Chapter 05 – Taking Control

Blake stepped away and pulled out his phone.

His first call went to his assistant. “Come to Muskat Street,” he said, tone clipped. “Immediately.”

Next came the tow trucks. Fifteen minutes. Both vehicles to his mechanic’s garage. Done.

The police were quick — no injuries, no property damage. Blake’s voice was steady, decisive. “Driver swerved to avoid a pedestrian.” That was the version that would stand.

Finally, a call to his mechanic: two cars arriving, urgent priority.

Lily sat quietly on the bench, her eyes half-closed, but her ears caught every word. His tone never wavered — calm, steady, commanding. He explained things so clearly, so naturally, it almost sounded routine. Like he solved problems like this every day.

And when he told the police she wasn’t at fault, that she had swerved to avoid a pedestrian, something in her chest ached. He hadn’t even hesitated to protect her.

Moments later, a sleek figure strode up. Blake’s assistant — navy suit, crisp lines, expression brisk.

“Sir, how can I help?” he asked.

Blake shook his head once. “Just handle the paperwork.”

The assistant nodded, already making notes and collecting both sets of keys from him. Efficient. Professional. But it was clear who held the real command.

As his assistant walked away, Blake turned back to Lily.

“You need a break,” he said, his voice leaving no room for argument. “There’s a café around the corner. Quiet. Private. You’ll sit, breathe, and have a tea before heading home.”

The thought of returning to her apartment made her chest tighten. A tea — somewhere away from the twisted metal and the judgmental looks of strangers — sounded like relief.

“Sure,” she whispered, nodding. “That would be nice.”

Blake gave a single nod, gesturing for her to stand. “Rizadachi Café. Just around the corner.”

She managed a small, tired smile as she rose to walk beside him. For the first time since the crash, she felt the faintest thread of calm — because he was there, steady beside her.