Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

As soon as Jaylan saw Dalton, his entire demeanor crumbled like a house of cards. His bluster evaporated in an instant, and looking over at me with guilt flashing in his eyes, he switched gears and tried a

different tack, "Babe..."

I shot him a look of pure disdain. "Get a grip, will you?"

Dalton had never much cared for Jaylan, and now, taking in the disarray of the room, he gave Jaylan, who looked like a hot mess, a dismissive glance. It was clear as day what had gone down here. Even the cops trailing behind Dalton were taken aback by the scene inside the house.

I wasn't embarrassed in the slightest. Turning to Dalton, I said, "You couldn't have timed it better. Despite the divorce, this guy's been squatting at my place. I changed the locks once, and he just busted them open again. Even had the nerve to trash the place while I was out. I haven't had the chance to call it in yet, so let's add that to the report, shall we?"Aaliyah, you are so mean, " Jaylan sneered, cradling his broken wrist for Dalton to see, "Sir, this is just a family squabble. She brought her fighter to break my hand, and she's the one who's going to make the first accusation. Sure, I trashed the place, but this is personal, right?"

"The moment you divorced, it stopped being just family business. You're coming with me to the station for a thorough explanation," Dalton said, cutting him off without a hint of sympathy, "Take him away." "Sir, I need a hospital first. I'm hurt."

"We'll get you sorted," Dalton replied, his voice icy.

I spoke up, "I'll send over the evidence to your office. It's pretty clear how he got his injuries."

Hearing this, Jaylan gave me a venomous glare, "You've got some nerve, Aaliyah."

"Just getting started. We'll settle up, bit by bit. No rush," I said calmly, standing my ground.

His face ghostly pale from the pain and sweat slicking down his forehead, Jaylan was a far cry from his once cocky self. I couldn't help but sneer internally. This was more like it.

As the police escorted him out, he turned back with an evil stare and a malicious grin, "You'll never find him!"

Stunned, I watched as Jaylan was dragged away, a sinking feeling in my stomach.

Did he actually know where the lost boy was?

Two days later, the place finally welcomed its new owner.

It cost me nearly a million, a good deal for the new owner. Even so, I wouldn't let him take advantage of this house. The reason why I'd rather deal for less than a million dollars is that I don't want him to have a roof over his head and a way back.

Before handing over the keys, Logan's people came to remove his equipment. I took one last look around the now spotless house, then handed the keys to the new owner. With that, a decade of memories were locked away forever.

Stepping out, I felt reborn, ready to start anew.

We got into the car, and I never looked back as we drove away from the neighborhood.

Pulling out onto the main road, Hannah asked, "Are we heading home, Allie?"

"Let's take a spin around the city first, shake off the bad vibes," I instructed her softly.

Gazing out the window, I realized I'd never truly seen this city, despite living here for ten years.

Today, I was going to take it all in.

Understanding me as always, Hannah didn't press further. She simply drove smoothly along, navigating through the streets, and showing me all the iconic spots of Goldenvale Town.

I was struck by how much of a stranger I'd been.

They said I was successful, but I knew better than anyone how much lost along the way.

As we passed a school, the kids were just getting out. Through the sea of young faces, I thought I saw a familiar, lonely figure, "Hannah, stop the car. Pull over ahead."

She quickly assessed the situation and parked a short distance away. I hastily opened the door and stepped out.

Hannah followed, glancing back toward the school gates.

Finally, on the sidewalk, I caught sight of the figure again, head down, walking with a heavy heart.

I smiled and called out as I approached, "Fidelia?"