Chapter 14: Trending

Ann: “Candid shots of us were posted. They’re saying we’re dating.”

Me: “That’s a good thing.”

Ann: “Yeah, now the whole school knows we’re an item. If you ever break my heart, you’ll be a scoundrel.”

Me: “Yes, yes, yes I, Nathan, will be a scoundrel.”

Ann: “All the girls are crying lemons. They’re saying a lot of them had crushes on you, but you never gave them face… and now you’re dating.”

Me: “Oh, about that, Ann I had no idea. Is it going to be a problem?”

Ann: “No, it’s not. I trust you.”

The next day in class, Ann had an empty period, so she went to the girls’ hostel to return her room key to the matron.

Matron: “Why are you leaving the hostel? Is there a problem with your room?”

Ann: “None at all, ma.”

Matron: “Okay, that’s fine. Where are you staying now?”

Ann: (Smiling) “I live in the estate close to the school.”

Matron: “Wow, you bought a house? Or are you living with family?”

Ann: “I’m living with my boyfriend, actually.”

Matron: “He must be a rich guy, then.”

Ann: (Just smiled) “I have to get going, ma. I need to grab some stuff.”

Matron: “Have a nice time. Stay safe.”

Ann: “Thanks, ma. You too. Bye!”

She went to the school gossip center to wait for me. On her way there, she kept seeing jealous faces. Others were whispering; when she came close, they stopped, and when she walked away, they pointed and laughed.

This went on for a week.

One day on our way home, I noticed her mood was off. I kept asking what was wrong, but she said nothing. I was confused, questioning if I’d done anything to let her down but I hadn’t.

We arrived home and she was still glum. She went straight to the room.

I wanted to talk to her, but I had an emergency meeting with a new client company on the verge of bankruptcy, so I stayed in the parlor to avoid disturbing her.

In the middle of the meeting, my PA called. He told me what was happening online.

Apparently, a blogger had posted our pictures and videos, claiming I came from a humble background and “snatched my buddy’s girlfriend” to inherit her parents’ company. The post also said I constantly abused Ann, that she was trying to leave but I threatened to kill her. There were pictures of Ann looking sad, suggesting I was the cause. It even claimed Ann never liked me and slept around with photos attached of her entering hotels with various men.

I was furious, completely enraged. No man stays cool after such explosive lies about his woman.

Me: “Who leaked this?”

PA: “I tried investigating. The blogger is working for someone but won’t say. I offered her money still refused.”

Me: “Find out what she holds most dear family, herself. Dig up dirt on her, too. You have two hours. My baby’s reputation is on the line.”

I returned to my meeting and wrapped it up quickly.

An hour later, my PA delivered a detailed report.

PA: “Sir, we found her. It’s your childhood friend, Miss Nancy. She’s friends with Miss Ann’s roommate. The roommate hasn’t resumed school yet she was active in the school group when she saw your picture with Ann. She was happy for Miss Ann and posted it on her status. That’s how Miss Nancy saw it and brainwashed her. The roommate felt it wasn’t fair to Miss Nancy, so she sent the material to the blogger and paid her to stay silent. We also found that the blogger has a family in the outskirts of the city a very sick mother who needs major financial help, and a brother who’s a gambling addict.”