Marrying My Father's Enemy
Chapter 60: Outside The University

Chapter 60: Outside The University

Chapter 60 :Outside the University

Eira walked briskly through the crowded university courtyard, her headphones snug over her ears, drowning out the world with a calm, low tune.

Her worn sneakers crunched against the dry snow.

She kept her head low, trying to focus on the day ahead, not on the storm of emotions inside her.

But then, she saw him.

Callian stood near a sleek black car parked by the university gates.

He looked... awful.

His dark hair was messy, sticking up in odd places as if he’d run his hands through it one too many times.

His eyes were sunken, with deep circles beneath them, like he hadn’t slept in days.

His tie was undone, and his shirt hung unevenly, almost like he’d thrown it on in a hurry.

Eira’s steps faltered. Her heart jumped in her chest, but she quickly turned her eyes to the ground and walked faster.

’Maybe he won’t notice me,’ she thought, though a part of her knew that was hopeless.

"Eira!" Callian’s voice cut through the noise.

Her stomach twisted. She didn’t stop.

"Eira, please!" His footsteps hurried after her, and before she could react, his hand grabbed her wrist, pulling her back.

She yanked her hand away, glaring at him. "Don’t touch me," she said in a cold voice.

Callian froze, his hand stayed in the air before he slowly lowered it. "I just—" he started, but stopped, his voice cracked. "I need you to listen to me."

Eira crossed her arms,"What is there to listen to? You’ve made everything clear, haven’t you?"

Callian ran a hand through his already-dishevelled hair. "No, no, I haven’t! Those pictures... whatever you think you saw, it’s not what it looks like."

Eira raised an eyebrow. "Not what it looks like? Callian, you were with her! There are pictures! What else am I supposed to think?"

He stepped closer, his voice dropped as if the words hurt to say. "You’re supposed to think that I’d never betray you. That I care about you more than anything."

Eira didn’t respond. She just stood there with a calm face but her eyes showed the storm inside her.

"Please," Callian begged, "Eira, you can hate me all you want. You can yell at me, blame me, never forgive me. But don’t do this to yourself."

She blinked, "Do what?"

"The surgery." His words came fast now, tripping over each other. "You need it. You can’t just walk away from it, from your life. I won’t let you."

"You won’t let me?"

Callian let out a shaky breath, dragging his hand down his face. "I didn’t mean it like that. I’m saying you’re not alone, okay? You don’t have to fight this by yourself. Let me help you. Please."

Eira narrowed her eyes. "You want to help me? Then why were you with Vanesa? Why were you letting her take pictures with you, Callian?"

He opened his mouth, then closed it, looking completely lost.

"I didn’t let her do anything," he said finally in a breaking voice. "I didn’t even know what was happening! I swear, Eira, I’d never... I’d never do that to you."

She crossed her arms tighter.

"Please," Callian said again, "Eira, just... don’t let your anger at me stop you from living. I couldn’t—" he looked away, blinking quickly. "I couldn’t handle that."

Eira stared at him...

For a moment, she almost believed him. But then she shook her head, "It’s not about anger, Callian. It’s about trust. And you’ve broken it."

Callian took a step back, his face crumbled like he’d just been hit. "Eira..."

She turned away, putting her headphones back on and walking toward the building. But just before she entered, she glanced back.

"You shouldn’t be here, Callian. Whatever you’re trying to fix... you can-"

Her eyes went to the two policemen standing right next to him.

"Mrs. Hax Reed? They asked.

"Yes...?"

"We came here to ask you some questions about your brother Liam. We can’t track him down, and apparently, before disappearing, he was staying at your apartment. Is this true?"

"Yes. But I have nothing to do with that. He helped me, and I let him stay in our house."

"Then would you please come with us?"

"No!" Callian interrupted them, "she will not go with you."

"Please, mister, don’t interrupt public-"

"I’m her husband. My name is Callian Reed."

Both of the police officers glanced at each other, "then do you mind coming with us as well? We have some questions to ask both of you and then we will need you to identify-"

"Not without my lawyer," Callian cut him off.

"Mr. Reed, we understand this is impor-"

"Eira, come with me," Callian said while stretching his hand for her.

Eira hesitated for a moment but then accepted Callian’s outstretched hand, her fingers trembled as they brushed against his.

"Please, officers," Callian said, "If you have any questions, we will come to the station together. But not without legal counsel."

The two policemen exchanged glances, clearly thinking of their options.

One of them finally nodded. "Alright, Mr. Reed, Mrs. Reed. We’ll give you time to arrange that. But we do need to speak to you both soon. This is a serious matter."

Callian nodded curtly, "We understand. You’ll hear from my lawyer within the hour."

The officers took a step back, remaining professional but cautious.

"Make it quick, Mr. Reed. And Mrs. Reed," one added, his eyes lingering on her, "please ensure you cooperate fully. It’s in your best interest."

Eira didn’t respond. She simply stood there, her hand still in Callian’s, her thoughts travelled too fast to form words.

The officers gave them one last look before turning and walking back toward their car, their boots crunched against the gravel path.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Eira pulled her hand free from Callian’s grasp. "What are you doing?" she hissed.

"Protecting you," Callian said simply.

"I didn’t ask for your protection!"

"Well, you need it," he replied back, his tired eyes locked onto hers. "Do you think they’ll just let this go? Liam’s disappearance is serious, Eira. You can’t handle this alone."

She glared at him, "Why do you even care? You barely cared when I walked out of your life. What’s different now?"

Callian’s face softened just slightly, a pain passed through his sleepless eyes. "Everything."