28. XANDER
Chapter 28
XANDER
I knocked on Lyca's door the following morning, my heart pounding with worry. She opened the door, and I could see the exhaustion in her eyes.
“Hey, how's Lucas doing?” I asked, trying to keep my voice calm. Even I hadn’t gotten much sleep the previous night. I had offered to stay with her and Lucas, but she had declined.
“He had a slight fever earlier, but it's cleared up now,” Lyca explained. “He's sleeping soundly now.”
I let out a sigh of relief. “I'm glad to hear that. Is there anything I can do to help?”
Lyca shook her head. “No, thank you. I think we're okay for now.”
“Okay, well, if you need anything, just let me know,” I said, offering a reassuring smile.
“Thanks. I appreciate it.” She gave me an awkward, sad smile. I had the feeling she wanted to say something more, but she didn’t.
I hesitated for a moment, then decided to take a chance. “Hey, would you like to go for a walk later? Get some fresh air? Or maybe we can all grab lunch together?”
“I, uh…” Lyca began uneasily.
Then I spotted all the boxes and luggage behind her. A cold sensation washed over me. “You’re… leaving?” I managed to ask.
To my shock, she nodded. “Yes, but we’ll still be in LA, but in a different neighborhood. I’m starting a new job.”
“So I heard…” I said carefully. “But I didn’t know you were moving to a different place too. And so soon already?”
“Yeah, it’s time.” She suddenly did not want to meet my gaze. I could tell that this was all because of what she’d found out about me having a son with Arianne.
“Can I still get in touch with you? Can I visit you and Lucas?” I couldn’t help asking. I was feeling desperate.
“Xander, I think it’s best that we stay out of each other’s lives…” Lyca responded cautiously. I could read the pain in her eyes. “It’s better that way. No complications, right?”
“But it’s you whom I want to be with, Lyca!” I burst out, clutching her hands. “I care so much about you, and I can’t imagine my life without you… You know, I don’t care about Arianne. Sure, I’ll give her child support, I’ll get to know my son as he grows up… But that’s about it. I’m not going to commit to that woman because there was never anything meaningful between us. Our relationship wasn’t serious at all! It’s only you who truly matters to me, Lyca!”
“I… Xander, I need to go now…”
Before I could reply, she closed the door. I knocked, but she did not open it anymore.
I felt a knot of frustration tightening in my chest as I left and navigated the familiar roads leading to the compound of my dad’s company. I went straight to the racetracks, knowing that no one was scheduled to be there today. No one would be looking out for me, but I did not care. The need to escape, to feel the rush of speed and adrenaline, was overpowering.
Thoughts of our happy times in Monaco overwhelmed me, swirling chaotically in my head. I felt so trapped, unsure of what to do. It was all so upsetting.
I hesitated only for a moment before choosing a sleek black car that I hadn't driven before. I ignored the voice of caution in my mind, the one that reminded me to check the car's condition, to ensure it was ready for the track.
The engine roared to life, drowning out my thoughts as I sped onto the tracks. The familiar thrill of speed coursed through my body, momentarily pushing aside my troubles. I pushed the car faster, testing its limits, relishing the freedom and the rush.
“Aaaaaahhhhhh!” I bellowed just as I made a risky turn. I wanted to let it all out, everything that was bottled up inside me. I could feel myself about to explode, so I kept on shouting inside the car. But what I didn’t realize was that I was going faster and faster.
Suddenly, I lost control. I tried to slow down, to maneuver the car away from the wall. But it was too late. I swung the wheel to the left, but I still crashed into the wall, causing the car to topple over. I felt myself going upside down, slamming into parts of the car, and intense pain shooting up various areas of my body. I felt blood trickling from my forehead.
Then just like that, everything went black. And then there was nothing. Only darkness.