Chapter 21 The Bold Stranger
Chapter 21 The Bold Stranger
Seraphina’s POV
When Steven tries to ask how Damien and I first met, I almost tell him the truth, but the conversation is suddenly interrupted by a call from Dr. James… the same name I saw in the email notification on Steven’s laptop earlier.
Steven answers the call and listens quietly. I can’t hear what the man is saying, but from Steven’s expression, something is clearly wrong. He doesn’t say anything afterward. He just turns the car around and drives us back to the house.
As soon as we get in, he goes straight upstairs. A few minutes later, I hear him and Michael arguing loudly. I stand frozen in the living room, not knowing what to do. The argument ends abruptly when Michael storms out, shooting me a cold glare before slamming the door behind him.
For a moment, I want to go after Steven, but I decide not to interfere.
Later in the afternoon, Steven comes to my room and tells me that Damien’s line still isn’t going through. All access to him seems… blocked.
I’m not worried in that moment, so I ask him if everything is okay between him and Michael. He gives a small huff.
“It’s just a misunderstanding,” he says, but his eyes tell a different story.
“Who is Dr. James?” I ask before I can stop myself.
His expression shifts… uneasy, almost guilty.
“I… I think I need to go prepare lunch. Just stay here. I’ll be back,” he says quickly and walks out.
I sit on the bed wondering.
Is Dr. James coming between them?
Later that evening during dinner, Steven is restless. Michael still hasn’t returned. He keeps checking his watch, tapping his fingers, sighing softly.
When his phone rings, he stands up quickly. I’m sure it’s Dr. James. He goes upstairs while saying, “You don’t know what you’ve caused, James… you ruined my relationship!”
My suspicion is right.
Their relationship is falling apart.
But I have my own storm too.
Why is Damien unreachable? When is he coming back to Madrid? I miss him so much.
I decide I need a phone… something of my own. Something to reach him with.
…
The next morning, after breakfast, I take a cab to a phone store not far from the house. Steven is too distracted with worry to notice.
I pick a phone, the same type I used to see with Damien. I hand over Damien’s debit card… but the cashier shakes her head.
“Access denied. The card is blocked.”
“Blocked?” My voice cracks.
“Seems so,” she replies. “There’s no access to the account.”
Why would Damien give me a blocked card? Or did someone else block it?
I stand there helpless.
Just then, someone places a gentle hand on my shoulder from behind.
Before I can turn, a man steps forward and pays for the phone… effortlessly. He hands it to me.
I stare at him, stunned.
“I am Charles,” he says, extending his hand.
“Se… Seraphina,” I manage.
He buys me a SIM card too and walks me outside.
“So, where are you from?” he asks. “You don’t seem like you’re from here.”
He’s not wrong. And after all he’s done… telling him won’t hurt.
“I am from New York City,” I say, avoiding the story of Mexico.
“New York? Nice,” he nods.
“Yeah… and I’m staying not far from the crossover bridge.” I point.
“Then let me drop you off,” he offers.
I agree.
He drives me back to Steven’s house, then leaves with a simple goodbye. Something about him feels bold. Direct. He doesn’t smile much, and he moves like someone who knows every corner of the city.
When I step inside, Steven asks who he is. I explain everything. Steven scolds me gently for accepting gifts from strangers, but I don’t care.
I set up the phone and try calling Damien.
No response.
The next day, I try again.
And again.
And again.
Days pass. Silence.
Until one afternoon, Steven enters my room holding his phone.
His expression is tense, like he’s bringing bad news. But instead, he hands me the phone.
“It’s Damien,” he says quietly.
Damien.
My heart almost escapes my chest.
I place the phone to my ear. “Hello?”
His voice comes fast, breathless, urgent:
“Seraphina, you need to leave that house. Now.”
I freeze.
Leave?
“Sir?” I whisper, confused, looking at Steven, who watches me with troubled eyes.
“Get out of that house. Go back to the hotel. My mom has your location. She’s sending people to take you. Run, Seraphina. Run!”
The call ends.
My heartbeat crashes inside my chest.
I return Steven’s phone and rush to gather my things. Steven helps me carry them outside and flags a cab. He hands the driver money and tells him to take me to Phoenix
Hotels.
But before I can step in, two black SUVs pull up and block the road.
Men step out… armed.
And one of them is Charles.