Jenn ran after Alden the moment he stormed out of his room. Thank goodness no one was downstairs — the whole house was quiet, the kind of silence that made every heartbeat sound louder.
She saw him heading straight to the garage. Jenn didn't hesitate; she ran after him and quickly slipped into the car before he could shut the door.
"Where are you heading to?" she asked breathlessly.
Alden didn't even look at her. "It's none of your business. Get out of my car."
He yelled, his voice echoing through the small space, but Jenn didn't flinch. She folded her arms stubbornly and replied, "No. I'm not getting out."
He turned to her, jaw tight, eyes sharp. "I said get out!"
Jenn stayed still, her voice calm but firm. "I won't."
Alden's hand gripped the wheel tightly. "Then shut your mouth, because whatever happens now is up to you."
The car roared to life, and before Jenn could say another word, Alden drove off — fast. Too fast.
"Alden! Stop the car!" Jenn screamed, but he didn't stop. He drove even faster.
Her voice rose again, more desperate this time. "Stop the car!"
Alden slammed the brakes, and the car screeched to a halt. Jenn jumped out, her heart pounding, and shouted, "You're insane!"
He got out too, his face unreadable. "Get back in the car," he said flatly.
Jenn shook her head. "No! Drive smoothly, or I'm not going anywhere with you."
Alden rolled his eyes and got back into the car. Jenn stood there, watching him for a moment, thinking maybe he was joking — but then, the car moved forward.
He left.
Jenn blinked, shocked. "He actually left me?" she muttered. She sighed and started walking along the quiet road, trying to wave down a car.
After a few minutes, a black car pulled up beside her. Loud music blasted from the speakers, and cigarette smoke poured out through the open windows. Four guys sat inside, grinning.
"Hey, pretty girl," one of them called. "Need a ride?"
Jenn shook her head immediately. "No, thanks."
The guys laughed. One got down from the car, then another. "Come on, we won't bite," one said, reaching for her arm.
Jenn stepped back quickly. "I said no!"
Before he could touch her, a punch came from nowhere.
It was Alden.
His fist landed hard on the man's face, and before the others could react, Alden grabbed another by the collar and threw him against the car. "Touch her again, and you're dead," he warned, voice low and deadly.
The guys backed off immediately, scrambling into their car and speeding away.
Jenn stood there, frozen. "Alden…"
He turned to her, breathing heavily.
"Why would you do that?!" she snapped, her voice trembling. "You caused this!"
Alden frowned. "How the hell did I cause it?"
Jenn folded her arms. "If you hadn't left me here, this wouldn't have happened!"
They stared at each other in silence — anger, fear, and something else mixing in the air.
Finally, Alden sighed, walked over to the bonnet, and sat down. Jenn hesitated, then joined him.
For a while, neither said anything. The stars blinked faintly above them. Then, slowly, they started talking. About random things — nothing serious, but enough to make them forget what had just happened.
When evening came, Jenn rubbed her arms and said softly, "I'm cold."
Alden didn't say a word. He just took off his jacket and handed it to her.
Jenn blinked, surprised. "Thanks," she whispered.
She put it on, and he leaned back, lighting a cigarette. The smoke curled in the night air.
"I'm hungry," Jenn muttered quietly.
Alden glanced at her, then went to the car. He came back with a pack of chips and handed it to her, keeping the cigarette for himself.
Jenn watched him puff out the smoke and smiled faintly. "You shouldn't smoke that much," she murmured.
He smirked. "You shouldn't worry that much."
They stayed there for a while longer before Jenn finally said, "Let's go home."
Alden hesitated, then nodded.
They got home late. Everyone was asleep already — even the maids. Only little Lucy was lying on the couch with a blanket half covering her.
Jenn smiled and whispered, "You're still awake?"
Lucy didn't move, pretending to be asleep. Jenn adjusted the blanket over her and went to her room.
That night, she couldn't sleep. Her heart was restless. Why am I thinking about him like this? she thought. After everything he's done… why does it feel like I'm falling?
Meanwhile, Alden went straight to his room. But moments later, there was a knock on the door.
Jenn opened it, holding his jacket.
Jenn waited for him to respond, but when he didn't, she turned to leave — only for the bathroom door to open behind her.
Alden stepped out, hair wet, droplets sliding down his neck. Jenn froze. He looked different — calm, clean, but still dangerous in a way that made her chest tighten.
He noticed her staring. "Jenn," he said softly.
She turned around quickly — only to find him suddenly close behind her.
Her back hit the wall. Her heartbeat stuttered. "A-Alden, what are you—"
He didn't answer. He leaned forward and kissed her.
Jenn's eyes widened. For a second, she didn't move — then she blinked rapidly, realizing it wasn't a dream.
But Jeff… her mind whispered. You have a boyfriend.
When he finally pulled away, Alden's voice was low. "Go to sleep, Jenn."
Jenn nodded slowly, still dazed. She stepped out of his room, touching her lips again as she walked down the hall.
"Nanny?"
Jenn froze. She turned — it was Lucy, standing by the door, eyes sleepy but curious.
"You're awake?" Jenn stammered. "I… I was just—"
Lucy tilted her head. "He kissed you."
Jenn's eyes widened. "W-What?"
Just then, Alden opened the door behind her. His expression changed when he saw Lucy.
"What are you doing here?" he asked sharply.
Lucy shrugged. "Nothing," she said innocently, then turned and walked away.
Jenn looked back at Alden, cheeks flushed.
He picked up his jacket and stretched it toward her. "Keep it," he said quietly.
Jenn took it, their eyes meeting for a moment that said too much.
They both smiled faintly.
"Goodnight," Jenn whispered.
"Goodnight," he replied.
And that night, neither of them slept peacefully because something had changed, and both of them knew it.