#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.

make my way to a seat on the opposite

closer

booze—assaults my senses.

I’m just trying to

voice firm, hoping

someone else to bother.”

know me yet.

I could show you a night

skin crawls at his insinuation. The word ‘Alpha’ seems to ooze from his lips as

a glaring red

for the offer, but I’ll pass,” I reply politely, desperate for this ride to

about that, sweetie?” His eyes narrow, and he lays a hand

what you’re

touch. I shove his

interested.”

charm vanishing, replaced by raw, seething anger.

too good for me or

off,” I

you do think you’re too good for

manners.”

closer to me,

one is even trying to

not wanting to get involved. I feel trapped

train is coming up on a stop, which isn’t even

could at least try to fake him out and jump back on

just before

comes up, I

do you think you’re doing?”

belongings as the train screeches to

open, and I make my exit, not looking back,

unintelligible after me.

I wait for the moment of departure, half-expecting him to make

into the tunnel, taking with it the immediate

in a sea of

glance around the dimly lit station and curse under my breath. The platform

making it an ideal place for unsavory encounters.

what I already suspected: that was the

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

veins.

underground station isn’t an option, I make my

stairs seem steeper than usual,

the world I step into is devoid

silent sentinels, their windows

hand, I pull out my phone, thumbing open the Uber app.

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