Page 46 of Rhythm Of Redemption

Lou's steps faltered as she approached Serena, her voice laced with both fatigue and impatience. “I know why you're here, but I don't have time for this right now,” she spoke, her words cutting through the air. “So go ahead, write whatever you want. Frankly, I couldn't care less about your review. In fact, why don't you do us all a favour and pack your bags? You can stick your poxy review where the sun doesn’t shine.”

Lou's words hung in the air, weighted with frustration and defiance, as she turned away. Her shoulders tensed with the burden of her emotions, as she marched towards her car, leaving Serena standing there, stunned into silence.

Stepping into Logan's room, Lou's heart clenched at the sight of his belongings scattered haphazardly around the place. Her eyes settled on his favourite shirt, draped nonchalantly over the back of a chair. Its scent—a vibrant blend of fresh citrus and warm musk—filled the room, tugging at her senses. Without hesitation, she brought it to her face, inhaling deeply, allowing its essence to permeate her being. It would be her solace in the lonely weeks ahead as she embarked on the painful journey of healing.

The drive to the hospital carried a sombre weight, her thoughts swirling in a firestorm of conflicting emotions. With every street she passed, the weight of their unspoken farewell pressed upon her, her heart burdened by the understanding that their paths were now diverging, leading them in opposite directions.

Lou weaved her way through the labyrinth of the hospital corridors, her gaze darting from one sign to another, each one pointing her closer to Logan's room. The sterile air carried the faint scent of antiseptic, mingling with the weight of apprehension that settled upon her like a heavy cloak.

As she neared the door, her heartbeat quickened, and a knot formed in her stomach. With a steadying breath, she reached out for the cool metal handle, her hand trembling ever so slightly. Peering through the small window on the door, her breath caught in her throat. There he lay, his bare torso vulnerable, the bandage wrapped around his shoulder a visual reminder of the violence he had brought into their lives.

A maelstrom of emotions churned within her, each one pulling her in a different direction. Anger simmered just beneath the surface, a remnant of the betrayal she had felt. And yet, there remained an inexplicable tenderness that tugged at her heart, a flickering flame of affection she had tried to extinguish.

As if drawn by an invisible force, Logan turned his head towards her, his eyes locking with hers. His gaze softened, a familiar warmth emanating from his eyes. And then, like a burst of sunlight on a winter's day, a smile bloomed across his face.

Logan's voice pierced the air, genuine concern resonating in his words. “How's Dani?” he asked, his voice full of worry. Lou's heart constricted at his immediate concern for her daughter. The familiar pang of tenderness washed over her, threatening to weaken her resolve. But she couldn't let herself be swayed by Logan's concern or the lingering echoes of their shared past. This visit was about closure, about severing the ties that had bound them, and she would stay true to herself and her decision, no matter what the cost.

Taking a deep breath, Lou mustered the courage to speak her truth. “She's okay,” she replied, her voice firm. “But …” Her voice trailed off; her mind filled with a myriad of emotions. The feelings she had for him clashed with the need to protect her daughter and herself.

“Thank God,” he exhaled, his body visibly releasing the tension that had gripped him. “I should never have let her come with me. If anything had happened to her … well, it doesn't even bear thinking about.”

Lou's heart ached at the anguish in his voice, the weight of regret held within his words. She could sense the torment he felt, the burden of guilt that weighed heavily on his conscience. It was a painful reminder of the risks he had taken, the recklessness that had endangered her daughter's safety.

But despite her empathy, she couldn't let herself be swayed by his remorse, no matter how sincere it seemed. The damage had been done, and she couldn't allow her emotions to derail her.

“What the hell were you thinking, taking her with you without even telling me?” Lou's voice trembled with a mix of anger and disbelief. The question had been burning inside her, demanding an answer. How could he have made such a decision without involving her, without considering the consequences? Logan's face contorted in regret and frustration. He opened his mouth to respond, but Lou's words poured out in a torrent of emotions. “She's my daughter, for God's sake. How could you involve her in your shady drugs shit? What if something had happened to her? What if she’d been the one who died instead of Angel? What if it had been you? Did you even stop to think about the consequences?”

“If I'd had any idea that was going to happen, then believe me, I never would have agreed for her to come. We were only meant to speak to Pieter … If I'd have known—” Logan's voice cracked with regret and desperation. His words hung in the air, a plea for understanding.

“You don't understand, do you?” Lou's voice trembled with frustration and sadness. The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, laden with the disappointment she felt towards him. “But how could you? You've never experienced the love of a parent or the selflessness that comes with it. You have no idea what it feels like to love someone so deeply that the mere thought of losing or hurting them causes you actual physical pain.” Her hand instinctively pressed against her chest as tears threatened to spill. “I would give up everything … absolutely everything to keep the people I love safe. But you … all you care about is yourself and your precious club.”

“That's not true,” Logan interjected defensively, a flicker of hurt showing on his face.

Taking a deep breath, she struggled to compose herself amidst the whirlwind of her emotions. A dull ache pulsed in her temples, mirroring the weariness that consumed her. “I need you to leave,” she said her voice firm.

“Leave? But where am I supposed to go?” Logan's voice trembled with a touch of desperation, searching for a way to bridge the gap between them.

“I've made arrangements for you to stay at a place called Ocean Breeze, near Calla Llonga,” Lou replied, determined to make him see this was what she needed. “I know the owner and you’ll be fine there.” She swiftly cut off any further questions, her resolve unwavering.

“But how am I supposed to pay for it? You know I don't have any money right now.”

“I've taken care of it,” she reassured him. “I've paid for two weeks in advance. By then, everything should be resolved with the police, and you'll be able to move back home.”

Lou's gaze remained fixed on Logan, his face contorted in pain and regret. “I know I messed up, but if you'll just give me another chance,” he pleaded, his words strained and his eyes tightly shut. Her heart wavered, torn between the desire to comfort him and the need to protect Dani and herself. It took every ounce of strength to stand her ground, to resist the urge to give in and grant him the second chance he so desperately sought.

With a deep breath, Lou took a step back, creating distance between them. Her voice remained steady, carrying a resolute tone. “I've packed up your belongings. I'll drop them off tomorrow. It's time for both of us to move on.”

“Please, Lou,” Logan's face drained of colour as he reached out for her.

Her heart ached at his plea, but she held her ground, maintaining her distance. The words escaped her lips in a whisper, filled with sorrow and determination. “I can't,” she said. “It's for the best.” With a heavy heart, she closed the door behind her, accepting the irreversible closure of a chapter in her life. The weight of her decision settled upon her, no longer anticipating a fresh start, but rather grappling with the reality of what she had left behind.

Chapter twenty-two

The Ferrari glided along the winding curves with effortless grace, its engine's purr blending seamlessly with the rhythmic crash of nearby waves. The salty sea breeze infused the air with a sense of adventure, mingling with the invigorating scent of the ocean. Majestic cliffs stood tall, their rugged beauty in stark contrast to the expansive azure sea. Seabirds soared above, their wings painting fleeting shadows upon the sunlit pavement. This drive transcended mere transportation—it symbolised the freedom and rejuvenation Logan had yearned for. With each passing mile, the horizon held the promise of a future brimming with endless possibilities and the enticing embrace of new beginnings.

Within days of Logan's hospital discharge, he was back in the familiarity of his own home, thanks to Antonio’s efficiency. With his assets unfrozen, his life slowly regained its rhythm, each piece falling back into place.

Guided by the familiar turns of the narrow streets, Logan navigated his way towards the club. Anticipation surged through his veins, electrifying his senses as he neared Manik. Tonight was the grand re-opening and was a night reserved for the privileged few whose names were on the exclusive guest list. As he parked his car in its designated spot, he took a moment to gather himself, savouring the significance of the occasion.

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