Ch. 55
The vacation ended too soon.
A week after New Year, the Valen family returned home back to the familiar skyline of the city, the hum of traffic, and the cold air that felt different from the gentle chill of the Alps.
Selene leaned her head against the car window as they drove through the bustling streets. The holidays already felt like a dream.
Now, everything was back to normal.
Or almost.
Jaxen who was once distant, composed, and focused on work. He would now visit the mansion occasionally to meet her father, but the warmth he'd shown in Switzerland lingered quietly between them so unspoken, but alive.
Classes started a few days later. The university gates were busy again and students started chattering and the crisp morning air thick with new-year energy.
Selene walked through the crowd, a calm expression on her face. But as she reached the hallway, whispers trailed behind her.
Selene slowed her pace but didn't let the whispers disturb her. She kept her head slightly lowered, eyes scanning the floor as if the rumors were nothing more than background noise.
Another school drama, she thought, adjusting the strap of her bag.
Why do people enjoy spreading stories that don't concern them?
Despite her calm exterior, a small part of her wondered about the girl not in a morbid way, but in that quiet, observing curiosity that Selene always carried. People's emotions fascinated her, especially when they were masked by wealth, pride, or secrecy.
She pushed past the chatter and headed toward the library.
The familiar scent of polished wood and old books welcomed her, instantly drowning out the distant murmurs of the hallways.
She found her favorite corner by the window, where sunlight spilled over the table and dust motes danced lazily in the air.
Sitting down, she opened a book she had brought, pretending to read, but her thoughts drifted.
It's been a week since Liana and I last met, she mused.
She must be busy with her family... or maybe she's avoiding the snowball of school gossip too.
Selene exhaled softly, letting her shoulders relax. Despite the noise of rumors and the new semester's start, she felt the rare comfort of silence here a place where she could simply exist without pretense. And for a moment, the world outside, with its whispers and assumptions, didn't matter.
Yet even as she buried herself in the pages, a tiny, familiar tug of anticipation lingered. Something told her the quiet wouldn't last for long not while she was here, unbothered but impossible to ignore.
During one of her free periods, Selene decided to try her luck. She approached one of her professors, carefully asking about Liana's information.
"I... I just want to know where she lives, maybe to invite her over," Selene said gently, her voice calm as ever.
The professor gave a sympathetic shake of her head.
"I'm sorry, Selene, but due to privacy regulations, I can't give you that information."
Selene nodded, hiding her small sigh.
Of course, she thought.
Nothing in this world comes that easy, even when you want it to.
Later that evening, after the family had finished dinner, Selene quietly excused herself and slipped into her father's study. The room smelled faintly of polished wood and leather-bound books. Papers were neatly stacked on the desk, and a small lamp cast a soft golden light across the room.
Her father looked up, a faint smile on his face.
"Selene?"
She approached calmly, folding her hands.
"I was hoping, if you could help me with something."
He set down the folder and gave her his full attention, kindness in his eyes.
"Of course, what is it?"
"I want to find someone," she said, calm and composed.
"It's... important."
Her father leaned back slightly, waiting patiently.
"Who?" he asked, his tone soft.
"Liana Cerez," Selene replied quietly.
"I haven't been able to reach her, she's a friend by the way."
Her father nodded thoughtfully, tapping his fingers lightly on the desk.
"Cerez... I heard of that family before. Hmm.. I can ask around through some friends who might know them personally. But, Selene... promise me you'll be discreet. Respecting privacy is important."
"I understand, Father. I just want to know her a little better." Selene met his eyes, serene and steady.
Her father smiled warmly.
"You're very thoughtful, you know that? Not many of your age would care this much about a friend."
"I'm not most kids." She gave a small, calm smile.
He chuckled softly and reached over to pat her shoulder.
"Alright. I'll see what I can do. Don't worry, we'll find a way without making a fuss."
Selene felt a quiet warmth in her chest, her father's kindness so supportive, made her feel understood. She left the study with a small, composed smile, already thinking of how she would finally reconnect with Liana.
A few days after her father promised to ask around, Selene received the news. She had been waiting quietly, hoping to hear something about Liana, when her father entered the study, a solemn expression on his face.
"Selene..." he began softly, sitting across from her.
"There's... something you need to know about that girl, Liana."
Selene's brow furrowed.
"What is it?" Her voice was calm, but her heart was already tightening. Her father hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"She... she attempted to take her own life."
The words sank in slowly, and for a moment, Selene didn't know how to react.
No... that can't be... She felt her calm, composed exterior falter just slightly, replaced by a whirlwind of questions.
Why? What happened?
Is it... because she's a character from Loves Illusion?
Was she one of the characters I didn't realize?
Or maybe something else entirely?
Her father continued gently, as if reading her thoughts.
"From what I've gathered... she jumped from the second floor, but she fell into the swimming pool. That's why she survived." Selene's mind raced.
Swimming pool... she survived... so she's alive... but... in what condition?
"She's in a coma right now," her father said.
"She hasn't woken up yet. I've looked into it... carefully. But Selene, you mustn't rush to see her. Liana comes from a family with... strict security, military connections. If someone shows up unannounced, even a friend, it would raise a suspicion."
Selene closed her eyes briefly, trying to steady her thoughts. Her first real friend in this world someone who had reached past her usual calm and distant demeanor was lying unconscious because of some tragedy.
Her hands clenched slightly on the edge of the desk.
"I... I understand, Father. But... I can't just sit and do nothing."
"I know," he replied gently, placing a reassuring hand over hers.
"You care about her. But be patience. You'll see her, I'll make it happen."
For the first time since arriving in this new world, Selene realized just how much she truly cared for someone outside her own family.