was a

startled cry, followed by the clattering sound of a bike toppling over. It was chaos!

I quickly opened my eyes to find Ronan had hoisted me under his arm while he held my daughter with

the other to keep her from getting hurt. The bike lay toppled on the side, and a group of youngsters

stood frozen in the alley, their faces mirroring shock.

Embarrassed, I gestured for Ronan to let us down. He simply grinned at me contently. “Scared?”

“Put me down!” I whispered.

He gently set me back on my feet and let go. I immediately took my daughter from his arms. “Monique,

are you okay?”

Monique was scared out. She looked at me, bewildered, then at Ronan. Her cheeks turned pink as she

clung to my neck. “Mom, that scared the life out of me.”

This was the first time in a while she had been so close to me.

“You were riding the bike?” I asked her, noticing the fallen bicycle. I was surprised, wondering since

when she learned to ride a bike.

“You can't ride in the alleyways anymore. It's dangerous!” I admonished her. She looked up at me with

her flushed face and laughed. “Okay, mom! You are such a nag!”

Probert rushed over and grabbed my hand. “Mommy, that scared me to death. I thought she was going

to hit you!”

Then he looked at Ronan in awe.

“Don't forget to thank this gentleman!” I prompted, “He's mommy's old classmate.”

Both children thanked him in unison. Ronan ruffled Probert’s hair.

“Sir, you're so cool!” Probert exclaimed genuinely.

Ronan flashed a radiant smile. “Want to be as cool as me?”

Probert’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Can I, sir?”

“Of course, I started my training when I was ten. Want to give it a shot when you turn ten?” he asked

gently.

“Yes!” Probert eagerly responded, showing no hesitation and not even bothering to ask for my

approval.

The other children watched enviously, chattering among themselves.

Monique picked up her bike after Ronan put her down The handlebars went skewed. She looked at it

helplessly.

Ronan stepped in and straightened the bike. He checked it, then braced the front wheel against a wall

and twisted it slightly, fixing the handlebar. He looked at Monique. “Ride on the main street. It’s

dangerous to ride in the alleys. You may not be so lucky next time!” Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Monique giggled. “Okay, off we go!”

Like a little queen, she rallied her troops, and they disappeared down the alley in a flash.