Chapter 5
The beginning of the year was usually the busiest time for the firm. Many listed companies had their annual audits during this time. Ines had been working overtime almost every day. A week had passed, and before she knew it, she hadn’t received any calls from Ethan that morning.
When she finished her work, it was almost 10 o’clock. Her colleagues were packing up to leave.
“Ines, are you going home?”
“Wait a sec. I’m almost done.” Ines shut down her computer and joined Martha in the elevator.
“By the way, weren’t you looking for a house the other day? I have a relative who works in a real estate company, and they’re having a promotion right now. He has a few properties that can be sold for an internal price. They’re in the city center, close to the subway, and they’re not expensive. If you’re interested, I can give him a heads up to save you a good one.”
Ines smiled, “Thanks, Martha, but my aunt doesn’t want me to live alone, so I’ll buy a house later.”
“No worries, it’s unsafe for a lady to live alone. Let me know when you need it, and I’ll help you inquire. We’ve been colleagues for years, so don’t feel shy.”
“Alright.”
Ines almost missed the last bus. She got off the bus and headed straight for the alley. She had taken a few steps when she felt someone following her. She felt nervous and quickened her pace.
The footsteps behind her didn’t stop. They got closer. Ines quietly reached into her bag.
Her shoulder was tapped, and Ines swung out her folding baton. She sprayed pepper spray at the same time.
Ines, stop.
”
The voice made Ines freeze; it was familiar yet strange. She turned on the baton flashlight and followed the light, only to see a handsome face. The man looking at her was her newlywed husband. He stood there with a solemn expression.
“What are you doing here? Instead of staying at home, you’re out here scaring people in the middle of the night.” Ines was a bit angry, putting down her baton, her fingers still tense, obviously not recovered from the nervousness just now.
Ethan looked at her with a wry smile. He was impressed by her fighting ability. However, he felt a sudden pity for her. He only needed a week to understand her past.
Ethan stayed silent and took the bag from her hand. Inside, there were all kinds of self–defense accessories.
He picked up a round keychain–like object with a button on it. Before he pressed it, Ines grabbed his wrist and shook her head gently. “Don’t press this. You’ll disturb the neighbors.”
Ethan ignored her and pressed it anyway. A piercing alarm rang.
“Why are you so stubborn? I told you not to press it.” Ines snatched her bag angrily and walked away.
Ethan felt his emotions change as he watched her walk away stubbornly. A sharp but also soft feeling. He couldn’t tell what the feeling was, but it felt very uncomfortable.
