chapter 22
924 Words
Several hours slipped by before the silence in the library was interrupted by a gentle knock on the open door.
Lana looked up from the book resting in her lap and she saw ohn standing in the doorway, wearing his usual warm smile. He was the only person in this whole house who didn't make her feel particularly uncomfortable.
"Dinner is ready, Miss Lana."
She glanced toward one of the tall windows and saw that the sky outside had darkened into shades of deep blue, the first stars beginning to appear.
She hadn't realized she'd spent almost the entire afternoon there, well it was better than staying cooped up inside that room, thinking about how awful her life was at least she had been distracted for a few hours.
Closing the book carefully, she stood up and let out a deep sigh.
"I'll return it tomorrow," she said softly.
John nodded and smiled warmly at her and she smiled back at him.
"Take your time. The library is always open to you."
She nodded and followed him into the hallway.
The silence between them lasted only a few moments before John glanced sideways at her.
He immediately noticed the change in her. the lightness that had been on her face earlier was gone.
Instead, a small frown rested between her brows, and her thoughts seemed far away, was the library not enough distraction for her, he had hoped it would be enough to take her mind off things or rather someone.
"Is everything alright?" he asked gently.
Lana forced a small smile and nodded
"I'm fine." She lied
John wasn't convinced and it was obvious that she was a terrible liar.
Still, he didn't press the matter. if she wanted to talk, she would.
The two of them continued down the long hallway until they reached the dining room and the enormous table was already prepared.
Candles flickered softly, casting warm golden light across polished silverware and elegant china.
The delicious aroma of roasted chicken, buttered vegetables, fresh bread, and creamy soup drifted through the room.
Normally, the smell would have made Lana's stomach growl, but tonight, it barely registered.
She quietly took her seat and John served her dinner before stepping back.
"Enjoy your meal."
Lana offered him a polite nod.
"Thank you."
She picked up her fork and moved a piece of chicken across her plate then stopped.
Her appetite had disappeared somewhere between the library and the dining room.
Every bite felt heavy and the thought returned to the same question, her father.
She forced herself to eat a few mouthfuls, john watching discreetly from across the room, noticing everything from the untouched vegetables, to the bread she hadn't reached for and the way she seemed lost in thought.
This wasn't the same young woman who had happily devoured cheesecake only hours earlier, something was weighing on her and it didn't take a genius to guess what was wrong with her. He felt a pang of guilt because he knew she didn't deserve any of this. If only he was able to get through to that stubborn boss of his.
After several minutes, he finally spoke.
"Miss Lana."
She looked up at him and smiled slightly but the smile didn't reach her eyes.
"Is the food not to your liking?"
Her eyes widened immediately
"No, it's delicious."
"Then why have you barely eaten?"
She lowered her gaze to the plate.
"I..."
The words caught in her throat. john waited patiently for hee.
She sighed quietly, there was no point pretending anymore.
"You've been very kind to me." She said in a low voice and he offered her a gentle smile..
"I've tried."
"And..."
She hesitated.
"If there's anyone I can ask..."
John tilted his head slightly.
"...it's probably you."
His smile faded just a little.
"What would you like to know?"
Lana swallowed, unsure of if she was making the right choice but she asked anyway.
"My father."
John's expression changed instantly and she noticed how the warmth in his eyes dimmed.
"I know he did something terrible," she continued softly.
"I don't know what it was."
She looked directly at him, hoping he would give her the answer she desperately wanted
"Everyone keeps treating me like I'm guilty of something I don't even understand."
Her voice grew quieter.
"I've spent years paying for his mistakes."
She looked down at her hands as memories of what she gone through because of her father invaded her mind and unshed tears brim in her eyes.
"And now I'm here."
She took a slow breath.
"So..."
Her eyes lifted to meet his once more.
"What did my father do?"
The entire room became silent andjohn didn't answer.
His gaze drifted to the table, his shoulders seemed heavier somehow.
He looked as though he had aged several years in only a few seconds.
Lana waited patiently and finally, John inhaled.
"I..."
He opened his mouth to speak.
"Why couldn't you ask me directly instead?"
A deep voice echoed through the dining room and Lana's entire body stiffened.
Her heart lurched violently and slowly she turned toward the entrance.
Damon was standing in the doorway. His dark suit jacket hanging loosely over one shoulder, his tie slightly loosened after what had clearly been a long day at work.
His ocean-blue eyes were fixed on her and Lana's fingers tightened instinctively around her fork.
John closed his eyes briefly. he had been hoping Damon would return after dinner.
Instead... he had arrived at the worst possible moment.
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