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Chapter Twelve - Truth


Hunter Jackson's P.O.V.


I pull up to the gated mansion that is the Miller's home and tell the guard why I'm here. He lets me in after confirming and opens the tall, wrought iron gates for me. I drive up the driveway and park outside the double doors. The gardens are neat and tidy with a fountain in the center of the driveway. They also live in the more expensive and gated communities.

Why would Zoe work two jobs while studying when her family is well off? I wonder in confusion as I get out of the car with the files I need to give her father. Shrugging it off I walk up to the entrance and ring the bell. A man in a uniform opens it before a woman I recognize as Cynthia Miller walks over to us. The small glimpse of the interior that I get confirms that the house is just as lavish on the inside than it is on the outside.

"Hi, I'm Hunter Jackson. Judge Miller wanted me to drop off these documents." I explain and the butler takes them with a friendly smile.

"I'll get those to him right away, mister Jackson. Would you like to come in?" He asks and I shake my head in response.

"No, thank you. Actually, is Zoe here or do you know her address?" I ask and frown when Cynthia scoffs haughtily.

"Zoe left after high school. She hasn't been back here since." She rolls her eyes and I feel confused on why she's acting like this when speaking about her sister.

As soon as she tells me the address I bid them goodbye and leave. My phone rings just as I get into the car and I see that it's Roman. I pick up immediately as I strap myself in and start the car. I know he's been in Manhattan since early morning so I have been waiting to hear from him.

"Hey, I'm done. Will you pick me up?"

"Yeah, you mind if I meet someone before we head back to my apartment? Hopefully it won't take too long." I ask, wanting to see Zoe.

"That's fine, just text me when you're outside." He replies before hanging up.

I chuckle at his abrupt way of always ending conversations. Sighing, I quickly drive to the police department and pick him up. He gets into the car and drives his fist into my arm with a cheeky grin. How I didn't see that coming I will never know.

"Fuck!" I exclaim in pain before driving onto the main road. "Quit doing that!"

"Whatever, you're just weak." He chuckles and I glare at him murderously. "So, are you meeting your girlfriend?"

"Uh...she's not my girlfriend yet. I still have to ask her but yes, I need to meet her for a few minutes." I admit with a sheepish smile and watch as he laughs loudly.

"It's about time you admitted it. Is it that redhead from the gala?"

"Zoe Miller, yeah. We've just gone on a few dates." I explain yet start to feel more nervous the closer I get to her address.

"Do you know if she's home? I'm starving so I better not have to wait long otherwise I'm ordering food straight to the car on your name." He states and I shake my head at him.

"No, I'm supposed to meet her at a cafe in an hour but I just found out her address –"

"You've resorted to stalking women now?" Roman asks dryly as he stares at me disapprovingly.

"No. I went to the Miller's to drop off documents and asked for Zoe's address. Her sister, Cynthia, said that Zoe left after high school and hasn't been back since." I grip the steering wheel as I struggle to calm my nerves.

"What else?" Roman asks, always being able to read more into the situation.

"She's been hiding something from me and I think it's about her living situation. She's never told me her address which, fair enough I understand since we've only been on two dates, but she's always in town and I've never been able to drop her home. It always seems like she's making excuses." I sigh heavily as I wonder if I'm thinking too much into this.

"Step on it." Roman states which makes me groan in response. "My guess is she either left of her own will or she was kicked out. Does she work more than one job?"

"Yes."

"She's working them to keep up with rent and providing for herself." He states with confidence and an exasperated groan escapes me at how clueless I am. "Where did Zoe say she lives? Or did she not tell you that?"

"She said around Brooklyn Heights."

"Probably a lie because if she was smart she would live in a cheaper neighborhood to be able to cover rent from those two jobs." He hums thoughtfully as he rubs his chin. "What's the address her sister gave you?"

I tell him and we glance at each other knowingly when I reveal that the neighborhood she's in. I can see the cogs and gears of his mind working. The fact that he's guessed what her situation could be doesn't even surprise me. He's just that good at what he does and I'm glad I have him with me right now.

I knew there was something going on with Zoe and my suspicions were only confirmed when I noticed her confidence falter on our second date and when I texted her last night. But then I remember that she wanted to tell me something today. Maybe it's about this? I wonder to myself hopefully. I'm not mad at her nor do I feel betrayed but I do hope that there's a good reasoning behind why she lied.

Eventually, we pull up outside the address Cynthia gave me. The neighborhood is okay but I spot a few people who look a bit rough. Roman instantly points them out as drug users, alcoholics and gamblers which makes my eyes widen.

"How can you tell straight away? What if they're –"

"I've been working with the police and FBI for years, you really think I wouldn't be able to tell by now?" He deadpans with a roll of his eyes.

"Touché." I mutter before telling him I won't be long.

I walk up to the door and knock before waiting. After a few seconds, Zoe opens it cautiously and her brilliant green eyes widen in shock at seeing me on her doorstep. Something in her shifts and she becomes a little scared. I wish I could tell her right now that everything's going to be okay but I don't know the truth yet.

"Can I come in?" I ask gently and she bites her lip harshly before nodding.

I walk inside after she opens the door wider and glance around discreetly. As soon as you walk in through the door there's an open plan space of the sitting room and the kitchen. It's quite small but for one person it seems enough. But I notice right away that it's quite bare and feels cold – temperature and vibe wise.

I turn to see her standing by the door and fiddling with the hem of her stripy sweater. She's wearing sweatpants and her hair is up in a messy bun but she looks beautiful just the same. Her eyes dart around frantically as she avoids my gaze and I walk up to her. They finally meet mine and I feel my heart ache painfully when I spot the tears brimming her eyes.

"I-I was going to tell you today." She speaks hoarsely and her voice trembles. "H-How did you find out?"

"Your dad asked me to drop off some documents after work. I asked Cynthia and she told me you left after high school and haven't been back since." I explain while wishing I could hold her tight in my arms and keep her safe. It hurts me to see that she's scared. "I also had my own suspicions."

"I'm sorry. I-I was just scared." She wipes a tear away hastily, as if she didn't want to be vulnerable in front of me.

"It's okay, I'm not mad." I murmur softly as I take her hands in mine. "Why are you living here?"

She sighs and pulls me over to the couch where I sit down beside her. I take her trembling hands in mine again and squeeze reassuringly. I don't know why she's so afraid, I think to myself.

"My parents had high hopes for me just like they had with my sister. Cynthia became a surgeon just like my parents wanted but I had always wanted to do photography in college. Long story short my parents didn't support me. I couldn't stand the nagging, them constantly comparing me to my sister and telling me how much of a disappointment I am to the family." She starts explaining and my eyes widen in response.

"So, you moved out?"

A bitter, humorless laugh escapes her as she shakes her head. "I was given an ultimatum. Either I choose to do law or science in college or I was disowned. The Millers take their reputation very seriously, you see."

"Are you receiving any financial support from them?" I ask quietly but already knowing the answer based on what I've seen already.

"No." She whispers as she avoids my gaze.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I frown in confusion as I make her face me again.

"Whoever's been in my house, such as my family, has always teased and humiliated me about my living conditions. I was scared that you would do the same –"

"What? Because I live in an expensive place?" I chuckle in disbelief before cupping her face in both hands. "Zoe, I don't care about these things. I only care about you."

"I know, I'm sorry. I just couldn't stop myself from overthinking." She sniffles as I wipe away another tear that escapes the corner of her eye.

"Come here." I sigh before pulling her into a tight hug.

She murmurs an apology again and I rub her back soothingly. But I frown in worry as I hold her body against mine. It feels like she's lost a lot of weight and that makes me pull away in concern.

"You're not working as much anymore...have you been eating properly?"

"I'm fine, Hunt." She smiles although it's clearly strained.

I get up before walking into the kitchen. Opening the fridge and cabinets I see that they're mainly bare. There's only two slices of bread and an egg with half a bottle of milk. That's it. I look back at her in disbelief and she averts her gaze instantly.

"I borrowed some money...I-I was going to get some food today. I really am fine, Hunter." She explains meekly and I run a hand through my hair as I try to come up with a solution.

"How long will you keep borrowing money? Hell, do you even get any sleep while working those jobs?" I struggle to keep myself calm.

"Three or four hours yeah –"

"Zoe!" I groan as I make my way back to her.

"Many students work more than one job to support themselves, Hunter. I'm no different." She shrugs halfheartedly as I crouch before her.

Before I can reply I hear a gunshot echo outside which makes my eyes widen. Zoe jumps a little but other than that she stares back at me expectedly, as if what we just heard doesn't affect her. Because it's a shitty neighborhood and she's used to it! I think to myself as her situation gets more and more fucked up.

I hear my brother yell from outside and tell someone to back up against the wall. When I open the door, I see another cop car parked outside while he throws some guy into the back as he chats with the police officer. He nods firmly as he meets my eyes before making his way over to me.

"This place is...something." He huffs before he looks behind me.

I turn to see that Zoe had followed me and drape an arm across her shoulders. "Zoe, this is my brother Roman. Rome, this is Zoe."

"Nice to finally meet you again, Zoe." Roman smiles before asking if he can come in. She nods and he enters before closing the door with one last peek outside.

"What do you mean by again?" She scrunches her nose cutely.

"I was there at the night of the gala when you called Hunter an egotistical moron." He grins and I roll my eyes when she giggles softly. "Mind if I use the bathroom to clean up?"

It's then that I notice the dirt on his clothes and realize there must've been a scuffle when he caught the man. Zoe nods and shows him the bathroom before coming back to me. I sit her on the couch again before crouching before her.

"Move in with me." I blurt and watch her eyes widen before she shakes her head vehemently.

"No, Hunt. I told you I'm fine –"

"Look I know we haven't known each other that long but I care about you, Zoe. I won't be able to sleep at night knowing you could get hurt at any moment. This isn't a safe place and you can't keep living like this while trying to get your degree." I plead as I take her hands in mine.

"Hunter I can't mooch off you just because we're seeing each other. I've been fine for four years and like I told you, I borrowed some money. I haven't done a grocery shop yet and that's why it looks a little bad right now." She smiles and I shake my head.

"You won't be and I –"

I'm cut off by someone banging on the door before yelling at us to "open up!" Roman comes back and walks towards it while pulling a gun out of the back of his jeans. Zoe gasps at the sight as I follow him to the door. He opens it and there's a crowd of men standing outside with knives and guns.

"What do you want?" Roman grunts in disinterest as he stares at the burly man at the front of the group.

"We heard that bitch interfered with personal business!" I hear the man reply in a furious tone.

He tries to push inside as soon as he catches sight of Zoe and I grab her before pulling her out of harm's way. Roman shoves the man back harshly which makes him stumble to the ground with a loud shout. He's back up on his feet within seconds and taking out his gun but Roman grabs him by the collar of his tank top and presses his own gun to his temple.

"I called the cops. What the fuck are you going to do about it?" Roman asks dangerously and I watch as the group of men glance at each other nervously.

"You're going to regret it! That your girlfriend? We'll send her back to you in pieces!" He threatens and I refrain from punching the shit out of him.

Zoe whimpers and I pull her into my arms. I run my fingers through her hair while Roman closes the door and handles the men outside. I hold her tightly to me and feel her shaking against me. After a few short minutes Roman comes back inside with a grave expression.

"I would highly advise moving out unless you want to pay for a cop to be outside your house twenty-four seven. One, because it's a dangerous neighborhood as it is and two, because those men refuse to believe that I called the cops." He sighs heavily and Zoe looks at me tiredly.

"Move in with me, please?" I ask again and hope that she agrees.

She hesitates and Roman opens the door which makes us look at him in confusion. "I'll give you guys a minute."

"Zoe, please. I care about you and I really don't want you living here. I have more than enough room and you know it. You can work a job or whatever...I don't care, just please don't stay here." I plead and she bites her lip thoughtfully.

"O-Okay but!" She exclaims when I grin excitedly. "I'll pay rent –"

"Hell no! You can chip in for groceries and shit but I'm not accepting rent when I can cover it comfortably. Let's get packing!" I pull her to where I think her bedroom is which I find to be correct when I open the door.

"Hunter!" She protests and I shake my head adamantly as I grab a suitcase from the top of her wardrobe. "Please, just let me pay –"

"Nope! You can pay for groceries and cook me delicious food like that Sunday roast but that's it." I grin before pecking her lips fiercely. "Now, get packing darlin while I clear out the kitchen."

I hear her huff in frustration as I walk out of the room which makes me grin. I'm just satisfied that she'll be leaving this shit hole and moving in with me. Now she can focus on her studies and be healthy without worrying about rent, food or people trying to kill each other right outside her doorstep.

I ask Roman to help us move her things into the boot of my car and we leave the place within fifteen minutes since Zoe doesn't have many things. We get in and I discover that Roman really ordered a pizza which he paid for with the spare cash I had in the car. He grins cheekily as I glare at him while offering Zoe a slice. She takes it with a sweet smile and I meet her beautiful eyes in the rear-view mirror. I wink at her and watch in satisfaction as she blushes fiercely. I love making her blush.

Eventually, we arrive at the complex I live in and make our way upstairs with Zoe's belongings. I unlock the door and let them both in before we set down her things. While Roman goes to the bathroom to take a shower and change I decide to show Zoe her room. I take her hand and guide her to the spare bedroom she always uses whenever she would be at my place.

"This is our room."

"Excuse me?!" She shrieks and I watch as her eyes widen and cheeks color once more.

"Kidding, Red." I chuckle before placing a hand on the small of her back as I guide her inside, but not before leaning down to murmur teasingly in her ear. "But I'd love for it to be a reality someday soon."

"S-Shut up." She replies cutely and I chuckle at how she looks like a deer caught in headlights. I smirk before getting serious. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, I cup her face in both hands as I gaze into her eyes.

"Never feel like you can't trust me with what you're going through, Zoe. I'll always be there for you." I say but my eyes widen in surprise when she starts tearing up again.

"Thank you, I wish I could repay you." Her voice is muffled against my chest as she wraps her arms tightly around my waist.

"From here on out, just tell everyone that you're my girlfriend and I'll consider that as repayment." I pull back to wink at her with a cheeky grin which makes her swat my arm.

"You'll have to do a lot better than that for me to agree to be your girlfriend." She harrumphs before crossing her arms in a disapproving manner.

"So, there's a chance?" Her jaw drops as a mischievous smile spreads across my lips. She starts to shake her head when I lean forward and quickly kiss her cheek before disappearing down the hallway. "Freshen up, little red. I'll prepare something for us to eat."

"You can't cook remember?" She deadpans from behind.

"Oh...yeah...well hurry up so we can make something!"






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