I stood frozen in the doorway, my heart pounding as Dennis returned with a man I had never seen before. He was tall, exuding confidence and strength. His sharp featureshigh cheekbones, deepset eyes, and a chiseled jawcombined with the tailored suit that fit him perfectly, gave him an air of sophistication and elegance.
I was caught off guard, but the one who seemed truly shocked was Alain. His face twisted in confusion and anger at the sight of this stranger.
It didn't take me long to recognize him. The man standing in my doorway was none other than Jackie Anderson, the wealthiest selfmade billionaire in the country. His face was frequently plastered across magazines and the media, known for mingling with celebrities. Alain, on the other hand, was clearly not used to being challenged, especially not by someone as highprofile as Jackie Anderson.
A few thoughts raced through Alain's mind; I could see it in his eyes. My earlier words must have triggered something, and he quickly made some assumptions. He must have thought I had been involved with this man during our time apart, and rage flared uncontrollably inside him.
"You bastard, do you think you can replace me?" Alain spat, his voice filled with venom. His anger overtook him, and before I could react, he lunged at me, hand raised to grab my neck.
But then, out of nowhere, a strong hand gripped Alain's arm, stopping him in his tracks. Alain's eyes widened as he turned to see Jackie holding him firmly, his hand as solid as steel. Alain struggled to free himself, but it was useless. Jackie's strength was overwhelming, and Alain's arm might as well have been caught in a vice.
"Let me go!" Alain shouted, his face flushed red with embarrassment or exertionI wasn't sure which. He pulled and jerked, but Jackie didn't flinch.
"That's enough," Jackie said quietly, his voice deep and authoritative. "You won't touch her while I'm here."
The power behind his words left Alain stunned. He stopped struggling, panting heavily as the helplessness of the situation started to sink in.
"Who the hell do you think you are, helping that bitch?" Alain roared. "Get lost! This is none of your business!"
Jackie didn't respond to Alain. Instead, he turned his gaze to me, and for the first time, his expression softened. "I'm her boyfriend, what else would I be?" he said gently but firmly. "I don't know who you are, but you're not laying a finger on my girlfriend."
I felt a wave of relief and gratitude wash over me, but I was too stunned to speak. Everything was happening too fast. I simply let his words hang in the air, my body still trembling.
Jackie shifted his attention back to Alain, his grip on Alain's arm unwavering. "You need to leave now," he said calmly. "You don't belong here."
Alain's face twisted in rage. His male pride had been shattered, and his sense of control was slipping away. "Do you even know who I am?" he spat. "If you don't release me, I'll make sure you and your family suffer. You'll regret ever crossing me."
Jackie's expression remained calm. He stared directly into Alain's eyes, his voice low and steady. "Threats won't work on me. Leave, before you make things worse for yourself."
Alain's eyes bulged with fury. He wasn't used to being challenged like this. "Do you really think you can intimidate me?" he growled. "I have the power to destroy you. I'll make sure you never hold your head high again."
I felt my heart race with fear at Alain's threats, but Jackie remained calm, almost indifferent. His presence gave me a glimmer of hope, and I tightened my hold on Dennis, drawing strength from Jackie's calm resolve.
Finally, Jackie released Alain, but not before giving him a final warning. "This is your last chance. Leave, and don't come back. If you continue to harass Elwyn and her son, there will be consequences beyond what you can imagine."
Alain staggered back, clearly thrown by Jackie's words. He glared at me, then at Jackie, his mind racing for a way to regain control. But something in Jackie's eyes made him hesitate. There was a confidence in him that Alain couldn't match.
With one final glare, Alain turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind him. The sound echoed in the quiet house, leaving a heavy silence.
As the door closed, all the tension I had been holding inside seemed to drain from my body. I collapsed to my knees, overwhelmed by everything that had just happened. Dennis rushed to my side, wrapping his small arms around my neck, and I hugged him tightly, tears streaming down my face.
Jackie knelt beside us, his presence calming and reassuring. "You're safe now," he said softly. "He won't hurt you anymore."
I looked up at him, my eyes filled with gratitude and a faint glimmer of hope. "Thank you, Jackie," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I don't know how to repay you."
Jackie smiled gently. "You don't need to repay me," he said. "I'm just glad I could help."
For the first time in years, I felt a sense of peace and safety. Holding Dennis tightly and looking into Jackie's kind eyes, I dared to believe that maybe, just maybe, good things could still happen.
I remained silent for a moment, still processing everything that had just unfolded. Jackie's intervention, his strengthit all left me speechless. As I struggled to regain my composure, I felt a small hand slip into mine. I looked down and saw Dennis gazing up at me with wide, determined eyes.
"Don't worry, Mom," he said quietly but confidently. "He'll protect us."
My heart swelled with both pride and confusion. Why had this man appeared so suddenly to protect us? My eyes met Jackie's, and I searched for answers in the calm, resolute gaze of the man who had just saved our lives.