C17 Echoes of Control

His face turned annoying, but he tried to melt his tone. “Mia, do you want me to look forward to you? I can pressure you domestically.”

I didn’t even appear in my notes. “No, I’ll be excellent,” I said curtly. “I’m preparing for New York. You realize how vital this is for me and the employer.”

He lingered a second longer, likely debating whether to argue or not. But he had to have found out he’d be combating a dropping war. “Fine. I’ll have the motive force drop you home. I’m heading out,” he said, a touch of frustration in his voice.

I didn’t answer. I heard him leave, and the studio fell into silence all over again. I tried to dive lower back into my work; however, my mind had been everywhere in the region. The combat inside the café, Anthony’s temper swings, the stress of the concert—it all weighed on me.

I changed midway through recording a brand new verse when I heard the studio door quietly open. I glanced up and noticed Noah leaning in opposition to the body, listening. He didn’t say anything in the beginning; I just watched as I finished the verse. His presence turned into calming; however, I wasn’t sure why he became right here once more.

When I stepped out of the booth, feeling thirsty and mentally drained, Noah gave me a bottle of water. I took it gratefully, our hands brushing in brief as I took it from him.

“Thanks,” I muttered, unscrewing the cap and taking a protracted sip. I may want to feel his eyes on me, reading me with subject.

“No problem,” he said, leaning back towards the wall. “So, what’s the plan after the session? Are you heading domestic?”

I shrugged, wiping the return of my hand over my forehead. “I don’t recognize. Probably. I’ve got extra work to do, even though. I can’t find the money to lose cognizance with the whole lot occurring.”

Noah raised an eyebrow, his expression smooth but understanding. “Everything happening, huh? Do you suggest a live performance? Or with Anthony?”

I shot him a glance, tired of speaking about Anthony. “Both, I guess.”

He nodded slowly, then crossed his hands, looking at me cautiously. “Mia, I’m now not going to push you into speaking approximately anything you’re no longer ready for; however, I can see this is getting to you. You don’t have to go through all this on my own. If you want someone to speak to, I’m right here.”

His phrases had been authentic, and for a second, I felt my defenses melt. But then I remembered the combat in the café and the way Anthony’s jealousy had exploded. I shook my head and forced a grin. “I’m great, Noah. Really.”

Noah sighed, actually now not convinced, however inclined to let it pass. “If you say so. But just recognize I’m round, k? And if you want help making ready for New York or... something else, I’ve got you again.”

I gave him a small nod, looking to admire his guide without letting my defense down absolutely. “Thanks, Noah. I appreciate it.”

We stood there for some moments in silence, the hum of the studio equipment filling the quiet. Noah shifted, glancing at the time.

“You’ve been working non-forestall,” he stated, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Why don’t we snatch a few coffees or something before you dive back in? Clear your head for a chunk.”

I hesitated, torn between needing a ruin and now not wanting to present Anthony any greater reasons to accuse me of “losing time” with Noah. But the exhaustion in my frame and mind decided for me.

Anthony slammed the door at the back of him as he entered the house, the disappointment of the day already weighing on him. He had barely stepped into the bedroom when he iced up, his eyes landing on Olivia sprawled on the mattress, draped in a revealing black undies set. She became simply looking forward to something from him, her lips curled right into a playful smirk.

“What the hell is that?” Anthony barked, his voice cutting through the room. “Why are you in my room like this?”

Olivia’s eyes fluttered with fake innocence as she slowly sat up, her smile widening. “Why can’t I be for your room, Anthony?” she purred. “I’m wearing your infant; keep that in mind? We’re tied together now, for life. Might as properly get snug.”

Anthony’s hands balled into fists at his sides, his mood barely in check. “Olivia, I didn’t ask for this! You knew I became married. You knew this wasn’t a few forever aspects. I instructed you... you ought to look after the pregnancy.”

Olivia’s smile diminished, changed by a chilly glare. “Take care of it? You’re asking me why I didn’t dispose of our toddler?” She stood up, slowly closing the gap between them, her tone growing sharper with every phrase. “You make it sound like I’m the only one forcing this on you. Don’t forget, we each enjoyed that night. I didn’t hold a gun to your head, Anthony. You weren’t complaining then, so prevent acting like this is all my fault.”

Anthony grew to become away, running a hand through his hair, frustration effervescent to the surface. “You’re continually developing drama. Why can’t you just... make matters less difficult for once? This isn’t the existence I want.”

Olivia scoffed, crossing her hands over her chest. “Drama? You’re the only one making this dramatic, Anthony. I’m giving you a baby—your heir. And what do you do? You shove me aside like trash. I’m no longer going everywhere.”

Anthony omitted her, his eyes scanning the room as an unexpected, unsettling recognition hit him. Mia’s assets have been missing. The closet, normally full of her clothes, changed into empty. He quickly walked through the room, opening drawers; however, her things were nowhere to be located.

“Where are Mia’s things?” He demanded, his voice low and threatening. “What did you do?”