[BL] Dear Hushand, I want divorce-Chapter 31: He still cares for me

Elijah’s pov ;

Once inside the car, Ryder didn’t ask any questions, for which I was grateful. He simply nodded and focused on the road without needing any explanation.

I looked down at Ash, who had finally drifted off to sleep in my arms. His face, though still marked by tears and distress, looked softer in sleep. His dark lashes rested delicately on his cheeks, and his parted lips allowed soft, uneven breaths to escape.

"Take us to your place," I said quietly to Ryder.

Ryder glanced in the rearview mirror and nodded without a word. The silence in the car was heavy, broken only by the hum of the engine and Ash’s quiet breathing.

And I don’t even remember when my fingers began to gently stroke his hair.

As we drove through the city, my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. The image of Ash, terrified and huddled in that closet, kept replaying in my mind. He looked traumatised beyond recognition.

I glanced at Ryder, who remained focused on the road, his usual playful demeanour was replaced with a rare seriousness. Despite our differences, I knew I could count on him in moments like these.

My gaze returned to Ash, who had curled into me even more. The trust and comfort he was seeking from me made me feel strangely weird.

I know it’s his fault for asking about my parents but I also shouldn’t have left him there.

What if the girl wasn’t able to get him in time and those guys did something to him?

This is fucking killing me.

As if sensing my gaze, he stirred and slowly opened his eyes. I froze, suddenly feeling anxious.

His honey-brown eyes were unfocused and hazy with sleep, but when they settled on me, there was a flash of recognition. He blinked a few times as if trying to clear his head.

I didn’t dare move, afraid that any sudden movement would scare him. My eyes stayed on him firmly, searching his face for any sign of distress.

But soon he closed his eyes again and went back to sleep. When I felt his soft breaths going steady I let out the breath I didn’t know I was holding.

When we finally pulled up to Ryder’s apartment. "We’re here," he announced.

Ryder parked the car and got out, opening the door for us. I carefully manoeuvred out of the car, with Ash in my arms, and followed Ryder into his apartment building.

Once inside Ryder’s apartment, I looked around at the opulent decor. Ryder’s place screamed luxury—marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and a panoramic view of the city. It was no surprise, considering Ryder was a rich, spoiled brat.

Born with a silver spoon in his mouth, he never had to worry about money. His parents, major shareholders in several multinational companies, ensured he wanted for nothing. Although despite their wealth, Ryder didn’t live with them. He found their constant scrutiny suffocating and preferred his own space, where he could be free from their expectations.

Ryder had always been a reckless person. He doesn’t like to be stressed. His carefree attitude and penchant for lavish parties made him seem foolish to those who didn’t know him well. But beneath that frivolous exterior was a heart of gold. He’s kind, fiercely loyal, and someone I could always count on.

I remembered a time in college when I was going through a tough period. My parents had just passed away, and I was struggling to keep up with my responsibilities. Ryder, despite his own busy life, made it a point to be there for me. He would drag me out for late-night drives, force me to eat when I didn’t feel like it, and listen to me rant for hours. He might have looked irrational to others, but to me, he was a true friend.

"The guest room is this way."

He led me down the hall and pushed open a set of double doors. The room was tastefully decorated, with a large bed, plush furniture, and a view of the city.

"Here, let me help," he said, pulling down the covers so that I could lay Ash down.

As gently as I could, I placed him on the bed, making sure the blanket was wrapped tightly around him.

His breathing was delicate and stable, his features relaxed in sleep. And when I stepped away from him, I didn’t understand the sick feeling in my chest to leave him alone even in this room.

Ryder cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "So, do you want to tell me what happened?"

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "It’s a long story."

He raised an eyebrow. "Well, it’s a good thing we have all night, then."

I narrowed my eyes on him. "Let’s go outside first."

I didn’t want Ash to wake up and overhear our conversation.

We stepped into the living room, and Ryder plopped down on the couch, crossing his legs and giving me a look that said ’Go ahead, I’m listening.’

I sat down on the chair opposite him, my hands clasped in front of me. And told him everything.

Ryder is already aware of our relationship from the start. He’s been my friend for as long as I could remember and it’s particularly impossible to hide anything from him.

He whistled slowly when I finished. "Wow. That’s quite the story."

"That’s why I’m dying to get my hands on those bastards," I said, rubbing my temples.

"So, what are you going to do now?" Ryder asked, his eyes serious.

I suddenly looked at him with a plan. "Ryder, I need you to get the CCTV footage from that motel. I want to know who those four men were," I instructed firmly.

He nodded in understanding. "Got it. Give me a day, tops. Do you also want them to be delivered fine, or should I arrange for them to be missing a few body parts?"

I glanced at him, my expression dark. "I’ll take care of them personally."

Ryder smirked, an evil glint in his eye. "Alright."

"I need a set of clothes now. I’m staying over as well. I’ll change him," I announced without thinking much.

Ryder’s mouth fell open in shock. "You? Changing clothes for someone else? Elijah, are you feeling alright?" He clapped his hands dramatically. "This is a first. I’m impressed."

I glared at him, feeling the familiar annoyance rise towards him. He should use this talent on his enemies, they’ll die on their own.

"Get me the clothes, Ryder."

He shook his head, still grinning. "Alright, alright. I’ll get you some clothes. But seriously, Elijah, this is new. What about you? Are you not going to change? Should I also get you another set?"

"No, the one I’m asking is for me and not for Ash. He would be wearing my clothes. Don’t even think that I’ll let him wear your clothes," I shook my head at his stupidity.

Ryder handed me the clothes, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Possessive much, huh? Didn’t know you had it in you. You don’t show it but you’re head over heels for him."

I laughed at his ignorance. He’s just delusional. "I’m just helping him because I’m responsible for him. He got into this mess because of me. Nothing more," I stated firmly, though even as I said it, I could feel the weight of my words.

Do I really believe them myself?

"You keep telling yourself that. But I see how you look at him. It’s not just responsibility. You care."

I took the clothes from him, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. "I’m going to change him now."

Ryder chuckled, clearly not buying my explanation. "Yeah, yeah. Go play the hero. But don’t forget, heroes fall hard."

As I walked away, I could hear his laughter following me down the hallway.

____________________

Ash’s pov ;

I woke up slowly, every muscle in my body protesting with sharp jolts of pain. Wincing, I tried to sit up, my eyes scanning the unfamiliar room.

The scent hit me first—Elijah’s cologne, warm and comforting. It was then that I noticed him, asleep on the couch, his usually stern face relaxed in slumber.

I looked down and was shocked to discover that I was wearing Elijah’s clothes. The faint smell of him was enveloping me. It was strangely comforting but also confusing.

I laid back and stared into space as my mind drifted to that hotel.

After Elijah left me on the road, I was really scared of the dark. I walked for hours but couldn’t find my way. I came across a hotel and booked a room there without thinking about what kind of place it was.

But as I made my way to the room, someone pulled me into a strange room. Fright flooded me as those men tried to assault me. I fought them with everything I had. Somehow, I broke free and hid in the closet with my heart pounding in my chest.

Everything after that is hazy. But the reason I was paralysed in trepidation and fear clouded my thoughts, because that incident reminded me of a similar incident from my past.

The fear, the helplessness, it’s all too familiar and too real. I don’t ever want to remember something similar again.

I wanted to completely forget it and cut all ties to my horrifying past. That dreadful night, that room, and that car accident I found myself in...

I wish I could remove that part from my life.

But then, in the darkness of the closet, another image appears—Elijah’s face. Worried, concerned, genuinely distressed. Those eyes pull me back from the edge, pushing the past memories away.

And in that moment I understood one thing.

Elijah cares for me. I can see it in his eyes.

Then why? Why does he hate me so much?

Or more accurately, why is he forcing himself to hate me? What have I done to deserve such animosity?

I looked at his sleeping face and wondered what had driven him to this point.

And why, despite everything, he still cares enough to be here for me.