Chapter 64 :

Chapter 64 :
\-MARIAH-

The bell jingled as I pushed the door of the restaurant and stepped in. Looking around, I found Lucas seated at a corner.

Our eyes met and he waved at me, grinning widely from ear to ear.

With an eye roll, I went to him. He stood up immediately, pulled out a chair and gestured at me to have a seat.

I scoffed inwardly... Like, who the hell is he trying to impress by being a gentle man.

Sorry, but I'm not flattered.

I sat down anyways while he returned back to his.

"I'm glad you honoured my invitation. Do you want to order something?"

"Go straight to the point, Lucas.. I shouldn't be here in the first place"

"Right.. But at least, we should order a glass of juice each"

I didn't respond. He took that as a clue and ordered a glass of mango juice each.

"Let me set the records straight, Lucas. You have stopped being my patient. You can't use the hospital as a threat to whatever you are about to say to me right now"

He chuckled.

"Relax Mariah. I'm not going to threaten you with the hospital"

"So get straight to the point" I told him plainly.

"Fine..I asked that we meet up so we could talk about Zoey and Chase"

"What do you want to talk about? Listen, don't try to gaslight me by saying nice things about Chase. He's still a liar and a jerk"

"No doubt he is... But I'm not trying to paint him perfect. But, behind those lies and everything, there's a deeper truth"

I recall Chase saying there's a truth to everything that had happened. And Lucas is also saying there is a truth... I'm curious, what is the truth?

"What truth?" I asked.

"First of all, Chase doesn't know that I'm here... He wouldn't appreciate it if he finds out that I'm here to tell you something he has kept hidden away from Zoey for so long.."

"Why are you telling me then?"

"Because I know only you had the key to Zoey's heart. You can help me in what I'm about to do. She listens to you above everyone else.."

"How sure are you?"

"Because I can feel it. I can see you have her best interest at heart, so.. I'm sure you will have a change of heart after listening to me the truth"

I narrowed my eyes, leaned back on my seat and crossed my arms over my chest.

"Tell me everything and don't lie to me.. If I find out that you are making this up, I swear I'll make you pay"

"Rest assured, Mariah. All in going to say is the truth"

I let out a soft sigh and gave him a curt nod, signalling him to start talking.

"Chase doesn't want Zoey to get hurt or feel guilty and that's why he has kept this a secret from her..."

"What's he hiding from her?.. Tell me everything "

"Zoey almost killed Chase.."

The words rolled out of his lips freely but it sounded like a big fat joke and I ended up laughing out loud.

"Please Lucas.. I'm not here for jokes. Stop joking and tell me exactly what happened. How can you say Zoey almost killed Chase? Is this some kind of action movie where she gets to point a gun at him?"

"It's not a joke, Mariah.. this is the damn truth"

My brows creased into a deep frown... I studied his facial expression. He's damn serious which means that's no joke.

"What?"

"Zoey doesn't remember a thing about what happened and that's why she's so clueless. But Chase, he almost lost his life... He was at the point of dying but luckily scaled through death"

He explained things which I couldn't comprehend but it was the truth anyways. I find it hard to believe but he spilled everything to me in detail.

My eyes had grown round from the shock that hit me.

I stared directly into his eyes and all I could see was sincerity in its purest form.

By the time he was done.. I was left speechless.

People say the truth is bitter and of course, it is bitter.

Now, I understand why Zoey's wedding was called off. The reason he left her at the courthouse. And why he kept himself anonymous.

It was all just not to make her worry and guilty.

Zoey would be so hurt when she finds out the truth... Perhaps, it's better if she doesn't.

"I know you are shocked and you find it hard to believe, Mariah. But everything I said is the truth"

"This is so unbelievable" I mumbled underneath my breath.

"Now that you know the truth, please, don't say a word of it to Zoey. It would hurt her"

"She's my best friend... How do I keep it away from her?"

"Then do you think it's better if she wallows in guilt while feeling like she is entitled to him for the rest of her life?"

I remained silent.. thinking about it.

"I want you to help me, Mariah. Right now, Zoey hates Chase so much. But, I know with your help, she's going to give him a second chance"

"Zoey is pregnant. As it stands right now, we don't know who the father of her child is. Wes is claiming to be the father.. And so is Chase"

"I know and that's a terrible situation. But, we can't just let Zoey keep hating him. And I'm also not prioritizing more importance to Chase alone just because he's my friend. I'm trying to prevent things from getting worse and the cousins from becoming sworn enemies"

"What are you insinuating?"

He told me his plans. Thinking about it, I think it's a good idea.

"I think that's a good idea. I was planning on inviting them both so we could have a proper discussion"

"That would work when you all are ready to talk about it"

"About Chase, Is everything okay with him?"

He nodded.

"I'm glad. Who would have thought that things could turn around. Just when we were all thinking Chase is the main reason her life is ruined.."

"Now you know the truth. However, is this going to change what we had? I'm asking about you and I, Mariah"

"What has this got to do with us?"

"A lot, Mariah. Because you see me as a friend to the man who betrayed your best friend.. So, I ask again, does this change anything between us?"

"We had nothing, Lucas. You were just my patient"

"I guess we have to start all over again when things with Zoey get settled. This might not be the right time and I'm not giving up.."

I rolled my eyes.

"Whatever!!"