Ana's POV
My grip tightened around the cane before I even realized it. I studied the man standing before me, then forced a smile to my lips. "Morris?"
The face staring back at me merged with my memory of that bloodied, hostile kid who'd once pressed a blade to my throat.
Morris Welch looked different now—calmer, more polished. But he moved with the confidence of someone who commanded rooms.
"Didn't expect you'd remember me." Morris hesitated, a gentle smile flickering across his features, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly.
His eyes held a quiet warmth, as if he were thinking something he wasn't saying.
I never saw this coming. Before my marriage, I'd spent time overseas studying medicine. That's where I'd found Morris, bleeding from a gunshot wound. Since we were both from Cullen, I'd helped him.
I hadn't anticipated that his first act upon waking would be to hold a knife to my neck.
Morris possessed that devastatingly attractive face, but he'd been icy, furious, and lethal. I couldn't stop myself from feeling sorry for him, like he was some damaged little brother.
But when Aileen returned and everything shifted, that sympathy got buried. Shortly after, I rushed back home, and before long I was married.
I still recalled Morris sending that email, congratulating me on my wedding. I never imagined the next time we'd meet, he'd be standing there composed and elegant, like an entirely different person.
"Want to get in?" Morris's voice came out low and rich.
Though he made it sound like a question, something in his tone suggested I didn't really have a choice.
That's when I noticed the vehicle. A Rolls-Royce.
I hesitated for a moment, then ducked my head and climbed inside.
When I'd encountered Morris abroad, he'd been nothing but a penniless student, roaming the streets with the eyes of an abandoned animal. I'd sheltered him out of compassion. Now the tables seemed turned.
I sank into the backseat, let out a short laugh, and joked, "Seems like you've done well for yourself. What happened, hit the jackpot?"
Morris's gaze shifted. Then he laughed and replied, "It's rented."
That surprised me.
"I'm in Veridia on business," Morris explained casually. "Obviously I had to rent the car and the watch. Image matters." He spoke so naturally there wasn't a trace of shame in his voice.
I nearly smiled. Leaning back, I examined Morris more closely. The suit, the timepiece—everything fit flawlessly.
Sure, they were rentals, but the way he wore them radiated wealth and sophistication. He made it work.
I was still studying him when our eyes met in the rearview mirror. My chest constricted, and I quickly looked away to escape his gaze.
Morris's voice floated over, relaxed but tender. "And you, Ana... those wounds." His eyes swept past the marks covering my body, settling on my ashen face. "Do they ache?"
"Just took a tumble," I whispered with a weak, pained smile. I probably looked terrible right now. But Morris and I weren't that close. No point in sharing details.
The car felt cozy, the heater running steadily. Eventually, with nothing left to discuss, I dozed off.
——
Morris's POV
I watched her. Even in sleep, her forehead remained creased, though it didn't diminish that stunning face.
I remembered the information I'd gathered about her, and fury burned in my chest. My eyes darkened, shadows playing across my features.
After a long moment, my expression gentled again. A quiet smile touched my mouth, and my voice dropped to a murmur, as if afraid to disturb Ana. "Ana, if he can't protect you... then don't blame me for taking over."
——
Ana's POV
The car stopped outside an apartment complex. When I woke up, I blinked several times and frowned. "What is this place?"
Morris's voice was smooth, almost seductive, like he was drawing me into something. "Wasn't sure where you needed to go. But I thought you might need somewhere to crash.
"My friend's been trying to lease this place forever. Want to take a look?"
The apartment had everything—furnishings, great lighting, even appeared freshly maintained. I wavered, lingering in the entrance without stepping inside. A place like this was completely beyond my means.
It felt almost humiliating. I'd worked myself to exhaustion for the Collin. I'd rushed around solving problems for their business, even met with clients directly.
And every penny wound up in Ridley's hands. Even my credit card wasn't mine—it was the spare from his account. Whenever he wanted, he could simply cut it off.
And Ridley had no trouble transferring money to Aileen whenever she requested it, always under the pretense of "supporting family."
A bitter smile played at my lips. I shook my head. "Thanks, but I—"
Morris interrupted before I could finish. He spoke deliberately, like he already understood my concerns. "If it's about money, don't worry. Stay a few nights first. We'll work out the details later."
His tone was soft, but carried authority, as if he wasn't really asking.
I was still wrestling with uncertainty when Morris pressed the keys into my hand. "It's affordable," he added, mentioning a figure.
I stared at him, shocked. That price was practically charity. Warmth spread through my chest, and I managed a genuine smile. "Thank you."
"No problem." Morris's expression relaxed, and then he said, almost casually, "Actually, I know someone in Veridia. He's a respected divorce attorney. Figured you might need that, so... want my contact?" His voice came out surprisingly gentle.
The words struck deeper than I expected. Morris had seen my bruises. He understood. My throat closed up, my voice trembling as I whispered, "Thanks."
Honestly, if I could end the divorce smoothly, I'd jump at the chance. So I didn't refuse.
After getting married, I'd switched my phone and number, and we'd lost touch. Now, I entered my current number into Morris's phone.
"Of course." Morris looked at me, then added in a tone that lingered just slightly too long, "Ana, I hope you find your freedom soon." After that, he walked out and shut the door behind him.
I watched his retreating figure, and an odd sensation stirred in my chest. Something about him felt too keen. But it didn't add up. He didn't know Ridley. He was just some random person. There was no link there.
I dismissed it. Turning toward the apartment, my gaze hardened with fresh determination. Whatever it took, this marriage was ending.
——
Morris's POV
Outside, the door clicked closed, and the smile disappeared from my face. What took its place was something darker, more intense.
My silver hair fell across my brow, accentuating the sharp line of my jaw. I twisted the ring on my finger, voice curling with something low and menacing. "Ana, this time, I won't let you slip away."
And in my mind, the thought was sharper, colder. If it hadn't been for that crash, you would've been mine already. As for Ridley... he'll answer for what he's done.