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Novel Catalog
Chapter 44: They Are Close to Each Other
The police handled the situation quickly, bringing the chaos under control in no time. After a brief investigation, with plenty of witnesses and video evidence, Ainsley and Lainey were merely asked to provide statements and negotiate compensation for the damages caused to the club. Once everything was settled, they were free to leave.
As Ainsley and Lainey exited the police station, they spotted Roman’s car waiting by the entrance. The window rolled down, and Roman waved cheerfully. “Ainsley, Lainey! Come on, get in the car!”
Ainsley spotted a familiar face in the backseat—the sharp features of Manuel. She hesitated for a moment, her heart fluttering, but before she could think further, Lainey had already grabbed her arm and was dragging her toward the car.
“Perfect timing!” Lainey grinned. “I was worried about what to do if we couldn’t get a taxi this late!” She hopped into the front passenger seat, leaving Ainsley standing by the car for a second.
Ainsley finally opened the back door, and there he was—Manuel, sitting tall and composed, his long legs encased in a perfectly tailored suit. He looked effortlessly refined, as always, and Ainsley felt her heart race for a moment. The tension from the earlier incident seemed to dissipate in the presence of his calm demeanor.
Roman had cranked up the volume on the car’s stereo, playing upbeat club music, which filled the car with an energetic, carefree vibe. Lainey couldn’t help but shake her head to the rhythm, clearly enjoying the music as the car started moving. The atmosphere lightened, making everyone feel a little more at ease.
Ainsley turned slightly to Manuel, who was sitting next to her, and gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you for calling the police for us tonight, Mr. Gage.”
Manuel’s expression remained stoic, but there was a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “I thought you’d be upset with me for not stepping in sooner.”
Ainsley glanced at him, picking up on the subtle undertone of his words. She knew that Manuel, despite his words of wanting to be friends, was still a man of high status—someone who couldn’t afford to be seen defending an “ordinary” woman in public. With the whole thing recorded and likely circulating online by now, Manuel was probably right to stay in the background.
But Ainsley didn’t resent him for it. She understood the pressures of his position, even if it stung just a little. She gave him a nonchalant nod. “I wasn’t expecting anything from you.”
For a brief moment, Manuel studied her. There was something about her calm, unbothered demeanor that left him feeling somewhat…disappointed. He wasn’t worried about his reputation, but he had hoped to see if she was still the same Ainsley he remembered. The one who would have leaned on him for support. But now, she seemed so independent, so distant from the girl he used to know.
Roman, sensing the slight tension, broke the silence. “So, now that this whole mess is behind us… anyone hungry? I’ve got a grill in the car. How about we grab some ingredients and head to the beach for a BBQ?”
Lainey practically bounced in her seat. “I’m in! Roman’s grilling skills are legendary, and I’m starving!”
Manuel nodded. “Sounds good to me.”
Ainsley, feeling an unexpected pull toward the idea of getting away from the chaos, agreed as well. “Alright, let’s go.”
The summer night air was warm and refreshing, and the sea breeze felt incredibly soothing as they made their way to the beach. It was a perfect evening for a spontaneous BBQ. Roman quickly set up the grill, while Lainey excitedly pulled out a bag of fireworks from the trunk. She took off running along the beach, her laughter filling the air as she lit one of the sparklers and danced around.
Ainsley and Manuel found a quiet spot away from the commotion, sitting on the sand with the waves gently crashing nearby. The sight of Lainey playing with fireworks brought a rare, soft smile to Ainsley’s face. It had been a long time since she’d allowed herself to just relax and enjoy a moment like this.
The sea breeze tugged at her hair, and as a strand blew across her face, she instinctively reached up to tuck it behind her ear. But before her fingers could touch it, a warm hand brushed against her neck, gathering her hair with effortless precision. A rubber band appeared in Manuel’s hand, and he carefully tied her hair back, his touch gentle and deliberate.
Ainsley’s breath caught in her throat. His fingers lingered a moment too long on the back of her neck, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver down her spine. She blushed, feeling an unfamiliar rush of warmth spread across her face.
It was only for a second, but the intimacy of the moment hung between them in the cool night air. For a brief moment, Ainsley wondered if Manuel could feel the tension too, or if it was only her heart racing.
