He could've thrown money at this. He didn't need to announce my identity to everyone, call me his partner, Olei's mother.
"It's the truth," he answered. "I chose this school, donated the library and tech building, all to give Olei the best environment. I won't let anyone here hurt his mother."
I didn't know what to say. Silence spread between us.
"Tonight. Dinner with Olei?" He used Olei's name to invite me.
I looked up at him. Golden noon sunlight bathed him, softening his edges.
Anthea is my partner—his words still echoed in my ears, my heart a mess. Honestly, if it was about spending time with Olei, I'd say yes in a heartbeat. But Silas... I couldn't interact with him like a normal relationship yet.
"No." I refused, words rushing out like I was convincing myself. "Too much happened today. I'm tired."
This morning had been a rollercoaster, my brain overloaded. At the sports day, we'd been like a real family, side by side. Then, when Marcus threatened me, Silas appeared like a hero, calling me his partner.
Silas was quiet for a moment, then nodded. Didn't push.
"I should go." I turned, walking away fast.
I didn't dare look back. I was afraid I'd change my mind.
"You..." I looked at him, emotions churning. "You've been investing in this school? How long?"
Chapter Eighteen
Anthea
The roller coaster climbed higher, the track steeper, the ground further away. My heart hammered like it might burst through my ribs.
"Anthea, don't be scared!"
Olei's voice cracked against the wind. He sat between Silas and me, puffing out his little chest. "Dad and I will protect you!"
I forced a smile I didn't feel. My palms were slick with sweat. The slow climb made my stomach lurch. I couldn't look down.
Agreeing to come here had been insane. But I couldn't say no to Olei. After the parent-child sports day came over ten days of spring break. He'd asked so carefully if we could spend it together. Every time I saw that hope in his eyes, something in my chest went soft. And Silas would just stand there, silent, watching me, waiting for my answer.
A small, warm hand wrapped around mine. I snapped back to the present. Olei, turning to smile at me. My chest flooded with sweetness.
"Close your eyes." The deep voice cut through my fear, slid into my ear.
Then a rough palm reached past Olei, settled over my other hand where it gripped the safety bar. I couldn't pull away. Didn't want to.
I looked at Silas. He sat beside Olei, watching me, his gaze gentle. Black casual shirt today, sleeves rolled to his elbows, exposing the tattooed forearms. Under the bright amusement park sun, those dark blue marks looked wrong.
"As long as I'm here, I won't let you fall." His voice low, easy to believe.
I thought his arms were too damn long.
The next second, gravity vanished.
"Ah—!"
The coaster plunged. I screamed on instinct. But I felt the pressure on my hand tighten. Silas's grip like a chain, anchoring me through the chaos of spinning and falling. Wind roared in my ears, but absurdly, I felt safe. Like the man holding my hand could defy gravity itself. Defy death.
When we got off, my legs barely worked. Never again. Never stepping foot in this section again.
"That was awesome!" Olei's cheeks flushed pink with excitement.
