C11 You Are Lonely and Empty

Edna's wrist was firmly in Helmer's grasp as he pulled her out of the bar.

He shoved her into the back seat of the car with a forceful push.

"Feeling lonely, Edna?" Helmer's first words were tinged with accusation. To be at a bar at this hour clearly meant seeking pleasure.

Years had passed, yet this girl had grown much bolder.

"I came because Dora called me. Was that comment really necessary?" Edna's brow furrowed. Their relationship might be complex, but did Helmer have the right to play the inquisitor?

"I couldn't just ignore them when they're in danger, could I?"

Edna's voice rose slightly. Did Helmer really think she wanted to be in this mess?

"Do you think your presence here makes them safe?"

Silenced by Helmer's piercing words, Edna hung her head. He had struck a nerve; she hadn't been able to protect Fannie and Dora effectively, and in the process, had endangered herself.

Despite Helmer's harsh demeanor, Edna was aware that without his intervention today, things could have been much worse.

But was Helmer's fury really because of her?

"A weakling like you, protect others? How?"

Helmer's icy words were laced with scorn.

Edna's eyes widened in shock as she stared at Helmer.

He was right—if she were stronger, she wouldn't need Helmer's help today. If she were stronger, she wouldn't be at his mercy, blackmailed over the events of that night.

A dull ache throbbed in Edna's head as Helmer let out another cold sneer beside her, "Foolish woman."

She had no words, only the heavy weight of silence. Then, Helmer's phone broke the stillness with its ring.

Edna inwardly scoffed, "No class."

Helmer answered the call, a woman's voice barely audible on the other end. Edna couldn't make out the words.

Once the call ended, Helmer kicked the seat in front of him and barked, "Stop the car."

The vehicle was speeding along when the driver, obeying Helmer's command, slammed on the brakes. The sudden stop sent Edna's head crashing against the seat in front.

It was just her luck—like choking on cold water in a streak of misfortune.

After instructing the driver, Helmer turned to Edna with a curt command, "Get out."

Edna's expression suddenly froze for a moment as she opened the door and stepped out of the car.

The luxury sedan beside her roared to life and sped off, quickly disappearing around a corner and out of her sight.

A wave of grievance washed over Edna. The woman on the phone must have been significant to Helmer for him to abandon her in this desolate place.

Alone, Edna began her slow walk back, the chill wind nipping at her and the stark moonlight casting a melancholic glow over the city.

After several unsuccessful attempts to hail a taxi, she dialed Burke's number.

A few rings later, Burke answered.

"Burke."

At the sound of Edna's voice, a wave of panic washed over Burke. He shot to his feet and asked, "Edna, what's wrong? Did something happen?"

"Burke, I..."

"Are you outside?"

Her words were cut off by Burke, who could hear the panic in her voice and the howling wind.

"I'm on Sea Ring Road. I can't seem to catch a taxi. Could you come get me?"

"How did you end up in such a forsaken spot? Hold on, I'm on my way to pick you up."

With that, Burke hung up, grabbed his suit jacket, and left the room. Sea Ring Road was a remote, single-lane mountain road, hardly a safe place for Edna to be alone.

His car raced through the streets, running several red lights in his urgency.

Burke was deeply concerned for Edna, but a part of him also felt a flicker of joy. She had turned to him in her time of need, confirming that he still held a place in her heart.

When his car came to a halt in front of her and Burke stepped into view, a pang of sorrow hit Edna.

The sadness wasn't just from being left by Helmer or from the fear the dark night had instilled in her; it was because Burke was there for her when she needed someone most.

Edna was deeply moved.

"Burke," she said, her voice quivering as tears welled up in her eyes.

Burke had always known that beneath Edna's strong facade lay a fragility she seldom showed. Witnessing her vulnerability now, his heart was flooded with concern.

He had so much to say, but in that moment, the words were caught in his throat.

Burke slipped off his jacket and draped it around Edna, who was shivering from the cold.

"Thank you so much. I didn't know who else to call, so..."

Before she could finish, Burke placed a finger gently over her lips. "No need to say anything—just get in the car."

He tenderly ruffled her hair, his soft voice infusing a touch of warmth into Edna's heart.

Burke and Helmer were polar opposites. Helmer was an iceberg—aloof, commanding, and would stop at nothing to get what he wanted, even if it meant using intimidation, a fact Edna knew all too well.

Burke, on the other hand, was like a ray of sunlight, always there to warm Edna's heart whenever she needed it. Whatever she desired, he was ready to provide.

"Edna, I'm always right here, just a turn away."

Focused on the road ahead, Burke's words spilled out, a confession of sorts.

Could it really be that after all this time, Edna still hadn't grasped the depth of his feelings?