Chapter 147 - Let Her Be

The car ride back was dead silent after the update that Romeo had relayed to Zane about how everyone was and the fact that they were now starting to head back. Lena could've turned back on the earbuds in order to talk with Zane and Hester herself, but she didn't have the energy for it. She just wanted to do nothing except sit next to Samuel until they got back to the estate. 

Samuel wasn't in the greatest shape himself and had a lot going through his mind, the primary thought being his concern for how Jeff was doing. He didn't know anything about his condition beyond the fact that he had been taken to the hospital. At least with Lena she was right there with him so she could see how she was doing after everything. 

Honestly though, he wasn't quite sure how to read her mood. He had never seen her so upset before. He understand it was due to the whole situation and the stress, but after everything had been over rather than being as quiet as she was being, he had expected her to at least yell at him or ask what he thought he had been doing and go on about this being the reason why he couldn't take care of himself. However, none of that had happened and it left him uncertain as to how he should approach talking to the princess. 

In the end nothing was said until they were almost back to the estate. Lena's eyes were still closed as she spoke and her voice sounded very heavy and unlike her usual self. 

"Your mother is also here. I think that it would be wise to take some time to speak with her while she's here since I'm sure you're aware now of how much she hasn't told you herself. You might've heard it from Jovani, but it is still better to clear up everything between the two of you while she's here rather than putting it off." She told him. Samuel was taken aback to hear that his mother was there. 

Jovani had explained the basics as to what the relationship with his mother was and how they were related. He never considered though that his mother would appear at the estate to talk about it herself. He had expected to try and find time to talk with her either before or after the engagement when she was around and the right time presented it self. 

Samuel was about to respond when the car came to a stop at the front of the estate. Lena hardly waited for the car to stop before she stepped out. Her father, uncle, and brother were outside and had been waiting for them to return but she didn't bother speaking to them as she brushed past, only touching her father's shoulder lightly before she headed inside. Zane watched as she left but didn't bother saying anything as he heard the door close a little too heavily. He had an idea of exactly how she was feeling.

Samuel on the other hand who didn't quite have an idea as to what was going on wanted to follow after her so that they could talk but Zane grabbed his arm and stopped him before he could head inside after his fiancé. Seeing the state the younger man was in it was obvious as to why she was reacting the way she did.

"Give her some space, she will need it after everything that just happened. I'm glad you came back safely." Zane told the other offering him a brief side hug before he moved over to talk with Clive and Romeo to get a briefing on everything that had happened. 

"Why don't we get you inside and taken care of? You look a mess still and I image that with how you look and feel that a bath might be the best bet to help you to feel better." Leo offered when he saw how confused and slightly lost Samuel looked. 

The last twenty-four hours had been a roller coaster and the one thing that Samuel had wanted to do once he was back with Lena was have a proper conversation with her and apologize for what had happened. Now though, it seemed like she didn't want to have anything to do with him even though they had more than two hours to talk before they came back. 

"What about Jeff?" Samuel asked instead as he looked between Leo and Julian, hoping for a positive answer to the question. 

"He's still in the hospital recovering right now. He's in pretty bad condition and isn't expected to wake up for another two or three days but the doctor said he should recover without a problem. It'll take him a while though. Right now his brother is staying with him since everyone has been too busy to see how he's doing." Julian was the one who answered this question. 

"I'm sorry." Samuel lowering his head slightly. Who knew that doing something as simply as trying to go and pick up a gift would've resulted a mess such as this? If he had known something like this might've happened, he would've asked Lena to come with him or wait until Zane had a chance when they went to go pick up the other rings. 

"What's done is done. There's nothing for it. We just have to be thankful for the fact that everything turned out in a more positive light than it could've." Zane said as he put his hand on the other's shoulder. 

"We should head back inside now though so that you can take a shower and get cleaned up. Dinner will be ready soon and I'm sure you're hungry from not eating over the last day." He put his hand on Samuel's lower back to lead him towards the door with others follow behind him. 

Samuel didn't really feel like eating however. He just wanted to be able to talk with Lena and see how she was doing and get the conversation out of the way so that they could work towards what the next step would. Zane seemed to think that the best bet was to leave her alone for the time being which was exactly what he didn't want to do.