Chapter 86

Thalia dared not consider the possibility. Her heart pounded, her fingers trembling. It couldn't be. Asher wouldn't do this! He had told her she was the only one. But how could she explain the recording Drake had just played? Thalia's mind was in turmoil.

Drake remained silent, giving her racing thoughts ample time to spiral. Finally, he continued: “Vanessa kidnapped your sister and tried to kill you. Asher took a knife for you—she nearly killed him! Logically, the Blackwood family wouldn't let her go free. But Vanessa was already in custody. Why was she abducted immediately after claiming to be pregnant?”

Thalia's brow furrowed, her lips pressed tight.

“Consider whose baby Vanessa might be carrying,” Drake said.

This question struck her like lightning. So disturbed, Thalia trembled uncontrollably.

“Shut up!” she shouted, glaring at him. “Stop spreading these ridiculous lies! Asher isn't that sort of person! He’s nothing like you! Don't project your own foulness onto others!”

A flash of hurt crossed Drake's dark eyes. He suppressed his bitterness, affecting an air of casual indifference, his eyes glinting with amusement. “I’m only telling you the truth, Thalia. You trust Asher too much. If he had nothing to hide, why would he keep this from you?”

“Get out!” Thalia demanded.

Drake shrugged, smiling slightly. “Asher is with Vanessa right now. Why don’t you call and ask him yourself?”

“Stop trying to drive a wedge between us!” Thalia pushed him forcefully and turned to enter her flat.

Drake grabbed her wrist, yanking her back. She stumbled, and he caught her, leaning down to inhale her hair, a look of obsession on his face. “Thalia, leave him. Come back to me.”

Thalia kneed him hard in the stomach. He cried out, releasing her. She slapped him resoundingly.

“SLAP!” The sound echoed. Thalia’s eyes flashed. “Drake, stay away from me! You’re not worthy!”

His head tilted from the force of the slap. He looked at her, his eyes reddened, the handprint visible on his face.

“Thalia, why are you so cruel to me?” His voice was soft, genuinely hurt.

Thalia laughed coldly, her eyes filled with contempt. “You really need to ask? Because you’re tainted now. We can never go back to the way things were.” She raised her chin haughtily. “A man who doesn’t respect himself is like a rotten cucumber. I never make the same mistake twice!”

She slammed the door shut with a resounding “BANG,” leaving Drake standing outside, staring at the closed door, profound pain brewing in his dark eyes. Her words cut him deeply, like needles piercing his heart.

He returned dejectedly to his new flat, right next door to Thalia’s. He turned on the shower, scrubbing his body repeatedly. “Thalia, Thalia…” He rubbed his skin until it was red, tears mingling with the shower water. “I’m not dirty… If I wash thoroughly enough, I won’t be dirty anymore, don’t reject me…”

Back in her room, Thalia couldn’t calm her thoughts. The recording was clearly Vanessa’s voice. Had she really been abducted? Why hadn’t Asher told her? What was the urgent matter he mentioned? Could it be related to Vanessa? She tossed and turned, unable to sleep.

After much deliberation, she called Asher. The phone rang unanswered until it disconnected. This was the first time he hadn’t answered her. Her heart grew troubled. Scenes from over a month ago replayed in her mind: Vanessa’s intense, obsessive look at Asher, their embrace, her charging forward with a knife. How could a woman become so deranged over love? Even after ten years of unrequited love, surely one wouldn’t attempt murder? Could there be more to this story?

After Asher was stabbed, Vanessa had broken down, genuinely remorseful and frightened. It hadn’t seemed like an act. Thalia remembered Asher, wounded, wiping away her tears, comforting her, even as his life hung in the balance. His eyes showed only relief that she hadn’t been injured.

Asher loved her so deeply—how could he betray her? Drake must be trying to cause trouble between them! Asher had risked his life for her, not hesitating. How could his feelings be false?

Even if genuine, the recording was clearly edited, proving nothing. It contained only Vanessa’s voice. Drake’s purpose was to make her doubt Asher, and she wouldn’t fall into his trap. Asher would explain everything in person. All she needed to do was wait. She wouldn’t let Drake lead her astray. He claimed Vanessa was pregnant, but was that even true? Even if it were, how could he prove it was Asher’s child? Drake wanted her to speculate wildly. She wouldn’t let him succeed!

With this realization, Thalia calmed down. She opened her phone and texted Asher:

[Tried ringing earlier but no answer. Hope everything’s alright with your urgent matter. Give me a call tomorrow when you’re free. Off to bed now. Night x]