Chapter 347

The sun fell perfectly on my skin as I lounged by the poolside in our family yard, with Rona and Victoria by my side.

Everything was peaceful, so peaceful I couldn’t even believe it was real. Life had gone back to the way it use to as this was how we used to spend our days in the past.

My bond with dad had improved so much, we hadn’t argued since I had gotten back.

Victoria’s voice cut through the peaceful silence. “Do you think I should reply to Victor’s text?” A blush reached her cheeks.

“I think you should!” Rona who had been informed about everything told her.

It was quite amusing, considering Victoria had insisted I stay away from Marvin and it had even impacted our friendship. Now she was the one after the bad guy.

Still, I couldn’t help but feel happy for her. She deserved this happiness, this chance at love.

The two matched each other perfectly. They were both bossy, stubborn, and almost shared the same name.

My mind involuntarily wandered back to Marvin. His curious eyes, his sweet voice, his smile. The memories were still fresh, but I shook off the thoughts, reminding myself of the present.

Knowing everything had been taken care of regarding Panther, as Lucas had mentioned, I didn’t have to worry about any of that anymore.

The sound of the backyard gate creaking open caught my attention. Lucas walked in, his signature grin plastered on his face.

He was a constant presence in my life these days, our bond having grown from mere acquaintances to good friends. We were together almost every day, each interaction making me forget the pain, even if just for a little while.

“If you were going to show up this late, you didn’t have to come at all!” I yelled out, teasing him.

Lucas cracked a mischievous smile, and ran to scoop me up over his shoulders.

“Stop it!” I pleaded. “I’m sorry, okay!”

“I think someone needs a dip. You talk too much.” He threatened.

“Do it!” Rona agreed.

“She’s been this annoying all day!” Victoria added.

“No-” My protest was cut short as Lucas followed through with his threat, throwing me into the pool.

I surfaced a few seconds later, my squeals having turned into laughter. It was only fair that I share the refreshing experience with Lucas, and before he could move away. I pulled him into the pool.

“Congratulations on throwing me into the water.” Lucas mocked me, clapping his hands like one would do with a child. “What an achievement!”

Dad entered the scene with a tray of snacks and drinks in his hands. “Uh?” He pointed at me and Lucas who held me in a slight chokehold.

“Children, Sir,” Victoria waved us off. “Don’t mind them Dad smiled, shaking his head. Every time he would see me do something ‘normal,’ he would carry that succeeded smile. A smile that said everything was okay, including the unspoken forgiveness between us. Rona’s voice rang out, “Did you bake some more of those delicious cupcakes, sir?”

“They’re inside. Follow me.” Dad spoke, and Rona and Victoria followed him.

“Enough swimming for me.” I yawned, getting out of the pool. I grabbed my towel and settled down on my lounge chair.

“You’re boring.” Lucas sat beside me. “Nothing new of course.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I rolled my eyes. “Why were you late?” I asked, glancing at him.

“You know why,” Lucas replied, his cryptic answer serving as a reminder of his connection to the Castillos, to Marvin. “He’s doing fine, by the way,” Lucas added, in case you were wondering.”

“I don’t want to talk about him, I responded quickly, the pain in my heart still too fresh to handle. I didn’t mind thinking about him, but talking was when it became difficult.

“That’s okay.” Lucas acknowledged, “but you should know, I heard he saved Rona’s bar from going bankrupt.”

Surprised, I looked at Lucas. She had been trying to find this mystery investor for ages, and now it had been revealed it was him all along.

I had shared my struggles with him, he even encouraged me to stop working so he could take care of me -and when I declined, he saved the place I loved so much.

“Also,” Lucas continued, “I saw him one night, waiting outside the bar until you reached your bus stop safely.

“Really?”

The reveal brought a small smile to my face. It was a comforting thought, knowing that Marvin still cared.

“But he’ll never take me back,” I stated, my voice barely a whisper. It was a fact I had come to accept. I was willing to fight for us, always have been-but Marvin was in a difficult position and I respected that.

Lucas chuckled, “I get along with Marvin perfectly fine, you know.”

“That’s different, you’re his brother,” I countered.

“Not that different. I’m still law enforcement, remember?” Lucas reminded me, “His issue isn’t with who you are, but that you lied to him.”

I reflected on his words, remembering the time when Marvin had said the same thing. He wouldn’t have cared about my past, about my secrets. But I had lied.

“Do you think you could meet him?” Lucas asked, drawing me out of my thoughts.

“He wouldn’t want that,” I responded, doubt clouding my voice. If it were up to me, I would’ve ran back into his arms a long time ago-even if it meant straining the relationship I had build back up with dad.

“Do you know what I think?” Lucas gave his opinion. “I think I need to set up a meeting. The two of you need to at least end things on good terms, and it might give both of you the closure you need.”

I nodded, letting his words sink in. “I think so too,” I whispered, a tiny spark of hope reaching my heart.