Without looking at me, he pulls his hand from my grasp, the tension radiating from him before he opens the door beside him and steps out. I let out a heavy sigh, my eyes burning with tears, feeling defeated before I push my own door open. As soon as I step out, I notice paparazzi’s camera lights flashing as Reign navigates around the car, his security pushing the loud, crazed crowd back as much as they can.
When he is in front of me, he takes my hand in his, squeezing it tight and we watch as the crowd is pushed further away, giving us a chance to breathe. I let out a tense breath, my anxiety at an all-time high with so many people here.
I notice Reign staring down at me as if he finally notices my inner agony, but I avoid eye contact as he scans my face behindthe netting. Just as he is ready to say something to me, I hear a lady's voice shouting and I lift my head, looking in that direction.
An older woman comes marching toward us with long dark hair, streaked with gray and brown eyes. She wipes her nose with a tissue, her wet orbs wide with anger and I feel Reign’s grip on my hand tighten even more. As soon as she stops in front of us, her frantic eyes glance between me and Reign before they settle on me, and an uneasy unwelcomed vibe washes over me.
“What the fuck is she doing here?”
Reign inhales deeply before giving her a warning tone and I instantly recognize this might be Chaos’s mother.
“Ana—”
“No!”
She screams at Reign, silencing the crowd before her furious eyes flash to mine, her pain evident and tears stream down her cheeks.
“She is the fucking reason my son and husband are dead!”
My heart shatters hearing the words, it is the final blow, and a tear drops from my lashes as I lower my head, the want to leave is welling inside of me stronger than ever.
“Enough Ana!”
Reign’s beastly voice causes me to glance away with a sniffle.
“She is not fucking welcome here, Reign! I do not want her here; do you hear me? And if you allow it, you can leave as well! Once I am done with her—”
My eyes close from the threat that is about to roll off her tongue, guilt lying heavily in the pit of my stomach, but Reign cuts her off.
“Ana, that is not—”
I tug on his arm, and he sharply looks down at me. When our eyes connect, I shake my head once, giving him an indication not to argue with Chaos’s grieving mother. His brows pinch and I slip my hand from his before turning around. As I open the car door beside me, he slams his hand on it, stopping me. I side-eye him through watery lenses as he leans down, speaking quietly into my ear, agitation clear in his voice.
“What the fuck are you doing? You have a right to be here as the rest of us!”
My eyes meet his and I scan his face.
“Do I?”
His brow furrows with confusion and I bring my palm to his face.
“I don’t want to be the cause of any more upset. Please stay and say goodbye to Chaos. You need to be here.”
His eyes frantically search mine, mirrored with tears before he bites on his words furiously.
“No.”
He suddenly snatches my wrist and yanks me to follow him, but I pull myself free from his tight grasp. He turns to face me, our wide eyes locked in a silent battle and as my tears fall, I shake my head, whispering while taking a step back.
“Just tell him I love him so much and I’m sorry. I am sorry to all of you.”
Before he can say anything else or stop me again, I spin around and get into the car, locking the door behind me.
“Please take me back.”
I observe in shock as the car carries her away, torn between staying put and following her since her pain was so clear.
My attention shifts to Ana, standing defiantly at a distance, and I give her a firm expression. Closing the gap between us, I display my authority with a determined demeanor, ready to address the situation head-on.