Chapter 2289 Almost There
The three supported each other as they made their way down the mountain. Francesca briefly explained the situation to Anthony when he asked her about it.
On the other hand, Lincoln kept his head lowered and remained quiet. The man did not scold Francesca for what had happened, inquire about the specifics of the situation, or even show grief.
Aside from how he had collapsed to the ground before, Lincoln showed no other reaction. He simply kept his head down in silence as if he was thinking about something.
“I can’t believe how despicable the president and the first lady are! They have a problem with Danrique, so why do they have to involve you? They even got Ms. Layla caught in the storm,” complained Anthony furiously.
“It was my fault.” Francesca remembered what Layla had said to her.
“What happened between you and Danrique was supposed to be just a relationship problem, but things got complicated after it got political. Have you thought about the consequences? If you stay, you’ll have to face problems like this all the time. You’ll be looking over your shoulder every day. Are you okay with that?”
Layla had been able to tell what would happen to Francesca, so she had tried her best to warn the latter. Unfortunately, Francesca did not listen to her.
Even though Layla had known what she did would be dangerous, she still stuck by Francesca’s side to help clean up her mess without hesitation.
In the end, she even sacrificed herself to protect her.
“All you have to do is to be the innocent child you are. I’ll protect you!”
Francesca remembered Layla saying that to her. She was right. I was so innocent… Countless people tried to warn me, but I didn’t listen to them. I have no one but myself to blame for what happened.
“What do you plan to do next, Francesca?” asked Lincoln, finally breaking his silence.
Francesca was at a loss for words, as she was unsure how to answer the question.
Back then, Francesca had been angry with Danrique for secretly taking Hazel to M Nation. However, after Layla’s explanation, Francesca realized the man only did that for her sake, so she decided to trust him.
From an emotional point of view, Francesca loved Danrique and hoped to spend the rest of her life with him. On top of that, she was pregnant with their child.
From the rational point of view, though, she never wanted to go back because no matter how much they loved each other, the reality remained cruel. Even though Danrique had returned safely, his war with the president had just begun.
Francesca knew she would have to endure many trials and tribulations if she were to stay with him. He’s like a time bomb, ready to explode at any moment.
She did not fear death, but she was worried about the well-being of those around her. I’ve already lost Ms. Layla; I can’t lose Mr. Lincoln, Anthony, the children at the orphanage, or my unborn baby too! That’s why…
“I’ll return to S Nation after I’ve avenged Ms. Layla.” Francesca quickly made up her mind.
“Good,” responded Anthony, bobbing his head. “You should’ve gone back to S Nation long ago. Don’t come to this place ever again.”
“Are you sure? If you return to S Nation, that means you’ll be giving up on your relationship with Danrique,” said Lincoln in all seriousness.
“I’m sure,” answered Francesca with a confident nod. “I prefer living my life without a care in the world and not to be entangled in this nest of intrigue.”
“Okay.” Lincoln nodded in relief. “You’re right to think like that. You’re young; you still have a long way to go. Danrique may be good to you, but it’s dangerous to stay by his side.”
“That’s right,” Anthony chimed in. “We’ll go back to S Nation after avenging Ms. Layla and never come to this damn place again. Right, Mr. Lincoln?”
“Yes.” Lincoln nodded before looking into the distance. “We’re almost there. The car is just parked beside the road ahead.”
Since there was no road suitable for cars to go up the mountain, Lincoln and Anthony had to climb on foot.
