Free Web NovelChapter 82: Chapter 82: I Want to Stay Right by Your Side
"Willow Quincy?" Hearing the name, Evan Yates was instantly alarmed. "He’s not going to try and run Preston over again, is he?"
Sonia Quincy shook her head, her face pale and brimming with anxiety. "I don’t know, but my gut tells me he’ll be even more ruthless this time."
"Fuck!"
Evan Yates couldn’t stop the curse from escaping, slamming his right fist onto the table. "What the hell does that Willow Quincy want? Sonia already cut ties with the Quincy Family, and we’ve been minding our own damn business, not provoking him at all. Why does he have to push us into a corner?"
Sonia took a deep breath. "He’s always been goading me to leave Felix. Maybe the person he really wants to destroy is me. He can’t stand to see me living in peace, so he’s trying every trick in the book to drive away everyone important to me."
"He just wants to see me all alone and helpless! He wants me to have nowhere left to turn, so I have to get on my knees and beg him!"
"Sonia." Felix Preston caressed her cheek, then wrapped an arm around her and guided her to his chair, having her sit down.
"The only one at fault here is Willow Quincy. It has nothing to do with you, and it has nothing to do with me. Don’t feel guilty, and don’t take all the blame on yourself."
"It’s okay. Don’t let your mind run wild."
"But he wants to hurt you!" Sonia’s eyes reddened, and a film of tears veiled her bright, dark eyes.
"He’s a maniac! I can’t figure him out at all. I have no idea what he’s really trying to do!"
"Sonia, don’t worry." Felix Preston cupped Sonia’s face. His own brows were clearly furrowed, but he forced a relaxed, optimistic expression to soothe her.
"Since you’ve already discovered he’s up to no good, we just have to figure out a way to deal with it."
"Sonia." Evan Yates ran a hand through his hair in frustration, turning his styled cut into a tangled mess.
"Back when I was running with a rough crowd, I got to know a group of guys on the wrong side of the law. I haven’t touched that life in years, but I’ve kept in touch. If Willow Quincy really tries to pull something on Preston, I can call them for help! I guarantee Willow Quincy won’t be able to touch a single hair on his head!"
"Really?" Sonia saw a glimmer of hope, and her dull, listless eyes instantly lit up.
Evan Yates nodded firmly. "For real. I actually had dinner with them a couple of weeks ago because of what happened with Preston getting hit. They might not have the best reputation, but they’re incredibly loyal. As long as I ask, they will absolutely protect Preston."
"Felix Preston." Sonia grabbed his hand, her gaze urgent. "Please, listen to Evan, okay? Let his friends protect you."
"Okay." Felix Preston agreed easily. "I’ll have them protect me. Don’t be afraid."
"But I am afraid." Sonia bit her lip. "Starting today, I’m staying with you every second of every day! I won’t leave your side, not for a moment. I absolutely refuse to give Willow Quincy a single opportunity to hurt you!"
Felix Preston: "But..."
"No ’buts’!" Sonia interrupted him fiercely. "I’m begging you. Just let me stay with you, okay?"
"..." Felix Preston said nothing.
Sonia tried, a little awkwardly, to be endearing. "Pleeease? Don’t say no."
"..." Felix Preston’s breath caught in his throat. Her words completely stripped him of any courage to refuse.
Sonia had never been this imploring with him before. Seeing this side of her for the first time, he felt his entire heart was about to melt. He was utterly powerless against it.
"Okay, I won’t say no. From now on, I’ll take you with me wherever I go." He stroked Sonia’s head, giving in without the slightest hesitation.
Sonia finally relaxed, the distress on her face replaced by a sweet, happy smile.
"What about your work, then?" Felix Preston gently pinched her cheek. "Will it be convenient for you to reply to clients from the studio?"
"Of course." Sonia pulled a laptop from her bag. "I’ve already thought it all out. I’ll work in that small room in the back. That way I can keep an eye on you and earn money at the same time!"
Taking the hint, Evan immediately went to get the room ready.
"Sonia, I’ll set up a workstation for you!"
Sonia: "Thanks! I’ll bring you some tasty treats tomorrow!"
Evan: "Deal!"
And just like that, Sonia had her own office inside Felix Preston’s studio.
Both Felix and Evan knew how to respect boundaries; they would never disturb her while she was working. Because of this, she wasn’t worried about her online identity being exposed and could focus on her illustration work in the office in peace.
Before Felix finished work for the day, the Whisperwind necklace was officially complete.
Sonia had taught herself some simple editing techniques. She cleverly combined the game character "Whisperwind" with the necklace she designed, creating a short video. She added a currently trending song, included the relevant hashtags, and hit publish!
After posting, she immediately closed the app without a second thought.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK—
"Sonia?"
Felix knocked on the door, calling her name softly from the other side.
She put away her tablet and called out cheerfully, "Yeah, what’s up?"
Felix: "Time to go home. Are you done with your work?"
Sonia grabbed her bag, stood up, and pulled the door open. "All done. Let’s go home."
Felix caressed her cheek, a gentle smile in his eyes. "Okay. Let me just shut down my computer."
Sonia nodded. "Mm-hm!"
There wasn’t much work at the studio today, so for a change, Felix got to leave early. He held Sonia’s hand as they walked out of the building, asking softly, "What do you want for dinner tonight? I’ll cook."
"You’ll cook?" Sonia was a bit surprised. "I thought you didn’t know how?"
Felix smiled. "If I don’t know, I can learn. The pork and vegetable congee this morning was something I learned on the fly. It might not have looked very appetizing, but at least it tasted decent."
"No need to learn today!" Evan caught up from behind, throwing an arm over Felix’s shoulder. "Preston, you and Sonia do me a favor, and I’ll take care of dinner for you!"
Sonia tilted her head to look at him. "What kind of favor?"
Evan: "My mom set me up on a blind date and insisted I have dinner with them tonight, no matter what. I’ve never been on one before, and I’m really nervous, so I was hoping you guys could come along as backup and help me vet them."
"Sure," Felix agreed immediately. "Where’s the restaurant? Is it far?"
"Not far." Evan took out his car keys, walking to a black Mercedes and opening the door. "The reservation’s already made. The table will be ready for you and Sonia when you get there."
"Alright." Sonia was more than happy to have a relaxing evening without cooking.
Two Mercedes cars drove out of the complex one after the other, merging onto the main road and heading straight for the city center.
Sonia connected her phone to the car’s Bluetooth and played a playlist of her new favorite songs for Felix.
A smile played on Felix’s lips, and it didn’t leave his face for the entire drive.
"Felix."
As they were turning at an intersection, Sonia suddenly grabbed Felix’s arm.
Felix glanced at her. "What’s wrong?"
Sonia’s expression was grim, her voice chilling. "There’s a gray car following us."
