A Man in White Collar (Completed)

Chapter 23: Ruthless Truth

Sometimes words could graze my deepest secret solemnly
That likewise bring shivers down into my spine entirely
And sends dread into my mind ceaselessly
I wonder where you are, whether
Hiding in the middle of sacred night
or looking for the limbo to disguise

__________________

Lou wore light blue shirt with its top unbuttoned which showed her collar bone and her white skinny jeans which made her body looked skinnier. She tied her hair into a messy bun as she quickly stepped on each rung that led her to the hotel lobby with her brown leather boots that she just bought in the previous day since Lou forgot to bring her suitcase which full of her shoes in the baggage claim. Paul and Adrien had waited for her in the hotel lobby to talk about their first investigation to find Alex. As Lou was about to walk closer to them from a few centimeters, Paul already noticed then walked approaching and welcomed her with a hug whispering, "You always look great."

Lou replied him with a smile. Adrien stared at them like he wanted to vomit the breakfast that he just ate a few hours ago. Adrien came closer and clapped his hands at once.

"So.." Adrien glanced at Lou and Paul. "What's our plan today?"

"Very nice question, I've already made the list in this paper," said Paul, showing the folded paper. "And we will split up to find Alex, since my wedding with Lou is in four days, so we need to do this as effective as it could be."

Lou glanced at Paul confusingly, seeming not really agree with his idea. "Are you serious? Then who will accompany you?"

When Paul was about to answer Lou, Adrien took the folded paper that Paul held in the air. He quickly unfolded it, "Parco Forlanini, Sempione Park, Parco Lambro–" Adrien shook his head confusingly. "All parks? Seriously?"

"Alex loves to go strolling around the parks. Then I think there must be one of them that he likes to go to," Paul shrugged and glanced at Lou. "Sweetheart, you'll go with Adrien. I'll go with Blaire, the guy that I've been hiring to find Alex. I've rented two cars, and one is for you in the lobby outside. You two must have a lot of things to be shared with, so have fun."

Lou nodded agreeing in response, "Please, take care."

***

Adrien pulled the steering wheel to the right as the car was about to enter Acquabella from Viale Campania street. They were on their way to go to Parco Forlanini for the first destination. Lou and Adrien didn't talk much in the car. Adrien had never been acted that way before until Lou felt odd with the situation and she tried to break the ice.

"So, have you got the girl?" asked Lou playfully.

"You don't need to try so hard to break the ice, I'm fine, Lou." Adrien glanced at Lou.

"You've been so quiet. What happened?" Lou wondered, glancing at Adrien. They stared each other, giving clueless stare.

"I'm just confused with you and Paul. Paul seems a really nice man. He's perfect and he's a really good pair for you. I'm just wondering if you found Alex here in Milan, what would you do? Would you leave Paul and run away with Alex?"

"My God," Lou sighed. "Please don't ask me that question. I just don't understand with myself. I love Paul but the thought of Alex keeps spinning on my head and it's bothering me."

"So, you think when you find him, that thoughts will go away somehow?" answered Adrien, smirking.

Adrien pulled over and parked the car next to white SUV. They walked in the park and looked around. The ambience of the park was really quiet. Adrien and Lou barely found any humans walking around there. They found some flies flying around their heads instead. As they walked near the lake, Lou saw a man wearing a black coat sitting and reading a book under the big tree nearby. Her heart started to beat fast, assuming if that person was Alex. She quickly walked approaching the tree and as she got in there, the man turned his head around and stared at Lou. Lou stopped, realizing that person was not Alex. That man turned his head to the book again when the presence of Adrien came next to Lou.