Nine months too late: After divorce

34

His lips were parted, air refusing to fill his lungs. Sylvie's house was on fire. Her house... How was it possible?

The ran over to one of the fire agents that stood, directing the others.

What happened here?" He demanded.

The fire agent wanted to ignore him not until he saw his face. "A gas explosion, sir. We're working hard to put it out.

Kage's heart felt so heavy. He never thought it'd be possible to feel that way until now. "Is there..." he paused for a deep breath. Is there anyo inside?"

"Yes. But the medical team are trying to rescue her now."

That was it. He lost it.

Did he just say a 'her'? A female was trapped in there? Sylvie...

He didn't think. He was about running into it when he saw the medical team roll someone out on a stretcher. He couldn't get a clear view of her face yet, she was unconscious.

"Stephanie!" He heard someone cry out..

No, not someone, but Sylvie.

He looked around frantically and found her on his left, running to meet the lady on the stretcher.

Kage had never taken a breath deeper than that before.

Sylvie was in tears as she rushed to meet Stephanie. She'd been greatly affected by the fire and was unconscious.

"Oh, my God," she sobbed. "Stephanie..."

When they reached the ambulance, the medical team had to stop her from going in with them. They got Stephanie in and drove off.

She buried

her face in her palms, feeling so terrible. She'd have been in the house when the fire started, if she hadn't stepped out to get the barbecue she was craving. Stephanie had been on a phone call, so she didn't want to disturb her and had to leave alone. It was upon her return home that she found the house in flames with people gathered around.

But how could they have been a gas explosion? she and Stephanie were always very careful in the kitchen. It shouldn't be possible.

"Sylvie," Kage's soft voice reached her cars before his hand came upon her.

She turned snappily and found him looking genuinely concerned.

"Are you... Are you alright?"

Her face was covered with tears. Seeing him somehow, made her even more angry.

"Stay away from me!" She half-yelled. "This is all your fault, you know? I don't know who's nerves it is you've gone on that wouldn't just let me be."

Kage was confused. "What the hell are you talking about?"

"You don't understand, do you? I'm being threatened by someone that knows you. I'm tired, Kage. I just want to live. Is it so hard?"

Her words hit him at the wrong spot. As she turned and ran off, he couldn't do anything to stop her.

**********

Hours later, Sylvie was able to see Stephanie. Although, she was still unconscious.

She had burnt marks on her neck and lower parts of her body, but thankfully, no part of her face was touched. Sylvie wouldn't had been ruined.

hy lud staring at Stephanie Sne knew the gas explosion hadn't been a mistake from their end. She had a feeling

behind it was the same person that had threatened her life a week ago Why wouldn't they let her have her habies

Westley was in the rouen with her giving her some courting words She'd called him on her way to the hospital, telling hum wing He was both shocked, angry quel happy happy that she was fine.

Sopan family members had come around as well. When Sylvie was tired, Westley walked her out, his hand around her Wand Sybrje noticed but didn't read much meaning to it, she was too exhausted to However, as they walked down the hallway, they came face to face with Kage. He'd been in the hospital the whole time, trying to reach Sylvic, but she wasn't taking his calls.

Seeing her there with Westley's hand around her waist, fueled him with rage.

I need to speak to you," he stated sternly, his eyes not leaving Sylvie's

She gulped heavily glancing at Westley before looking back at him.

"She's tired and needs some rest. You can talk later, Westley spoke up before Sylvie could

It was all Kage could do not to lose his mind. You're in a hospital. There are too many people watching, he reminded himself

He kept his gaze fixed on Sylvie. Didn't you hear me? I said I need to speak to you"

Sylvie knew where this was headed. She knew Kage wouldn't take no for an answer, and she wasn't ready to keep dragging it

"It's fine," she said to Westley, rubbing her hands on the back of her jeans.

It irked Kage that she had to inform Westley before meeting with him. There were a lot of things he neeiled to change

Westley had to excuse them, not before he cast a glare at Kage, tho.

"What is it?" Sylvie asked, as soon as they were alone.

Kage scanned her with his eyes. She looked fine, just exhausted.

"You said something about it being my fault that Stephanie's house got burnt. What did you mean by that?"

Sylvie closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She was angry and shouldn't have said what she did, although it didn't change the fact that she was right.

"Can we just can we not talk about it?"

"No, we have to. Has someone been threatening you?"

She hesitated. Well, Kage already knew she was pregnant. So, what more was there to hidde

"I received a note some weeks ago, telling me to get rid of the child and threatening to take my life if I don't. I didn't know who the sender was, so there wasn't much I could do about it. That was the reason I moved in with Stephanie. Kage acted surprised before scoffing "And you think this is from me, somehow

Because I hadn't told anyone about it, Kage. I heuril someone

must ve monitored me closely and figured I was pregnant or something. And for that nute to be sent to me, its obvious the baby's is a threat to them. Now, who from my side would see my babars as a threat' It can only be from yours" Kage thought of the possibility, but there was nobody he could really put a finger on.

"Okay" he sighed. "I'll need to protect you, then You have to move in with me

Sylvic rolled her eyes Tabiraly told you I'm not doing Usat"

3:22 PM

"Well, Stephanie's house has been burnt down. Where are you moving next? Westley's?"

She glared at him. "I have a family, okay? My dad's still alive."

"And if what you're saying is actually true, don't you think his apartment might get burnt down as well!"

Sylvie had given a bittered thought to it before then. The last thing she wanted was endangering anyone else.

"My place will be well guarded," he continued. "Not a single soul will be able to step in or out without my permission. You'll be

safe.

She regarded him for a while, trying to picture living with him. Hell, no.

"Look, I appreciate your concern - even if I'm aware you're never concerned - but I'm not moving in with you. It's not happening now, it's not happening ever."

Kage was calm. He gave her that cold look, while saying nothing until it became uncomfortable for Sylvie.

"You should have some rest," he said before turning away.

Sylvie's brows were furrowed as she watched him leave. Did Kage just leave without further argument? That was quite suspicious

Westley took her to an hotel where she spent the night. Although, he had insisted on staying with her just to ensure she was fine, she didn't let him. So, he booked a room close to hers.

By morning, they returned to the hospital and met Stephanie already awake. Sylvie wept, apologizing to her. Stephanie was aware she didn't set the

fire herself, yet she was human and couldn't help but blame Sylvie that she almost lost her life because of her because someone was after her life.

Sylvie promised to get her a new apartment, although Stephanie insisted there was no need for that.

She left the hospital with her heart heavy and more tears rolling down her cheeks. She was too sad to notice the guards that followed her around.

It wasn't until she and Westley had gotten to the car that Westley stopped to confront them. "Who are you people?" He threw the question at them. There was some distance between them. They stood, saying nothing.

"I hope I don't have to ask again because then, I'd be calling the cops on you."

That was when Sylvie bothered for a look. She was wiping her tears as she regarded the men.

"We were assigned by Mr. Kage to keep an eye on her," One of them finally replied.

What? Was Kage crazy? Sylvie thought wearily.

Westley scoffed in disbelief. "Well, why don't you go back there and tell him she doesn't need his protection?"

The men didn't make a move.

I'm talking to you!"

"Hey, it's fine. Sylvie touched him. "Just let them be. I'll speak to Kage about it myself."

"Like he ever listens, Westley huffed.

Trust me, it's fine"

Sylvie was too tired and just wanted to get some rest.

Helping her into the car, they drove off. And as expected, the men followed closely behind.

The day went by in a blur. Sylvie resolved to staying in the hotel for the meantime until she'd be ready to leave the country. The hotel was very big, expensive and heavily guarded. Her room was also at the top floor. She figured it'd be hard for summerling dangerous to hap The following morning, her father's call woke her

1. up.

"Dad" She was still lying in bed.

"Sylvie. How re you?"

Tm fine."

"Good. I need you to come over to the house right now. It's urgent."

In an hour, Sylvie was on her way to her father's place. It wasn't the first time he was calling her that early, but she hoped nothing was wrong.

Reaching there, however, she discovered something was indeed wrong because Kage was present.

He was there in the living room, wearing a suit, looking all cooperate and responsible. Some files were scattered before him.

She stared suspiciously at him, knowing it couldn't be good news that Kage was in her father's house.