Are you mad?
The tension in the mansion was palpable as the police systematically checked every room. The cold and malicious glare exchanged between Derek and Anne only added to the unsettling atmosphere. I couldn’t help but feel my anxiety grow, knowing that Paul was hidden somewhere within these walls. The discovery of Paul would undoubtedly lead to a legal battle that could threaten Derek’s freedom.
Derek, however, remained the picture of confidence, a reassuring presence in this trying moment. He leaned in close to me, his voice a comforting whisper. “Don’t be concerned, girl. Everything will be okay, believe me,” he murmured, his words providing a soothing balm for my jittery nerves. I nodded in agreement, trusting his judgment and resolve.
After what felt like an eternity, the officers returned with news that sent ripples of uncertainty through the room. “There’s no one here,” they reported. The question loomed large: Where had Paul disappeared to?
Anne, undeterred by the lack of evidence, turned her accusatory gaze toward Derek. “Officer, I’m sure he’s hiding my son somewhere,” she insisted, her voice edged with desperation and anger.
The officer, his patience waning, sternly addressed Anne. “Please, Mrs. Anne, put an end to your foolishness. We looked in every corner. Do you realize that if you give us false information, we may have to take legal action against you?” His warning was firm, and it emphasized the importance of speaking the truth.
Anne, her determination unshaken, continued to glare fiercely at Derek. “Where is my son?”
“Mr., I told you I’d take action if you couldn’t find anything,” Derek stated firmly, emphasizing his earlier statement. The officer appeared visibly distressed, realizing the gravity of the situation he found himself in.
“Please, sir,” he implored, his voice tinged with anxiety and regret, understanding the implications of his actions.
I couldn’t remain silent as the strained situation continued to escalate. “Derek,” I interjected, “It’s his duty.” I tried to diffuse the mounting tension, adding, “Don’t hold it against him.”
Derek paused for a moment, contemplating the course of action. After a moment of reflection, he made a decisive decision. “Okay, then,” he declared, “kick this woman out of my house.” Anne was livid, her anger palpable as she bristled at Derek’s words.
“You have the audacity to say that. It’s all due to this witch,” Anne shouted, her accusations stinging like a swarm of bees.
In her rage, Anne seized a nearby vase and hurled it in my direction. I instinctively closed my eyes and raised my hand in an attempt to shield myself. There was a shattering sound as the vase connected with an unseen target. When I dared to open my eyes, I found myself cradled in Derek’s protective arms.
I gasped, realizing his hand was bleeding once more, a testament to the lengths he would go to shield me from harm.
The room was fraught with tension as Derek’s voice thundered, “Guard, toss this lunatic out of my mansion!” His anger was palpable, and it was evident that he would brook no further nonsense.
Derek’s gaze shifted to the officer, his tone still harsh and unwavering. “Take her with you, officer. You saw her; she tried to harm my wife,” he snarled, making it clear that Anne’s presence was no longer tolerated.
The officer nodded obediently. “Yes, sir,” he responded, ready to follow Derek’s orders.
Anne, on the other hand, was not about to go quietly. She unleashed a torrent of protests, her voice loud and defiant. “Leave me alone!” she shouted, struggling against the guards as they began to escort her out of the mansion.
Desperation laced her words as she turned her fury toward the officer. “Officer, you can’t do this to me,” she yelled, her voice resonating with anger and frustration. Her face contorted with a mixture of rage and despair as she was forcibly removed from the premises.
As the commotion subsided, I couldn’t ignore the fact that Derek’s hand was bleeding. My worry for his well-being outweighed any concerns about the recent turmoil. I tightened my grip on his hand, a protective instinct taking over.
“Derek, your hand is bleeding,” I remarked, my voice tinged with concern. Instead of acknowledging his own injuries, he turned his attention to my well-being.
“Are you okay?” he asked, his gaze softening as he examined me, making it clear that my safety was his utmost priority.
“I’m OK, can’t you see?” I snapped at Derek, my frustration evident as I guided him to our room. There was a rush of adrenaline coursing through my veins, a mix of anger and concern propelling me into action.
Without wasting a moment, I retrieved the first aid kit. The room was filled with the tension of our recent encounter, and I needed to ensure Derek’s well-being. As I started cleaning up the blood, Derek tried to soothe my frayed nerves.
“Calm down, Elena,” he implored, his voice soft and reassuring, an attempt to quell the tempest within me.
But I couldn’t easily contain my emotions. “How can I?” I retorted angrily, still reeling from the ordeal we had just been through. “Can’t you see that your wound has reopened?”
As I focused on tending to his injury, Derek winced in pain, a sharp exclamation of agony escaping his lips. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt at causing him discomfort.This text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.
“I’m sorry,” I offered apologetically, my voice softer as I continued to address his wound. “It will hurt a little.”
I worked diligently, wrapping his wound securely once it was cleaned and treated. But my worry for Derek’s well-being was intermingled with my frustration at the reckless actions that had led to this situation.
“Derek, you shouldn’t have gone there,” I chided him, my tone a mixture of concern and exasperation. My eyes narrowed as I scrutinized his actions, unwilling to let him off the hook.
But Derek wasn’t one to accept blame without offering a counterpoint. Swiftly, he placed his hand in my hair, gently forcing me to look at him. His concern was genuine, and he posed a critical question.
“Are you mad? If it hurt your head, then…” he trailed off, a hint of worry in his voice as he sought to ensure my well-being.