I CAN HANDLE

Next Morning…

Elara and Alex lay wrapped in the warmth of their blankets. The morning sun streamed through the curtains, casting a golden glow on Alex’s face. Elara stirred first, her eyes landing on him. He looked peaceful, his chest rising and falling in steady breaths. A soft smile played on her lips as she gently shielded his face from the sunlight with her hand. She watched him for a few moments, memorizing the way he looked—so calm, so perfect.

After a while, she carefully slipped out of bed, wrapped a towel around herself, and headed for the shower. The warm water refreshed her, washing away the drowsiness of the night. By the time she returned, Alex was awake. His messy hair and lazy smile made him look even more handsome.

“Good morning, baby,” he murmured, pulling her into his arms from behind.

Elara chuckled, turning to face him. “A very good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?”

Alex smirked. “Of course. After last night’s hard work, how could I not?”

Elara blushed and playfully hit his chest. “Come on, don’t keep teasing me all day! You have better things to do. Now get ready for work while I make breakfast.”

Alex loosened his grip and raised his hands in surrender. “Alright, alright! As madam orders. What’s for breakfast?”

Elara tapped her chin, thinking. “Hmm… Maybe pasta or sandwiches. Do you want something specific?”

Alex shook his head. “No, whatever you make is fine by me.”

“Good. Now go take a shower,” Elara ordered, pushing him toward the bathroom.

Alex chuckled and obeyed.

The morning passed peacefully. They shared breakfast, exchanging smiles and little moments of affection before Alex left for work.

Evening…

Elara sent Alex a quick text: Leaving early. Will be late home. Don’t wait up.

Alex replied almost instantly: Why? Is everything okay?

She didn’t respond she headed Inside City Hospital’s VIP Room…

Elara and Sophia stood near the hospital bed, watching as Tessa prepared for discharge. She looked much better than before, though traces of exhaustion still lingered on her face.

"Take care of yourself, Tessa," Elara said gently as she handed her a bag with some essentials.

"I will," Tessa assured her. "And thank you—for everything."

Elara simply nodded before escorting her to her apartment. Once Tessa was settled, Elara and Sophia got back into the car.

The night air was cool as they drove, the city lights flickering in the distance. Soon, they reached a deserted road near a hotel. The car rolled to a stop.

Sophia turned to Elara. “Ma’am, that man is inside the hotel. We have to get him out. If we attack inside, it’ll cause a big scene.”

Elara stared at the hotel entrance, her expression unreadable. “What’s the plan?”

Sophia glanced at her phone. “Some of our guys are working on luring him out. It might take some time.”

Elara’s jaw tightened. “I don’t have that kind of patience. I’ll handle this myself.”

Sophia’s eyes widened. “What do you mean? What are you going to do?”

Elara exhaled sharply. “I don’t know yet. I’ll go with the flow. First, let me go inside.”

“No,” Sophia objected firmly. “You can’t just walk in. This isn’t like last time. We don’t have the advantage here. If you go in alone—”

Elara cut her off. “I can handle myself.”

Sophia shook her head. “This man isn’t just some low-level criminal. He’s dangerous. And you—”

“I’ve faced worse,” Elara interrupted. Her tone was calm but firm.

Sophia sighed. “At least let me come with you.”

“No,” Elara said. “I need you out here in case something goes wrong.”

Sophia hesitated but nodded reluctantly. “Fine. But if you’re not out in fifteen minutes, I’m coming in.”

Elara smirked. “Deal.”

Without another word, she stepped out of the car, straightened her coat, and walked toward the hotel entrance.