Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan) novel Chapter 394

Hearing Fidelia's words, my heart skipped a beat. I hadn't expected Jerome to call her, asking about my home address and how things were on Oldtown Avenue. It set my nerves on edge.

I quickly asked Fidelia, who was cuddled up in my arms, "Did your dad say when he's coming to pick you up? Is he driving over from Goldenvale Town?"

"He said in a few days, but he didn't specify when. Auntie, I... I don't wanna go back. I wanna stay here, with Monique!" Her voice tapered off, a sign she knew deep down that her wish was unlikely to come true.

After all, Camilla treasured her like a diamond—how could she agree to let her come all this way?

"When we head back to Goldenvale Town, we'll see what your mom thinks. If she agrees, then there's no problem. Monique’s grandparents here would welcome you with open arms. But... your dad's hardly ever home, so it makes it tough to discuss things with him!" I said this on purpose.

"He was home today when he called me!" Fidelia insisted earnestly, "We even had a video chat!"

She was quick to prove her point, worried I might not believe her.

My earlier probing was aimed at coaxing out Jerome's whereabouts. I hadn't expected to uncover such a significant lead. No wonder Camilla hadn't answered my call right away that afternoon.

I didn't dare continue on this topic with Fidelia, fearing she might slip up like Camilla had on the phone. Instead, I pondered for a moment before saying, "Alright, we'll see if there's a chance to bring it up when I get back to Goldenvale. Even if they don't agree to let you study here, you could still come visit during the holidays. I'm confident about that. Your mom would definitely agree!" I offered Fidelia some comfort.

Upon hearing this, she pressed, "Do you think she'll really agree?"

"Of course! Don't you worry!" I replied with certainty.

After all, Camilla had realized that Fidelia was too introverted, and since coming here, she'd become noticeably more outgoing. Why would she oppose something beneficial for her child?

As for Jerome... well, by that time, he probably wouldn't have a say in the matter.

Monique, overhearing our discussion about Fidelia, immediately dragged her off to the side, saying, "Fidelia, I've got a way to talk to your mom about it! I think she'll agree!"

They scurried away to whisper together, looking utterly adorable.

"Don't provoke him, keep your distance, and don't ask too much!" he explained softly, "Aaliyah, your safety is what matters most!"

His words warmed my heart instantly.

I didn't press further, fully grasping his intentions. It would be unfair to demand more from him.

After hanging up, my thoughts turned to Camilla. If it hadn't been for Fidelia's mention, I wouldn't have guessed Camilla was capable of lying. Perhaps she was just too scared to tell me the truth.

With that in mind, I quickly freshened up and lay down on my bed, finally feeling the day's exhaustion wash over me.

Suddenly, I thought of Catherine and wondered how she was going. Without a second thought, I picked up the phone to call her, but there was no answer on the other end.

Annoyed, I set the phone down, thinking she was becoming increasingly unreliable, never calling to check in or give an update.