With a soothing and steady voice, Stefan reassured her, "Don't worry, Raegan. Just relax. I'll help you into the car."

His calm voice and comforting presence, combined with his intellectual aura, helped Raegan to calm down. Stefan gently took her hand, his tall figure shielding her like a protective barrier.

All the surrounding noise seemed to fade away, blocked by his presence. This gave Raegan a sense of security and inner strength.

She fell silent, allowing Stefan to assist her into the car.

Mitchel, hurrying after Raegan, caught sight of this touching moment.

Suddenly, it felt as if an unseen force was squeezing his heart. He staggered back for a few steps until there was nowhere left to go.

The night was dark and still.

Outside Raegan's house, Mitchel sat in his car. He had followed Raegan and Stefan all the way here, every passing moment a torment.

He suppressed his anger, holding back from any reckless actions.

Finally, Mitchel felt a wave of relief seeing Stefan leave Raegan's place.

Yet, that didn't ease his distress.

Mitchel's heart ached as though it was bound by a slender rope.

The night was deepening.

Seated in his car, he silently smoked, filling the ashtray with cigarette stubs.

His face was devoid of any expression, a stark contrast to the confident, dominant Mitchel of before. Now, he appeared utterly disheartened.

Events had unfolded in a way he never anticipated. He had believed that by holding on, Raegan would eventually change her mind and fall for him.

But he hadn't considered how Raegan actually felt about him. To her, he was a stranger. With the look in her eyes and her way of treating him, it was clear to Mitchel that Raegan had no recollection of him.

His actions only seemed to push her further away.

Sitting in the car, Mitchel pondered whether this was what they called karma for his lack of timely protection and explanation.

Mitchel had spent the entire night in the car, waiting outside Raegan's place, doing nothing but sitting in silence until the break of dawn.