Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)
Chapter 402

Dad paced back and forth a few times, shaking his head as he finally broke the silence. "Let's hold off on breaking the news just yet. After all, we still don't have a clear picture of what's going on. We can wait until we're sure before we tell him. Let's play it by ear."

I nodded, understanding Dad's concern. The Damons were local royalty in our small town, and Catherine, their only daughter, was their treasured gem. Despite being on her own far from home, she was adored by her parents, Kenney and his wife, who doted on her endlessly. If anything were to happen to her, the consequences would be unthinkable - it would destroy them.

The reason Catherine stayed in Goldenvale Town was purely for me, and the weight of that responsibility was crushing. The more I thought about it, the more anxious I became.

If Jerome had found out and laid a hand on her... there was no telling what he might do. I mean, the man didn't hesitate to hurt his own son; what else was he capable of?

The thought alone made it hard to breathe. I itched to fly back to Goldenvale Town right that second.

Dad seemed to sense the gravity of the situation as well. He stopped his pacing and made a beeline for the door, calling over his shoulder, "I'm heading to Wood Manor to check on things!"

At the door, he turned back to Hannah, who had just come out of the kitchen. "Hannah, dear, they must be swamped. Order them some food, okay?"

"Sure thing!" Hannah responded with her usual effervescence.

Once Dad had left, Hannah immediately got on the phone to order food for the Wood Manor folks.

After making all the arrangements, she hung up and looked at me, only now understanding the reason behind my hasty departure that morning.

"Do you think something's happened to Catherine?" she probed.

I nodded reluctantly. "If my gut feeling is right, then yes, something's happened."

Carl, noticing my distraction, tugged on my arm a bit too forcefully. "Mom! Mom!"

I had to shake off my worries and give him my full attention.

Breakfast was soon served, and Mom noticed Dad's absence. "Where's your father gone off to now?"

I told her he'd gone to Wood Manor, and she muttered as she headed to the kitchen, "The man leaves without eating breakfast..."

"Don't worry, Valerie," Hannah quickly assured her. "I've just ordered them some food; he'll have something to eat."

The kids, freshly roused and dressed, thundered down the stairs and gathered around the breakfast table, a picture of domestic chaos.

But amidst the commotion, Monique asked, "Mom, I saw a police car earlier. What's going on?"

"Oh, they just needed to pick something up. It's all sorted now," I lied, not wanting to alarm them with the truth. Kids can be so curious, and a police visit was definitely a noteworthy event to report to the adults. Scanning the room, Monique followed up with, "Where's Gemma?"

Without missing a beat, Hannah covered for me, "Gemma had an emergency at home and had to leave."

"Is she not coming back?" Monique pressed.

Quick to divert the conversation, Mom said, "Well, she's got to take care of her family matters first, doesn't she? Who knows!"

Then, seizing the moment, Mom asked, "Do you like her?"

"Not really, she's so naggy and fake," Monique didn't hold back. "She always asks questions, never stops!"

Mom jumped at the chance to agree. "Then let's not ask her back. I thought she was a bit of a busybody too."

"Grandma, good call!" Monique exclaimed, giving Mom a thumbs up.

I let out a sigh of relief, but there was no joy in it. All I could think about was Catherine's situation. It left a bitter taste in my mouth, even amidst the food.

Probert, sensing my unease, placed a boiled egg on my plate. "Mommy, eat it. You need to keep your strength up and stay healthy. You promised us you wouldn't get sick again."

His words hit me hard, and tears welled up in my eyes.

I quickly nodded, fighting back tears. "You're right, sweetie. I need to eat well and stay healthy."

Monique, picking up on the conversation, eagerly gave me some greens. "Mommy won't get sick again. Everyone says once you've recovered, you won't get sick again!"

I smiled. "Your are right. My tough times are over. But today, I need to head back to Goldenvale Town. I might be gone for a couple of days, so you all listen to your grandparents, okay? Be careful on your field trips, and don't rush!"