Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 378

I snorted with laughter so hard that tears actually sprang to my eyes.

Catherine was surely blinded by love!

After hanging up the phone, I scrolled through the trending topics again. The online world was ablaze with the latest celebrity feud-it was like watching a wildfire. But Jaylan always seemed so composed. No way he didn't know that the internet was losing its collective mind over this.

I set my phone down, smirking to myself. Let's see who cracks first.

The next day.

I was about to head downstairs for breakfast when I saw Jaylan come out from his room, a smile plastered on his face that didn't quite reach his eyes.

I couldn't resist a little jab. "Enjoyed a good sleep?"

He nodded, "Like a log. No usual discomfort that accompanies sleeping in a strange bed. Actually, I slept better than I do at home, actually!"

"That's great. I'm starved-let's eat!" I led the way downstairs, with him trailing leisurely behind.

Inside, I was cursing. He said he slept well? With those dark circles? I doubted he'd slept a wink.

But breakfast was interrupted by his phone ringing. He didn't step away; he just answered right there at the table.

The voice on the other end sounded pretty frantic. After a brief exchange, he said, "Okay, I'll book a flight right away!"

He hung up and turned to us, "I'm terribly sorry, but I have to rush back to Goldenvale Town. There's been a family emergency, and I need to take care of it." Dad looked concerned. "What happened? Is it serious?"

Jaylan was a bit evasive, "It's my mom-she's had an accident. Not sure about the details, but my brother says it might be serious. So..."

Dad nodded, "Family comes first. Go."

Jaylan had that helpless look and said to my parents. "Galen, Valerie, I was hoping to spend more time with you guys. I don't visit often enough, but..."

Mom chimed in with a kind smile, "Plans never keep up with changes. Don't worry about it. Eat up and get going. If all is well, you can always come back in a few days."

"Thanks, Valerie," Jaylan said, his sweetness clearly a cover for his stress.

Then he turned to me. "Allie, stay a few more days to keep your parents company. I'll sort things out at home and come back to pick you up."

I nodded, playing along, "Sure. Do you need me to come with you?"

He quickly refused, but in a way that sounded sincere, "No, no, you just got here. Stay a bit longer. I wanted to spend time with you, but this came up. Sorry to leave you here alone. Just don't be mad at me!" "As if! Family matters are important," I said understandingly, and then I prodded, "What exactly happened? Was it Jesper who called?"

"My mom accidentally burned herself. Jesper didn't give me the details, but it must be serious or he wouldn't have called," Jaylan replied, looking genuinely worried.

"Right, you better eat up then. I'll go pack your things," I offered, feigning concern.

He grabbed my arm, "Allie, you just sit and eat. You said you were hungry. I don't need much. I can pack in a jiffy. Besides, I might be back in a few days, so don't fuss!" I sat back down. "Sure you don't need my help?"

But I knew the moment that call came through, he was already packed. It was all an act, a convenient excuse to leave.

He came to Silverdale City to meet Bennett, and after their talk yesterday, he must have made his plans. He was just too embarrassed to say he wanted to go back.

And with the situation in Goldenvale Town heating up. Medsafe Liyah Inc. was surely affected. He must've been racing to get back.

I thought to myself that this was it. No turning back for him. It looked like the end of the road for us, for our marriage, for everything.

Next time I visit Goldenvale Town, things would never be the same. At that moment, I wasn't sure if I felt excited or sad.

Soon, I'd be facing him, clear-eyed and ready for confrontation. The moment he stepped out of the Wilburn family home, it would be goodbye for good.