Chapter 72

Chapter 72
Garrett's POV

My phone buzzed on the table, like it always does when something big is about to happen, and I almost didn't pick it up, my gut was telling me it could be trouble. But I did anyway. Garrett." I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Yeah," the voice said, low and hurried. "I have it. Not the one you wanted, but this is something I stumbled upon. And I think you need to see it."

I sat up straight, my heart beating a little faster. Finally, some good news. Maybe this was a way to end this mess for good. "Where? Where do I meet you?" I asked, trying not to sound too eager, though I was practically shaking.

There was a pause. "Not yet. I have a feeling I'm being followed so I'll need to shake it off first. Until then, don't contact me." The voice said before hanging up.

I frowned, running my fingers through my hair. Shake it off… What the hell does that mean? Why now, why when he has something good for me? It didn't matter though. All I had to do was wait for him to contact me again, maybe very soon.

I could feel the tension building up in my chest. I was worried, yes, but also… excited. This could change everything.

The thought of finally having something that could actually help Lila, help us, made my stomach twist in a way that was equal parts nervous and hopeful. I bit my lip and rubbed my hands together. Okay, calm down, Garrett. Just… just figure it out first.

That's when I heard her voice. Lila. My heart skipped a beat, and I looked up. She was standing in the doorway, looking… vulnerable, which always made my chest tighten. "Lila.... are you okay?" I asked, standing up.

She walked closer slowly, like she was afraid I might snap at her or push her away. "Garrett… can we talk?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I motioned for her to sit even when I was still standing. "Yeah, sure. What's up?" I asked, trying to sound casual but I knew I sounded anything but that.

She sat on the arm of the couch next to me, hugging herself, and looked down at her hands. "I… I need your help," she said, looking up at me with those big, pleading eyes. "I mean, I really… I can't do this alone. All the evidence I've gathered, it's not enough. I need more. And Vivian's visit… it just… it made me realize I have to push even further than this. I have to be sure."

I could feel the weight of her words, and honestly, I was feeling a little overwhelmed too. But also… proud, in a weird way.

She was so determined, so relentless, even after everything that had happened. I rubbed the back of my neck and exhaled slowly. "Okay," I said finally. "We'll do it. We'll figure it out. Together."

Her eyes widened, like she couldn't believe what she just heard. "You… really?" She asked, her voice shaky.

I nodded, a small smile forming. "Yeah. I mean… I don't know how yet, but we'll figure it out. I'll make some calls, see who can help, who's available. Just know that you're not doing this alone, Lila. Not while I'm here."

She smiled too, and before I could stop her, she leaned over and hugged me. Tight. I wrapped my arms around her and held her just as tight. Her body was warm, and I could feel her breathing slow down against mine. "Thank you," she whispered.

"You don't have to thank me," I muttered, feeling a little embarrassed because I wasn't used to showing… this much. Not like this. "We'll get them. I promise."

She pulled back just slightly, resting her forehead against mine. "Garrett… I don't know what I'd do without you."

I wanted to tell her she didn't need to worry, that I'd always be here, but words felt useless compared to the pounding in my chest. So I just nodded, rubbing my thumb against her hand, letting her feel that I meant it.

After a long moment, she finally pulled back and sat next to me again, fiddling with her fingers nervously. "So… about this… the evidence we need…" she said, hesitating. "Do you think… maybe your contacts, could help? Maybe they may be able to get certain info?"

I frowned. I hadn't even thought about that. My mind had been all over the place, thinking about how to shake off, how to meet one guy when I had others... but she was right. Maybe this was the perfect chance.

"Yeah… yeah, maybe," I said slowly, thinking. "I could call a few people and have them look into this info you want."

"I want records of transaction concerning Nora. I think she might have something to do with who I was accused of assault and those videos online," she said softly. "I… I just… I feel like I can't stop now. I have to push. For me, for us." Her eyes glistened, and I realized she was on the verge of tears.

"Records of transaction and payment regarding her, right?" I asked, pulling out my phone and sending a message to someone who i knew in the I.T. department.

"Yeah, and more if you can." She added.

"Alright." I sent the message and turned to her and I could see it.

The way her lips curved into a small, relieved smile, and I felt my chest loosen a little. I could see the fire in her eyes, the determination, and for the first time in weeks, I felt like… maybe we had a chance. A real chance.

We sat there for a while, planning quietly, not really saying much, just thinking, just being there for each other. I watched her, the way her hair fell over her shoulders, the way her hands moved when she was nervous.

I thought about everything we had been through, all the lies, the betrayals, the deepfakes, the hospital records, the money transfers… everything. And I realized, we weren't done yet. Not by a long shot.