Caleb had long frequented the nightlife scene, mingling occasionally with the thugs and ruffians of the underworld. Typically bold and fierce, he always had a group of underlings following him around. Nobody could question his guts. But had he ever faced a situation like this?
William walked towards him, his face emotionless.
His footsteps were soft, but with each step, Caleb’s heart raced faster.
“You… William, don’t do anything rash!” Fear drove Caleb back, his eyes wide with terror as he watched William approach, as if Death itself was nearing.
“Which hand did you use to hit her? Cut it off yourself!”
Swallowing hard, Caleb was genuinely frightened by William’s aura. It was hard to believe that this was the same young man who was working as a waiter at the bar just a few days ago.
“If you come any closer, I’ll call the police!” Trembling, Caleb pulled out his phone, unlocking it to dial for help.
The threat from William was unlike anything Caleb had ever faced before. As a seasoned street thug, his fear was genuine, unable to even muster up any words of defiance.
Before, Caleb would not hesitate to pick up an object and start a fight. But against William, he didn’t even have the courage to fight back.
Raising an eyebrow, William asked, “Are you sure you want to call the police?”
The mere question felt like a hammer blow to Caleb’s heart, amplifying his fear. His legs gave out, and he sat heavily on the floor, dropping his phone. His eyes pleadingly looked up at William.
By now, Maria and Aurora had entered the room, but they stood near the door, too nervous to speak.
Quickly locating the kitchen, William grabbed a Chef’s Knife and threw it beside Caleb, hinting at the gruesome task at hand.
Caleb hesitated. If it were anyone but William, he’d probably pick up the knife and attack. But against William, he didn’t even dare to harbor that thought. Not just because of William’s strength demonstrated by kicking down the security door, but also due to William’s overpowering presence.
To harm oneself like this took immense courage.
“Maria, I’m sorry! Please beg William for me… can you ask him not to harm me? We… We won’t divorce, okay?” Hope sparked in Caleb’s eyes as he looked at Maria, knowing she might help him.
Clasping her fists, tears forming in her eyes, Maria stared at Caleb. They had been together for over a decade. As Aurora had mentioned, Maria had followed Caleb since she was 18. They started with nothing and built a life together, raising a child and buying a house. Once, they faced life’s challenges together, supporting each other through thick and thin. Caleb used to apologize whenever they quarreled, but he had never truly harmed her before. But now?
Perhaps it’s easier to endure hardship together than to share wealth.
“William… let it be,” Maria finally said, the last glint of hope in her eyes fading.
Hearing her words, Caleb sighed in relief and tried to muster a grin, “W… William… see, Maria said so. I made a mistake, I was wrong. If you spare me, I promise to treat her right.”
William glanced at Maria before leaving the room. He had come to defend Maria but didn’t necessarily want bloodshed. It was ultimately up to her. Perhaps Caleb could change for the better.
“Tomorrow, we divorce. I take our daughter, everything else is yours,” Maria declared resolutely. She only wanted her daughter, nothing else.
Given Caleb’s outstanding debts, she didn’t intend to claim anything more. She would leave with nothing, letting Caleb deal with the rest.
“Let’s go!” Maria said as she turned around, her demeanor listless, as if her spirit had been drained from her.
Aurora angrily pulled a makeup case out of her bag and hurled it at Caleb, “Get lost! I never want to see your face again!”
Caleb didn’t even dare to dodge. The makeup case hit him square in the face, spilling its contents and colors everywhere. But he didn’t utter a word. After all, William was still standing at the door watching. One wrong move or word, and he might not have a hand to worry about.
The three of them didn’t linger. They made their way straight to the elevator.
Aurora handed Maria a briefcase William had given her earlier, “Maria, there’s some money in here. Use it as you need.”
Once inside the elevator, Maria seemed to collect herself a bit. She had no idea how much money was in the briefcase, but given the bond she shared with Aurora, she wouldn’t refuse the help during such times. Holding Aurora’s hand, she murmured a word of thanks.
“William, thank you.” Maria looked at William, genuinely grateful. Their relationship had been more of a former employer and employee than anything else. She’d never have imagined that William would step in to defend her now.
She remembered when William had left the bar she’d mentioned that he could come to her if he ever faced any difficulties. Now, the tables had turned, and she was the one needing his assistance.
“There’s no need for formalities,” William replied, “Do you have a daughter?”
“Yes, she’s four. She’s currently staying at her grandparents’,” Maria replied, her eyes softening at the mention of her daughter.
“Are you staying with your dad tonight?” William inquired.
“I’ll stay with Aurora for a few days, then move over to my father’s place after everything’s settled,” Maria explained, hinting at the bruises on her face that she didn’t want her father to see. An elderly man like him would undoubtedly be worried, especially with her scheduled to finalize the divorce with Caleb the next day. 𝑜𝑣𝘭.𝘯𝑡
“You should get your injuries treated. If you need anything in the future, let me know,” William said. He wasn’t one to help just anyone, but he respected Maria. In his eyes, there were few challenges in life; what seemed difficult for Maria might be a simple task for him.
Maria nodded, expressing her gratitude once more, “Thank you for today.”
Once they left the complex, Aurora asked, “William, where do you live? Should I drop you off?”
William considered for a moment, then said, “Drop me off at East 62nd Street.” He had decided to teach Nathaniel some fitness exercises the next morning and wanted to check on Alice’s progress with Nathaniel’s treatment.
“East 62nd Street?” Maria exclaimed in surprise, “My father lives there too.”