WHO IS LYING?

“I… I didn’t mean to…”

“Shut up…,” Rafe cut in, his voice heavy with sleep. “You’re so… naughty…,” he murmured before drifting off.

“Thank goodness.” Derek exhaled in relief, then lay down beside him, pulling the blanket over both of them.

“What was I even thinking? How could I…?” He paused, lightly slapping his own cheek.

“Shh…” Rafe breathed, continuing to snore softly.

“I see why he didn’t want to drink in the first place,” Derek muttered before closing his eyes as sleep slowly claimed him.

*The next day*

They stepped out and slid into the car. Derek was dressed in a perfectly tailored brown suit, while Rafe wore a perfectly fitted black one.

“To the hospital,” Derek instructed.

The driver nodded as the engine roared to life and the car sped forward.

When they arrived, they went to see Nelly, but she was still unconscious.

“She needs time and rest,” one of the nurses explained gently.

“Right,” Derek murmured. “Let’s go see her brother, Mr. Desmond.”

The nurse led them toward Desmond’s ward.

When they entered, Desmond lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling, clearly lost in thought.

“Hello, Mr. Desmond,” Derek greeted.

Desmond slowly turned his head toward him.

“How’s my sister?” he asked quietly.

“She’s fine,” Derek replied. “She just needs some rest.”

“How could she? Why would she get pregnant? And for who exactly?” Desmond asked, his voice thick with sorrow.

“I’m sorry you have to go through all of this,” Derek said gently. “Your father was a good man and a long-time member of our company. I would like to offer the compensation again. Not as a way to bribe you or make you forget… but as a sincere expression of our condolences.”

He braced himself for whatever response Desmond might give.

Desmond slowly pushed himself into a sitting position.

“Thank you,” he said softly. “And… I’m sorry for trying to take your life. Everything felt overwhelming; I recently lost my job, my married elder sister just gave birth while her husband died on the battlefield… our father passed away… my younger sister got pregnant… but sadly her child is no more.”

“I understand that it’s a lot to bear,” Derek replied calmly. “I promise to help in any way I can, keep your phone close. My assistant will contact you soon.”

With that, Derek turned and left the ward.

Back in the car, he dialed Steve’s number.

“Good day, boss,” Steve greeted.

“Steve, I’ve spoken to Mr. Desmond. He’s ready to accept the compensation.”

“Oh wow,” Steve exclaimed.

“Yes, double the compensation. Ask about their qualifications and secure jobs they can manage, also stop by a supermarket and purchase plenty of baby items and food supplies for the mother and child. Then send additional financial support to them.”

“Yes, boss,” Steve replied before the call ended.

“You’re doing a lot for them,” Rafe said quietly.

“It’s my way of saying sorry,” Derek answered before turning to the driver.

“Take us to the bar.”

“Yes sir,” the driver replied, changing the route.

“I wanted you to finish your story yesterday,” Derek reminded.

“What story?” Rafe asked, confusion creeping into his voice.

“When we get to the bar, you will talk,” Derek said firmly.

The rest of the drive passed in silence.

When they arrived, they stepped out and entered the bar, only to find it completely empty; not a single customer was present.

Derek led them to his usual seat.

“Remember when you served me here?” he said with a small smile. “Waiter, my foot.”

“I’m still a waiter,” Rafe replied, folding his arms behind his back as he stood.

“Lying doesn’t suit you,” Derek said calmly.

The words echoed in Rafe’s mind, he had heard those exact words yesterday.

A waiter approached them.

“Welcome, sirs. May I take your orders?” he asked politely.

Derek turned to Rafe.

“No, he’ll take my order.”

“I’m sorry, sir,” the waiter said firmly. “We don’t do that here, this isn’t a regular bar for such childish acts. If he wants to serve, he should open his own bar.”

Derek’s jaw tightened.

“Who are you?” he asked coldly.

“I’m Gabriel, but you can call me Gab.”

“Gab,” Derek repeated with a faint smile.

“Yes, sir.”

“Does Gab realize he has just lost his job?” Derek asked casually.

“Who will fire me? You?” Gab scoffed. “Don’t flatter yourself, I can’t be fired. This bar belongs to my elder brother, I’m only working here to look after it.”

Derek’s brows lifted in surprise.

“I see, your brother must be quite rich… and very proud of you.”

“He definitely is,” Gab replied proudly.

Just then he noticed Shawn approaching and immediately cleared his throat.

“What would you like to have, sirs?” he asked more formally.

“Just a minute,” Derek said, turning toward Shawn.

“Where did you get this one?” he asked, gesturing toward Gab.

“What a surprise, Mr. Derek. I didn’t expect to see you here,” Shawn said before glancing at Gab.

“He’s our bartender, he started after…” Shawn paused as his eyes met Rafe’s. “After Rafe left.”

Gab lowered his head slightly.

“How interesting,” Derek said lightly. “You hired the owner’s younger brother?”

Shawn blinked in confusion.

“Sir, Gabriel is the son of a poor widow. His mother begged me before I gave him the job. Fortunately, he had experience.”

“A poor widow?” Derek repeated slowly, turning toward Gab. “Weren’t you just claiming to be the brother of a wealthy man?”

Gab’s hands began to tremble.

“Speak,” Derek ordered.

Gab opened his mouth, but no words came out.

“He said his brother owns this bar and that he works here only to manage it,” Derek explained.

Shawn’s mouth fell open in shock.

“I’m sorry!” Gab suddenly cried, dropping to his knees.

“Boss, please don’t be offended,” Shawn said quickly, attempting to smooth the situation.

“Is this how he treats customers?” Derek asked coldly. “Perhaps that explains why the bar is empty.”

“No, sir! It’s not his fault,” Shawn pleaded.

“I can’t tolerate this. He’s fired,” Derek declared. “I’m sorry, Gab, but you can’t work here anymore.”

Gab slowly rose to his feet and turned toward Shawn.

“I want the money my mother gave you.”

“What money?” Shawn asked, stunned.

“What is he talking about?” Derek demanded.

“After two days of failed trials, he agreed to hire me only if my mother paid him a certain amount,” Gab said. “She paid it, now I want that money back.”

Derek and Rafe exchanged shocked glances.

“I thought you said he has experience?”. Derek asked, coldly.

“Please, I can explain! This brat is lying!” Shawn pleaded desperately.

There was silence as Derek and Rafe stared in confusion. 

Now the question remained: Who was telling the truth?