Never See You Again

“Why?” Marve paused with a mouthful of noodles. 

Zion’s expression turned serious. “I was afraid you’d lose your appetite if you found out,” he admitted 

Marve set down her fork “Do I know the killer?” she asked. 

In the silence that followed, Maeve felt a pang in her chest. 

“Who is it?” She pressed. 

Zion’s voice was low. “It’s Philip Scott.” 

Maeve felt Philip’s name pierce her heart. She had considered everyone but him. 

“Why? When did you find out?” she asked. 

“Today,” Zion replied. 

Maeve was taken aback to hear that it was today. “So Levi found out today too?” 

“we all did. Levi just found out a bit earlier than me. But even though Philip pulled the trigger, there were others behind him, unseen. 

“We couldn’t uncover their identities. With them lurking in the shadows and us in the light, all I can do is prepare for the worsL” 

“But why would Uncle Phil want to harm my dad? Is it because of those gambang debts?” 

“Those debts were old news. We suspect the people who put your uncle in debt were part of a bigger scheme. 

“They were unable to threaten your dad’s position, so they used Philip to do their dirty work, which ultimately led to your dad’s death.” 

“For the past few years, the Scott family has been on a downward spiral under Uncle Phil’s leadership. Could their aim be to destroy the whole family?” 

Thinking it over, the downfall of the Scott family began with Philip. It all started with Philip’s debts that almost swallowed the Scott family’s estate. It was terrifying how this organization seized a century–old legacy in just a few years. 

“The evidence we have now suggests that Philip bribed a driver named Ethan Reed to crash into your parent’s car on a specific route after drinking. But there’s no proof Ethan accepted any bribe since he died on the spot along with your parents.” 

“And who would’ve thought someone could be bribed into risking their life? It hardly seems worth it.” 

“Levi’s team found Ethan’s son, who had leukemia. Back then, Ethan desperately needed money for his son’s surgery. And so, Philip’s bribe saved the boy’s life back then. That’s why Ethan had no choice but to agree.” 

Maeve fell silent, “Why didn’t anyone dig deeper back then?” she asked. 

“It was ruled an accident No one suspected Philip.” 

Looking back, their brotherhood seemed ridiculous. No one suspected Philip, especially when the Scott family had no enemies or business rivalries. To others, it was just a tragic drunk–driving accident. 

Ples, after Patrick’s death, Philip took over the Scott family, further discouraging any in–depth investigation into the case. 

Now, with no appetite, Maeve stared at her pasta 

“I need to meet him tomorrow. There’s something I need from him.” 

Philip held onto the key to the Scott family’s memorial hall all these years. He had to know something. Maeve vowed to pry it from him, no matter what 

Zion squeezed Maeve’s hand. “I’ll come with you” 

Marve pulled her hand away and asked, “You want us to reconcile before all the facts are out?” 

Zion placed her hand over his heart, and Marve blushed as she felt its steady beat. She tried to pull away, but Zion leaned in and kissed the corner of her lips softly. 

His kiss was tender as if he was afraid to hurt her. Instinctively, Maeve pushed against him, which only deepened the loss. 

When her body finally went limp from the sensation, Zion released her. 

His throat tightened, and Marve felt the heat radiating from Zion’s skin. She pushed him away. 

Her face was flushedcrimson. “Tonight, you’re not allowed to sleep with me.” Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Zion flashed a troubled look and said, “What am I supposed to do then. I planned to share more of my stories with you tonight”