After He Let Me Fall のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 71 - チャプター 80

NYLA ONE WEEK LATER. I stood in front of the mirror, smoothing the folds of my black dress for what felt like the hundredth time. The tiny veil pinned to my hair didn’t need adjusting, yet my fingers hovered over it. I had told myself I was ready, but somehow readiness didn’t feel like this. The room smelled faintly of Kael’s cologne lingering from yesterday, he had decided not to leave me throughout the preparation. Finally it was the day of the burial. “Done?” Kael’s voice broke through my very loud thoughts. “Yes,” I said, finally. I didn’t need to second-guess it. We couldn’t be late. My father deserved that much, plus he always did hate tardiness. He nodded, and he walked me to the car and started the engine almost immediately. The drive was a quiet one, the sound of soft music in my ears. I stared out the window at the early morning sky, muted and pale, as if the world itself was mourning. Kael’s presence beside me was needed, his hand occasionally brushing against mine on t

NYLAI sat on the sofa, while Kael stood across from me. I had stayed quiet for a few minutes, before Kael noticed because he walked up to where I sat and placed his warm hands on my shoulder.“Nyla, don't bother too much, everything he said can be gathered from him being a stalker.” he nudged at my shoulder, but I was too worried to cheer up.“That thing about my mother wasn't public, she wasn't even in the public eye for anyone to know such intimate things about her.” I continued, my voice quieter now. “He showed up now because of timing, this is the perfect time to claim any property. It is shady but true.” I exhaled slowly, dragging my hands down my face. “I don’t even know what I’m supposed to believe anymore.”Before he could respond, a knock sounded at the door.Kael’s head turned instantly toward it, his posture being alert in a way that made me sit up straighter.“Stay here,” he said, already moving towards the door.“I’m not staying anywhere,” I replied, pushing myself to

KAEL “Nyla, I am sure your father had his reasons for keeping this away from you, don't feel bad for his actions.” “Nothing can possibly justify this!” She turned with teary eyes. I stood a few steps away while she stared at that photograph like it might disappear if she kept looking at it. Her fingers trembled around it, but she didn’t let go. She was in utter disbelief that her father could live a double life. But I wasn't surprised or shocked, I had long grown accustomed to such secrets. I didn't want to tell her anything that could worsen how she felt. What I knew, what I had seen would only make it worse. So I kept it to myself. ***FLASH BACK*** It had been hours after her father died. After the confrontation I had with the Handgroves, I knew who was responsible for her father's death, and who had been hired to carry out the dirty work. I had followed him long before that, long enough to know his habits, also that he wasn’t careless, just arrogant. The apartment was hidd

NYLAWe both stared at each other in the lowly lit light of the living room lamp, bodies still slick with sweat. Kael pulled out of me slowly, I fought the panic that was already rising. My hands shook as I reached for my clothes.“Freshen up,” he said, voice calm but edged with steel. He stood. “The way Jason is moving so fast means someone else is backing him up. We need clear heads here and legal advice.”It was already deep into the night, with the day's events, I was meant to be fast asleep. But sleep stayed far away. I paced the living room while Kael made calls. His lawyer arrived just before two, briefcase in hand, tie loosened like he’d been yanked from bed. They sat at the dining table, voices low at first, then much louder.“Does Jason have any legal claim?” Kael asked, leaning forward.The lawyer rubbed his temples. “Most likely not. Adoption seals the rights the same as blood in almost every jurisdiction. You inherit as the named heir. But anything can happen in a boardro

JASONI stepped out of the boardroom with the echo of that single word still ringing in my ears. Nyla had fire, I’d give her that. But fire without roots could be stamped out. I kept my face neutral as I rode the elevator down, nodding once at a passing executive who offered cautious congratulations. Inside, satisfaction burned hot. She had taken the bait exactly as planned.The drive to the Hangroves estate cut through the city and out toward the private gated stretch where old money hid behind high walls and taller trees. I gripped the wheel tighter than necessary, the leather creaking under my fingers. I pulled up to the wrought-iron gates,“Jason Leclair,” I gave my name, and waited for them to swing open. Grimes Hangrove waited in his study on the second floor, the one with the heavy oak desk and the view that made lesser men feel small. He stood by the window when I entered, one hand resting on his cane, the other holding a cigar that burned slowly between his fingers. He d