Chapter 64 - Her Guilt (2/2)

Lost in thought, Anya tripped on the stairs ”Ahh…” Her hand reached for the railing to hold.

Alvin felt his heart leap to his throat when he barely managed to clutch her dress, Thanks to his quick reflex. Anya was able to balance herself with his support and her hold. She was trying to stand when she winced in pain and involuntarily held his arm when he went closer.

He was about to breathe in relief and chide her when she held him tight. He saw her face twist in pain, ”What's wrong?” He turned her towards him, holding her arms firmly, yet gentle on her skin.

Anya bit her lips looking at her ankle, ”I- I think I twisted my ankle.” She lifted her head to ask him to help her downstairs. Her words stuck in her thought when she looked at him. The pain was replaced with guilt. She chose to bear the pain to avoid feeling more guilty.

”Thank you.” She thanked him for holding her in time. She left his hand and used a rail for support. She limped to the next step slowly.

He couldn't believe the woman who thrashed the three men like stomping on a cockroach, tripped herself and twisted her ankle. His eyes were on her gradually swelling and reddened ankle when she turned around and took a step. In a brisk move, he scooped her to his arms and heard her gasp as she held his shoulder.

”I- I can walk.” She mewled. The help she thought was just to use his hand. She wouldn't have asked him to carry her. When her finger unawarely clutched his jacket, she flustered and took her hand away without showing it on her face.

Alvin glanced at her. He sees women putting on drama to get his attention. He was giving her full attention yet she didn't want it. ”Who will do the work if you break your head with a fall?” He deadpanned. His cold voice rang against his actions.

Anya: ”...”

She pursed her lips looking at his side profile. There was only one way to avoid feeling guilty. Alvin has to let her go. ”Alvin…” He glanced at her, steadily descending the steps. She hesitantly spoke, ”Once the ship reaches the port… I-I will go to my place.”

Alvin turned away in silence. He alighted the last step and walked towards their room. By the time the ship reaches the country port, Harper will get to know who changed his plan. In Harper's view, she escaped with a hard disk and ruined his plan so he will hunt for her everywhere. It will be far more dangerous for her outside, ”No.” He didn't explain to her thinking she might worry.

Anya: ”...”

Was he thinking she will put Bernard, Linus, and Alvin in danger after she leaves?

He doesn't even know she is an officer so she couldn't understand why he wasn't letting her go.

It could be because of Harper, but once the ship reaches the port, won't Bernard take action and capture him? If not, her plans were in the process to stop Harper. She can't just sit in his mansion and wait for the problems to be solved.

Arguing with him or forcing him would turn things ugly between them. Breathing deep and long, she accepted to live in guilt for using him. 'I am sorry.' She apologized to him in her mind.

Alvin could feel her mood down again. He couldn't understand how easily her mood swings. She was down when they left the mansion, then she cheered up on the flight, then she was angry and now she is gloomy. He was aware he takes half the responsibility.

He considered asking what's wrong and then assumed it might be because of pain. ”Little Donut…” She turned around with a sweet hum but he was clueless about what to say.

Endure it? I will call the doctor? Let me check? You will be fine?

Seeing her patiently waiting for him to speak, he chose to say an entirely different thing in a sarcastic tone, ”I have only two hands.” Then he looked at the door.

Anya snorted in her mind and pressed the door handle before pushing it open. She was expecting him to let her sit on the couch or bed but he was lying her on the bed as though putting her to sleep.

He saw her eyes widen in big rounds and fathomed he was doing it wrong. He lifted her again, shifted further up, and made her lean on the bedpost. He heard her thank him when he sat on the bed at her legs. He held her leg and tried to remove her high heel pumps.

Anya felt her heart skip a beat when he gently lifted her foot and reached for her shoe. Suddenly a pang of guilt slapped her face. She pulled her leg away and blurted out, ”I will manage.”

She didn't want his any more help. She hoped he would stay indifferent to her, ignore her, and let her struggle. She couldn't handle his considerate side. She wasn't ready to live with a mountain of remorse or make another grave mistake.

However, will he be able to understand her?

Or will she be able to recognize the intention behind his actions?

They forgot they need clear communication.