Chapter 173 Back where I'd started

Chapter 173 Back where I'd started
Valeria's POV 
I spent the remaining days of the week at Tessa's house. But then, during dinner one night, her parents were already beginning to talk about my parents and asking if they should invite them over for dinner.

Initially, Tessa had lied that I was staying at their place for a sleepover, which would be lasting for days. So her parents wanted to do some kind of bonding between our families.

I'd lied, telling them my parents were on business trips just to cover up.

But I knew I couldn't keep up with the lie. It wouldn't take long before they figured out I had run away from home. And that my parents were now divorced.

So I eventually made up my mind to go back home. To my father. And to how I was living before I met Zayne.

"You know, you really don't have to go," Tessa said the moment she inserted the car key into the keyhole.

"We've talked about this a lot, Tes," I said, looking out the window. "I don't want your parents finding out that I ran away from home. I don't have time for explanations."

"But they're gonna let you stay. I'll do the explaining if the need arises."

I looked at her. "And I'm gonna live at your house forever?"

She shrugged. "At least until we figure something out."

"I have everything figured out. I can manage my dad."

"Are you sure?"

"Believe me. I'm not the same Valeria he used to know." Then I returned my gaze outside the window.

"Okay." 

When it felt like the rest of the drive was going to be spent in silence since I hardly contributed to whatever Tessa was saying, she turned up the volume of the music playing in her car.

"Tessa," I called, chuckling softly. 

She laughed. "Come on."

She nudged me. I chuckled lightly, and in the next minute, we were singing aloud to Dance The Night by Dua Lipa.

The melody carried me away. I didn't even know when we reached the Whitmore mansion. As soon as the gates began to roll open, a nervous feeling slowly settled inside me.

I folded my hands on my thighs as Tessa pulled into the driveway. The second she stopped the car, I released a heavy sigh then opened the door and stepped out. 

I looked up at the house, staring at it like I was just seeing it for the first time.

The car door opened. A few seconds later, Tessa came to stand beside me.

"Are you sure you wanna do this?" she asked.

I looked at her, then carried my bag she was holding. 

"Yes," I replied. 

"Are you sure you don't need me to spend some time with you? Just say the word, and I'm going in there with you."

"I'm fine. Really," I said with a small smile. "You're going shopping with your mom, remember?" 

"Ugh. That's true." She stepped forward and pulled me into a hug. "You'll be fine," she whispered against my ear while stroking my hair. "And if your dad is acting out again, don't hesitate to give me a call."

I pulled away from her and gave her a look while smiling. "And what are you gonna do?"

"I'll come here and pick you up," she said proudly. "And if possible, bring the cops along with me to pick your dad up too."

I laughed.

She chuckled, pulling my cheeks slightly. "Be fine, okay?"

I nodded. "I will."

"Alright, bye."

I waved at her. She returned back inside her car. I waited there until her car disappeared through the gates. I stood there for a few seconds, watching until the last glimpse of it vanished down the road.

Slowly, I turned around, facing the house again.

A strange heaviness sat in my chest. My stomach twisted with anxiety as I walked toward the main entrance. I wondered what kind of reception I would get after staying away for so long. 

I climbed the few steps leading to the entrance, and the moment I reached the door, it opened.

Not my dad, please.

I looked up.

Hector was the one standing there.

The sight of him immediately softened something inside me.

His eyes widened the moment he saw me. "Valeria?"

I didn't even give myself time to think.I dropped my bag on the floor and rushed into his arms. He caught me immediately, wrapping his arms around me and holding me tightly against his chest.

"Oh, my girl," he murmured, rubbing my back. "Welcome home." 

I squeezed my eyes shut, hugging him tightly.

Hector had always been more of a father to me than the man who was actually supposed to be one.

He'd noticed when I was upset even when I tried to hide it. He'd celebrated my little victories and comforted me through things my own father never cared enough to notice.

"I'm sorry I stayed away for so long," I whispered.

"You don't have to apologize to me." He pulled back slightly, his hands resting on my shoulders as he looked me over. "Look at you. You're too thin."

A small laugh escaped me despite myself. "I'm fine."

He gave me the kind of look that told me he didn't believe me. "You're not fine," he said gently. "But you will be."

My lips pressed together..

Hector turned toward the hallway. "Maria!"

One of the maids immediately appeared. "Yes, sir?"

"Take Miss Valeria's bag upstairs."

She hurried over and picked up my bag.

"And tell the kitchen to prepare something for her. Anything she wants. Make sure it's warm."

"Yes, sir."

"And after that, make sure her room is comfortable. If she needs anything, get it for her."

I stared at him, smiling. "Hector, you don't have to—"

"Nonsense." He waved me off. "You've just come home. You should rest."

I chuckled. "Thank you."

He patted my cheek affectionately. "Welcome home, dear."

I stepped into the house.

Finally, I was back where I'd started.