Facade of Love Novel novel Chapter 391

Idris was still on the line, full of questions, but I cut him off mid-sentence and bolted from the old manor.

I needed to get back to the Scotts' place and change. I could not let him see me like this as it would only worry him more.

The Scotts.

Before I could even step into the yard, I caught sight of Mom and Maxwell peeling out of the driveway in a frenzy. Desperate to know what was up, I tried to flag them down, but their car zipped away too fast, leaving me without answers.

With no other choice, I headed back inside to change. My top priority was getting to the hospital to fill Idris in on Officer Jackson's death and the whole Lucas ordeal.

I was practically gasping for air as I rushed to the hospital.

I had just stepped into the lobby when my phone buzzed. Assuming it was Idris, I did not even check the screen before answering, "I'm right outside the hospital."

"Yvette, it's me!" That voice I knew all too well sent a shiver down my spine. Surrounded by people as I was, I might have just chucked my phone in a panic if the setting had been different.

I forced a calm I did not feel and responded, "Charlie."

From the other end, a soft chuckle teased through the line, "Yep, it's me."

I was fighting back a tidal wave of fear, trying to sound casual, "What's up? Why are you calling?"

Silence on the line. Then, that same voice that sent chills through me was suddenly right behind me, "Oh, nothing big. I just wanted to see you."

My grip failed me, and my phone clattered to the floor, breaking.

I could not bring myself to look back or to run. Shaking, I crouched down and started to pick up the broken pieces of my phone, my heart racing.

In the blink of an eye, someone had grabbed my hand, and a towering presence shielded me. I tried to yank my hand away on instinct, yet it was no use.

I could feel his eyes on me, taking me in. Even though I was too scared to look at him, part of me was desperately hoping he was not Lucas. Maybe they were just related somehow.

"Are you scared of me?" His voice floated down, and I shivered as he gently tilted my chin up, forcing me to look at him.

The face before me was not Lucas's, and the realization was like a punch to the gut. I could hardly breathe. "No, I'm... not scared."

My voice was barely a whisper as I stared at him, a storm of emotions whirling inside me.

He gave a small, dazzling smile, his eyes twinkling with a hint of amusement.