LARISSA

Chapter 11

JULES TAYLOR

"You poor thing, Jules. I'm not sure how I'd handle it if I were in your situation. We understand how much you love Larissa. And then this happened..." Kevin, my best friend, tapped my shoulders as he noticed me deep in thought.

"A-Are you all okay, Jules? I'm letting you know that if you need shoulders to lean on, I'm here. You can rely on me at any time," he added.

I inhaled deeply. "Thanks, Kevin. I'm still stunned. I'm at a loss for what to think or do. I can't believe my girlfriend, Larissa, has gone missing."

I'm madly in love with her.

I knew we were intended for each other since we were children. Our families are tight, and they are business partners. Our parents hope that one day we will marry.

That's why I decided Larissa would be my first and last girlfriend. Except for her, I never courted anyone. I never flirted or glanced at other ladies. I'm always faithful and loyal. I'm not bragging, but I'm aware of my assets. Despite my young age, I'm rich, attractive, responsible, and a successful businessman. Many women are smitten with me. They are waiting for me to pay attention to them. There are even some women attempting to steal me from Larissa.

Larissa, on the other hand, Larissa is the epitome of perfection in my eyes. In my life, no one has ever surpassed Larissa.

She may be daring and liberated in private, but I know she's a good and perfect daughter. She may be carefree, and her parents are unaware of it, but I know she is not engaged in premarital s*x, drugs, or parties with guys. She is simply daring in her clothing and the way she speaks when her family is not present.

Larissa is a clean woman. Intelligent, sophisticated, and classy. She is not just beautiful but a goddess. And I've always wanted my dream to come true that she will be my wife.

But how could that happen if she's now missing?

I know she didn't flee. Someone abducted her. Larissa will never worry her parents or family. There are many people who love her and eagerly await her return.

What perplexes me is why her parents have yet to receive the ransom. Laurent is one of the country's most prestigious families, and if I were in a criminal's mind, I'm sure I'd ask for money as soon as I get Larissa.

They aren't, however. That's why I can't help but feel anxious. What if she was murdered? What if someone threatened her life and she died as a result?

The image of Larissa's frigid, blood-soaked body persists in my thoughts.

That thought made me shiver. “J-Jules! What is going on with you?" Kevin assisted me.

"Kevin, what if my girlfriend is murdered? What if she's already gone? Oh, my god!" I sobbed in misery.

I noticed Kevin gulping hard. “‘Ughh… I don't agree with the thought you had, Jules. Try to retain an optimistic attitude. Larissa is not yet dead. I'm sure. You must believe it."

I've never cried in my life or front of anyone, but right now? I can't stop the tears from streaming down my cheeks. Larissa is the love of my life. She is my ideal woman. I know we're not sweet as the other couple, but she's never cheated on me. She is faithful to me and holds high regard for me.

I never heard her answer my I love you, but what matters is that she values our relationship, even if I know she isn't really in love with me.

She's an open book to me, and she never keeps a secret from me. She even said she didn't know when she'd love me completely, but she assured me that she'd be a good wife.

And it's because that I love her even more. I admire her honesty. I'd rather have her tell me the truth than tell me she loves me when she doesn't. Liars and manipulators irritate me.

I'm convinced that once Larissa and I are married, she'll fall in love with me. We'll be together for the rest of our lives, in any case.

We have plenty of time to get to know one another better. I have plenty of time to make her fall in love with me.

But how can my goal come true if my girlfriend and soon-to-be fiancee, Larissa, is missing?

Please, God, help me!

"You have to keep going, Jules. You need it. It's acceptable to be emotional, but keep in mind that we're here for you. And it isn't just your battle. Larissa's family and friends are on the lookout for her. Remain positive; I am confident that we will find Larissa."

I inhaled deeply and tapped Kevin's shoulders. "Man, I appreciate it. Your words obviously cheered my day. Yes, everyone is working hard to find my girlfriend."

"And you should as well. Help her parents instead of drinking alcohol and sobbing here. Help her friends. You're her boyfriend and soon-to-be fiance. They are undoubtedly anticipating you to help them."

I bit my lower lip. Kevin's words slapped me hard.

Oh, dang. Yes. I should be the first to help the Laurents in finding my girlfriend. I shouldn't hide myself in my pad and dwell on the negative every day.

I should be out there, helping the police and investigators in their search for Larissa.

I realized what a terrible boyfriend I was.

“I… suddenly felt humiliated. What are Larissa's parents going to think of me? That I abandon their daughter amid difficult circumstances?"

"You overthink things, Jules. I'm sure her parents realize that you're in a state of mourning. You're shocked, to say the least. Just explain it to them properly. They are kind people, and I don't think it matters to them."

I smiled. "Many thanks, brother. "You're a big help,"

"That's what friends are for, Jules. Now, do you want my help in finding Larissa too?"

"Well, if you do, I'll be grateful."

Kevin laughed. "Please give me more beer,"

I felt light… somehow.