Chapter 33: Hidden Bruises

Kate drove through the quiet evening streets, the library just a few blocks away. The city lights cast a soft, restless glow across her windshield, and she tightened her grip on the wheel. Last night’s events lingered like a shadow in the back of her mind, but she pushed them aside, focusing on the research she planned to dive into.

Her phone buzzed in its stand on the dashboard, lighting up with Samuel’s name. She hesitated for a split second, then tapped the speaker button, her voice carefully neutral. “Hey, love.”

“Hey, darling. Where are you?” His voice, warm and steady, filled the car, but the usual comfort she felt was tinged by an unexpected edge of worry.

“Just… heading to the library.” She tried to sound casual, pushing a slight dullness from her voice. “What’s up?”

There was a pause, and she could feel him sensing the shift. “You sound a little off. Is everything okay?”

A flicker of unease crossed her face, but she forced a smile, keeping her tone light. “I’m fine, Samuel. Just a bit tired, I guess.”

Another pause. “You’d tell me if something was wrong, right?”

“Of course.” She steadied her voice, trying to sound convincing. “Nothing’s wrong, I promise.”

“I need to see you,” he said, his tone insistent. “Any chance you can come over?”

She hesitated, her gaze fixed on the road as she considered. “Samuel, I’ve got very important research to get through…”

There was a pause on the line, then he said, “Then I’ll come meet you there.”

Kate laughed softly, shaking her head even though he couldn’t see.

“Samuel, I need to go to the library,” she said, trying to keep her tone light but firm. “There’s something important I need to look up. Please, try to understand. I’ll come by after, I promise.”

“Come on, Kate.” Samuel’s voice softened, coaxing. “It’s not some big work meeting or deadline; it’s just research. You can do that later, can’t you? I want to see you.”

She sighed, glancing at the library’s silhouette in the distance. “Samuel…”

“Don’t make me chase you to the library.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “I’m serious—I’ll just show up there if you don’t turn around right now.”

She bit her lip, her resolve slipping. “Fine,” she said finally, unable to resist the warmth in his words. “I’m close to your place, anyway. Let me come over.”

“That’s my girl.” He sounded genuinely happy, and she felt her heart ease just a little.

“All right,” she murmured, already making the turn.

She sighed, glancing out the window at the familiar streets that felt like a second skin. If he saw her tonight—if he caught a glimpse of bruises—it would only stir questions she wasn’t ready to answer. He wouldn’t let it go. He’d want to know everything, and the thought sent a chill down her spine.

As she drove, her mind raced with the possibilities of their conversation. Telling him the truth was not an option; he’d insist on getting involved, maybe even pull her off the case entirely. She could already picture his protective nature flaring up, a fierce instinct that both comforted and terrified her. Taking a deep breath, she gripped the steering wheel tighter, forcing herself to focus as she approached his street. She needed to calm her racing thoughts, but doubt gnawed at her. Would she be able to keep her secrets hidden, at least for a few more days?

When she arrived at his building, he was already standing by the entrance, watching for her. The sight of him waiting, looking concerned yet unmistakably happy to see her, made her pulse quicken. She parked and stepped out, bracing herself as she walked toward him, summoning a smile.

“Hey, you,” she called softly, her voice barely masking the mix of excitement and trepidation building inside her.

He stepped forward, wrapping her in his arms without hesitation. “Hey yourself,” he murmured, his hand brushing along her shoulder, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly. She knew he’d noticed something.

“Everything okay?” Samuel asked, concern creeping into his voice. “You’ve got a bruise on your forehead.”

She touched the bruises on her forehead, forcing a casual smile. “Oh, these? I just slipped in the kitchen yesterday,” she said, quickly averting her gaze as if to hide the truth.

Samuel’s brow furrowed. “You slipped? And you didn’t tell me?” His voice was a mix of concern and gentle reproach, a loving fiancé instinctively wanting to protect her.

Kate felt her heart race, knowing he could sense she was holding back. “Really, it was nothing. Just a little accident,” she insisted, but her eyes darted away, betraying her.

“Kate,” he pressed, stepping closer, his expression serious. “I can tell you’re not being straight with me. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I hope it’s not something related to the latest case you’re working on,” Samuel said, his voice laced with concern. “You’re not hiding anything from me, are you?”

Kate stepped closer, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting hug. “No, it’s nothing like that,” she reassured him, pulling back just enough to look into his eyes. “But if you care this much, maybe I should find a way to fall for you every day.”

He chuckled softly, his expression softening. “You don’t need an excuse to fall for me, you know.”

“Maybe I just want a reason to be in your arms more often,” she said.

Leaning in for a tender kiss, Kate felt a rush of warmth as their lips met, a familiar spark igniting between them. Samuel's heart swelled with affection, the kind that always seemed to grow deeper whenever she was near. He cherished these moments, where the outside world faded, and it was just the two of them. In that kiss, she felt safe, as if he could shield her from anything that threatened her.

Pulling back, she smiled softly. ““Let’s go inside. I could really use some hot coffee to help me tackle this investigation,” Kate said, a playful smirk on her lips.

Samuel raised an eyebrow. “You mean to help you dodge my questions better?”

“Exactly! Caffeine makes me sharper—maybe it’ll even help me charm the doctor in love,” she replied with a wink.

“Sounds good to me,” he said, following her into the apartment.

Once inside, Kate headed to the kitchen while Samuel leaned against the counter, watching her as she moved gracefully, brewing coffee. The aroma filled the air, a comforting presence amidst their lingering tension.

“Why don’t you just agree to leave this case behind?” Samuel asked, crossing his arms. “We can focus on our plans to get married instead. I don’t like seeing you so wrapped up in this.”

Kate paused, turning to him with a thoughtful expression. “Samuel, I’ve told you—it’s nothing related to the case. I’m fine.”

“But you look stressed, and honestly, I can’t shake the feeling that it’s weighing on you,” he replied, concern etched on his face.

“Here, enjoy this coffee,” she said, pouring him a cup and adding a splash of cream. “Hey, make it sweet for me,” he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

“Hey, why don’t you take a sip first? Your taste will make it sweeter for me,” he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Kate’s heart fluttered at the suggestion. “Just for you,” she replied, leaning closer to take a sip from his mug. As she pulled away, the shine in her eyes reflected pure joy. “How’s that?”

“Perfect,” he said, grinning as he watched her. “Now it’s definitely sweet.” The moment felt electric, the warmth of the coffee mirroring the warmth between them.

Just then, the doorbell rang, breaking the moment. Samuel glanced toward the door, then back at her. “Hang on a sec. Let me see who that is,” he said.