Cruel Love

Chapter 3

The aroma of roast chicken filled the air, a warm counterpoint to the lively chatter around the dinner table. Zane reveled in the peaceful chaos of his family life. Across from him, his little sister, Hannah, was in full swing, entertaining everyone with a hilarious account of the school play. Her grey eyes sparkled with excitement, and her dark brown hair bounced with every enthusiastic gesture.

"And then, guess what? Mr. Henderson tripped over the rug and landed right in the punchbowl!" Hannah declared, erupting in giggles. A collective chuckle rippled around the table.

Celine, Zane's older sister, smiled from her spot beside him, her green eyes crinkling at the corners. Unlike Hannah, Celine was a quiet observer, content to listen with a book tucked under her arm, even during dinner. Zane still remembered the look of pure joy on her face when he'd surprised her with their very own home library a few years back. Now, floor-to-ceiling shelves crammed with novels lined one entire wall of the living room, a testament to her love for the written word.

"Sounds like quite the performance," Zane said, ruffling Hannah's hair. He cherished these moments, these glimpses into his sisters' vibrant lives.

A playful nudge from across the table brought Zane back to the present. His younger brother, Jack, sported a devilish grin, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief. Unlike Celine's quiet demeanor, Jack, Celine's fraternal twin, was the family extrovert, known for his charm and active dating life.

"Mother has something important to say, big brother." He smugly spoke.

A sigh escaped Zane's lips as their mother reached across the table, her hand hovering over his. The worry lines around her eyes seemed deeper than he remembered.

"Zane, honey," she began, her voice laced with a hint of worry, "I know you're busy with work, but you're turning thirty this year. Have you ever thought about…"

"Mom, please," Zane interjected, a touch of irritation coloring his voice. He knew where this conversation was headed, and frankly, he wasn't in the mood.

"But I'd love to see some grandchildren before…" Her voice trailed off, and a flicker of sadness crossed her features.

Jack snorted a sharp sound that cut through the tense silence. "Poor mom doesn't even know countless of her grandchildren have gotten wasted in condoms," he trailed off with a suggestive wink, earning a glare from Zane.

"Jack!" Zane snapped. "And Mom, seriously, you're going to be around for many years to come. Don't listen to him." He forced a smile, the weight of her unspoken wish settling heavily on him, but he focused on eating. God, he'd missed these home-cooked meals.

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Later that night, after tucking Hannah in, Zane slipped out to meet Chris. The weight of an unknown he couldn't share with his family pressed heavily on him. He needed Chris, his confidante and best friend.

Chris, a sculpted Adonis, was a magnet for female attention. Yet, his heart held only one melody, a childhood crush on Zane's younger sister, Celine. Zane, ever the confidante, knew this secret flame flickered brightly within Chris. In Zane's eyes, there was no man better suited for Celine; he trusted Chris more than himself.

"So, how's everyone at home?" Chris inquired, his gaze lingering on Zane for a beat too long. Zane smirked, knowingly. "If you're asking about Celine, she's doing well," he replied. Chris chuckled sheepishly. He grabbed two champagne flutes, a silent attempt to change the subject. "Rough day?" he asked, pouring the drinks.

"Work's been a nightmare," Zane sighed. Chris, ever attentive, handed him a flute of champagne.

After handing a glass of champagne to Zane, Chris settled down on the opposite couch, his curiosity piqued. "So, what was the favor you were talking about?" he inquired, leaning back comfortably.

Taking a sip of his drink, Zane's expression turned serious as he set the glass down. "I want you to reinvestigate my father's case," he stated firmly, his gaze unwavering.

Startled by Zane's request, Chris choked on his drink, his eyes widening in astonishment. He quickly composed himself, coughing to clear his throat before responding, "Zane, listen to me. Your father's case was closed years ago. It almost tore you apart then. Why dredge all that up again?" Chris sighed.

"I can't, Chris. My gut instinct tells me that something's off. I knew my father. He would never do something like that. There's just no way. He always treated the women in his life with respect. Rape? Seriously? Dad couldn't even fathom it. He loved my mom fiercely. She was the only woman in his life, the only one he ever looked at that way." Zane's interruption held a fervent urgency as he poured out his convictions.

Zane's father had been brutally murdered three years ago, the tragic incident shrouded in controversy. The woman responsible claimed self-defense, alleging that Zane's father had attempted to rape her. Despite Zane's fervent protestations and his unwavering belief in his father's innocence, the court ruled against him due to a lack of evidence. The woman was declared innocent, while Zane's father was branded guilty, his reputation tarnished by the damning accusations.

Unable to accept the damning verdict, Zane was determined to uncover the truth and clear his father's name. His quest for justice burned fiercely within him, fueled by his unwavering belief in his father's integrity and his refusal to let the world remember him as anything other than the honorable man he knew him to be.