The Mysterious Nerd

Chapter - 11: In Safe Hands

I saw it the moment her face changed—the color drained from her cheeks as she stared at her phone, her usual calm exterior cracking in an instant. Alana rarely lost control of her emotions, so when I saw her sit on the ground, panic written across her face, I didn't even hesitate. I walked straight into her office, needing to know what had caused that kind of fear.

Every instinct I had was screaming to find whatever it was and erase it from existence. But I knew now wasn't the time to push her for answers. She was too fragile, too shaken. What she needed was someone to ground her, to hold her together, and I didn't think twice before stepping into that role.

When she didn't say anything, I pulled her into my lap, felt her tense muscles slowly start to relax against me. Holding her like that—it felt right. Safe. She fit perfectly in my arms, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to be her safety net from now on. If I could shield her from everything that scared her, I would, no questions asked.

Once she had calmed down, the tension between us shifted. She thanked me, embarrassed, and I didn't push her to explain. Instead, I left her with a promise, though I didn't say it outright—I'd find out what had caused that look of terror on her face. And I'd destroy it.

After I left her office, I wasted no time. I called Rohan—my best friend and the man who could find out anything, anywhere. Rohan was good at what he did, and I trusted him completely.

"Do me a favor," I told him, not bothering with the usual pleasantries. Rohan was silent for a moment, probably surprised because I never ask for favors. I'm the type who does business transactions—one thing for another—but never favors. But there was no time for that now.

"What's going on, Noah?" he asked, his tone instantly serious. He must have sensed that this wasn't about business.

"I need information. On someone. You'll get all the details soon, but I need this done quietly." My voice was firm. I didn't need to say more.

Rohan didn't hesitate. "I'm on it. You owe me one," he added, his usual grin slipping into his tone.

"I'll owe you whatever you want. Just get it done."

After that, I made another call—to my mother.

"Send me one of your coffee cakes," I said casually, like it was the most normal thing in the world.

My mother's laughter was soft on the other end of the line. "Since when do you like coffee cake, Noah? You've always liked your coffee black, and bitter at that. I raised you better than this."

I smiled to myself. She wasn't wrong—I never had a taste for sweet things, especially not in coffee. But this wasn't for me.

"I just want to try something different," I lied. In reality, I knew Alana had a sweet tooth, and I remembered her mentioning once that she loved the cakes from my mother's bakery in New York. What she didn't know was that Lovegood's Bakery belonged to my mother. And if anyone could cheer Alana up, it would be my mother's famous coffee cake.

"Fine, I'll send it over," my mom replied, still sounding amused.

An hour later, I saw her walking through the office elevator, carrying the cake herself. My stomach dropped. If my mother met Alana, she would no doubt say something embarrassing—or worse, something inappropriate.

I rushed toward her, trying to intercept. "Mom, I'll take that—"

But before I could steer her toward my office, she spotted Jack. And, like the traitor he was, Jack motioned toward Alana's office.

I made a mental note to deal with him later. Clearly, he needed a lesson in loyalty.

By the time I reached them, my mother was already walking into Alana's office, her eyes immediately scanning the place. It was a mess, of course. It always was. Alana was brilliant, but she didn't care much for organization. I had gotten into the habit of straightening up her office whenever I entered. Now it was second nature—something I just did without thinking.

I quickly started tidying up as my mother stood there, eyeing Alana with interest. "Alana, if I'm not mistaken," my mother said, her voice warm and curious.

Alana looked confused, probably wondering who this woman was.

"You're even more beautiful in person," my mom continued, already singing Alana's praises. Alana, still bewildered, stood there, trying to piece it together.

"She's my mother," I finally interjected, shooting my mom a look that hopefully conveyed don't say anything crazy.

The moment Alana realized who she was, her face lit up. "Lovegood's Bakery?" she blurted, excitement creeping into her voice. "I love your cakes!"

My mother beamed. "Oh, I'm so glad someone in this family appreciates my baking! Neither of my sons nor my husband have much of a sweet tooth."

I shot my mother a warning glance when I saw Alana's face flush at the word family. But before I could stop her, my mom carried on.

"Don't look at me like that, Noah. I'm sure Alana will become just like family soon. I can already tell we're going to be the best of friends. Oh, and by the way, you're invited to our next family dinner."

And just like that, the two of them fell into an easy conversation, with my mom already planning their next interaction. Alana looked completely relaxed, laughing and talking with my mother like they'd known each other forever.

I stood there feeling like the odd man out, but I didn't mind. In fact, I loved seeing them interact like this—my mother with her warm, affectionate energy, and Alana, finally distracted from whatever had terrified her earlier. My mother was doing what she did best—making people feel at ease.

I watched them, silently grateful. Not only had my mom brought the coffee cake Alana loved, but she had unknowingly pulled her out of the dark cloud that had settled over her earlier.

And as I stood there, I realized something important: I would do anything to keep that look of fear off Alana's face. Even if it meant letting my mother drag her into the family.