Crises in Love (Zora and Jaylan)

It seemed that Camilla was quite the mastermind, and I'd been utterly oblivious, never suspecting her.

I looked at Fidelia and asked, "So, where has your mom jetted off to this time for work? Do you know that?"

Fidelia shook her head and said softly, "I really don't know, but she said it would be for several days. Told me to fend for myself and focus on my studies."

My heart went out to Fidelia. She was just a kid, and yet Camilla could leave her to take care of herself. What kind of huge deal was she handling that she had to leave for days on end? "Aren't you scared being home alone?"

"I'm used to it. My mom has been going on trips since I was really little," Fidelia murmured, her voice so faint it was heartbreaking.

I gently rubbed her back and asked, "Does she leave you alone often?"

She looked at me, seemingly weighing her answer.

Quickly, I changed tack, "Is it that your mom told you not to tell? It's okay, and you don't have to answer. I'm just concerned about you. Next time, if she can't come back for a while, you can give me a call, and I'll take you in. It'll be our little secret, and you don't have to tell your mom."

This time she shook her head firmly, "I can't. She video calls me every night. If she finds out I'm not at home, it wouldn't be okay."

I let out a low sigh, realizing that this was a common occurrence for Fidelia or Fidelia wouldn't have answered me like that. Hannah suddenly asked Fidelia, "Does your mom bring you little presents when she comes back from her trips?"

Fidelia nodded and looked at Hannah, "Sometimes she does, and sometimes she doesn't." Hannah immediately followed up, "Can you show your aunt what presents she's given you?" Fidelia smiled and nodded, "Sure, we can connect on WhatsApp and I'll show you."

But then she added with caution, "But you can't follow me home because we have cameras."

I was even more astonished. Was Camilla this cautious?

"Not even to see me?" I asked.

She stared at me and shook her head again, stammering, "No, she doesn't want me to be in touch with you on my own."

At her words, my heart sank. Why was Camilla wary of me too?

"And what if something happens to you when she's not home? What would you do?" I asked, pretending to be deeply concerned. "She left me a number to call for emergencies only. I must never call unless it's really important." Fidelia explained cautiously.

"A number?" My spirits lifted, but I kept my composure as I asked, "Have you ever called it? Is it a man or a woman?"

She shook her head, "I've never called. There's never been an emergency, and if I called for no reason, my mom would be mad when she got back." "Could you tell me that number?" I asked, glancing at Hannah, who nodded with understanding.

After a moment's hesitation, Fidelia recited a number, clearly memorized well.

I saw Hannah quickly tap the number into her phone.

I was floored by the sheer volume of information. I had seriously underestimated Camilla.

Fidelia looked uneasy as she double-checked, "You can really keep a secret, right?"

"Absolutely! I keep my promises. From now on, you can come to me with anything, and I'll keep it under wraps," I assured her with a sincere look in my eyes.

"Also, when your mom's not home, feel free to call me. If I'm in Goldenvale Town, I'll come over. We can grab a bite to eat, hang out, whatever you want." And another thing, I'm no longer with the Dawson family," I emphasized.

"Did you and Uncle Jaylan get a divorce?" Fidelia asked for confirmation.

I nodded without any intent to hide it, "Yes. Who told you?"

She timidly replied, "I heard it from Monique."

"What...who said that?" I could hardly believe my ears, my heart racing up to my throat.