CHAPTER 57: REDECORATION

Braelyn’s POV

I felt there was something he wasn’t telling me. A gut feeling I couldn’t ignore yet I couldn’t force him to speak either.

"Gather your things, we don’t need to wait for the police," Lucien added, his eyes still scanning the suite. I didn’t have much with me aside from the few things I took for the funeral.

I squatted down to pick up my personal belongings. Lucien’s gaze fell on me again. I could feel his hesitation. His lips parted and closed like he was fighting some battle.

"Do you need my help? Your legs must still be achy." He offered. I shook my head

.

"No, I can handle this much," but Lucien, being Lucien, didn’t listen. He squatted beside me and started to help anyway

"Be careful. Don’t let the sharp shards cut you." He instructed. My lips twitched. Why did he ask for my opinion when he was going to do whatever he had in mind anyway?

I didn’t know if I would call him helpful or rebellious. He was always going to do whatever he pleased.

"Is it okay for me to gather my things like this? They are part of the crime scene." I voiced out my concern. Normally it was advised not to touch a crime scene

He clicked his tongue. His voice carried an usually calm. "For someone who worked with so much caution, I doubt there is any useful evidence here. They deliberately left the mess to scare you. Leaving your stuff would just let the police touch it carelessly." He explained lost in his thoughts.

Lucien picked up a Ziploc bag. His voice softened. "I am sure you don’t want that." He added. Eyes narrowing on the Ziploc bag that carried pieces of my mum’s picture Amelia has torn.

I grabbed it from him and then tossed it into the back. "It’s something important." There was not much to say.

.

He gave me a faint nod and we continued gathering my things.

"I think that’s all." I chimed zipping up my box.

"Are you certain?" He asked. I smiled, then stood up trying to navigate my luggage through this mess. I missed a step and stumbled backwards.

He caught me before I fell, his grip secured on my waist. "You can barely carry yourself and you want to carry your luggage." He shook his head dismissively

I pursed my lips. I hadn’t asked for his help because I didn’t want to be too reliant on him. "I thought I could manage," I muttered

He steadied me on my feet then grabbed the luggage from my hand. "Asking for help when you need it isn’t a sign of weakness."

"Thank you," I whispered, I was sure he heard me. Lucien held my hand to help me out of the mess while carrying the luggage.

At the door, we ran into the hotel staff who finally arrived after forever with a Police officer. Lucien nodded at them, and we evaded the question. They couldn’t stop him from being intimidated by his presence.

A few minutes later we were heading out of the hotel. Lucien was carrying my bag which he insisted on carrying.

The luggage was secure in his booth, seat belt in place. I was in the passenger’s seat beside him. Lucien was still dazed worried about today’s incident.

I didn’t know why I wasn’t as worried as I should be like it wasn’t a potential threat to my life.

The awkward silence hung again between us. "Are you taking another stop?" He asked finally glancing my way.

"No I think I will just head back now. I can’t avoid it forever." I replied. The car started and we drove out of the car park. The road was busy, and my eyes were stuck on the car window watching the street blur as we drove by

My eyes caught sight of a little girl who was begging her mother for extra ice cream. It was an adorable sight. They had no idea how much simple things like this meant.

Maybe being child-free wasn’t bad. I could do whatever I want without a care, well that would be after I can figure out a way to handle the mess with Raphael.

"If for example, let’s say by chance or miracle, Raphael wakes up next morning and cuts off all relationship with Amelia and gives you a heartfelt apology. Will you accept?".

The question Lucien asked me a couple of days back lingered on my mind. Would I be able to forgive him?

I doubt I could. Over four years we had known each other couldn’t be that cheap.

The car arrived at the gates. Lucien drove through the gates. The car slowed down with a hum of the engine after he found a spot to park.

"Thank you for the ride." I chimed before stepping out. Lucien helped me drag out my luggage from the car. ..

A servant was already on standby ready to take my things in. I gave Lucien a last glance before following after.

"Hold up!" He called out. I stopped in my tracks. He jogged towards me.

"You aren’t planning to leave your boyfriend like that." He said then leaned towards my ears to whisper.

"They are watching." He added then placed a soft kiss on my cheek before pulling me into a bear hug. I was flabbergasted by this sudden display of affection.

Lucien whispered something before breaking the hug. "Have you ever wondered why your parents desperately wanted you to marry Raphael?" He asked before breaking the hug.

A dazzling smile on his face stunned me. I stood by the door waving at his car until he was gone. I walked into the villa which looked so familiar yet at the same time different.

My feet moved on their own, rushing towards the master’s bedroom, noticing all the odd details on the way.

The couch set was changed, some paints were changed, and some other details of the interior decor I had personally arranged myself.

My heart felt heavy, until the biggest blow hit me. I pushed the door of the master’s bedroom open and I couldn’t recognize a single thing.

The maids I came across all gave me weird looks like pity and anticipation.

Where was my luggage?! Did I walk into the wrong house?!

"Victor!!!" I barked out the butler’s name, storming towards the stairs.