Chapter 5 When Reid rushed out, the hallway was empty-only an orange tabby cat crouched in the corner, eyeing him warily. "Looks like it was just a cat," Kelsey said softly, coming up behind him. "You should go back to Ms. Valemont. I'll just call a cab home later." Reid frowned. "It's pouring out. What are you talking about, taking a cab? Stay here with me." Kelsey bit her lip, her voice barely above a whisper. "But Ms. Valemont..." "Who's your man?" Reid suddenly caught her chin, his voice low and possessive. Kelsey's cheeks flushed bright red. "... You are." "Then do as I say." He took her hand and led her straight back to the living room. When they walked in, Maxine was still sitting exactly where they'd left her, pretending to nap in si- lence. Reid let out a sigh of relief, pulling Kelsey down to sit beside him. He offered a casual explanation, "Babe, it's coming down too hard outside. Kelsey just got over a cold, so I told her to stay." Maxine just murmured, "Mm," not calling him out. Reid continued to dote on Maxine, asking if she was cold, massaging her stomach-but Maxine knew his left hand remained tightly intertwined with Kelsey's the whole time. Suddenly, she remembered the first time they ever held hands. She'd been 16, snow drifting down on a winter night. He'd sneaked over her backyard wall, his hands red and frozen, holding them out to her with a grin. "Max, my hands are freezing. Will you warm them up for me?" Blushing, she took his hands in hers, and he immediately tightened his grip, never letting go. Back then, she was the only girl in his eyes. Now, he held her hand and someone else's at the same time. A single tear slipped down her cheek before she could stop it. 0.0 %. 06:32 288 Vouchers Reid noticed right away, gently brushing her face with his thumb. "What's wrong?" Maxine managed a smile and whispered, "You're too good to me." Reid chuckled, his voice full of affection. "Such a sensitive little thing, aren't you?" She said nothing, letting him wipe away her tears. Soon, staff wheeled in a collection of instruments-grand piano, cello, violin... each one worth a for- tune. "You once said you loved these instruments, so I bought them all, no matter the cost," he said with a smile. "Do you like them?" A staff member quickly added, "Ms. Valemont, Mr. Merrow went to great lengths for these. Some were won at auction from private collectors, others borrowed from museums..." Kelsey stood off to the side, a shadow flickering in her eyes. Maxine forced a smile, just about to speak. "What's this?" Kelsey suddenly reached out, tugging curiously at a decorative cord nearby. "Don't pull that!" A staffer's face went pale, but it was too late. In the next instant, a massive wooden frame and a cello came crashing down! In a split second, Reid lunged for Kelsey, yanking her into his arms and rolling them both to safety. Maxine stood frozen, watching the shadow rush toward her. Bang! Agonizing pain exploded through her as she collapsed in a pool of blood. In her fading consciousness, she heard Reid's panicked cry, "Max-!" But she knew, even then, the one he held in his arms was someone else. 54.7 %. 06:32 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!