XXII. Unspoken Truths

"Ice cream?" I raised an eyebrow while looking at the ice cream Antonio offered me.

"It's still early, and you're already holding ice cream?"

I chuckled as I watched him eat it like a child and rolled my eyes.

"It's not that I like ice cream at 7 a.m., but I saw a vendor and decided to buy it all."

"Have you always been this generous? And where are all the ice creams? Don't tell me you ate them all," I joked.

He shrugged, so I teased him more. "Did you really?"

"Do you know what my father's job was before?" he suddenly asked.

"Why would I?"

"He was an ice cream vendor. I always waited for him at home, hoping he'd sell all his ice cream so he could have time for me. We used to bond by making ice cream together."

I didn't know what to say or how to respond. I just kept looking at his face. He didn't seem sad, but I could see happiness in his eyes, and that made me smile even more.

"When I saw the vendor there, I was reminded of my dad. So I bought everything so he could go home early to whoever was waiting for him. See those kids over there? I gave it all to them."

I didn't look at the children he was referring to because I was too captivated by his twinkling eyes and his almost teary smile. He must have loved his dad very much. It was obvious in the way he spoke.

"Where is your father now?" I couldn't help but ask.

"He's in heaven, I'm sure. I witnessed what a good man my father was."

I was taken aback by his response. He just told me his dad was gone, yet I saw no pain in his eyes—only longing.

"I'm sorry."

"You don't have to be. There's nothing to feel sorry about. I still miss him, but I know he's in a better place now."

I was about to speak when I saw Canim walk past us.

"Canim, wait!" I hurriedly went to him, leaving Antonio behind.

He stopped, waiting nonchalantly for me to continue, so I wasted no time. "About last night—"

"Prepare your stuff. I already told the others we're leaving now. The sooner, the better," he cut me off.

"Do you have somewhere else to be? You can go first."

"No, you're all coming with me. Go!"

I hesitated before nodding. He left immediately, leaving me full of confusion.

"I can bring you home if you want to stay longer," Antonio suddenly appeared beside me, but I ignored him and walked away.

I packed my stuff and went downstairs.

"Here, let me help you," Antonio offered his hand, but I refused. I could do this myself.

"Why do you always shut me out?" He chuckled.

I didn't answer him and just walked past him.

We arrived at our place safe and sound, and I didn't get a chance to thank Canim because he immediately left.

Lara and Alex stayed with me, deciding not to go home, and told me they were going to sleep over for one night.

"Your place is so near. Why don't you pick up your stuff and rest there? And you, Lara, call someone from your house to pick you up."

"They loathe me there. All of them," Lara replied, closing her eyes. That made me curious. I was about to ask more questions, but Alex and she had already fallen asleep.

I heard the familiar sound of an engine outside, so I went out to check if it was Antonio—and it was.

"This is why I love shutting you out. Why are you here?" I asked, putting both hands in the back pockets of my jeans to warm them on this cold night.

"Uncle Luis has news." His words instantly changed the atmosphere.

He continued, "The men confessed. They said they don't know who gave them the order, but they only saw her face. She looked like she was in her mid-40s, had an elegant stance, but a fiery look."

"Stepmother..."

"We're also working on another lead. I believe we're closer to finding the CCTV footage. That's our only chance."

I nodded, unable to grasp the right words to say. But when I looked into his eyes, his genuine smile welcomed me, and the chaos that was starting to build in my mind suddenly calmed.

"I—uhm, I mean, you better head home. It's kinda late already."

He smirked and wore his helmet. What did that even mean?

I shrugged and went inside.

"Okay, wake up, Snow White!"

I covered my ears because of Alex's noise.

"What time is it? Just leave without me."

"That's not possible. I prepared breakfast, and there's still time for you to take a shower. What time did you go to bed last night?" Alex insisted, so I finally got up when he tried to pull me.

"Here it is!"

I looked around and couldn't see Lara. "Where is Lara?"

"Someone called her early this morning. I woke up because of the noise from her phone. Then she said goodbye after taking the call and left. I didn't ask where she was going," he answered with a shrug while preparing the table.

After we ate, we went straight to campus, where Lara met us. Her mood felt off, and I knew something was really wrong. The more I observed Lara, the more I noticed her acting weird lately. She was so secretive and suspicious. Or maybe I just didn't know them well enough yet.