Chapter 2

There are only three people who know this penthouse is mine. Me, Daniel and my chauffeur. That's why I was surprised when I saw Lorenzo's flashy red sports car parked and waiting for me at the entrance of my condominium building.

After the call, I did not hesitate to tell my man that I needed to leave. I told him what happened and he even encouraged me to call Hans to pick me up right away. Even though I knew he wanted to accompany me to the hospital, he didn't push it, for he knew he shouldn't be seen with me.

That's one of the cons in ‘our’ situation.

I sighed upon settling on the passenger's seat. While Lorenzo quickly buckled my seatbelt before starting the engine.

"What exactly happened?" I queried without glancing at him.

There was a long pause before he answered. And I guess it was bad because I heard him heave a sigh.

"Justin talked to Uncle"

That statement made my head quickly turn to him. His eyes remained forward tho, as he continued, "He told him that you cheated on me with him. Uncle wouldn't believe it, but the bastard showed some pictures that eventually caused his heart attack"

My brows knitted, "I've never met him,” I stated.

"I know"

"You do?" I asked in disbelief.

He had finally taken a glance at me, and with a serious expression he said, "We're filing a lawsuit against him. I promise to make him pay for trying to ruin your name, Briannna"

Immediately, I looked away and didn't respond.

The ride going to the hospital was silent after that. No words came out from our mouths. Not even music from his car, because he's not a fan of any. My eyes remained outside until we stopped at the parking lot.

There were reporters waiting already when we got out, not because we are famous people, but because Justin Meneses was.

That guy. I honestly don't know how he became a famous celebrity with that attitude. Looks can really be deceiving. I bet he thought he could blackmail Theodore Costales for showing those pictures to get the deal with our company.

Too bad though that my adoptive dad has a weak heart, but fortunately not stupid.

Lorenzo quickly pulled me to his chest and shielded me from the cameras, when they suddenly mobbed us, as we entered the hospital's lobby. I saw Paul stood up from the sofa, and quickly approached us to say that my father's already admitted in a private room and that he's okay.

"Thank you," Lorenzo said curtly before dragging me to the elevator.

I nodded at Paul and he saluted at me before the door had closed between us. There's too much going on in my head that I didn't notice Lorenzo's hand was still holding mine when we reached the room.

Lorenzo's parents welcomed us. And his mother embraced me with such sympathy.

"We're sorry we didn't see this coming," His father stated, "I already called our lawyers. I didn't stop the media to spread the news though, and just told them to refrain showing the pictures,” he shook his head, "I know it's edited but I don't think it's appropriate to show it with your face in it, Brianna”

"I will sue all of them if they do," Lorenzo stated.

"Are you fine with it, Brianna?" Mrs Gomez queried.

I nodded, "Thank you.."

"No worries. All for you, babe," Lorenzo softly said and kissed my forehead.

I saw his parents smile gently at us. Poor them, they couldn't see right through us. They were too blind not to see that we've been fooling them for years now.

I sighed.

Slowly, I strode towards Dad's bed and watched him sleep. For someone who just had a heart attack, he sure looked peaceful.

Relief flooded my chest.

I am not vocal about my feelings, but I never hid from everyone how much I love the old man more than anyone else. Although he's not my real father, he treated me like his own and gave me only the best.

"He still needs to undergo some tests, but the doctor assured us that nothing's really serious. It's just a mild heart attack, so you don't really have to worry.." Mr. Gomez assured me as he tapped my shoulder.

Few more talks and they finally left, leaving Lorenzo with me. I didn't want to stay with him in the same room, but I couldn't voice it out for they will ask why and I hate explaining.

Sitting on the couch, I massaged my temples. "You can go home, too.." I muttered.

My body stiffened when he suddenly held my hands and placed it down on my lap. He then replaced his' to continue massaging my temples from behind. "I won't leave you alone," he said firmly.

I shrugged and relaxed as I rested my head and shut my eyes. If that's what he insisted, then be it. Who am I to refuse this advantage?

"What did you see in Montana?" he asked out of the blue.

“Aside from his looks.. He's warm and funny,” I smiled upon remembering him.

I opened my eyes when I felt him stop massaging my temples. My brows then furrowed as our eyes met.

His dark menacing gaze was piercing right through me. It's as if I made something wrong. Maybe I did. Maybe I unconsciously stepped on his ego or something. Anyway, wouldn't it be better to tell him the truth than lie in his face?

Taking a deep breath, I stood up. Silently, I walked to the refrigerator and got us some drinks. One soda for me and a bottle of water for him.

I handed him the bottle, then I settled back on the couch. “How's Hannah? Didn't see her earlier,” I queried.

“I got rid of her already. She's so nosy and it's annoying,” he sighed whilst sitting next to me. “You know Akiko, right? We hit it off last night 'til morning. That's why I was late earlier. Sorry about that by the way”

“No biggies. Everyone's already used to you being late,” I said flatly. I sipped on my soda before turning to him and grinned, “And about Mizuhara.. Goodluck”

He raised his eyebrows on me, “Is that a warning, Brianna?”

I chuckled as I shrugged my shoulders, “Maybe,” I chirped. “Joe once told me she's very clingy”

Lorenzo released an unexpected sigh and reclined his back suddenly, whilst shutting his eyes in the process. I stared at him quite confused, for that's not the reaction I was expecting from him. He should, by now, be fishing for more information about Akiko, but there he was, looking frustrated or something.

“Are you disappointed?” I inquired.

Maybe he already planned on getting serious with her, huh. But now that I told him she's clingy, he was disappointed because he didn't dig for clingy, possessive, nagging, nosy and jealous women. Just one amongst those that one possesses, he'll quickly dump them like a thrash with no regrets.

“Your sweet mouth is really poisonous. Do you know that?” He straightened from his seat and stared at my scowling face, “It needs to shut up now,” he stated before pulling me from my nape and claiming my lips.