Chapter: 59

"You can smile at other men. Why are you so cold with me? You used to beg me to come home every day.”

“Enough! That was then!" Kaitlin retorted, sidestepping him and continuing on her way home.

She didn't think he would get into trouble on his way home. He was an adult, capable of taking care of himself.

Once inside her apartment, Kaitlin allowed herself to unwind amidst the familiar comforts of home.

It was rare for Alan to lose his composure, and she attributed it to his drinking tonight.

Getting Alan out of her head, she headed for the bathroom for a shower before slipping into her cozy pajamas.

As she was blow-drying her hair, a clamor from below pierced the quiet-Alan's voice, growing increasingly loud as he shouted her name.

Curious, Kaitlin cracked open the window and peered down.

Sure enough, there was Alan, still making a scene on the street below.

Neighbors popped their heads out, visibly annoyed by the disturbance.

Ignoring their complaints, Alan continued his spectacle, swaying slightly as if he were the lead actor in some tragic play.

With a sigh of frustration, Kaitlin trudged downstairs to confront him.

"Alan, isn't this enough? Go home, will you?" she huffed.

"Kaitlin... let's just talk," he slurred, staggering toward her.

She tried to sidestep him, but before she could, Alan leaned heavily against her, his head resting on her shoulder.

"Alan? Hey! Are you even aware of what's happening?" she asked sharply.

He responded with a few slurred syllables, barely hanging on to consciousness.

Muttering a curse under her breath, Kaitlin scanned the area for his assistant who was conspicuously absent tonight.

In the shadows, Dylan sneezed, remaining hidden until Kaitlin managed, with great effort, to haul Alan up the stairs.

Back in her apartment, Kaitlin was breathless from the ordeal.

Alan collapsed onto the couch, eyes shut, still whispering her name, "Kaitlin... Kaitlin..."

It was almost comical, hearing her name like that from his drunken lips.

Anyone unfamiliar with their history might assume Alan harbored deep feelings for her.

Kaitlin stared at him, a bitter chuckle escaping her lips.