Facade of Love

Chapter 444 Unable to Return to the Home I Once Had

As he spoke, he took off his suit jacket and draped it over me.

The warmth of his concern was something I had not felt in ages. It hit me hard, and suddenly, tears were streaming down my face.

Maxwell looked freaked out. "Hey, why the waterworks? What's wrong? Let's get you inside. A hot shower will do you good. We don't want you getting sick."

He reached for the doorbell, but I caught his hand, shaking my head. "Just take me to a hotel, okay? Let's not go in there."

He looked confused. "What's going on?"

After wiping away my tears, I managed to say, "Mom... she doesn't want to see me right now."

He stopped short, letting out a weary sigh. "Aunt Deb's probably still upset. You know, the things you said really got to her."

I bit my lip, at a loss for words.

Without another word, he led me away from the Scotts' place.

Instead of a hotel, Maxwell brought me to a chic duplex in the heart of the city. As I took in the stylish decor, I couldn't help but ask, "Is this place yours?"

"Yeah, I bought it," he said, handing me a pair of slippers. "Staying at your place was getting awkward, so I got my own space. You can crash here for now. Anything you need, just let me know. Go freshen up. I'll whip up some orange juice for you."

He kept talking as he nudged me toward the bathroom, his voice a comforting background buzz.

After a steaming hot shower, I came back to life. Maxwell had made some orange juice and practically shoved the cup into my hands, insisting I drink it before bombarding me with questions. He wanted to know why I had bolted with Charlie, why I had lashed out at my mom, and what in the world had gone down at the border these past couple of months.

I could not keep it bottled up any longer, so I spilled everything.

Maxwell's face scrunched up in worry as he listened. When I finished, he stared at me, disbelief etched across his face. "You went through all that, and you didn't think to clue me in? Yvette, seriously?"

I bit my lip, letting out a weary sigh. "I figured once I crossed the border with Lucas, that was it. I'd never see home again. That's why I was so harsh with Mom. I never dreamed I'd make it back, let alone after everything that's happened."

He gave me a look like he was trying to be patient but was struggling. "So, you understand that a ton has gone down. What's your next move? Aunt Deb has no idea and thinks you ran away with Lucas to rebel against her, like you did five years back. Of course she's mad. Just talk to her and clear the air, and she'll calm down. But the Youngs... Man, Lucas dragged you into killing Idris's dad, huh? That’s messed up, they couldn't even... Look, you tried to save him, but it all went sideways. If the wrong people start stirring the pot, the Youngs won't just let it slide..."

I got what he was saying, and it was like a punch to the gut. Kobe's death blindsided me. I was so sure he was a cop and that I could bust him out and get him home. However, I never saw that ending coming in a million years.

I bet Lucas was already plotting from the moment he sent me into the mountains. He knew who Kobe was, so he had Yara stir up trouble, setting the stage for Kobe and me to cross paths. Then, with Rebecca's help, everything fell into place so perfectly that I was fooled into thinking my plans were secret.

It made sense then why he was so eager to see if Idris would trust me as much as I trusted Idris. Lucas's endgame was to turn us against each other and ensure we could never patch things up.

I shook my head, trying to clear the chaos swirling inside. What then? How was I supposed to deal with all that?

Maxwell noticed my distress and sighed softly. "You need to rest. You're no good to anyone like this." Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

However, I could not shake the image of Idris, hurt while trying to save me at the border. I had no clue how he was doing then. "I need to see Idris," I insisted, my voice rough with worry. "If he's okay, then I can relax. Otherwise, I won't find any peace, even here."

Maxwell tried to ease me back onto the couch. "No, you have to rest. That's what matters. I'll find out about Idris for you."

However, I was adamant. "I need to see him myself. Just knowing he's alright will be enough. I won't be able to rest otherwise."

Maxwell was almost speechless at my stubbornness, but he could not argue. He gave in.

Lake City in March was still freezing, especially in the shivery chill of an early morning after rain. Once Maxwell got the details on Idris's hospital, I headed straight there. The journey from the border to Lake City had cost me a whole day and night.

I had no idea how Idris was doing.

Standing outside Idris's hospital room, a voice suddenly stopped me as I was about to knock. "Yvette."

Her voice was soft and familiar. As I turned, I saw Emily standing there. Surprise flickered across my face, and without thinking, I blurted out, "Emily!"

She seemed a bit thrown off by my reaction, her expression turning awkward. "You're back," she said, her eyes searching mine. "How have you been? I've heard bits and pieces about your time at the border. Everything's okay, right?"