The Glossy Eyes

Chapter 22: Hell

Nathaniel groaned as he made his way back to his apartment, his body aching from the wounds sustained during the intense fight. Each step felt heavy, and he could feel the exhaustion settling in. Finally reaching his bedroom, he let out a heavy sigh and flopped down onto the bed, wincing at the pain that shot through his body.

Lying there, he stared up at the ceiling, lost in his thoughts. The recent events had taken a toll on him, both physically and emotionally. His mind wandered to the various deals and trips he had undertaken, each one a desperate attempt to gather information about his father's murder and seek justice. It seemed like an endless cycle of searching, fighting, and never quite finding the answers he sought.

The weight of his responsibilities pressed heavily upon him. He had inherited his father's legacy, becoming the leader of the cartel, but it had come at a great cost. The constant vigilance, the need to stay one step ahead, had consumed him. It had left little room for anything else in his life, including a deep connection with Alannah.

Closing his eyes, Nathaniel let out another sigh, his mind filled with a mix of frustration and exhaustion. He knew he had to find a balance, a way to pursue his quest for justice while also being there for those who cared about him. The realization that he had lost sight of that balance hit him hard.

He reached for his phone, its presence a stark reminder of his negligence. The device buzzed with missed calls and unanswered messages, a visual representation of the distance that had grown between him and Alannah. Guilt washed over him, realizing the impact his absence must have had on her.

His fingers danced across the screen, searching for Alannah's contact. He hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to approach the situation, aware that his reasons might not be enough to assuage her worry and hurt. Nonetheless, he knew he had to reach out, to bridge the gap that had formed between them.

As he dialed her number, Nathaniel's heart fluttered with a mixture of anticipation and apprehension. The phone rang, each ring carrying with it a small glimmer of hope. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Alannah's voice greeted him on the other end.

"Nathaniel?" she spoke softly, her voice tinged with a mix of relief and concern.

The words caught in his throat for a moment, but he managed to gather his thoughts. "Alannah, I am so sorry. I didn't mean to be absent for this long. Work has been demanding, and I got caught up in a whirlwind of responsibilities. I should have reached out, let you know what was going on."

There was a momentary pause, and then Alannah's response came, tinged with a mix of frustration and hurt. "Are you okay?" she asked, her voice slightly cold.

Nathaniel's brow furrowed, taken aback by her question. "Yes, I'm fine," he replied, confusion creeping into his voice. "Why do you ask?"

Alannah's tone shifted, her words laced with an undeniable edge. "Okay. Then, Just go to hell," she retorted, her voice dripping with a mix of defiance and disappointment.

Nathaniel felt a pang of guilt and frustration grip his heart. He had expected a different reaction, perhaps an outpouring of concern or a plea for better communication. Instead, Alannah's response left him confused and unsure of how to proceed.

Nathaniel's heart sank as Alannah abruptly ended the call, leaving him bewildered and unsure of what had just transpired. He quickly dialed her number again, hoping for an explanation or a chance to clarify any misunderstandings, but to his dismay, she didn't pick up.

His mind raced with a flurry of thoughts and worries. What had he done wrong? Why was Alannah suddenly so distant? The weight of his actions bore heavily on his conscience, and he couldn't shake the feeling of guilt that gnawed at him.

Desperate for answers, Nathaniel contemplated his next move. Should he go to her apartment and confront her in person? Should he give her some space and wait for her to reach out to him? The uncertainty of the situation made him feel restless and anxious.

Hours turned into an agonizing wait, each passing moment amplifying Nathaniel's concern. He found himself constantly glancing at his phone, hoping for a message or a missed call from Alannah that would provide some clarity. But the screen remained blank, devoid of any communication from her.

As the day wore on, Nathaniel's thoughts were consumed by questions and self-doubt. Had he unknowingly done something to hurt Alannah? Was she upset with him for reasons he couldn't fathom? The uncertainty gnawed at him, his mind conjuring up worst-case scenarios that only deepened his anxiety.

Nathaniel couldn't help but ponder over Alannah's behavior. He understood that her worry stemmed from his sudden unavailability, but he couldn't quite comprehend why she would be so concerned about him. After all, he was used to navigating through risky situations.

Lost in his thoughts, Nathaniel contemplated the depth of their connection. Perhaps Alannah's worry was born out of her growing attachment to him. Despite his initial intention to keep their interactions light and casual, it seemed that they had both unintentionally forged a bond that ran deeper than either of them had expected.

As he replayed their conversations and shared moments in his mind, Nathaniel realized that Alannah's concern might not solely stem from their brief separation. It could be a reflection of the emotional investment she had made in their relationship. Her caring nature, coupled with her vulnerability, had created a sense of protectiveness within him.

Nathaniel couldn't deny that he had developed a similar attachment to Alannah. Her presence had become an integral part of his life, and the mere thought of her feeling anxious or worried tugged at his heartstrings.

Nathaniel slowly pushed himself up from the chair, his eyelids heavy and his body aching with exhaustion. He had been on the go for days, attending to urgent matters and working tirelessly to resolve issues that demanded his attention. But now, he knew he needed to be by Alannah's side, to offer her the comfort and reassurance she sought.

With each step, Nathaniel could feel the weariness in his bones, his eyelids threatening to close with each blink. Yet, fueled by his determination and care for Alannah, he pressed on, his heart guiding him to her apartment.

His mind felt hazy, the lack of sleep taking its toll. He stumbled slightly, catching himself on the hallway wall, his hand sliding along the smooth surface as he regained his balance. Every fiber of his being urged him to find solace in the comfort of a bed, but the thought of Alannah's worry kept propelling him forward.

Finally, he reached her apartment door, his hand trembling slightly as he raised it to knock.

A quiet voice came from inside, "who is there?"

"It's me, Nathaniel," he replied, his voice strained but filled with sincerity.

"No," Alannah voice boomed from inside, "go away."

Nathaniel's heart sank as he heard Alannah's angry response. Her words pierced through his fatigue, jolting him awake for a moment. "Please let me in, Alannah."

There was a brief silence on the other side of the door, followed by a cold and distant response from Alannah.

"I don't want to talk to you right now. Just leave," she said firmly, her voice laced with frustration.

Nathaniel's heart sank further, feeling the weight of Alannah's rejection. He understood that his sudden disappearance had left her worried and upset, and he regretted not informing her about his trip. However, he was determined to make things right.

"Alannah, please let me explain," he pleaded, his voice filled with genuine remorse. "I should have let you know about my trip, and I'm truly sorry for causing you distress. But please, give me a chance to make it up to you."

There was a tense silence, and Nathaniel feared that she would dismiss him entirely. However, after a few moments, the door creaked open slightly, allowing a sliver of light to illuminate the hallway.

"Fine, come in," Alannah said with a hint of resignation in her voice.