My Coldhearted Husband'S Regret novel Chapter 26

26 A Stranger’s Desperate Detour

26 A Stranger’s Desperate Detour

Elara Vance had never thought her day would end with a gun pointed at her temple.

The rain pounded her car windshield in heavy sheets as she left Northside Pharmacy. Chloe’s fever had worsened through the evening, and Elara had volunteered to fetch stronger medication.

“Just a quick trip,” she had told her friend earlier. “I’ll be back before you know it.”

T

Now, as she slid into the driver’s seat and placed the small paper bag on the passenger seat, all she could think about was getting back to Chloe’s apartment. She was fumbling with her keys when the passenger door yanked open..

A man slid in beside her. His face was partially hidden by a black mask, but his eyes were wild, desperate. The metallic scent of blood filled the small space.

“Drive,” he ordered, pointing a gun at her. “Now.”

Elara’s hands froze on the steering wheel. Her heart hammered against her ribs, but her mind remained oddly clear.

“Where to?” she asked, her voice steadier than she expected.

“Silverleaf Wharf. Take Riverside Drive. Don’t try anything stupid.”

Elara nodded and started the car. Her fingers trembled slightly as she put the vehicle

in gear and pulled away from the curb. The pharmacy lights disappeared in her rearview mirror.

“Are you hurt?” she asked, glancing at the dark stain spreading across his jacket.

“Shut up and drive,” he snapped.

The rain intensified, drumming on the roof like impatient fingers. Elara kept her eyes on the road, carefully navigating the slick streets. Her mind raced through scenarios, calculating risks, searching for options.

“You don’t seem scared,” the man said after several minutes of silence.

01:11

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Elara took a measured breath. “Would it help if I were?”

He didn’t answer. Instead, he shifted in his seat, wincing. More of that metallic smell filled the car.

“There are bandages in that pharmacy bag,” she offered quietly. “And antiseptic wipes.”

“I said shut up.”

They drove in silence after that. Elara’s thoughts drifted to Chloe, lying feverish in her apartment. Would she worry when Elara didn’t return quickly? Would she try calling? The phone in Elara’s purse remained silent.

At a red light, she risked another glance at her captor. Despite his mask, she could tell he was young-maybe early thirties. His breathing was labored, and sweat beaded on his forehead despite the car’s cool temperature.

“The light’s green,” he growled.

Elara pressed the gas pedal. “We’re about ten minutes from Silverleaf Wharf.”

The man nodded, then suddenly doubled over, groaning.

“You need medical attention,” Elara said firmly.

“What I need is for you to mind your own damn business and drive.”

As they approached the waterfront, the rain eased slightly. Streetlights reflected in puddles, creating islands of yellow light in the darkness. Few people were out in this weather, especially in this industrial area.

“Pull over there,” the man directed, pointing to a shadowy area between two warehouses.

Elara complied, bringing the car to a stop. Her hands remained on the wheel, her body tense but her mind strangely calm.

“This is as far as you go,” he said. “Count to one hundred before you move.

Understand?”

Elara nodded.

01:11

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26 A Stranger’s Desperate Detour

The man reached for the door handle but paused. Blood had soaked through his jacket now, the dark stain obvious even in the dim light.

“Take the medicine,” Elara said suddenly. She reached for the pharmacy bag,

movements slow and deliberate. “There’s ibuprofen for the pain and antiseptic wipes. It’s not much, but-

“Why would you help me?” he interrupted, his voice rough.

Elara met his eyes. “Because you’re hurt.””

For a moment, something flickered across his face-surprise, perhaps confusion. Then his expression hardened again.

&

“Keep it. Your friend needs it more than me.”

He pushed the door open and staggered out into the rain. Elara watched as he disappeared between the warehouses, a dark figure swallowed by darker shadows.

She began counting silently, her heartbeat gradually slowing. When she reached one hundred, she exhaled deeply and leaned her forehead against the steering wheel. The adrenaline was fading, leaving her hands shaky and her thoughts scattered.

After several minutes, she straightened up and put the car in gear. As she pulled away from the wharf, she noticed a smear of blood on her passenger seat. The metallic smell lingered in the car.

In an alley two blocks away, the man who had called himself Beck pulled out a burner phone with trembling fingers. He leaned against a brick wall, pressing his other hand against his bleeding side.

“It’s me,” he said when the call connected. “I’m clear.”

“What happened?” Lucas Sterling’s voice was sharp with concern.

“Minor complication. Nothing I couldn’t handle.”

“Are

you hurt?”

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