Chapter 9
The man cried out in pain, raising his hand to cover the spot where he'd been hit. Blood seeped through his fingers.
The homeless men's faces changed instantly. "Who's there? Who dares mess with us?"
Their attention shifted away from me as they looked around frantically. Then they saw a tall figure walking slowly toward me.
"Matthew?" I gasped in surprise.
Matthew calmly loosened his tie. His powerful presence created an overwhelming sense of pressure even before he reached us.
These homeless men only dared to bully weak women like me. The moment they encountered someone stronger, they instantly tucked their tails between their legs and started trembling.
"Who are you? I'd advise you to mind your own business," the leader said. His voice seemed loud, but if you listened carefully, you could hear it shaking.
"What if I insist on getting involved?"
As he spoke, Matthew reached us, his eyes cold as he looked down at the men surrounding me.
When he saw one man's dirty hand still resting on my shoulder, his expression suddenly turned icy, scaring the man into quickly pulling his hand back.
"Oh no, this woman's man is here. We'd better get out of here."
The homeless men exchanged glances. Their bodies started backing away bit by bit, but their pride wouldn't let them just run away.
It wasn't until Matthew unbuttoned his cuffs and rolled up his sleeves, looking ready to fight, that the homeless men realized things were bad and turned to run without looking back.
"Are you okay?" Matthew frowned, his deep, unfathomable eyes quietly watching me, stirring up feelings in my heart I couldn't quite name.
Gratitude, embarrassment, and awkwardness all mixed together.
"Thank you. What brings you here?"
"Get in the car first. I'll take you to an apartment I own."
I wanted to maintain my last shred of dignity and not let Matthew see how bad things had gotten for me.
But he didn't give me a chance to speak. He simply reached over, took my suitcase, and made a polite gesture inviting me to go ahead.
I pressed my lips together and gave in, suddenly realizing how childish I was being.
Late at night, alone with my suitcase in the park—anyone could see I had nowhere to go. What was the point of hiding it?
I had to say, Matthew was really a decent person who knew how to respect my feelings.
The whole way, he didn't ask about how I'd been these past few days or awkwardly search for topics to fill the silence. Instead, he played some smooth blues music that went perfectly with the scenery passing by the window, helping me relax.
I really liked this atmosphere—even without saying a word, it didn't feel awkward.
Matthew drove to Emerald Crest Residences, right across from the commercial center in the most expensive part of town. He handed me the keys and access card.
"It's Building 8, Unit 701. One apartment per floor. Everything you need is already there. If you need anything else, just let me know and I'll have it brought over."
He paused, as if worried I might misunderstand, then added, "A lot of the Brown Group employees live in this complex, so I won't walk you up—don't want them to see us and get the wrong idea."
"Okay."
That was what I wanted too.
After all, after what happened that night, whenever I saw Matthew now, I thought of those passionate scenes. I really didn't dare be alone with him in a room again.
I opened the car door and got out. Matthew followed, helping me get my suitcase from the trunk.
"Layla, if you don't mind, a friend of mine runs a clothing company and needs designers. I've seen your work from school—it's all very creative. I'd like to recommend you for a job at his company."
I was stunned, then asked excitedly, "Are you sure I can work at his company?"
"Yes, he's seen your work too and was very impressed. If possible, he'd like you to start as soon as you can."
"Really?"
"Yes."
"Thank you, thank you so much!"
Who could understand this joy of finally seeing light after darkness?
Especially for someone like me, who had completely given up hope and was ready to wash dishes and end up on the streets.
In my excitement, I instinctively opened my arms and hugged Matthew. "Thank you, really thank you so much. Without you, I don't know what I would have done. These past few days, I've actually..."
"I know." Matthew gently patted my back and ruffled my hair like he was petting a dog. "It's getting late. Go get some rest. I'll pick you up tomorrow to start the job."
"Okay, thank you so much. Matthew, after I start work tomorrow, can I take you to dinner to say thank you?"
"Sure." Matthew smiled faintly, waved at me, and drove away.
Still excited about this turn of fortune, I used the keys and access card Matthew gave me to find the apartment.
Looking at the clean, tidy layout inside, with fresh, fragrant lilies on the table, I suddenly understood.
Matthew must have known about William's harassment these past few days and my situation, and specially prepared this place for me to live.
As for that job, he probably arranged it specifically for me too.
I was grateful, but at the same time, my feelings toward Matthew became even more complicated and unclear.
The next morning, I discovered by chance that the closet had several high-end outfits with the tags still on.
All my clothes were casual or comfortable athletic wear.
But the ones Matthew had chosen were more fashion-forward professional suits. After hesitating a moment, I pulled out one of the suits from the closet.
I put on light makeup, changed into the outfit, and stared at the professional woman in the mirror, showing a confident smile.
This was what I'd always wanted to be!
If I hadn't married William, I'd definitely be a well-known designer by now.
Fortunately, I'd realized this in time—there was still time to fix things!
"You can do this, Layla! It's not too late! Now, you're just you!" I gave myself an encouraging gesture, grabbed my bag, and quickly went downstairs to meet Matthew.
As soon as I got in the car, I found a warm sandwich and cappuccino in my lap.
"The housekeeper made an extra portion this morning. I thought you probably hadn't eaten, so I brought it for you." Matthew kept his eyes on the road, focused on driving.
But I knew this was his special way of taking care of me, and it made my heart feel warm.
"Thank you."
"Didn't you say you wanted to take me to dinner to thank me? Don't tell me you think just saying thanks will get you out of it?"
"Are you free tonight then?"
"When you're buying me dinner, I'm always free."
We smiled at each other, the earlier awkwardness gone.
Matthew took me to his friend's design company, and that's when I learned that the company he mentioned was actually Urban Muse—the third-ranked fashion company in Emerald City!