Chapter 29 Dinner?

Chapter 29 Dinner?
Lilith’s POV
Two days had passed since Ariel moved into the estate, and for the first time in weeks, I could sleep freely without being scared about Ariel.
I could tell Jayden was more relaxed as well because he wasn’t as tensed up as before. He handled things a little more relaxed now.

Although I was tempted to ask him what he was going to do about Derek, I felt it was a little too early and that he was probably putting all the necessary things in place. And so, with Ariel by my side and my worry subsided, I minded my business.
While Ariel was recovering, I spent my days memorizing the layout of the Larks' house and cramming all the names of the family members in my head. Now, I know Mr. Clark's favourite colour was brown and he hates coffee. In fact, all his children hated coffee as well, except for Celine, who seemed to be the odd one.

From the family tree, I could tell she was built differently. She liked what everyone hated and she was the one that mostly made rash decisions, making the others to dislike her.

I had also planned to go through her phone but because of the layouts I had to study, I didn’t have time for that. I always post phoned it whenever I remembered.
It was tiring but Jayden made sure I never went a full hour without it. He would make me sit for hours, hunched over as I memorized everything with his loud voice, ordering me to stay focused. I obeyed, of course, but while he wasn’t watching, I would read a book I had taken from the library.
It was the only way I wouldn’t run insane from the boring details of the layout and family histories. By the third day, I was done and ready to be asked any questions that Jayden could possibly have.
Currently, I was in Ariel’s room, keeping her company as we talked about everything and nothing. I have missed talking with her so much, I could spend the whole day yapping about things to her. I wasn’t much of a talker but Ariel could talk for hours nonstop.
It reminded me of the times when she wasn’t so sick to the point of needing surgery.
Ariel was sitting up, her cheeks flushed with a healthy pink that made me want to cry with relief. She was currently reading a book I had gotten for her from the library and as she read I listened and peeled some oranges for her.
They were her Favourite.
"This is purely fiction, right?" Ariel asked, looking up from the book with her eyes searching mine for some assurance. She tends to be very emotional when it comes to movies or books so I made sure to always assure her it was fictional and nothing real, so I wouldn’t have to pet her for hours, after reading or watching something sad.
For a girl of nine and only a few months to being ten, she was pretty smart. Too smart for her age, even.
“Yes, pumpkin,” I said with a nod. With a satisfied look, she continued reading.
I couldn’t wait for her to go back to school and be happy like other kids. Before things fell apart with Poppy, she attended school for a while and then, she was being homeschooled because of her health but now, I didn’t know the next step to take with her. She would have to get better first, before any decision is made.
"The nurse said I can try walking to the window tomorrow to watch the birds and watch the sun set." she said, her eyes shining. "And then maybe I can see Ravenna? I haven’t seen her since my surgery. Where is she, sissy?”
At the mention of her name, I stiffened but I didn’t let her know something was wrong. I pulled a smile to my face as I watched her expectant eyes.

How could I explain that my own friend stabbed me behind my back? She always regarded Ravenna to be her sister as well so, not seeing her here might feel strange.
“She’s busy with work, pumpkin,” I said, lying effortlessly. “You know how she is when it comes to work, don’t you?” She nodded and I relaxed. “I’ll make sure she comes to see you soon, okay?”
“Okay.” She nodded, before returning to her book. I just let out a sigh of relief when she faced me again and I immediately knew she had another question. I had to stop myself from running back to my room.
“And what about him, sissy?” She asked.
Even though I knew who she was talking about, I chose to play dumb and quietly hope that she was maybe, referring to one of the gaurds.
I blinked, feigning confusion. "Who?"
"I hear you call him Jayden," she whispered, leaning in like we were sharing a little secret. "He’s always grumpy but I like when he secretly checks up on me. Are you living here because you’re in love?"
I choked on my own saliva at her unexpected question. I coughed slightly for a few seconds and I wondered how she managed to take note of such things.
She waited patiently for me to give her a response but all I could think of was a way to divide her attention because hell, what was I supposed to tell her?
"Oh, look at the time!" I chirped, checking my bare wrist. "I totally forgot to tell you about the library here. It’s huge, Ariel. There are books that go all the way to the ceiling, and there’s even a rolling ladder like in that cartoon you love. You’re going to love it!” I finished with false excitement.
“I know sissy, you told me all about it already. That’s where you got me this book, remember?” She said in an innocent tone.
I let out a cough and I scratched the back of my neck. “Of course, I do! How could I forget?” I said with a dry chuckle. “Here, have some orange,” I said, as I sliced an orange open and handed it to her.
She muttered a thank you, before taking it from me. As I watched her lick her orange and go back to her book, I let out a sigh of relief.
Gosh.
Before I could fully relax, the door pushed open and I looked up to see Jayden, who had a cold expression on his face as always.
“Hi,” I said, wondering why he was here. He never came in here and I only got to know of his secret visits from Ariel a few moments ago.
“Are you done with the layout and everything you need to master?” He inquired.
“Yes, I know I know everything by heart now,” I said.
“Good. Call Mr. Lark and let him know we will be going for the dinner tonight.”
I stiffened immediately.
“So soon? I thought you said I could take my time?” I asked, dread filling me.
“I thought so too, but not anymore. We are leaving tonight, let him know.”