Chapter 37
Arrested
Veronica’s POV
When Orthon said he was going to get her arrested, I didn’t really think he would do it. I mean, he did sound serious but she was his mentor’s wife. He couldn’t possibly risk straining his relationship with my father
for me.
Long story short, I was wrong and Orthon was indeed ready to risk it all for me. We didn’t meet Betty at home when we returned but the officers. were here for basic details.
I was certain she’d run off to some hotel to lay low until my father came back or something, but Orthon was ready to fish her out.
It made my heart swell because I didn’t really expect that he would go this far for me.
I watched as Orthon spoke with the officers, his voice calm but firm. Hist demeanour carried an air of authority that I hadn’t noticed before. The longer I stared at them, the more I got lost in his beauty.”
I almost smacked myself at the thought. I couldn’t possibly be checking out my husband’s Uncle, could I?
After talking to them, he turned his attention to me.
“You really think you can find her?” I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. My breathing had become heavy especially when I realized that I wasn’t whispering because I was afraid or traumatized. I could barely speak because of his closeness to me and the sweet smell of his cologne that was gradually messing with my senses.
es for so lives
I blinked rapidly, hoping to bury the thoughts as soon as possible but it didn’t seem to be working.
Orthon glanced at me, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “She won’t get far. I have a few ideas where she might be hiding.
It amazed me how confident he was. It made me feel something I couldn’t quite understand. Something that terrified me.
The officers gathered the information they needed, promising to follow up as soon as they could. Once they left, Orthon turned to me, his expression. softening.
“Go and have some rest, Veronica. I’ll handle this,” he said.
“I can’t just sit back while you…”
He placed a finger on my lips and stepped closer, cutting me off with a look that sent shivers down my spine. “You’ve been through enough. Let me do this for you.”
I nodded reluctantly, the weight of the past few weeks settling heavily on my shoulders. As much as I hated feeling helpless, I knew Orthon was right.
“Okay,” I moved away from his touch as if it burned me. Being close to him was so distracting… so dangerous.
Something flickered in his eyes but he said nothing about my actions.
“So… you’re not going back to Carter?” He asked, taking a seat on the couch. I quietly joined him.
“I thought we could get back together for the sake of the baby. He seemed so genuine and… I guess I thought we could work something out…” I muttered, feeling like an idiot.
“I just don’t get it, you know. One minute, he acts like he can’t live
without me, and the next, he’s engaging another woman. Who does that?” I sighed.
“It’s okay. Veronica. You shouldn’t blame yourself for trying to give him a second chance. At least you know you did your best for him, and he blew it,” he said softly with a smile that made my heart flutter.
I sprang to my feet immediately. I can’t do this. The longer I stay with him, the most likely I’m going to lose my fucking mind.
I couldn’t possibly have a thing for him. The last man I loved put me through hell, he still is. I couldn’t be stupid enough to give it another
chance.
“Where are you going?” Orthon asked, surprised by the sudden movement. I couldn’t even meet him in the eye.
“I’m just… tired,” I said quickly, avoiding his gaze. “I need to lie down.”
He stood as if to follow me, concern written all over his face. “Are you okay? You look pale.”
“I’m fine,” I lied, forcing a smile that felt as brittle as glass. “I just need some rest. That’s all.”
Without waiting for his reply, I hurried to my room and shut the door behind me. My heart was pounding, my mind racing with thoughts I couldn’t afford to entertain.
This wasn’t happening. It couldn’t be happening. Orthon was my father’s protégé, my rock through the storm that Carter had put me through. I couldn’t betray his kindness–or my own sanity–by letting my emotions. spiral out of control.
Len
I sank onto the edge of the bed, running my fingers through my hair. My life was already a mess, and the last thing I needed was to complicate it
further
Sleep didn’t come easily that night. My mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Anger, guilt, longing, and fear. I tried to focus on the baby, reminding myself that my priority was to ensure a stable life for us.
But Orthon kept creeping into my thoughts. His unwavering support, his confidence, his presence.
I groaned. burying my face in my pillow. This wasn’t fair. My feelings were a betrayal, not just to my father but to myself.
I couldn’t let this happen.
I wouldn’t let this happen.
Morning came too quickly, and I emerged from my room feeling as if I hadn’t slept at all. Orthon was in the kitchen, sipping coffee and scrolling through his phone.
“Good morning.” he said, his voice warm but neutral.
“Morning.” I replied, keeping my tone light as I grabbed a glass of water.
“Betty’s been ‘detained,” he said, cutting straight to the point. “They caught her last night at the hotel. She’s in custody now, and the authorities will handle the rest.”
I nodded, relief washing over me. “Thank you. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“You’d manage.” he said with a small smile. “You’re stronger than you think.”
I looked at him then, really looked at him. And in that moment, I knew I had a choice to make: bury these feelings deep and focus on rebuilding my life, or risk everything by acknowledging what was starting to grow
Chapter 37
between us.
For now, I chose silence. Silence was safe.