The Tyrant's Wife

Chapter 9 - Romance Blocker

It was only when she almost caught him staring at her that he averted his gaze and concentrated on driving. Perhaps because he was in the company of stunning beauty, the drive to the hospital was much shorter than he had expected.

He pulled over at the parking lot and got off the car to help her out.

"Thank you." She smiled as she stepped out.

"You don't need to thank me." He unconsciously scratched the back of his neck. He was just about to add that she should contact him if she ever had trouble getting anywhere when another man appeared out of thin air and grabbed her hand, giving him a hostile look.

"Oh, Ryan. I was just about to go find you." She smiled at the incomer.

Liam stared at the man called Ryan. He looked quite familiar, especially his deep-set green eyes that looked like they could emit fireballs and burn him to death.

Zaria didn't seem to notice his hostility and she clung onto his arm fondly as she introduced him. "Mr. Preston, this is the friend—the one I was going to meet. Ryan, this is..."

"Liam Preston, your soon-to-be boss, right? By the way, I still think you will regret your decision." He spoke as though Liam was nothing but an air particle.

"Ryan!" She scolded and jabbed him, then glanced at the flabbergasted Liam. "I'm sorry. Ryan's mouth has no filter."

He dragged her away before Liam had the chance to react.

Liam raised an eyebrow in amusement. "Now, that is interesting."

Had Desmond gained a romantic blocker even before he realized that he wanted to pursue the beauty? To jab his own best friend, he took out his phone and snapped a picture of Zaria and Ryan's retreating backs. The latter was still grabbing onto the former's arm. Liam knew what was happening, but those who didn't know would think they were a couple.

He glanced at his masterpiece proudly. Desmond's expression would totally be worth it.

…

"Don't get too close to him." Ryan warned yet again as they headed to his sister's ward. From the very moment Zaria told him about her new job offer, he had been totally against it.

Zaria was helpless, but it was not surprising that Ryan hated Desmond Fort and everyone close to him. After all, they had made his friend's family suffer so much…

When he saw that she was not going to answer him, he changed the topic. "How is your dad?"

"Still hopeless, as you can imagine." She sighed. He was one of the reasons why she would stop at nothing to save F&P media. It was his blood and sweat and also represented his painful yet precious memories.

Ryan held her hand, which was nothing new. "It will be alright. I will do my best to help as well."

Zaria shook her head instantly. "It's really alright. You should focus on Nina more."

Ryan's little sister, Nina, was undergoing a severe case of post-traumatic depression. After their parents' demise, the two of them only had each other, so he was the only one who could take care of her. Zaria would visit her once in a while, but ultimately, she wouldn't seek Ryan for help unless she really had no choice left; because he already had enough on his plate.

However, the latter was determined to help. He turned to glare at her. "So, would you rather suffer than get me to help? Are we really friends?"

"Well…" She was helpless. Luckily, they arrived at Nina's ward so they naturally stopped talking about it.

The door opened to reveal a frail teenager staring out of the window. She turned defensively when she realized that her personal space had been intruded. Although she was quite pretty, with features similar to her brother's and even had the same blonde hair and green eyes, she was lifeless in comparison. Even her gaze was like that of a doll.

However, as soon as she saw her brother, her lips curled up slightly and she was visibly happier. She held a hand out to Zaria.

Zaria walked forward and hugged her. "Hello, Nina. How have you been?"

The latter didn't answer her, but from her cheerful smile, Zaria understood that she had been well. However, just a few seconds later, her expression turned sad as she looked up at Zaria.