After leaving Xavier's room and promising to meet him before breakfast, Halle opened the letter and read through the contents again just to be sure that she got everything right. Her entire plan depended on the letter getting to the intended today! She carefully folded the letter, her thoughts racing as she prepared to embark on a path that could change everything.Walking down the hallways of Stone Manor, Halle's heart thudded loudly in her chest. Her steps were purposeful, each one bringing her closer to the entrance. The manor was quiet at this hour, the soft hum of morning activity echoing through the hallways. Halle's mind was focused, her determination unwavering.Stepping outside, the crisp morning air greeted her. The scent of blooming flowers filled her senses, creating a surreal atmosphere for the mission ahead. Halle's strides were confident as she made her way toward the entrance gates of the estate. The gravel beneath her shoes seemed to echo her determination with each
Halle's grip on her utensils tightened, but she maintained her calm exterior. "I understand your concern, Andrea. But I've been researching and all I’m doing is trying to help Xavier."So Xavier told her about their conversation, great. He didn’t even know the kind of intentions the people he talks to about his life harbors toward him. Andrea's eyebrows arched, a challenge in her gaze. "Research is not the same as medical expertise. You're playing with fire here."Xavier interjected, his voice steady. "Andrea, Halle is a trained nurse who no doubt, knows what she’s doing. I trust whatever method she comes up with."Andrea's lips pressed into a thin line, the tension between her and Halle growing palpable. Damien, sensing the unease, looked between them with confusion. "Why are you arguing?"Xavier's voice softened as he addressed his son. "It's just a grown-up conversation, buddy."Halle offered Damien a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, we're just discussing different points of view."
Halle's heart raced as she looked across the candlelit table at Xavier. The restaurant's elegant ambiance seemed to have lost its charm, her every nerve on edge as she prepared to share the truth with him. The smile that had once adorned her lips was replaced with apprehension. "Xavier," she began, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. "There's something I need to tell you."Xavier's brows furrowed as he leaned in slightly, his gaze fixed on her with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Halle, you're starting to worry me. What's going on?"Halle took a deep breath, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the tablecloth. "All morning, I haven't been completely honest with you."Xavier's expression shifted from curiosity to unsettled worry, his eyes searching hers for answers. "What do you mean? What haven't you told me?"Halle's heart pounded in her chest as she met his gaze, her guilt and determination warring within her. "We're not going back to Stone Manor after this."X
It was dark. A darkness that Xavier thought he’d been used to since the day he realized what his life's trust purpose was but this time it was different, because he could feel everything and at some point…he could hear everything as well and it was completely torture for him. Xavier's consciousness began to surface, like a ship emerging from the depths of a storm-tossed sea. His mind felt heavy, his thoughts muddled as he fought to break free from the embrace of sleep. Halle's apologies reverberated in his head, each word a painful reminder of the pain he felt. Her voice was a haunting echo, a discordant melody that played on his heartstrings, tugging at his emotions. He could remember the guilty expression on her face when she voiced out her betrayal and finally stated her intentions…she had drugged him. Intentionally lured him out and drugged him, to do what with him? He wasn’t sure. Xavier wondered who she worked for and how much of everything they’d shared was a lie but yet, his
Halle's heart sank as her eyes met Xavier's accusatory gaze. His brown eyes bore into hers, a silent storm of anger and hurt. She could feel the weight of his disappointment, a heaviness that settled deep within her chest. Guilt gnawed at her, twisting her insides as she struggled to meet his gaze.Xavier's voice was cold, cutting through the charged atmosphere like a blade. "Explain." He repeated with a chill in his tone that he’d never used with her before. Now the reality of the situation was sinking in properly and Halle was now beginning to fear for her life. What had she done? Was it the right action to take? Tunde, standing beside her, seemed unaffected by Xavier's gloomy demeanor. She also noticed that his nonchalant attitude grated on Xavier's nerves, but she was too shaken to react. “Calm down before you blow a fuse, man,” Tunde dragged the chair from the bedside table and plopped down on the seat with a heavy sigh, a quirky smile that was no doubt the really for Xavier’
Tunde's voice was steady as he began to speak, his words carrying a weight of truth that neither Halle and she was sure Xavier couldn't ignore. "Xavier, there's something you need to understand about our way of life. It's not always what it seems. Trust is a luxury that can be hard to come by." Tunde was in this life just as deeply as Xavier and his cousins were but, he found a loophole and that way he was the target of many but also the target of none. Halle couldn’t think of anyone better to speak to Xavier about this. Xavier's gaze remained fixed on Tunde, a look of skepticism in his eyes. Halle noticed he was willing to listen to what they had to say but he also looked tense, like he was ready to claw his way put of here if their words didn’t appeal to him. Halle knew he wouldn't let his guard down so easily. Tunde continued, his words measured. "I received a letter from Halle yesterday morning. She said your life was in danger, and she was certain that your aunt Martha and Andr
“Please, Xavier, wake up,” Halle whispered, her voice a mixture of desperation and fear.She sat beside him, her gaze never leaving his face as she waited for any sign of him stirring. Her heart ached as she watched him, guilt gnawing at her for sharing the truth with him in a way that seemed to have overwhelmed his already fragile state. She wished she could take back her words and shield him from this harsh reality, but it was too late now.It had to happen. Time seemed to stretch on, each second feeling like an eternity as Halle sat there, watching over Xavier’s unconscious form. Tunde returned with a doctor on the phone, but Halle barely registered their conversation. Her focus was solely on Xavier, her fingers gently brushing against his hand, seeking some sign of warmth or response.Days turned into a blur as Halle refused to leave Xavier’s side. Tunde came over several times, concern etched across his features, urging her to rest and take care of herself, especially given her
Halle never let go of his hand, she knew right there and then that he needed someone to listen, to be there for him at this point in his life. Halle recalled a moment in her life when she had been so broken beyond repair, when the people she thought were meant to protect her were the instigators of every hurt she felt and she’d always wondered…if they chose to listen just once, maybe things would’ve been different. Halle listened intently as Xavier recounted instance after instance that should have made him suspicious of Martha’s intentions. With each memory he shared, a fresh pang of guilt went through her. If only she had noticed sooner but she also had grown to love the woman like a mother and Halle didn’t want to compare her hurt to what Xavier was feeling but her heart hurt more than she let on. While he spoke, he never met her eyes, he looked like a young boy who had just gotten his world turned upside down. Halle never imagined she would see Xavier in such a state. But what