A Game Of Chess With A Vampire
Chapter 254: Did You Find Her Parents?

Chapter 254: Did You Find Her Parents?

Avelina replied, "Yes."

Draven fluttered his eyes. He pondered over Santino’s words. He was curious, and he wanted to know. Did Avelina love him as Satino said?

A soft breath fled his nose. He went ahead, asking, "Do you...love me, Avelina?"

Avelina blinked her eyes open. She stared into nothing, suddenly forgetting how to breathe.

Love...him? Her lips trembled, and she took a deep breath to calm her suddenly anxious self.

Do I...love him? Avelina questioned herself. She was unsure. She could not think of a direct or true answer to give.

This was what she was confused about—it was what she needed an answer to. How unfortunate was she that Draven would ask her such a question during a time when she was lost in her thoughts and swallowed by uncertainty and bewilderment?

She does not know yet—she has no answer to give.

What was she to give him as a response?

Avelina bit her lip and gripped her nightdress. She raised her eyes, meeting Draven’s gaze. Her hazel orbs were soft, as though they were trying to speak to him.

She parted her lips, wanting to talk. "Draven..."

"Hm?" Draven stared at her with anticipation. Although he doubted it, he still wanted to confirm Santino’s words. He was not a man who could tell if someone loved him or not, so he thought it would be wrong of him to throw Santino’s words aside. There was no harm in finding out. No matter how unrealistic it may seem, he does not mind wanting to know.

Avelina was too good for him—he knew.

"Well...I..." Avelina fidgeted with her hands. She swallowed hard, afraid to say something that might not make things any better. "Draven...I-I don’t—"

"It’s okay," Draven interrupted her, hugging her. "Do not bother about it, alright? Go to sleep." He caressed her hair ever so gently, wanting to make her comfortable again.

Right there, he could tell that she was uncomfortable from her body language. That was not what he wanted. He had already made her uncomfortable enough with his actions that night, thus he wouldn’t want to add to it.

Besides, he does not even need to know. Though she may not have completed her words, he could tell what it was. She doesn’t love him, and he knows. He wouldn’t say that he was disappointed, after all, he had no expectations when he asked.

Indeed, he was right, and Santino was wrong. Although not positive, he had at least satisfied his curiosity.

He hadn’t married her for her to love him. Their marriage was solely on the basis of a deal, so it was quite alright. She was precious to him and would always be, no matter what.

He tightened his arms around her.

Avelina fluttered her large eyes, dormant. She grabbed hold of him, embracing him and burying her face in his chest.

Somehow, she could tell what the answer would be, but she needed to confirm. She had to be sure and avoid any form of misinterpretation.

"Please be with me when I wake up in the morning..." A soft breath fled from her nose, and she relaxed in Draven’s arm, letting him keep her warm from the cold night.

Draven peered at her, wondering why she wanted him to be there with her. But, of course, he wasn’t going to say no. He would do anything for her—so long as she asked.

He smiled, his dimples deepening. "I’ll be with you in the morning." He patted her head a few times.

....

It was midnight.

Draven, who was awake throughout while still holding onto Avelina, opened his eyes to the sudden ringing of his phone.

He grabbed it from the pocket of his pants and looked at the screen to see that the caller was Olive. He furrowed his brow, recalling that they were meant to return that night.

Could they possibly have returned? He answered the call.

"Olive?"

[Bonjour, Don]

"Why do you call?" Draven asked.

[We have returned with...a good ton of information that I think you need to know]

Draven responded, "I see. I’ll be there in the next hour." He hung up the call before Olive could utter another word.

He looked at Avelina, who was sleeping peacefully, and carefully got up from the sofa. He lifted her into his arms, walked to the bed, and gently laid her down. He covered her with the duvet and made sure to close the window in order to prevent her from catching a cold.

Draven put on his glasses, put on his coat, and left the room. He shut the door behind him as silently as possible, not wanting to wake her up.

The ride to the estate was quiet and fast. He arrived at the estate at the estimated time of twenty-five minutes and drove in to park the car.

He stepped down, shut the door, and began to approach the double entrance. He strolled straight into the meeting room, where he met each and every one of them, seated as though they had been waiting for him.

At the sight of him, all of them quickly stood to their feet and gave him a respectful bow. "Bonjour, Don."

Draven simply gave a nod and walked over to take his seat. He crossed his legs and interlocked his fingers, his gaze fixed on both Olive and Loui.

"How was it?" he asked.

Loui stuffed his hand into the pocket of his pants, pulling out a photo of Mr. Marcel. He dropped it on the table.

Draven reached over and grabbed the photo. His face scrunched at the sight of Mr. Marcel.

He inquired, "Who...is this?"

Loui replied, "That is Mr. Marcel, Don. The supposed man that Lady Avelina was to be betrothed to."

Draven’s brow arched, and disgust filled his eyes. He crumpled the photograph and threw it away, no longer wanting to see Mr. Marcel’s face for even a second longer.

"Did you find her parents?" he queried, his brow raised in anticipation.