Chapter Nine
1137 Words
Annabelle slid into the car, her cheeks tingling from Sebastian’s whispered compliment. She glanced at him as he closed the door, wondering how he could be so gentle compared to Derek’s usual cold demeanor.
Derek sat stiffly in his seat, his sunglasses concealing any emotion that might have flickered in his eyes—if anyone could even see them. Annabelle studied him for a moment, wondering if he was still thinking about the way she looked earlier.
The car purred to life as Sebastian climbed into the driver’s seat. He adjusted the rearview mirror, catching Annabelle’s gaze briefly before focusing on the road ahead.
Silence enveloped them as the car rolled smoothly through the bustling city streets. Annabelle tapped her fingers against the edge of her seat, trying to think of something to say. Anything to cut through the tension.
“So,” she began, her voice uncertain. “What do you think will happen at the gathering?”
Derek didn’t answer right away. He seemed deep in thought, his fingers tapping lightly on his cane. Finally, he said, “You'll see for yourself.”
Annabelle’s lips pressed into a thin line. Of course, that was his answer. No explanation, no small talk. Just short responses.
“Well, there I was thinking at least you can express yourself better, but…Gosh!” she muttered under her breath, her tone laced with sarcasm, as she placed her hands on her chin frustrated.
Derek’s head turned slightly in her direction. “Do you have a problem with that?” he asked, his voice as flat as ever.
Annabelle hesitated, then decided to push back. “Actually, yes. You drag me to some fancy building, have me try on expensive clothes, and then act like we’re running errands. A little context wouldn’t hurt, you know.”
Sebastian stifled a laugh from the driver’s seat, and Derek’s jaw tightened.
“You’re awfully chatty for someone who seemed scared of me not too long ago,” Derek said coolly.
Annabelle’s eyes narrowed. “Maybe because I’m realizing you’re not as scary as you think you are.”
Sebastian let out a small cough, clearly failing to mask his amusement.
Derek turned his head toward the sound. “Sebastian, do you find this entertaining?”
Sebastian straightened in his seat, his expression neutral. “Not at all, sir.”
Annabelle smirked, folding her arms. “Looks like I’m not the only one who thinks you’re a little overdramatic.”
Derek leaned back in his seat, his lips curling into a faint smile. “You’re bold, I’ll give you that.”
Annabelle raised an eyebrow. “Is that a compliment?”
“Don’t get used to it,” Derek replied, his tone dismissive.
The car fell into silence again, but this time, it was less tense. Annabelle stared out the window, watching the city blur past. She couldn’t help but steal glances at Derek, wondering what was going on in his mind.
After a while, she sighed and leaned forward. “Sebastian, how long have you been working for Derek?”
Sebastian glanced at her in the mirror, his expression thoughtful. “About five years now,” he replied.
“And you’re still sane?” she asked, half-joking.
Sebastian chuckled. “It’s not as bad as it looks. Mr. Morano has his moments.”
Derek scoffed. “Don’t encourage her.”
Annabelle grinned, leaning back in her seat. “I’m starting to like you, Sebastian.”
“Well, you’re definitely more talkative than most people he deals with,” Sebastian said, his tone light.
“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Annabelle replied, casting a sidelong glance at Derek.
Derek tilted his head slightly, as if he could feel her gaze. “Why are you staring at me?”
Annabelle blinked, caught off guard. “I’m not staring at you.”
“Yes, you are,” Derek said matter-of-factly.
Annabelle huffed. “You can’t even see me, so how would you know?”
Derek smirked. “I can feel it. You have a habit of holding your breath when you’re trying to study someone. It’s irritating.”
Annabelle’s cheeks flushed. “I do not!”
Sebastian cleared his throat. “You kind of do,” he said quietly.
Annabelle groaned, throwing her head back against the seat. “Great. Now I’m being ganged up on.”
Derek chuckled softly, the sound so rare that it caught Annabelle off guard. For a moment, she stared at him, surprised by how human he sounded when he laughed.
The moment passed quickly as Derek straightened, his usual stoic expression returning. “Focus on the road, Sebastian,” he said firmly.
Sebastian nodded, though the hint of a smile lingered on his lips.
Annabelle shook her head, a small smile tugging at her own lips. She wasn’t sure what to make of Derek, but one thing was becoming clear—there was more to him than the cold, aloof persona he tried so hard to maintain.
The car slowed as they hit a stretch of traffic, and Annabelle took the opportunity to break the silence again. “So, Derek,” she asked him again after he was interrupted earlier, “do you ever miss being able to see?”
Derek’s posture stiffened slightly, but he didn’t respond right away. Finally, he said, “I don’t think about it.”
Annabelle frowned, not satisfied with his answer. “That’s not really an answer.”
Derek turned his head toward her, his expression unreadable behind his sunglasses. “Why do you care?”
“Because I want to understand you,” Annabelle said simply.
Derek’s lips pressed into a thin line. He seemed to consider her words for a moment before finally replying, “It doesn’t matter. What’s gone is gone.”
Annabelle wanted to push further, but the look on his face stopped her. There was a hint of vulnerability there, so fleeting that she almost missed it.
Sebastian glanced at her in the mirror, his expression subtly encouraging.
Annabelle took a deep breath, deciding to change the subject. “Fine. Then tell me something else. What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever done?”
Derek raised an eyebrow. “Ridiculous?”
“Yes. Something completely out of character. I’m curious,” Annabelle said with a teasing smile.
Derek smirked faintly. “I agreed to this marriage,” he said dryly.
Annabelle’s mouth fell open. “Wow. Rude.”
Sebastian chuckled softly, and even Derek’s smirk widened a fraction.
The rest of the drive was filled with light banter and occasional jabs, the tension from earlier gradually fading.
Annabelle was happy, she's getting to crack him, when the car suddenly hit something…or better put a living thing.
"What the heck is that?" Annabelle loudly said her heart beating loudly.
- Writer
