Chapter 11

Third Person's POV

Bea found herself completely taken aback and at a loss for words after hearing Ian's unexpected statement. Her eyes widened, not knowing how to respond. The shock registered on her face as she questioned, "What did you just say?" Her disbelief was evident as she exclaimed, "No way! Mr. Marquez, stop with the jokes. They're not funny," the whine in her voice reflecting her frustration. In her agitation, she instinctively reached for the seatbelt and unbuckled it, as if to physically distance herself from what had been said.

As they continued to drive along a quiet and dimly lit road, the tension between them lingered. Ian, somewhat annoyed by Bea's reaction, clicked his tongue dismissively. "And who said I was trying to make a joke?" he retorted. "If you would rather not come to my house with me, then feel free to get out of the car right now," he added, his words laced with a lack of co