Chapter 243 - Loving Unconditionally
Abby paced back and forth in her dorm while her mind raced against time. All she could think was of Hera and Danny’s meeting. She was afraid Danny wouldn’t accept Hera’s proposal. He would somehow convince her to back off, and Abby couldn’t afford to let that happen. She knew Hera would meet Danny after the class, and Abby couldn’t wait to find out the outcome of their conversation.Â
The anticipation was killing her, so instead of waiting for Hera, she decided to go there to make sure Danny wouldn’t force her to change her mind. Abby left in a hurry to reach the old lab building where her cousins would meet.Â
The building was empty, and there was no trace of either of her cousins. Cursing her luck, she searched every room. She knew Hera had detention classes for two hours and should’ve been here by this time. Startled, Abby ran to hide beside the wall when she heard footsteps. She peeked down to see Danny climbing the stairs. Abby held her breath, trying not to drag his attention..Â
Hands in his pants pocket, Danny jogged on the stairs. He chose the first room near to him and grabbed the handle to push it inside. The door opened with a loud creak, and Danny scowled at the irritating harsh sound. He used his foot to push open the door wider when it stuck in the middle.Â
 He walked inside, eyes roaming around the room. Dust coated everything, and he grimaced while finding a place to sit. He found the old chalkboard eraser on the table, and using it, he dusted the dust off the counter and sat on it. He thought the standing-height counter was too high for Hera to climb, so he cleaned the only chair in the room for her to sit.Â
His phone vibrated in his pocket, and he opened the inbox to check Hunter’s message.
Ace:
Are you still there?
Danny smiled at the question. It wasn’t his best friend asking him but Hera’s boyfriend, making sure she would be safe. Appreciating the gesture, Danny thanked the universe for bringing Ace Hunter into Hera’s life. He was glad his best friend loved his little sister unconditionally.Â
He typed a yes and sent it to Hunter.Â
Another message popped in.Â
Ace:
Hera will be there in ten minutes.
Pocketing his phone, he waited for his sister. Pacing around the counter, he tried to guess the cause for this meeting. He felt it somewhere deep in his bones. No matter how much he ignored or wanted to deny it, he already knew the exact reason. Yet, he still held onto the thin rope of hope. He prayed Abby didn’t double-cross him.Â
Hunter walked Hera to the old building and showed her where Danny would be waiting for her. Stealing a quick kiss from her lips, he left with a promise to meet her at dinner.Â
Hera carefully climbed the steps, and her eyes fell on her cousin as soon as she reached the top. Hera was on the other side and had to change her course to come to Abby. “What are you doing here?” Hera asked, surprised to see her. Abby signalled her to shut her mouth and pointed her thumb over her shoulder, revealing Danny to her. ρꪖꪕᦔꪖꪕꪫꪣꫀꪶ
“I came to make sure Danny wouldn’t lash out at you. I wouldn’t want you to face his anger alone. After all, I forced you to take my place,” Abby whispered, her words clearly calculated. She didn’t have to fake guilt as her eyes filled with humiliation.Â
Danny heard their faint voices and came out of the lab room. His face scrunched in a displeased scowl as soon as he saw Abby. His suspicion got confirmed, and he shook his head in disappointment. Abby squirmed under his judgemental stare and avoided eye contact. Danny scoffed at her, disgusted by the betrayal.Â
“Well, what did I expect? Betrayal runs in your blood after all,” Danny stated. Abby’s eyes watered at the harsh accusation. She lowered her head, ashamed of herself.Â
Hera came to her rescue and asked her to leave. Thankful, Abby took the opportunity and descended the stairs as fast as her feet allowed, running away from Danny’s disgusted, humiliating stare.Â
Danny walked into the room, and Hera followed wordlessly. He pulled the chair gesturing for her to sit, and he stood in front of her, studying her face. “How much did she tell you?” Danny asked Hera. The latter shared every detail she learned through Abby.Â
Danny scoffed inwardly.
‘How clever!’
He wasn’t surprised that his cousin had conveniently left out the part which revealed her share in this wrongdoing.Â
“How did you get into this mess, Danny?” Hera asked in a concerned tone, cautious with her approach. She looked at her brother expectantly, hoping he wouldn’t shut her out. She fiddled with her fingers, fidgetting in her seat. She was nervous. Danny’s lips curled downwards in a scowl. He brushed his palms over his face and let out a tired sigh.Â
“Ace wants to take you home with him. Please do me a favour and go to New York with him,” Danny said. It was neither a suggestion nor a request. He was commanding her to obey his orders, and it irked Hera more. Instead of sharing his problem with her, he was trying to get rid of her. “I’m not going anywhere until you’re out of this mess,” Hera declared in a determined tone.Â
Danny looked at her, and a genuine smile graced his lips. He recognised the worry in her voice, the concern lacing her words and the anger flashing in her teary eyes. He always knew Hera was selfless and loved her dear ones unconditionally, but he doubted he deserved her love.Â
He was so relieved when Hunter asked him if he was okay with Hera going to New York with him. He couldn’t thank his luck enough for bringing this golden opportunity before him. Hera would be away from Jack, and Danny knew Hunter would keep her safe. He thought two weeks were more than enough to repay the bastard’s money, and after that, Abby would be safe too.Â
“Don’t worry about me, Hera. I’ll resolve this problem, and Abby will be fine. I won’t let any harm come to her,” Danny assured. Hera shook her head frantically. “Why didn’t you tell Hunter? I thought you don’t keep secrets with him?” Hera asked, frowning at her brother. Danny turned his back to her and walked to the window. He could hardly see anything as dust enveloped every inch of the glass.Â
Danny had thought about it. He could’ve asked for money from Hunter and knew his best friend would’ve helped him without any second thought. However, Danny was ashamed to reveal the unfortunate truth to his best friend. He wouldn’t be able to look him in the eye after that, and besides, Danny was aware of Hunter’s wrath and his overprotectiveness for Hera.Â
Nathan and Andrew’s situations were different, but Jack was too dangerous. Danny didn’t want to pull Hunter into this mess. Jack was a criminal and could easily harm Hunter if he wanted. Danny wouldn’t want Hunter to get hurt.