Chapter 336

Elena Once I stepped outside, I could finally breathe. Relieved, I brushed my hands through my hair to calm myself down and closed my eyes to process everything.

“Elena, wait!” Marvin caught up with me as my eyes shot open. His hand reached to hold mine, only to stop when he had noticed the blood on his hands. “I-I can explain!” The shame was written on his face.

I didn’t need him to explain why he had just killed a liar. Trust me. It would only add to my nerves.

“You don’t have to,” I told Marvin, unable to meet his gaze. “I’m okay, so let’s just pretend none of this happened.”

“What-us?”

“No, not us!” I clarified. “T-that thing I saw just now.”

“Elena…” Marvin sighed, noticing I couldn’t even describe what had just happened. He killed a man.

He had actually pulled the trigger, and I knew it wasn’t the first time.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” I cracked a laugh. “I’m not angry. Really, I’m not!” I said.

“Trust me. I don’t have the right to be.”

Not after all my lies.

“So all those things you said about actually enjoying all of this…were serious?” I tried changing the subject, which wasn’t the smartest thing.

“I’m sorry.” Marvin looked down at his bloody hands. I’m sorry I brought you into this. I’m sorry you had to see this-I’m sorry.”

Sorry?

“You shouldn’t be apologizing to me. You should let your friend apologize to the both of us for bringing me here.” I called out Panther indirectly. I didn’t want to pick a fight with that man, but this was downright evil.

Marvin clenched his jaw, closing his eyes. If he let Panther’s behavior pass this time, I might as well drop my investigation and move on with my life. “I-if you wait for a bit, I’ll clean myself and take you home-

“No thanks, that won’t be necessary. I need a minute.” I cut him off. I still loved him, and I was still going to save him-but I just couldn’t get over that lifeless body on the ground. He shot him as if it was nothing.

“I’ll just take the bus or something.”

“In this neighborhood?”

I’m George Torres’ daughter, and I can hold my own. Trust me. I’ll manage “I can take her home, boss.” A guy spoke, revealing himself as he removed a cigarette from his mouth.

Judging by his looks and courage to approach Marvin, I could tell this was probably someone ambitious trying to do good. A rookie who had yet to prove himself.

Marvin scoffed. “That’s not necessary-”

“I’d appreciate that, thank you.” I nodded, interrupting him.

Marvin sighed, shrugging his shoulders. “I’ll see you home then?” He raised his brows.

“Yes, definitely!”

+5 Bonus As I sat in the car on my way back to the mansion-I took enough time to think about whatever I was feeling.

Rather than being upset with Marvin, I was angry at Panther for pulling the strings.

He had to be stopped.

So how long have you been working for Marvin?”

“Since he came out of prison.” The guy smiled brightly, turning his head for a split second. Prison.

He made it sound so normal.

“And how has he been treating you?”

What if Marvin had been like Panther this entire time? That would make me look like a fool.

“He’s strict but kind.” The guy shrugged. “He even tells me to go to college and make something of myself.”

“That does sound like him,” I spoke, relieved, remembering he said the exact words to Amelia.

Marvin’s way of speaking was so perfect and comfortable. Dad and Alex had no issue making me feel guilty about not pushing through school, but Marvin was different.

He had even praised me for doing what I was passionate about and told me being able to decide what I really wanted required lots of strength.

“And how about Panther?” I asked.

The guy breathed and tightened his grip around the steering wheel. “Yeah, yeah-also nice!” He spoke in a high-pitched tone.

It was understandable because these people were obligated to lie. Panther was a dangerous person one would not want to cross. I had experienced it myself.

“I’ll walk from here-I need some fresh air, thank you. I excused myself as we reached the community gate. “Thanks for the ride.”

“No problem.”

I still had a lot to think about.

What if I told Marvin the truth?

Would it be too late for him to spare me, or would he at least give me the chance to listen to his words?

Of course, he wouldn’t. His so-called best friend took me to see him live in action, knowing exactly what he was doing-and instead of scolding him. Marvin was too busy running after me.

Why was he not able to see through Panther’s bad behavior?

Who would Marvin choose to believe when it would come down to it? His lifetime friend, or a liar-

DEA’s daughter who forced herself into his life?

Things would’ve been so much easier with evidence. All Victoria had to do was get the stick.

“Elena!” I heard a honk, almost making me jump from the sidewalks. I could recognize that jeep in my sleep. It belonged to Lucas.

Lucas rolled down his windows and gave me a warm and welcoming smile. “Get in!” He spoke. “I was just on my way to see you!”

“For?”

To take you out for lunch!”

Would Marvin have texted him? No, that was unlikely. Marvin knew when to give me my space.

Why did I even care? I needed an excuse to leave the mansion, even if it meant having lunch with Lucas.

“So to what do I owe this pleasure?” I entered the car. For some reason, Lucas’ presence made me feel safe. Maybe it was because of his job, or perhaps because I knew he was a good person.

Not to forget, he kept my identity a secret without wanting something in return.

“No reason.” Lucas shrugged. “I just felt like having lunch with a normal person.”

Well, that made two of us.

“So the Castillos aren’t normal to you?”

Lucas chuckled. “I don’t know, you tell me.”

“They’re your family, not mine.” I frowned, fastening my seat belt. Lucas laughed loudly, almost making me feel frightened because I had no idea he could do that. Smiling, in general, was not something he did very often.

“Where are we going?”

“Someplace special!”

“Okay?” I nodded, trying not to think too much about his weird behavior. Perhaps, it was not too late to get out of the car, but once again-did it truly matter where we were going?

It would’ve probably been best if he drove me off a bridge right now. At least that way, I didn’t have to deal with all of this.

Unlike my wishes, Lucas drove me to a diner downtown instead. Being in the neighborhood gave me a warm feeling of home.

“I used to go here with my dad and my brother all the time!” I pointed out as we crossed the streets to go to à diner.

Back when dad hadn’t lost his mind, we used to go on little family outings and would somehow end up at this exact diner. It seemed just like yesterday Alex and I were fighting over who would get the last piece of chicken.

“You used to go here? Really?” Lucas led me inside with nervous laughter.

Why was he like this?

Wait, it couldn’t be…

Did he have a crush on me?

I stopped in my steps. “I’m sorry if I’ve ever given you the wrong intentions, but I’m with your brother.”

Lucas furrowed his brows. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I know.” I stretched my arms. “It’s a lot to take in, but we shouldn’t be doing this,” I spoke. “It’s inappropriate.”

Lucas sighed. “Elena, that’s not why I brought you here.”

Well, that’s embarrassing.

“O-oh.” I hammered. “Then why did you?”

“Elena,” Lucas spoke, fidgeting his hands. “Don’t be upset, but—”

“Lena? It’s really you!”

A cold wave went through my body as the hairs rose on the back of my neck.

That voice…

I slowly turned my head to confirm I wasn’t crazy and locked eyes with dad and Alex.

What was the meaning of all of this?

“Dad…Alex?”

Still shocked at the sight in front of me, I felt a tear roll down my cheek. It was dad, it was really him.

I was supposed to feel angry. I was supposed to hate him for how he treated me-but I couldn’t.

Only now had I realized just how much I had missed them. Both of them.

“Dad, what are you doing here?” My voice trembled as I took a step back, unsure about whether I should hug him or not. What if he was still pissed? What if he hated me?

Alex, who still hadn’t said a word, didn’t hesitate and pulled me into a bone-cracking hug. “Thank god you’re okay.” He repeated several times, whispering in my ear. I could hear his voice crack and knew that for the first time since my niece was born, real tears had left his eyes.

“I can’t believe it’s really you.” I leaned my head against his shoulder before demanding answers.

“Wait–but what are you guys doing here?”

I turned to look at Lucas, but he had lowered his head. “Anyone?”

Dad smiled sadly. “T’m here to make it up to you.” He spoke. I’m ready to listen to you, to trust you-

and I’m ready to take you home.”