Bryan's POV
I chose to spend my weekend at the bar.
Not because I wanted to or not because business is booming and so I could afford to leave. No.
Just because I didn't want to be anywhere other than this. Not in the company's boardroom, not
engrossed in different files.
I had told Jane I would take the weekends off, so she would help me around the office. My
assistant could handle the usual calls. I just needed space to get my head clear.
Especially after what the therapist had said.
The talk about the surgery.
Her words still echoed in my head, like a very clear warning and I hated the way it made me
feel. I Hated how it took over every thought in my head. The therapist had earlier said the
sessions might only slow things down not stop it. And eventually, surgery could become
unavoidable. But I didn't think it would be this…..close
I ran a hand through my hair and exhaled loudly, watching the drink twirl in the glass I hadn't
started drinking yet.
The idea of doctors, opening me up and tweaking one part of me, didn't sit well with me.
Although I had been told surgery was 'promising'. But that word still didn't sit well with me. Not
when everything I had worked for up till this point hung in the balance.
What if it isn't successful? What if I lose everything? What if I woke up and didn't remember
anything at all? What If I forgot her?
Fear gripped me tightly.
I wasn't ready for any of that. I didn't want to risk anything at all.
I took a look around the bar. It was quiet, except for some few regulars sitting silently, drowning
themselves away. Low music filled the background.
This was my safe space
As I wiped clean a row of freshly brought washed glasses, behind the counter. Something
changed in the bar.
The quiet. The silence. Was all gone and replaced with a few gasps. Then laughter. Then
Whispers.
That didn't happen unless a whole group was in.
I looked up from the glass and noticed a small crowd had started forming near the lounge area.
People crowded around a few phones and started laughing louder than usual.
Curious, I leaned over the counter, raising my voice, to ensure I was heard. "Hey! What's going
on?" I asked no one in particular.
But I didn't receive an answer. They were all too engrossed in whatever they were watching.
I needed to know what was going on.
It was my bar and I have every right to know what's going on in my bar.
I dropped the glass with me and stepped out from behind the bar, wiping my hands on a towel
as I made my way towards the people who were still gathered. Their eyes were still fixed on
their phones and whatever they were watching had them glued to their screens.
I walked quicker with curiosity. And I got close. Iheard it.
A voice. A sharp angry voice.
A Familiar voice.
Too familiar.
It was Alicia.
Her voice sounded louder and louder, on repeat.
My heart skipped. My stomach dropped.
What could have possibly happened with Alicia.
Alicia's voice kept ringing out as I walked closer to the people.
Just as I got closer. I saw it clearly.
Multiple phones were playing the same video on repeat. The same moment, playing over and
over again.
Alicia stood in a parking lot. Standing tall and angry.
Rowen reached for her.
Then she slapped him.
The sharp sound rang out from every device at the same time, louder than it must have been. A
few cheers and laughters, like they hadn't seen the video over and over. Someone even
whistled low beside me.
"Damn, she really went for it."
"Serves him right."
I couldn't move. I just stood there, glued to the spot and to the screen, watching Alicia's hurt
expression. The final slap. Her voice was firm as she shouted at Rowen. Called out everything
he had done to her in her past.
I didn't even realize my hands had closed into fists.
This Rowen.
My mind flashed back to how many times he had met Alicia and she had constantly told him she
didn't want Rowen near her. And there he stood again before her. No shame anywhere.
I picked up one of the phones. I didn't know who it belonged to. I quickly entered one of the
comments and scrolled through it.
My eyes widened.
"Queen behavior."
"Serves him right."
"Don't mess with a woman who's done being nice."
"I felt that slap through my soul."
"#Protect this woman at all costs."
The comments were all in support of Alicia's outburst. Not even one person blamed her. They all
admired her resolve.
I exhaled loudly, letting out a small breath of air, I didn't realize I was holding. It feels good to
know that others see What I see in her. Her strength.
She wasn't just some woman caught in a scandal. She was a fighter. Fierce. even in the middle
of a public crisis she carried herself with a kind of grace.
She deserves better.
She wasn't just ordinary.
Still, as I stood there in silence, an uneasy thought crept into my mind.
What if Rowen doesn't stop?
Sure, the slap Alicia gave him had gone viral. Yes, the public was on her side now.
But men like him….they didn't take humiliation very well. They didn't just disappear quietly.
They stayed around and clawed their way back, always looking for how to take control.
And if he did it again…..if he dared to show up, to hurt her in any way again.
To try and even publicly disturb her peace.
I wouldn't just watch from the sidelines next time.
I'd get involved.
No hesitation. No regret.
Because Alicia didn't deserve to fight all of this alone.
She needed someone by her.