I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra) novel Chapter 35

There was no way I was moving back in with him to be his doormat and housekeeper again. He knew I wouldn't. This was just his way of forcing me out of the car.

I was stubborn enough to call his bluff. I got out.

Steven’s face instantly darkened. He got into the car without another glance at me and slammed the door. “Drive.”

Larry’s voice was hesitant. “Mr. Lancaster, this is a private residential area. It’s hard to get a cab here. How will she get back?”

Steven let out a cold laugh. “She’ll figure it out. Drive.”

The car sped away, leaving me standing alone. I looked back at the grand mansion filled with people I detested. I would never lower myself to ask them for a ride. I opened a ride-sharing app, but there were no cars available. My heart sank. This was one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the city; everyone had their own car, usually more than one. Resigned, I started walking, a bitter taste in my mouth.

Steven was ruthless, kicking me out like that. That bastard. Even Larry was a better person than him.

I walked for over an hour under the blazing sun. My feet were numb, and the heels of my shoes had rubbed my skin raw, sending sharp pains up my legs with every step. Even without a mirror, I knew my face must be pale, but I couldn't stop. If I did, I’d be walking all night just to get out of this part of the city.

Suddenly, a clap of thunder split the sky, and the heavens opened up. The rain came down in sheets, drenching me in an instant. There was nowhere to take cover. It was even worse when an approaching car started swerving, heading straight for me.

My eyes widened in terror. I screamed and leaped to the side, tumbling to the ground as the sound of screeching tires filled the air. A car door opened, and a man ran toward me, holding an umbrella to shield me from the downpour.

“I’m so sorry! Miss, are you alright? Are you hurt anywhere?”

I had scraped my knee and my clothes were muddy, but I was mostly okay. “I’m fine, I’m not hurt.”

He quickly helped me to my feet, tilting the umbrella to cover me. I looked up at him. He was young and handsome, dressed in a simple white shirt and casual trousers that gave him a boyish charm. He had large, expressive eyes and a delicate nose. When he spoke, two cute dimples appeared on his cheeks.

I carried my ruined shoes as I walked home. To my surprise, Rachel was there. She took one look at me, and her cheerful expression immediately vanished.

I felt a pang of guilt. “I’m just going to take a shower.”

After I had showered and changed, Rachel immediately cornered me, her face serious. “Did they give you a hard time?”

“No,” I said, my eyes crinkling into a smile. “They were the ones who got humiliated today. You should have seen their faces when I threw down that certificate. Mary and Steven looked like they were about to explode.”

Her expression didn’t soften. “Then why were you soaked to the bone? Didn’t Steven drive you home?”

“He did,” I lied. “It’s just… the rain seemed so romantic, and we were almost home, so I got out early to take a little walk.”