014 Picking Up The Pieces

Karl

I have never felt so angry in my entire life; it's taking everything in me to keep myself together right now.

I came here in hopes of making her laugh, but instead I met her in tears, and that is not very pleasant to hear.

Oh, how I want to break the person who caused her these precious tears.

Even going to hell won't save them from me.

Lana looked at me like she didn't know what to do or say.

My hand was still on her soft face, making sure I get rid of those tears.

If only I could take all her pain away and let me suffer it instead, I would do it in a heartbeat.

“No one,” I heard her mutter as she pulled away from me, relaxing her back.

“Don't lie to me, love,” I said calmly, and she pressed her lips together.

“Ex-boyfriend problems, you already know about it,” she said.

I remember the first time we met, she spoke about her boyfriend getting engaged to someone else.

I didn't think much of it because I thought she was already over him, but I guess not, and he is now a problem that needs to be dealt with.

“Did she say something to make you cry this much?” I asked, referring to the girl I met her with, and Lana's lips trembled.

“She's the fiancée,” her voice came out shaking, and I took in a deep breath.

Watching her like this hurts way more than I could have ever imagined.

It fucking guts.

Just how far gone am I?

“I don’t want to talk right now,” she said as her eyes pooled with fresh tears again. “Take me home, please,” she added softly, shutting her eyes tightly.

I really need to know who this ex-boyfriend is, and may God help him for what I am going to do to him.

I left the back seat and got into the driver's seat before starting the car and driving off.

When I got to Lana's place, she was already asleep.

I turned to look at her, and I smiled; she looked a lot better.

I came out of the car and opened the door to Lana's side, carrying her out.

She felt tiny in my arms.

“Lana?” I heard a soft female voice, and I turned to see a girl who looked like Lana.

Though she had jet-black hair, unlike Lana's brunette, the resemblance was there.

Her sister, Beatrice Myers.

“What happened to her?” Beatrice asked as she hurried towards us.

“Nothing, she is just asleep,” I replied calmly.

Her eyes filled with unspoken worry as she stared at her sister before looking up at me. “This way,” she said, and I followed behind her as she led me into the apartment building.

I was led into the bedroom, where I dropped Lana carefully on the bed, happy she didn't wake up.

She needed all the sleep she could get.

Beatrice signaled for me to follow her, and I did.

We got back into the living room, and she stared at me with unsure eyes. Thank fuçk I can read her sister better than her.

“Why do you care about my sister?” Beatrice asked, and I blinked.

She didn't even start with who am I? But I have a feeling she already knows.

“Do I need a reason?” I replied, unsure of how she wants me to answer that when I don't even know the answer myself.

If anything, I should be staying as far as I can away from her.

“My sister has gone through enough from men like you. I don't want her to suffer something like that again,” Beatrice said.

“Men like me? Are you talking about her ex-boyfriend?” I asked.

“Yes, Ethan was a real jerk, and he hurt my sister unimaginably. Going through something like that again would break her. If you're doing this just for fun, then please stop,” she said, her voice pleading.

“I would never hurt Lana. I can't even bring myself to so much as anger her,” I replied sincerely.

Beatrice stared at me like she was assessing me, trying to tell if I am saying the truth.

“You better not,” she finally spoke up. “Because if you're another Ethan Pierce, I would not let you off,” she threatened.

Ethan Pierce.

So that's the fuçker's name. Why does it sound so familiar?

“Trust me, I would never be another him,” I assured her, and she hummed in reply.

“You can leave now,” she said and walked into the kitchen.

Well… now I got her sister on my side, another win.

_

“I finally found someone to replace Simon. Doing all that work myself was stressful,” Ryan walked into my office like he owned it.

I told him to get his own office, but the idiot refused, saying he refused to be a workaholic like me.

Idiot.

“Who?” I asked.

“Martin,” he answered.

“Simon's assistant?” I asked to be sure.

“Yes, and I know what you're going to say. I did a thorough check on him and plenty of interrogation. He didn’t know what Simon was doing, and he is fit for the job,” Ryan said confidently.

“As long as he does what he is supposed to do, I have no problem with it,” I replied.

Ryan knows what he is doing; he doesn’t need me to go through everyone first. I trust that he is capable of doing that, even though he runs away from responsibilities.

“Great, finally I get free days,” Ryan exclaimed.

“I want you to look into Ethan Pierce,” I said, and Ryan blinked.

“Isn't that Jackson Pierce's son?” Ryan asked.

I knew the name sounded familiar.

Jackson Pierce is the overseer of one of my technology companies; he is actually meticulous in his job. How the fuçk did he raise such a son?

I picked up my phone and called Lark, my secretary, to come into my office.

“I'm still here,” Ryan reminded, like I am not aware of that information, but I ignored him as Lark entered my office.

“Arrange a meeting with Jackson Pierce,” I said to him.

“Yes, sir,” he replied and walked out.

“Karl! Why?” Ryan called loudly.

“None of your concern,” I replied, and he glared at me, but I paid no attention to him.

“How do you expect Lana to fall for you with this type of attitude?” he scoffed, and that drew my attention.

“What's that supposed to mean?” I frowned.

“Exactly what you heard. You'll chase her away with this kind of attitude. Work on it, brother,” Ryan opened his damn mouth again.

“Someone has been too free recently,” I threatened, and he quickly stood up.

“Hell no, I just got a break,” Ryan said and walked out of my office.

My eyes went back to the computer in front of me, and I couldn't help but think about Lana.

She must have been so tired last night to fall asleep.

I wonder how she's doing, and I curse myself again for not taking her number.

I would have easily gotten it from her file, but I wanted her to give it to me herself.

Definitely won't forget next time.