Chapter 8: The Face of Denial

Susan's POV

I watched Ethan approach Maria with desperation despite warning him against such a move.

Minutes have gone past after he called Maria's attention, and she has failed to look in his direction

The only time she looked in his direction, she denied knowing Ethan.

“Let's get this clear; I don't know you.

I have never met you before.

And lastly, my name isn't Maria. For fucking sake, I'm Naomi Jackson. How difficult is it for you to understand that?”

“Naomi Jackson?

I don't think so.

That's the greatest lie ever told in the history of mankind. Of course, you're Maria.

My eyes aren't deceiving me,” Ethan argued as though his life depended on it.

He had every reason to believe that Maria was playing a fast one on him.

Deep down, he was hoping that the cameramen would emerge from their hidden place and say. “It's a prank. Of course, her name is Maria. She just wanted to know your reaction, and you fell for it,”

Sadly, none of that happened. Instead, Maria denied knowing Ethan multiple times.

It was worse than the rejection Jesus received from Peter In the bible.

When Ethan tried getting closer to the triplets, Maria pushed him aside and threatened to get him arrested.

“Are they my sons?” Ethan asked enthusiastically.

It didn't seem like he was ready to back off soon.

I tried diverting his attention away from Maria, but he ignored me like I never existed.

There's no denying the fact that his mind is focused on Maria and nothing anyone can do to change that

“I ask you again, Maria. Are they my sons?” Ethan asked again after the initial rejection.

"I don't have time for this shit. If you come an inch close to me again, I'll get you arrested, and I meant every damn word I said,' she threatened Ethan.

She got back inside the car with the kids, leaving Ethan alone with some dude suspected to be Maria's new man.

The man served as a shield to prevent Ethan from coming anywhere close to the kids.

“Back off mate, this ain't got nothing to do with you.

Those are my sons, and I've got the right to speak with them,” Ethan demanded as he struggled with Maria's new man.

“You heard her.

She doesn't even know you.

So I guess you leave this minute, or I'm going to have to call the cops on you,” the man warned Ethan in a placating tone.

He was ready to protect Maria against Ethan with every bit of strength left inside of him.

He gnashed his teeth and prepared to launch the powerful strike like a rocket on Ethan's face.

Should that happen, I don't see Ethan surviving it.

He might as well spend the rest of the year on the sick bed because surely, the punch will send him into a coma.

“I don't want to fight you, buddy. Don't make me do this.

I believe we are both mature enough,” he issued the last warning to Ethan.

Oblivious to him, Ethan came prepared. He wasn't ready to bow out without getting the answers he sought.

I looked into Ethan's eyes and saw a bloodthirsty man. A man who's desperate for war.

A desperate man to devour the next target like his prey.

His forehead got sweaty as the veins popped out of his neck like a thunderstorm.

That was my first time witnessing him in his fit of rage.

At some point, I started second-guessing if Ethan was the person standing right in front of me or if someone had him cloned.

Upon seeing how uncontrollable Ethan got, I exempted myself from the drama.

I also refrained from calling him to order. I wouldn't want him to vent his inner demon on the innocent me.

The situation got tense as everyone gathered and watched the two men get involved in a heated argument.

Judging from how fierce the situation was, I won't be surprised if they start exchanging punches against each other, which may leave them with severe injuries.

Just when I thought it won't get any worse, the cops showed up in their Van. I needed no one to tell me that it was Maria's doing.

I knew she was up to no good when she remained in the car without stepping outside despite the chaotic scene

After the cops showed up, I tried to pull Ethan away to help him evade arrest. He pushed me away, stating that he had unfinished business with Maria

Tragedy struck when the cops got close and got Ethan arrested. They didn't bother asking questions about the offender.

It turned out that Maria had already sent them the photos of Ethan as the offender.

“This must be a joke. You can't get me arrested for actually doing anything. Who authorized this arrest?” Ethan held on to his right. He's the strongest man I know.

“I did,” a female voice responded and In a matter of seconds, Maria stepped out of the vehicle.

“I ordered for the arrest. What are you waiting for? Take the impersonator away,” Maria commanded.

The way the cops accord her respect, I won't be surprised to hear that they're on her payroll.

Ethan tried to defend himself and the cops shut him up.

Like a hardened criminal, they dragged him to their Van while I followed them.

Although, Ethan went out of line. However, that wasn't enough for me to neglect him at a time when he needed me the most

“If you are going to take him away, then you must get me arrested because there ain't no way I'm leaving him behind,'” I told the cops while disregarding the firearms in their possession.

I was confident that they were never going to pull the trigger in my fucking head.

“Don't worry, Suzy.

I'll be fine. Please contact my lawyer,” Ethan assured me.

Even in his darkest hour, he was still brave like a lion.

Reluctantly, I heed his instructions but not without getting the address of the division Ethan was taken to.