Chapter 325
She wanted to ask how he knew, but snapped her mouth shut the moment the words formed.
She understood, and the flush on her face deepened.
Pushing the door open a sliver, she accepted the pink sanitary pad packet and basket of clean clothes handed through. Kieran said, “Come out once you’re changed… Do you know how to use it?”
Meaning the pad.
She bit her lip, taking it, and whispered, “I know.”
With that, she slammed the door shut.
Of course she knew. Though it started late, she’d learned what she needed to.
She emerged later than expected, having busied herself washing her pants and underthings in the bathroom.
Seated at the dining table, Kieran asked the auntie, “Is the food warmed?”
The auntie acknowledged and brought dishes from the kitchen.
Alaricka kept her head down throughout, not daring to meet anyone’s eyes.
The auntie chuckled softly. “It’s alright, Ms. Huston. This is perfectly normal. No need for shame.”
Head still bowed, Alaricka ate in silence.
Then she heard Kieran’s laugh. Her head snapped up, glaring at him. “Stop laughing at me.”
Kieran’s dark eyes held relaxed amusement, warm and captivating. “I just think you’re adorable.”
Her cheeks burned hotter.
Kieran added later, “Don’t be embarrassed. You’re a girl. You should understand this better than I do.”
She knew periods were perfectly normal, nothing to be ashamed of. But hearing it from Kieran felt strange, inexplicable.
Just moments ago she’d insisted on distance, their already awkward relationship suddenly muddied by his words, as if something undefined now existed between them.
Especially with Tamika right there.
Alaricka couldn’t help glancing at Tamika, whose expression was equally stunned, seemingly unable to believe how absurdly the situation had unfolded.
“That’s all in the past. I’ve pretty much forgotten it all.”
She took a deep breath, steadying the shame coursing through her. “We have nothing left to say. Just go.”
Kieran’s eyes narrowed abruptly, his tone unreadable. “Forgotten?”
Before he could speak, Tamika stood up, shielding Alaricka, and said fiercely: “Mr. Argent, I respect your capabilities, but I won’t stand by while you bully my daughter. She’s free to make her own choices as long as she breaks no laws. Please respect her decisions!”
Alaricka stared blankly at her mother’s back.
After a moment, she calmly pulled Tamika’s arm, moving her aside. “Mom, let me handle this.”
Rising to her feet, Alaricka met Kieran’s gaze. Her voice remained steady as she looked into his dark eyes. “Mr. Argent, did you inform Ms. Whitaker before coming here?”
Kieran raised an eyebrow. “What are you implying?”
Alaricka smiled. “You’re aware Ms. Whitaker distrusts me. She constantly monitors our interactions, fearing we might… cross the line. Surely you know this?”
Kieran remained silent.
“Ms. Whitaker struggles with depression,” Alaricka continued. “Learning you visited me without telling her could worsen her condition. Since you care about her wellbeing…” She paused meaningfully. “I suggest you return immediately. If she discovers you’re here tonight, she might spin distorted stories about me luring you over. How should I defend myself then?”
“Leave now, Mr. Argent. There’s still time to fix this.”
Her words, laced with sarcasm and veiled accusations, hung sharply in the air. Alaricka finished without catching her breath, watching Kieran intently.
Kieran slowly rose from the sofa, his long legs unfolding deliberately. His icy eyes locked onto Alaricka’s face, unreadable.
Alaricka gestured toward the door, palm open. “After you, Mr. Argent.”
Her expression cold, she turned to open the door. Tamika snorted disdainfully, radiating hostility.
Nobody anticipated what happened next.
As Alaricka glanced away, the towering figure in her peripheral vision suddenly loomed.
It was Kieran Argent.