Chapter 16: deleted

Me: “Get me the latest update on the sick mother’s medical report. Set a trap for the brother, make sure he borrows a large sum from a loan shark. Block the news from the blogger’s mother so she doesn’t go into shock.”

PA: “Yes, sir. I’ll take care of it right away.”

Me: “But Nancy isn’t even in town anymore. She’s schooling in F City. The last time I saw her was in junior secondary. Why would she do all this?”

PA: (Smiling) “Sir, it’s obvious. It’s because she likes you.”

Me: “Nancy likes me?”

PA: “Yes, sir. From the story they concocted, it says you dumped your ex-girlfriend. Your ex definitely isn’t at your school, or she would’ve spoken up meaning Nancy is your alleged ex.”

Me: “How come I never knew?”

PA: “Apart from when you met Ann, you’ve always been a nonchalant person. You probably wouldn’t have cared even if she told you. I think she was waiting for you to take the initiative and ask her out.”

Me: “But I don’t even like her. I’ve always seen her as my younger sister. How could I have feelings for her?”

PA: “But she has always seen you as a lover.”

Me: “This is getting complicated. Does Ann know about this yet?”

PA: “Sir, I can’t say for sure, but the news has been trending for a while now.”

Me: “Try to stop it from going viral. And get the blogger’s brother’s task done ASAP.”

I didn’t want to call Nancy I didn’t even have her contact anymore. Besides, the Nancy I knew was persistent. She wouldn’t give up easily; she’d only get more motivated. I guessed she used Ann’s roommate because she was scared of upsetting me directly. And she knew the consequences of crossing my family.

I went to check on Ann. She was on her phone. My heart sank. God, I hope she hasn’t seen the news.

Me: “Hey, babe. What’s up?”

Ann: “I’m okay. How are you?”

Me: “I’m fine.”

She looked into my eyes, searching for answers, but I didn’t want to bring it up yet.

Me: “Babe, what’s wrong? Is there something you want to ask?”

Ann: “Did you have a girlfriend before me?”

Me: “No, I haven’t. You’re the first girl I’m dating.”

Ann: “Then what’s this ‘ex-girlfriend’ nonsense? I already know you’re a millionaire, so using me to get my parents’ company is out of the question. I’m not saying I don’t trust you I just want to know what’s going on.”

Me: “Well, I’m not entirely sure either. But from my PA’s investigation, the main culprit is my only childhood female friend. She moved to F City in junior secondary, and I haven’t been in touch since. She’s friends with your old roommate, who hasn’t resumed school yet. When your roommate saw the news about us on the group chat, she was happy and posted it on her status. That’s how Nancy found out. Out of jealousy, she brainwashed your roommate with lies. Maybe your roommate felt guilty, so she paid a blogger to turn the public against us. Nancy’s intention is clear she wants social media to pressure us into breaking up.”