Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 330

"Dalton, when can we lay Evan to rest?" I asked, my gaze locked onto Dalton's weary face. "Probably need more time," Dalton didn't beat around the bush, "The case is still wide open."

I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Just give me a heads-up when it's possible, alright? I want to arrange a proper burial for him. He trusted me to save him, and I couldn't... but I can at least ensure he finds peace."

Detective Dalton's eyes, once filled with skepticism, now held a genuine respect. His tone softened as he spoke to me, an acknowledgment that he'd seen my efforts.

"I will, I promise. And thanks, on behalf of the kid."

"No thanks needed," I muttered, my eyes cast downward in sorrow. "I failed him. All I can do now is honor the bond we had."

My voice trembled, and I took a deep breath to fight back the tears threatening to fall. It was the first time I'd allowed myself to cry that day.

"You're not the only one to blame. We all have a part in this - we couldn't save him in time. That's on us," Dalton said, his sincerity clear.

I glanced at him and felt a weight lift from my shoulders. Despite my grievances, it meant a lot to hear him acknowledge their part in this tragedy.

"Speaking of which, Dalton, am I free to leave Goldenvale now?"

"Yeah, you're clear to go," he confirmed without hesitation.

Jaylan, who'd been standing silently beside me, shifted uncomfortably.

"I've got to head back to Silverdale. You can reach me anytime," I informed him of my plans.

"Sure thing," Dalton nodded.

I left my sentence hanging, confident that Dalton would catch my drift.

He understood, nodding firmly. "We got what we needed. I'm hopeful we'll wrap this up soon."

I let out a sigh of relief and decided to leave without further ado. "Well, I should get going. I'll wait for your word."

"Alright." I turned to Jaylan. "Let's hit the road."

Jaylan didn't bother with goodbyes to Dalton; instead, he followed me to the car without a word. After all, Dalton had barely acknowledged his presence. Reaching the car, I didn't hop on. "I'm swinging by the hospital to sort out the discharge papers. I might be heading back to Silverdale tomorrow."

Jaylan's eyes lit up with urgency, "You're leaving tomorrow? Let me handle the flights. Who's all going?" he asked, already planning.

"You and me, and Fidelia," I pointed out.

"Fidelia? Why's she coming along?" Jaylan's voice was laced with confusion.

"We'll talk at home. You don't want to hash this out here, do you?" I retorted, challenging him.

Without missing a beat, Jaylan agreed, nodding vigorously. "Right, right. I'll get back to the office and sort it out. I'll join you tomorrow. Send me your ID info, and I'll have the front desk book the flights." "Sounds good," I replied as Hannah's car pulled up. I opened the door and slipped inside, eager to leave the conversation behind.

Jaylan quickly got into his car and sped away as if chased by demons.

Watching Jaylan's car disappear, Hannah couldn't help but scoff, "Guilty consciences make you jump at shadows. Did you see how scared he was? Almost wet himself when he was cowering by the wall." I snorted, images of Jaylan flaunting his picture-perfect life with Marissa and Evan across social media, all smiles and love, playing out the ideal family.

Unexpectedly, both Marissa and Evan were gone.

I sighed deeply, lost in thought.

Hannah caught my expression. "Aaliyah, you've done all you could. Don't torture yourself over this. The kid's fate was sealed - to die at the hands of the one who gave him life. How do you even explain that? It's destiny. Maybe in a past life, he and Jerome were sworn enemies, destined to meet again in this life.”

Her words struck a chord. Everyone has different fates. It's all about karma. Evan and Jerome were bound by a deadly fate.

What I pondered on then was how to make Jerome live with an unbearable regret for his actions.