‘Sigh… another old man gone. First Sera Grandfather and now Henry Wade Father.’
Alex let out a slow, helpless breath. Not that it was his fault—Eric Vaughn, that lucky bastard, always seemed to pick old people to save. So, really, everything was Eric’s fault.
The onlookers, realizing there was nothing left to see, gradually lost interest. One by one, they dispersed, returning to their own lives as if none of this had ever happened.
“It’s getting late. Let’s go back” Sera said softly. She had been standing outside for too long, and the dull ache in her legs was starting to return.
Without a word, Alex started the car and pulled away from Road, heading toward their location.
As the evening deepened, a sleek red sports car streaked across the elevated bridge, effortlessly gliding at 70 miles per hour.
The fading sun painted the horizon in brilliant shades of orange and crimson. Through the window, the light spilled inside like an overturned paint palette, casting a warm glow over everything it touched.
Sera’s face, illuminated by the sunset’s soft hues, appeared gentler—almost delicate. There was a quiet, thoughtful air about her, as if she were lost somewhere between the past and the present.
Suddenly, she shivered.
Alex’s hand had landed on her thigh, his fingers resting against the smooth fabric of her black stockings.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked with a playful smirk, absentmindedly feeling her thigh through sticking with his fingers.
Sera remained quiet for a moment, her gaze fixed on the horizon. Then, she exhaled lightly and said, “My grandpa used to take me to watch the sunset. It reminds me of those times… nothing else.”
Alex raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his eyes. ‘You don’t really think I brought you here just to watch the sunset, do you? I took the bridge because it’s the quickest way to the hotel.’ His thoughts were light, but there was an unmistakable smirk playing on his lips with that thought.
But he didn’t say that. Instead, he waved a hand casually. “If you like it, I’ll bring you here more often.”
It was a simple promise to make—effortless, even. As for keeping it? Well, that would depend on what suited him best or his convenience.
Just then, the car’s quiet hum was interrupted by an insistent ringing.
“Ring ring~ Ring ring~”
Alex glanced at the screen. It was a call from feom his man. Without any thought, he answered, putting it on speaker.
“Sir,” came voice came through, steady and direct. “Logan and his family have landed in another country, in the land of the setting sun. The moment they got off the plane, out men took them straight to the cellar… to ‘host’ them properly like you had instructed.”
Alex barely reacted. Of course Logan’s family had been stopped. Logan wasn’t some special protagonist with a lucky aura protecting him. Did he really think he could just walk away?
“Tell my men to take good care of our ‘guest,'” Alex said, his tone light, almost amused.
“Understood.” The call ended.
Alex had deliberately left the speaker on. He wanted Sera to hear every word.
She sat in silence for a few seconds, her emotions a tangled mix of gratitude and unease. Then, softly, she murmured, “Thank you.”
Sera had always told herself she would avenge her parents—that she wouldn’t let Logan’s and others get away with what they had done. But now that they had actually been captured, she found herself at a loss.
Revenge.
It sounded simple when she said it, but how exactly was she supposed to take revenge when she was here and they were in another country?
She had sworn to make them suffer, to make them wish they were dead. But how did you even do that?
Growing up sheltered, she had never truly known cruelty. Never had to deliver it herself.
Alex, meanwhile, kept his eyes on the road, the fiery hues of the sunset reflecting in the windshield. His voice was casual when he spoke. “I told you I’d keep my word. And I have.” He glanced at her briefly before adding with a smirk, “So, how are you going to thank me?”
“What?” Sera blinked, confused.
Alex let out a quiet sigh, then motioned toward the sunset painting the sky. “You know, they say that if you grasp the truth in the morning, you can sleep in the night without a single regret.” His voice was calm, almost reflective, as if the words carried more weight than he let on.
She frowned slightly, not entirely grasping the meaning. But when she turned back to see the playful gleam in his eyes, realization dawned. A soft blush spread across her cheeks as she hesitated, then slowly parted her lips, her response silent but understood.
At that moment, Alex had a fleeting thought. I should really get a new car now.
….
An hour later, Alex was back in his clothes, buttoning up his shirt as he glanced at Sera. Her hair was tousled, her expression still slightly dazed. He let out a long sigh. “The truth that can be spoken… isn’t the real truth.”
Sera, still catching her breath, wiped the corner of her mouth as her face turned an even deeper shade of red. “Alex~…” Her voice was soft, uncertain. Then, as if gathering courage, she asked, “Will you take responsibility for me?”
Alex’s expression shifted. His posture remained relaxed, but his tone grew firm as he focused on the road ahead. “I only see you as a partner. This is just… what partner should be doing as their work.”
“Y-you…Jerk!”
Before he could say another word, something soft and lacy flew at his face. Sera, glaring at him, had grabbed a fancy purple item and hurled it with all her might.
‘A partner? Is this how you treat someone who’s supposed to be on your side?!’
“Don’t go throwing clothes around,” Alex chided, shaking his head as if scolding a misbehaving child. Then, in a mock-stern tone, he added, “If you keep acting up, I’ll have to discipline you. Your grandpa may be gone, but I can take care of you in his place.” He smirked. “Come on, call me happily and sweet tone.”
“Go die, you pervert!” Sera’s face burned as she turned away, pressing herself against the car door. With an angry huff, she kicked at him wildly, her embarrassment only making her more aggressive.