CHAPTER 243: DID RIYA POISON VINCENT?

Each time she tried to speak, her courage slipped away. The fear of hearing an answer that might break her heart held her back.

Time passed, and the quietness between them deepened. Zara couldn’t stay silent any longer.

"Nathaniel," she called him, checking if he was asleep.

"Hmm," he hummed softly, half awake, half asleep.

"I’ve a question."

"Hmm..."

Zara pursed her lips, the thumping of her heart increasing. "I’ve been thinking these days." Her voice dropped even down, as low as a whisper. "I want to know..." She hesitated, nerves coiling tight in her stomach. "What you truly feel about me."

There was no response from his side.

Her chest tightened, heat rushing to her cheeks. Summoning the last of her courage, she finally asked, "Do you love me?"

He didn’t answer right away.

She waited, barely breathing, eyes shut tight as she strained to catch even a hint of his reply. But the only sound was the steady rhythm of his breathing. When she turned her head, she found him sound asleep.

"Nathaniel," she breathed, a bit disappointed. "Why do you have to fall asleep now? You didn’t even hear me."

With a small pout, she turned to the other side, pulling the blanket over herself.

The next morning...

Zara stirred, feeling something tickle her arm. She lazily scratched the spot without opening her eyes, hoping to fall back asleep. But when the sensation moved to her shoulder, she groaned softly and turned to the other side, still half-asleep.

"Wake up," a voice whispered close to her ear.

She frowned, blinking her eyes open instantly. "What time is it?" she asked, with urgency lacing her tone.

"It’s already eight," came Nathaniel’s reply.

"Eight?" she gasped, bolting upright. "Zane is going to be late for school. I need to get him ready."

"Relax," Nathaniel said, amused. "It’s Saturday. No school today."

She let out a small sigh of relief. She had completely forgotten it was the weekend.

"I would’ve let you sleep a bit longer," he said gently, "but Dad wants us to check the party arrangements at the banquet hall."

"Right..." Zara rubbed her temples, feeling a twinge of awkwardness.

She hadn’t been able to sleep properly after asking him that question last night. His silence had lingered in her mind, leaving her restless and uneasy. She had tossed and turned for hours before finally dozing off.

"But if you want to stay home, that’s fine," Nathaniel offered. "I can handle it myself."

Zara hesitated. She didn’t really want to go out; her work was already piling up. "I think I’ll stay back," she said softly. "I still have some designs to finish. Can you manage it alone?"

"No issues." He cupped her face and pressed his lips on her forehead. At that moment, he suddenly recalled her saying she had something to ask him. He had been so sleepy that he couldn’t hear it properly. "Oh, you were asking something last night. What is it?"

Clasping her shoulders, he looked at her eagerly.

Zara’s expression froze. The same disappointment from the night before washed over her. ’You fell asleep when I needed an answer, and now you expect me to ask again? No way.’

Pushing his hands away, she muttered, "It’s nothing important," and slipped out of bed.

"Zara, wait..." he called her from behind.

But she ignored him, disappearing into the bathroom.

"Uh." Nathaniel sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Looks like she’s upset," he murmured. "I’ll have to make it up to her... but first, I should get ready."

He clambered down the bed and went into the closet.

When Zara finally came out of the bathroom, she found the room empty. Nathaniel wasn’t there.

’Maybe he left already,’ she thought.

Her shoulders drooped. She had told him she’d stay home to work, but now she wished she had gone with him to the banquet hall. It would have been a chance to spend time together — maybe even to get the answer she had longed for last night. But it was too late now. Time wouldn’t turn back.

"What’s the use of regretting?" she muttered under her breath. "He is already gone. I should just focus on work... but first, I’ll check on Zane."

As she walked into the closet, something caught her eye — a folded piece of paper lying on the vanity counter. Curiosity stirred.

"What is it?" She picked up the paper and unfolded it.

It was a handwritten note from Nathaniel: ’Sorry, had to leave early. Talk to you later. If you miss me, call right away.’

A smile spread across her lips. She folded back the paper and put it into the drawer. Taking her phone, she typed a message: ’I won’t miss you.’

She sent the message quickly and put the phone aside. She then took out her clothes from the closet. Her phone buzzed. She checked it and saw Nathaniel’s reply.

’Don’t lie. You are missing me already.’

Zara chuckled, typing back, ’I don’t have time to miss you — I’m busy with my designs.’

Almost immediately, his next message popped up: ’Then I’ll come back and make sure you are distracted.’

Zara couldn’t help but smile at Nathaniel’s impatience. She pressed her lips together to stifle a laugh before typing back, ’Don’t even think about it. Finish your work first.’

Putting the phone aside, she put on her clothes and left the room to check on Zane. As she walked down the corridor, her gaze drifted toward the dining area, and she froze.

Riya was standing by the table, mixing something into a glass of juice.

Zara’s eyes narrowed in suspicion. ’What is she adding?’

An ominous feeling settled in her heart as she noticed Riya’s vile smile. It was clear that the woman had done something with that juice.

’What is she trying to do?’ she wondered with growing anxiety. When she saw Riya heading toward Vincent in the hall, Zara quickened her pace, rushing down the stairs. But Riya already handed Vincent the glass.

"Dad, your juice." Riya flashed a grin.

Vincent accepted the glass and took it to take a sip.

Zara’s heart sank. She was afraid Vincent would drink it.

"Dad, wait," she exclaimed, hurrying toward him. "Don’t drink that. There is something in it."

Vincent froze, startled, his gaze shifting to her.

Riya’s face hardened. "What are you talking about?" she snapped. "I made that juice for Dad. Are you accusing me of poisoning it?"

"Maybe," Zara said, meeting her gaze head-on. "I saw you mixing something into the juice."

Riya’s face paled. She had thought no one had seen her, but Zara had noticed it.

Vincent put the glass down, his eyebrows furrowing. "What is going on? Riya, is what Zara said true?"