The Heiress's Comeback
Chapter 68: [Volume 1] - 68- i am here for you

Chapter 68: [Volume 1] Chapter 68- i am here for you

Jay’s eyes, typically sharp and focused, softened a touch as he observed his brother’s determined approach.

"Jay, we need to talk," Ray said, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. His eyes locked onto Jay’s, conveying the depth of his frustration and the weight of the conversation that lay ahead.

Jay’s brow furrowed slightly as he set down the tools he had been working with, wiping his hands on a rag. The seriousness in Ray’s tone was evident, and it immediately cut through Jay’s usual calm demeanor. He gestured for Ray to follow him to a quieter corner of the lab where they could speak privately.

As they moved, Jay’s normally efficient stride was now marked by a subdued tension. He cleared a small space on a nearby workbench, gesturing for Ray to sit down. The lab, usually filled with the hum of machinery and the clatter of equipment, seemed eerily quiet in contrast to the charged atmosphere between the brothers.

Jay finally faced Ray, crossing his arms over his chest as if bracing himself for the conversation. "What’s on your mind?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of impatience mixed with concern.

Ray’s eyes were filled with a mixture of hurt and frustration. "It’s about Esme," he began, his tone measured but strained. "I’ve noticed the silence between you two. It’s like there’s this wall between you, and I can’t understand why."

Jay’s face tightened, his eyes narrowing as he considered how best to respond. He shifted his weight, his stance reflecting the internal conflict he was feeling. "It’s complicated, Ray," he said, his voice low. "Esme’s been dealing with a lot lately—Valhale, the projects, and everything that happened. She’s pushing everyone away, including me."

Ray’s gaze softened, but his frustration remained palpable. "I get that she’s under a lot of pressure, but this distance... it’s tearing us apart. I need to understand what happened, Jay. Why did things change so drastically?"

Jay’s head hung lower, the weight of guilt heavy on his shoulders. His hands were in his pockets, and despite his best efforts, he could feel his fingers twitching slightly. The truth of Ray’s words hit him harder than expected. He had let his emotions take control that day, lashing out at Esme without even considering her pain. He had forgotten that she, too, was bleeding, hurting, and vulnerable. But the image of his brother lying helpless in that bed had blinded him to everything else.

Jay’s throat tightened as he tried to find words to deflect Ray’s observation, but nothing came out smoothly. "No, nothing bro," he mumbled, his voice betraying his attempt to sound casual. He could feel Ray’s eyes on him, sharp and knowing, cutting through the thin veneer of composure Jay was trying to hold on to. "It’s just... she’s been busy. Dealing with Valhalla—uh, Valhale group. You know how it is."

Jay’s voice wavered slightly, and his hesitation only made it more obvious. His fingers rubbed against each other, and his eyes, despite trying to maintain a calm front, kept shifting uncomfortably. He wasn’t fooling anyone, least of all Ray.

Ray, watching him closely, put the cup of tea down with a soft clink, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You know, Jay," he started, his voice warm with a brotherly fondness that also held a tinge of gentle teasing, "since we were kids, you’ve always had these little tells whenever you were trying to hide something."

Jay froze, feeling the familiar sinking sensation of being caught. He had heard this speech before, countless times, but it never failed to make his heart race. Ray leaned back slightly in his chair, his eyes studying Jay, not with anger but with an understanding that only deepened Jay’s guilt.

"You stumble over your words," Ray continued, taking a calm sip of his tea. "Your voice starts to stutter, your eyes—" He pointed toward Jay’s eyes, still not looking directly at Ray. "—they try so hard to stay steady, but they always give you away. And your fingers." Ray glanced down at Jay’s hands. "They’re rubbing together, just like they did when you tried to lie about breaking mom’s vase when we were kids."

Jay swallowed hard. He had nothing to say. Ray had seen right through him, as always. He didn’t even try to deny it anymore. Instead, his mind flashed back to that day, to the words he had thrown at Esme in his rage, words that had cut deep. Words that he wished he could take back.

Ray leaned forward, placing a hand on the table between them. His expression was no longer teasing but serious, concerned. "Jay, I know something’s bothering you. And I know it’s not just about Esme being busy with work. What happened?"

Jay’s chest tightened as he met Ray’s gaze, the weight of the question hanging in the air. His lips parted to speak, but for a moment, nothing came out. His guilt, his regret—they were too much. He didn’t know how to start, how to explain the mess he had made.

"I messed up, bro," he finally whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I said things I shouldn’t have. That day, when I saw you like that, I just—" He ran a hand through his hair, the frustration building inside him again. "I lost it. I blamed her. I blamed Esme for everything. And I didn’t even stop to think that she was hurting too."

Ray’s face softened, the lines of concern deepening as he listened. Jay’s words were raw, the pain and regret evident in every syllable. "Jay..." Ray began softly, his eyes filled with a mix of compassion and sadness. He knew his brother’s temper, but this felt different—more personal.

Jay shook his head, unable to look his brother in the eye any longer. "She was bleeding, bro. She was hurt, just like you, and I didn’t care. I just... I was so angry, so scared for you, that I lashed out at her. And now she barely talks to me. To us. It’s like she’s shut herself off completely."