Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel 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."