Facade of Love

Chapter 401 What Did He Threaten You With?

Mom probably never imagined I would actually kneel like that. The shock sent a wave of emotion through her, making her chest rise and fall as she struggled to keep her balance. Thankfully, Alice was there to steady her. "Aunt Deb, please, take it easy." Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.

She stared at me, speechless for what felt like an eternity. Finally, she managed to say, "Alright, Yvette. You've made your point."

With that, she shoved me aside and, without a backward glance, let Alice lead her away.

Watching them go, my throat burned with unshed tears and my head spun. For a few seconds, I could hardly breathe.

I knew I had upset my mother badly, but I had no choice. Once Lucas took me away from Lake City, I would not be as lucky as I was five years ago to ever return.

Maybe it is better this way. At least in my mother's eyes, I was doing this because I wanted to and because it made me happy.

I took a deep breath, pulling my gaze away from the window and plopped back into my seat. Idris had been watching me the whole time, his eyes practically glued to me.

Despite being aware of his stare, I felt it tracking my every move.

Gathering my thoughts, I met his intense look. Our eyes locked, and I blurted out, trying to change the subject, "We still need to pick up our divorce papers. Let's swing by the local office later and get them, okay?"

He stayed quiet, just gazing at me with those piercing eyes that seemed to want to drill right into my soul. His silence and that fiery stare made my heart race. I could not figure out what he was thinking, and it freaked me out.

"What's he holding over you?"

That question hit me like a punch to the gut, and I nearly lost it. I managed to keep it together and looked back at him, playing dumb, "Holding over me? What are you talking about?"

His dark eyes were locked on mine, trying to peel back my layers, his voice deep and certain, "Yvette, you can fool the whole world, but not me. Charlie and Lucas, they're the same guy. We don't need proof. Officer Jackson's death is proof enough. You wouldn't just go with him. Spill it. What's he got on you?"

He took my hand, and the warmth, so familiar, made my mind go blank for a second. For those few seconds, I wanted to spill all my secrets to him. However, I hesitated.

Should I tell him that Lucas was blackmailing me with his future, his life, and the lives of my family and friends? What then? He might be willing to throw away his future, but I could not with disgrace and lives on the line. If the scandal from ten years ago resurfaced, he and the Youngs would be done for good.

I could not risk it with my mom's and my loved ones' safety on the line. Besides, all I had to do was go back to that hellhole from five years ago. What is so scary about that?

Besides, tagging along with Lucas to the border might just give me the chance I have been waiting for. Stick close to him, and sooner or later, I might get my shot to take him down. If luck is on my side, I might even make it out alive or find my way back home.

The more I thought about it, the more it seemed like a risk worth taking. I unwrapped his fingers from mine, met his gaze, and said, "Idris, he's not Lucas. He's Charlie. Why would I not go with him? You're forgetting something. He's been by my side through thick and thin in the wilds of Lorrell, brought me flowers, given me gifts, and shown me nothing but kindness. Remember how you said

you would be happy for me if I chose him in the end? Well, I've thought it over, and he's the one. You should be happy for me, right?"

He looked at me, those deep eyes of his casting shadows in the silence that hung heavy around us. It felt like forever before he finally spoke, his voice a low rumble of restraint, "So, was everything you said at Grace Cathedral just a lie? You promised you would stick with me no matter what."

A bitter taste rose in my throat, and for a second, I almost let the tears fall. Crying is not my style, however. I took a stealthy breath, pushed down the bitterness, and gave him a cool smile. "Why would you take everything so seriously? I only said those things to comfort you that day. It was just a bunch of words, after all."