#Chapter 57: Unwanted Attention
The city’s nocturnal pulse is like a second heartbeat, a comforting undercurrent as I make my way

toward the subway.

Tonight was something else. A blend of euphoria, sprinkled with an indescribable tension—thanks to

Karl’s abrupt departure.

I’m not sure why he left, or really even when he left. All I know is that one moment he was there, and

the next he was gone. And he didn’t come back.

Did someone say something? Did something happen? Was it the picture fiasco?

My mind wanders back to Chloe and the palpable tension between the two of them. I know that Chloe

dislikes him, and for good reason, but I think he’s been trying to change. I just wish that she could see

that.

“Go d, what am I thinking?” I whisper to myself, shaking my head. Standing up for Karl? For the man

who divorced me, who forced me to dress modestly, who convinced me to dye my hair for his own

pleasure? I should be siding with Chloe, not him.

And yet, I still can’t help but feel a slight twinge of regret as I think about the empty space where he

once stood tonight, calmly sipping his drink.

I board the train, reveling in the almost-empty car. After the whirlwind of the night, I really needed some

quiet time like this. For some reason, the quiet subway at night always feels soothing to me, when it

would make most people uncomfortable.

I sit by the window, staring into the dark tunnel as the train lurches forward.

That’s when he sits next to me. A man in a crisp business suit, reeking of arrogance, and, as I soon

realize, alcohol.

“Hey there, beautiful,” he begins, his voice oozing an unsettling mixture of charm and condescension.

Ignoring him, I focus on the passing darkness outside the window. It’s late, and the last thing I want is

an unwanted interaction. Maybe, if I just pretend that he’s not here, he’ll get the hint and move on. It’s

worked before. Usually.

“So, what’s a pretty thing like you doing all alone at this hour?” he continues, undeterred by my lack of

response.

move. Gathering my things, I make my way to a

plopping down beside me, closer this time. His scent—a

booze—assaults my senses.

I’m just

I say, voice firm, hoping to shut down

someone else to bother.”

even gotten to know me yet. I’m

you

‘Alpha’ seems to ooze from his lips as if it were a

a

for the offer, but I’ll pass,” I

narrow, and he lays a hand on

what you’re

his touch. I shove his hand away, my patience shattering. “I

interested.”

the veneer of faux charm vanishing, replaced by raw, seething anger.

too good for me or something,

back off,” I

you’re too good for an Alpha like me. I should teach you

manners.”

can stop him, the man leans closer to me, attempting to

one is even trying to help

get involved. I feel

The train is coming up on a stop, which isn’t even close to my stop, but

could at

just before it

up, I stand abruptly, shoving

do you think you’re doing?” he

out of here,” I say, gathering my belongings as the train screeches to a

and I make my exit,

unintelligible after me.

wait for the moment of departure, half-expecting him to make a last-minute

But he doesn’t. The train vanishes into the tunnel, taking with it the immediate

me alone in a sea

glance around the dimly lit station and curse under my breath. The platform is deserted, its

unsavory encounters. A quick look at the time on my

what I already suspected: that was the

Just great, Abby,” I mutter to myself, frustration mingling with the

veins.

isn’t an option, I make my way up to the

usual, as

world I step into is devoid of life, the night

stand like silent sentinels, their windows darkened

pull out my phone, thumbing open the Uber app. The

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255