Chapter 160: Confrontation

Maggie was already on her flight; her phone was in airplane mode, and she was unaware of Lucas’s messages. Twelve hours later, the plane began its descent.

Maggie closed her book, her eyes blurry from reading. She tidied her belongings and turned to the window. From above, the sprawling city resembled a dazzling checkerboard of lights. Its nighttime beauty was quite different.

As the plane taxied, passengers began turning on their phones, and Maggie followed suit. Mia had promised to pick her up, so Maggie planned to call her first.

Her WhatsApp was flooded with unread messages. Nathanael’s was at the top, followed by Mia’s, Lucas’s, and her teachers’. Nathanael’s message read, “Touched down yet?!”

Maggie smiled. He’d timed it perfectly.

She replied, “Landed. All smooth.”

Next, Maggie opened Mia’s message—a picture of a flashy red sports car, clearly indicating she was waiting.

Maggie replied with a GIF of someone kneeling in worship, captioned, “1 bow to thee, almighty one.”

Then, Maggie saw a string of unread messages from Lucas and remembered she’d forgotten to tell him not to check on Nathanael. She’d hung up on Nathanael’s call and completely forgotten to tell Lucas.

Feeling guilty, Maggie rubbed her nose. When she opened the chat, the contents froze her.

Maggie’s eyes fell on a photo of a man lying in a pool of blood, his eyes closed. She didn’t even read Lucas’s message.

Her pupils dilated as she examined the picture. The Holy Cathedral was in the background; the angel fountain statue was shattered, and the man, partially obscured by debris, was Nathanael. He was still wearing the white shirt he’d worn when they’d parted, one arm bloodied.

How could this be? How could this happen? He had been fine when they parted!

Her fingers trembled as she swiped through more photos—similar scenes of Nathanael lying in blood. His outline was barely visible in some, but Maggie was sure it was him.

“Liar!”

Tears welled up as she remembered the two days she couldn’t reach him, starting right after he’d taken her home. She’d had reason to be uneasy—he’d been injured. Maggie didn’t know what he’d endured, but a sharp pain constricted her chest. If only she’d known sooner, she could have gone to the hospital. But she was already home.

Her eyes glistened. She stared at the photo, the image blurring into a memory from her past life—the moment before her death. He’d been covered in blood then too, lying in a pool of blood, surrounded by ruins. Except this time, it was his right arm, not his left. Otherwise, she might not have been able to distinguish reality from dreams, past life from present.

She opened Lucas’s message. His voice seemed to come through:

“The day before yesterday, someone chased Nathanael and nearly killed him in Misk City. He’s in a private hospital. It seems like quite a fight… but he’s extremely fortunate. He’s okay, just not sure if his arm can be saved. Why did you want me to check on him? Nathanael is too difficult to trace; I stayed up all night.”

Maggie struggled to respond. She listened absently, wanting to confront Nathanael. Why did he deceive her? Yet, she was already home. If she revealed she knew, he’d worry and rush back to his injuries. It was better to pretend ignorance and let him rest.

A sourness swelled in her chest; her eyes and nose tingled. It was a mixture of emotions, indescribably uncomfortable.

She stood for a long time at the airport window, then took a deep breath and dialed Nathanael’s number. The phone rang. After Alex fitted Nathanael’s earpiece, he stepped away.

“Have you landed safely?” Nathanael’s deep voice came through—a little hoarse, but otherwise normal.

“Uh-huh,” Maggie replied softly, her mood low.

Sensing her discontent, Nathanael paused, then slowly asked, “Are you upset?”

Maggie forced a smile. “Not really, but it’s midnight. I’m a bit sleepy.”

“I’ll arrange for Nolan to drive you home.”

“No need. Mia’s picking me up; I’m staying with her tonight,” Maggie replied.

The mention of Nolan silenced her. Had he sensed danger and sent someone? Would he have been unharmed otherwise?

Maggie wanted to ask if he was in pain but swallowed the words. She feigned cheerfulness and yawned, “Take a night’s rest. Get back to work tomorrow.”

“What’s keeping you busy?” Nathanael asked patiently.

“I’m representing the school at the national piano competition. Practice starts tomorrow, and the preliminary competition is soon. Plus, I have a report to write and design drafts to finish.”

Maggie chattered on. Nathanael listened attentively. He liked hearing her talk about these things, especially those concerning her.

“You don’t need to rush back. By the time you’re here, I’ll be swamped—too busy even for you. I’m a busy bee!” Maggie joked, hoping he’d focus on healing.

“Good. I have unfinished business here too; it might be delayed a few days,” Nathanael replied gently.

Maggie nodded, idly kicking the railing. A pause followed. Finally, Maggie spoke, “You should rest. I’m heading home.”

“Alright, message me when you get there.”

After ending the call, Maggie sighed; her chest remained tight. Humph. Nathanael is such a liar! For now, she wouldn’t confront him. She’d settle the score when he recovered and returned.