Chapter 35 Thank You!
Chapter Thirty-Five
Zach was silent at that statement as he did not know what to tell Lucian then.
Come to think of it, he was right.
Zach’s brows arched thoughtfully as he actually dwelt on what Lucian had said.
The investigation should have started when she’d gone missing four days ago.
“Perhaps, they were focused on finding out her whereabouts at first.” He supplied.
Lucian looked at him, “That is the investigation.” He uttered coldly, “If everything had been nipped in the bud from the start, Elara…” his breath hitched as he fought with his emotions, “….Elara would still be alive.”
Zach was silent and Lucian turned away from him, staring back at the horizon, his face a mask of sorrow.
“I want to know everything about what’s been done already.” He said suddenly, turning back to look at Zach with red rimmed eyes, “I want in on everything that’s going on concerning the investigation. Find the bastards who killed her at once!”
Zach bowed his head slightly, “Yes sir.” He uttered.
Just at that moment, there was a tentative knock on the door and Aria walked in, a jaunty gait to her step.
Lucian immediately turned to face the balcony once more, away from her.
Aria did not notice as she walked towards them, “Lucian, I have splendid news for you…” she stopped when she finally came before them and saw how moody they both looked, “…What’s the matter?”
Zach immediately stood up and smiled at her, “Nothing at all, young madam,” he was grinning from ear to ear but Aria narrowed her eyes at him.
There was definitely no mirth behind the smile and his eyes were distant and slightly red rimmed.
He was definitely hiding something.
“Oh, is that so?” She asked, giving him a level look with a subtle lift of her brow.
Zach blinked, his smile fading off slowly as he stared at Aria, then at Lucian, then back at Aria.
God, why did she seem as scary as Lucian?
Aria was standing before him, her arms crossed across her chest while she stared at him with striking green eyes that seemed to strip and unveil his every secrets.
Zach did not know why he suddenly became self conscious. He started coughing nervously, his eyes darting across the room, looking at everywhere except back at her.
His eyes fell on Lucian, who was still sitting motionlessly on the bed while staring out the window silently.
He tried to signal to him to help him.
Lucian cast one glance at him, then returned back to his horizon watching as if to say, “Dude, deal with her yourself”
Zach gritted his teeth at him but Aria spoke up just then.
“Lucian, what is the matter?” She asked , her gaze still fixed on Zach, and he resolutely kept his eyes on the ground, refusing to look back at her.
He was relieved she had turned the questioning to her husband.
As it should be.
Lucian remained motionless as he answered, “Nothing, Aria. Do not worry your head about it.”
Aria turned in him swiftly, “I shouldn’t worry about it?” She asked with narrowed eyes, “I walked in here and you all were looking all moody. And you tell me nothing is wrong? Then why are you all looking as though somebody died.”
She saw Zach’s eyes widen slightly in alarm as he glanced at her quickly then returned his gaze back to the floor.
She looked back at Lucian, whose jaw was clenched so hard, she was surprised that his teeth did not break.
She swallowed hard as she suddenly realized what was going on.
“Did someone…die?” She asked tentatively this time, her voice softer and filled with concern.
She looked from one man to the other, her gaze finally settling on Zach, who was trying hard to be invisible.
He really didn’t know what to say in those situations or if Lucian would want him to say anything.
Elara swallowed hard once more as she clasped her hands before her, “Who died?” She looked at Lucian, “Were you close?”
Lucian laughed bitterly at that question.
Was he close to Elara Vaughn?
She had been so close in his heart, test so far away in reality.
And now, she would never be in the same room again with him, nor breathe the same air that he did, nor ever know there was someone who was willing to give up everything just for her.
Aria was distraught that he was not saying anything. The sorrowful look on his face was so vivid that it nearly tore her heart to shreds.
“Lucian..” she called softly, sitting down back on the bed, and placing a hand on his shoulder, “why aren’t you saying anything?”
“Elara Vaughn.”
Aria’s hand on his shoulder froze as soon as Lucian said that name. Her eyes were wide with shock and they quickly filled with tears.
Lucian cleared his throat as he continued speaking, “You probably don’t know her but…” he swallowed hard, “…she was literally Crestmont’s pride. We were not really close but we were friends. Just friends, ok…”
He turned to look at her at that moment and froze when he saw her crying. Tears spilled over her eyes and pooled on her jaw before dropping into her dress.
Soon, she was full on bawling.
Lucian was startled as he drew her into his arms, “Why? What’s wrong?” He asked softly, his confused gaze drifting towards Zach.
Zach shrugged in confusion as well. He did not know why Aria was crying as though she knew who died.
Was she perhaps acquainted with Elara Vaughn?
Or she was in fact just a softhearted person who expresses sympathy at things like this?
Zach wondered if she would react the same way if she knew what Elara Vaughn had literally meant to Lucian.
He smirked slightly at that thought but then caught sight of Lucian’s glare and the smirk faded.
Lucian knew exactly what he was thinking but he could only grit his teeth at his friend while he continued to console his wife.
“It’s fine, Aria.” He murmured, “You’re so softhearted but don’t worry. I’m sure Elara is resting well wherever she is now.”
“Thank you!” Aria uttered through her sobs, “Oh Lucian, thank you so much!”