Chapter 23

Ariella pressed the answer button and heard her mom's excited voice: "Ariella, I bought a ton of food today. You and Dylan come home for dinner tomorrow night." "Mom, Dylan's been super swamped lately." With things the way they were, Ariella didn't want to be the one to bring it up to Lucian. Besides, Dylan wouldn't agree anyway. "He's got to eat, doesn't he?" She really did want to go back. Ever since that fever last time, she hadn't seen her parents. If she didn't go, her mom would be really disappointed. Ariella hesitated. Just as she was about to explain more, Lucian tilted his phone toward her. On the screen were three words: "Bring him home." She looked up at him-expressionless and calmly picking at his food, like he didn't care at all. "Okay, I'll bring him with me tomorrow." After her mother hung up, Ariella gave Lucian a quiet "Thanks." "You're not staying overnight at your place." "Yeah, got it." They didn't talk for the rest of dinner. After eating, Lucian headed back to his