Quiet road

Chapter 26

Bruno’s POV

“I still can’t believe Grandfather said that in front of Herrick,” Jeffery said suddenly as he drove.

I leaned back slightly in my seat, staring ahead at the road. I had already told him everything that happened earlier at Grandfather’s villa, but even now, it still didn’t sit well with me.

“I’m just as surprised as you are,” I replied calmly. “At the very least, he shouldn’t have said something like that in Herrick’s presence.”

Jeffery shook his head, clearly bothered.

“That only makes Herrick hate you more,” he said. “As if he didn’t already.”

I let out a quiet breath. “He probably will. But honestly, I don’t care. It’s not like I asked Grandfather to say all of that.”

Jeffery sighed loudly, his fingers tapping lightly against the steering wheel.

“So… you’re really not willing to take over the company?” he asked, glancing at me briefly before returning his focus to the road.

“I’m not,” I answered without hesitation. “And you already know the reason.”

“Your health,” he said immediately. “I know. But you’re stable now, Bruno. Nothing is going to happen to you.”

I turned my head slightly to look out the window.

“I’m stable for now,” I said. “And that’s only because of the medications I’m taking.”

There was a short silence after that.

“But your condition doesn’t make you less capable,” Jeffery added, still trying to convince me. “You’re more than competent.”

“I know that,” I replied. “But I still can’t take over. At least… not right now.”

Jeffery nodded slowly.

“Alright,” he said after a moment. “Whatever you decide, I’m always here to support you.”

I looked at him and gave a small smile. “I know.”

The atmosphere in the car relaxed a little after that.

Jeffery was about to make a turn when the car headlights suddenly fell on someone standing in the distance.

The figure looked unsteady.

At first, I didn’t pay much attention, but something about the person felt familiar.

As we got closer, my eyes narrowed slightly.

Wait…

“Is that… Martina?” Jeffery asked, noticing her too.

My heart skipped.

“Stop the car,” I said quickly. “It’s her.”

Jeffery didn’t hesitate. He slowed down and brought the car to a stop.

Before the car fully settled, I had already opened the door and stepped out, moving quickly toward her.

What was she doing here alone at this hour?

As I got closer, I noticed the way she staggered slightly.

She was about to fall.

I increased my pace and reached her just in time, catching her from behind before she hit the ground.

A strong smell of alcohol hit me immediately.

She had been drinking.

A lot.

She steadied herself for a moment before pulling away from my hold and turning to look at me. Her eyes were half-open, unfocused.

The moment she realized it was me, her expression changed.

Her face tightened with annoyance.

“Martina, are you okay?” I asked, my voice filled with concern.

My heart was beating faster than usual.

I didn’t expect her to smile or be friendly, but I at least thought she would respond.

Instead, she hissed softly and turned to leave.

I quickly moved ahead of her and blocked her path.

“Where are you going?” I asked. “This place isn’t safe for you.”

“It’s none of your business, Bruno,” she said sharply. “Stay away from me.”

She tried to walk past me again.

I watched her closely.

She was clearly not in the right state. She could barely walk straight.

I couldn’t leave her like this.

Not again.

I caught up with her once more.

“I know you hate me,” I said, trying to keep my voice calm. “But please… just let me take you home.”

“No,” she snapped immediately. “I can take care of myself.”

“But you’re drunk,” I pointed out.

“I’m not drunk,” she said, frowning.

Almost immediately after saying that, she stumbled again.

I reached out instinctively but stopped myself at the last second, watching her try to regain her balance.

“You really need to come with me,” I said more firmly this time. “I’ll take you home. Please.”

“I…” she started.

But before she could finish her sentence, her body suddenly went weak.

She fell forward.

I reacted quickly and caught her in my arms before she could hit the ground.

Her head rested against my chest.

She had passed out.

Just like that.

I stared at her for a second, my grip tightening slightly as I held her.

Why does she always push herself this far?

Without wasting any more time, I lifted her up carefully and carried her back to the car.

Jeffery had already opened the back door for me.

I placed her gently on the back seat, making sure she was comfortable before sitting beside her and closing the door.

“What happened to her?” Jeffery asked, turning slightly to look at us.

“She’s drunk,” I replied simply.

“Oh,” he said, nodding.

I looked down at her.

She looked peaceful now, completely different from the angry and defensive person she had been just moments ago.

A small frown formed on my face.

“I don’t even know where she lives,” I said.

Jeffery thought for a moment.

“I think I can get her address,” he said.

I looked up. “How?”

“From her CV,” he replied. “Remember, she submitted one at the company for the janitor job.”

That made sense.

“Alright,” I said. “Good.”

Jeffery took out his phone while I stayed quiet, my attention returning to Martina.

A few minutes passed as he searched.

“Got it,” he said finally. “I’ve found her address.”

“Okay,” I replied. “Let’s go.”

He started the car again and drove off.

I remained seated beside her, watching her quietly.

Her breathing was steady.

Strands of her hair fell across her face, and without thinking, I reached out and moved them aside gently.

She didn’t react.

Of course she wouldn’t.

She was completely unconscious.

I leaned back slightly, my eyes still on her.

Even after everything that had happened between us… I still couldn’t ignore her.

No matter how hard I tried.

Maybe Jeffery was right.

Maybe I wasn’t as unaffected as I claimed to be. 

Maybe I've really been yearning for her all these years that we've been apart.

The car continued moving through the quiet road as we headed toward her place.

And for the first time that night, everything went silent.