Chapter 30: So Much Different

The next several days fly by so fast that I can’t even remember most of what we did. Although, one thing in particular sticks with me even till now. I took her to where my parent’s lived before this castle was built. The amazement in her eyes, was that of a child in a toy shop. Yes, the place was big and beautiful, but it was in no way as magnificent as the castle we live inside of now.

As I finally can relax, I sit back and read a book while I spy on Arabella lying down on the bed. I guess the fast-paced schedule we have been keeping as of late, is a bit too much for someone who isn’t used to it. Perhaps, I shall have to give her a few days to rest before continuing.

“Knock”

“Knock”

Someone knocks on the door several times before I get the chance to answer it. Standing up, I stretch my legs and shake out the numb feeling that has spread over them before I walk to the door and answer it. I raise my voice and declare, “I will answer it in a minute.”

Arabella opens her sleepy eyes and stares at me while I walk to the door. As she watches me open it, I notice that she doesn’t make a move to get up. Poor thing, she must really be tired after all.

After opening the door, I glance at Beta Ian who is leaning up against the door frame while waiting for me. He starts to say something, but I quickly cut him off, “What is the matter now?”

He straightens up and then runs his fingers through his hair while answering, “That detective is back. Do you want me to get rid of him and say you are not here?”

A little surprised, I shake my head and then say softly while frowning, “Give me a few minutes, we both will be down. Arabella is going to tell him that she is living here now with me.”

Shutting the door behind me, I stroll over to the bed and wish that I didn’t have to disturb my beautiful sleeping beauty. Unfortunately, this is something that must be attended to in a hurry. “Wake up Arabella.” I gently rock her, while placing my hand on her shoulder.

Her eyes slowly open and then I state, “I need you to come downstairs with me and deal with something.”

“What?” She asks hesitantly before sitting up.

While running her hands around her neck to massage the tired muscles, she gazes into my eyes and waits for my response.

“There is a detective downstairs. I need you to tell him that you are living here now. Do you remember that note I had you send to your parents?”

She nods and then frowns before replying, “Yes. I do, but what does that have to do with him?”

“Your parents probably are worried that I am holding you against your will. But we can’t tell them what has happened so far, just that you are living with me now. Remember you wrote in the letter that you were staying with a friend. Tell them that you came here afterwards, and I took you in.”

She nods quickly and then stands up, before putting on her shoes and walking over to the bathroom. Once she is done checking her appearance, she sighs and then states sounding resigned, “I’m ready.”

It makes me wonder if she doesn’t want to stay here and as soon as she gets downstairs within the detective’s presence, she will tell him the truth. Should I leave her here or trust her?

Right before I shut the door behind us, and she has just walked out of the room, “I say quietly, “I wouldn’t want to have to kill your family because you said something that made him believe you weren’t here on your own accord.”

She quickly turns her head to glance at me with worry in her eyes and a flash of something else. Then she continues walking down the steps to the entry where the detective is waiting impatiently. I watch from the staircase, as he paces back and forth before we arrive.

Shaking my head, I sigh and hope that this all goes well, or it won’t be just a threat. I will have to act on what I told her just a minute earlier and it would actually make me feel bad. The minute I step in front of him with Arabella at my side, he raises his guard and then quickly asks with raised voice, “Are you Arabella?”

I can tell that she is scared by the look in her eyes, and she looks away when she answers, “Yes, why? Who are you?”

“I am detective Harrison. Your parents are really worried about you. They showed me the letter you supposedly wrote, but they don’t believe that you had gone on your own willingly. So, have you?”

“Have I what?” She asks nervously as she looks between the two of us.

“Did you leave willingly and stay wherever you have been? And when did you get here, or have you been here all along?” He insists on pressuring her when he steps closer to interrogate her further.

“Yes. I did for your information, and I stayed at a friend’s place for a while till we got in a fight, and I came here. Julian always said that I could come here if I ever needed to. That I was always welcome anytime. So, the other day I took him up on the offer and I have been here ever since. Please tell my parents that I am staying here from now on. He treats me really well and I have fallen in love with Julian.” She glances over at me to see what I would think and when I smile, she seems really pleased by it.

The minute the detective hears her say these words, he seems upset and frowns before saying in a sarcastic voice, “Alright then. I will be sure and tell your parents. I bet they will be here right afterwards to collect you.”

She quickly states, “Sir, they can’t. They have no right because I am an adult now. I turned 18 yesterday.” As soon as she says it, I see a light in her eyes and then she walks back up the stairs to our bedroom.

I turn to the detective and ask, “Is there anything else?”

He lowers his head instantly and then shakes his head, “No. We are all good now. I will go back and tell the Fedorov’s and let them know that their daughter is content here. Thank you and I am sorry for troubling you.” He walks back to the car and drives off a few minutes later.

I watch him leave to make sure that he indeed is gone for good before making my way back up the stairs to our bedroom where I proceed in thanking her several times.