Chapter 25: How dare he?

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This won't end well.

I glared at him, my anger boiling over. "What the hell is wrong with you?" I demanded.

He turned to me, his expression calm and collected, as if he hadn't just rushed me into his car. "What?" he asked, his voice infuriatingly serene.

My patience snapped. "Stop the car!" I exclaimed, my voice rising.

He didn't flinch, didn't even slow down. I felt my anger escalate. "Eryx, I said stop the fucking car!!" I yelled, my eyes blazing with fury.

The car finally came to a stop on the side of the road. I threw open the door and leapt out, my heart racing with anger. Eryx followed suit, his movements calm and deliberate.

We stood facing each other, the only sound the distant chirping of birds. We were in a park area, the trees and greenery a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside me.

"What's your problem?" Eryx asked, his voice still annoyingly calm.

I took a deep breath, trying to rein in my temper. But it was too late. The dam had burst, and my anger was spilling out.

I glared at him, my entire body tense with anger. "What is your deal?" I demanded.

He raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "What do you mean, what's my deal?"

I took a step closer, my voice rising. "You just dragged me here like someone's life depended on it. Who gave you the right to order me around? This isn't the first time you've been a jerk and bossed me around!"

I assumed we were alone, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the park. The paved path, lush green trees, and ornate bench seemed to mock me, a stark contrast to my turbulent emotions.

I turned my attention back to Eryx. "What's the point of bringing me to this park, anyway?"

Eryx held up his hands, a placating gesture. "Okay, Adeline, calm down. I didn't mean to order you around, and my intentions are pure."

He took a step closer, his eyes locked on mine. I stood my ground, my anger still simmering.

"Come on!" I exclaimed, my voice echoing through the park. "You're always doing this! Who do you think you are? Just because we have this deal doesn't mean you can treat me like this!"

Eryx's eyes darted around the surrounding area, a hint of unease flickering across his face.

"Lower your voice," he said, his eyes scanning the surrounding area.

I glared at him, my anger still simmering. "Here, look! You're ordering me around again!!!" I exclaimed, my voice rising.

Eryx closed his eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and sighed. When he opened his eyes, his expression was calmer. "Okay, Luna, would you mind lowering your voice a little bit?" he asked, his tone softer.

I nodded, still seething with anger. I waited for him to continue.

"Okay, listen," he said, "I just wanted to talk about our relationship."

I cut him off, my voice low but still laced with annoyance. "What's there to talk about, Eryx?"

"It's not like we're serious about this," I added, my tone a reminder.

Eryx's expression turned stern. "I know that. But this... this behavior of yours, not wanting to talk and being ignorant, is not going to make it work."

My anger flared up again, and I felt myself ready to explode.

"I'm the one who doesn't want to talk?" I shot back, my anger rising. "It's you! You're the one who doesn't share anything about yourself. You know everything about me - my work, my family, my friends... and I only know the names of your family members. You won't tell me anything about them or your work. How is that supposed to make this work?"

"My work is confidential," he replied, his voice firm.

"Fine," I said, my tone dripping with sarcasm. "If you're so dedicated to your work, then you shouldn't have started this whole charade in the first place. Did I tell you to spill all our secrets to your father? Am I the one who made all the rules in your family? If you can't handle this, then you should have just done what you were supposed to do."

He took a step closer, his eyes flashing with intensity. "Then you would have been tortured mentally and living a miserable life. It wasn't just for me; it was for you too."

I laughed, a bitter taste in my mouth. "What exactly am I getting out of this? How is this benefiting me? All the benefits seem to be going to you, Eryx! I'm not gaining anything except more stress."

He didn't respond, his face darkening with a scowl.

I took a step closer, my voice firm. "I'm the one helping you, not the other way around. If you want to do something with me, it should be with my knowledge and consent. You may be the boss of everyone else with your money and power, but not in front of me. Don't ever boss me around! Got it?"

I turned to walk away, the fading daylight casting long shadows behind me. Eryx had ruined my plans to meet my family, and then had the audacity to take me to some park to discuss our fake relationship. I was seething with anger, and I knew I had every right to be. Eryx was affecting me, and I hated it. I hated that I couldn't control my emotions around him, that I felt like I was losing myself in his presence.

A sense of unease crept over me as I noticed a figure watching me from across the street. Ethan. My heart sank, and a surge of anger and frustration coursed through me. What did he want now? Why couldn't he just leave me alone?

I strode forward, but Ethan appeared in front of me, blocking my path. My anger boiled over, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Are you stalking me?" I asked, my voice firm and annoyed, trying to keep my emotions in check.

Ethan ignored my question, his eyes glinting with a mixture of curiosity and jealousy. "What's going on with you and Eryx?" he asked, his voice dripping with malice.

My mind racing, I felt a wave of indignation wash over me. How dare he?

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