Her Best Second Chance

Chapter 38: A heart Divided

Solayne's POV

I stare at the unanswered text for what felt like the hundredth time, the single tick taunting me. He'd mentioned there was a chance he wouldn't make it home last night, but I couldn't shake the need to know he is safe.

Sighing, I click off my phone and scoop up Nerissa, cradling her in my arms. I secured the car, holding her firmly, and headed toward the house. Pushing open the door, I found Arzhel sitting motionless, lost in thought.

Beside him, a packed baby bag lay on the floor, its presence sparking curiosity. My forehead wrinkles, eyebrows arching upward as I glance around.

'Is he leaving?'  My mind ravages with thoughts.

The door closes with a soft creak behind us, and his gaze lifted, locking eyes with mine. No words were exchanged; his eyes look dull, his features stressed, as if his mind was a thousand miles away.

Nodding toward the bag, I asked, "Are you going somewhere?"

He nodded, his eyes locked on mine.

Sitting up, he glances at the bag, then back at me. "I want you to come with us," he added, his voice low and husky.

I took a seat beside him, choosing my words carefully. "Where are we going, and how long are we staying?" I ask, seeking clarity.

His gaze drop, focusing on his hands. "Montego Bay," he answers, his voice measured. "For a few days."

"Few days?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow. "As in?"

Arzhel's expression darkened, and he hissed, snatching Nerissa from my arms. I jerk my head back, brows furrowing in confusion.

"Arzhel," I breathe, stun by his sudden action.

He ignores me, focusing on gathering the bags. His movements swift and deliberate.

"This again," I mutter, rubbing my temples and biting my lip to contain my rising temper. "Could you just stop for a second?" I asked, looking up at him, who is now holding almost all the bags.

He ignores me, tugging on one of the bags as if I hadn't spoken. Frustrated, I dragged it from his grip and dropped it on the floor. "Listen to me for one second!" I shouted, startling the baby.

He finally looks at me, his eyes searching.

"I start working on Monday," I begin to explain, my voice calming. "I got accepted for the job." His gaze intensifies , scrutinizing me. "I don't have a problem going with you," I reason. "I just need to be back on time for work." I pause, studying his expression. "Hence the questions."

He remains silent, his eyes still searching mine. My skin tingles, and my heart pounds in anticipation as I wait for him to speak.

"Are you coming or not?" he ask again, his impatience evident in his clipped tone.

I sigh, feeling overwhelmed, and dropped onto the nearest chair. "Sometimes I wonder why I even agreed to this," I murmur, shaking my head.

'It's like he doesn't get anything,' my mind reels with doubt as frustration seeps in.

His gaze narrows, his eyes flashing with a glint of emotions. Taking a step closer, his presence suffocates me and I gulp under his gaze.

"What do you mean by 'agree to this'?" he quotes, his gaze piercing my soul. I know he understands, but he wants me to spell it out.

I stand up, pacing back and forth to release the pent up frustration. "It's not easy dealing with you. One minute you're fine, and the next, I'm talking to a wall. You make me feel like a colleague instead of a partner."