Chapter 56: Chapter 56

"Megan, you have to stop sending me so many wedding magazines, or I'm going to get buried in them." Missy laughed as her cab pulled up.

- I can not avoid. Planning a wedding is so much fun, yet it's so complicated... - Megan sighed dramatically on the other side of the line - I had forgotten how there are millions of possibilities for every little thing and how difficult it is to choose... - Your sister turned lamented – Please tell me that you have already arrived.

- Yes I arrived. - Missy laughed even more, as she got out of the car to the agency's sidewalk - But, Megan, take it easy. Logan and I haven't even set a date yet. No need to worry about all those little details...

- Of course I do! – Her sister disagreed, sounding sullen – Worrying about it now means having less headaches when we really need to order everything. After all, it's not like two millionaires can't throw a party full of all the best, is it? Megan teased her.

With an inward sigh, Missy just shrugged her shoulders, though she continued to smile. The day after Christmas, to her surprise, Megan was already able to close the contract with the company she had chosen and, almost immediately, the financial procedures were already started. There was still a little way to go with the whole sale and usage rights issue before that exorbitant amount of money finally landed in her account, but after Megan's excellent management, it was only a matter of time before that would happen.

And, to Missy's enormous shock, not only her family found out about it, but also the tabloids, who wasted no time in printing in their new articles that Logan Knight's mysterious girlfriend was also about to become a millionaire in the technology industry. . Not that she minded the gossip, as it didn't really bother her or even touch her, but she had to admit that it had hurt a little when her mother hadn't even given her a sign of life, let alone congratulated her. In fact, she had apparently been solemnly ignoring her ever since they'd had that argument days before Christmas.

Not that Missy was surprised, of course, but still... It hurt.

- That's why I need you here in my room to decide some things with me. – Megan continued to talk and, shaking her head, Missy tried to focus on what was really important at that moment.

- A few or a million? – Missy teased her, as she walked calmly towards the agency.

- I don't guarantee anything... – Megan mumbled, before choking, looking delighted – Oh, I can't believe I missed that magazine! Just look at this boho chic style... – her sister rambled on, amazed – I need to see this better! See you soon! - She exclaimed, excitedly, before hanging up the phone in a flash, making Missy laugh again.

Diana and Gwyneth were also very excited about planning the wedding, obviously, but they could never match Megan's euphoria. It was only three days after Christmas, and yet she was already more engaged with this event than any wedding planner would be, Missy had no doubt. Especially when she had Logan's unconditional support, which she couldn't hide how much she also wanted to see the wedding take place as soon as possible. With a dreamy smile, she remembered how he'd suggested they have a little ceremony on New Year's, saving the stately party the whole family wanted for later... And, of course, he'd nearly been attacked by Megan in disgust. for his suggestion not to give her little sister the first marriage she deserved.

If she only knew that all Missy wanted was to be called Mrs. Knight as soon as possible...

- There's my girl!

At the sound of that sentence, Missy immediately froze. She knew that voice and also that phrase, but especially, she knew very well that falsely sweet and forced seductive tone. Therefore, it was with an expression completely irritated and full of distrust that she turned to face the man who approached her, on her way to the agency's door.

- Liam? Missy asked automatically, more out of disbelief than anything else.

- Hey gorgeous. – he opened a smile that, a long time ago, actually so long that it seemed like centuries and not just a few months, she found even attractive – You've been missing these days, haven't you?

As he stood in front of her, looking extremely comfortable, as if he didn't even remember the fact that he had humiliated her just a short while ago, Missy took several steps back, narrowing her eyes at him.

- Go away, Liam. – she rolled her eyes, not even bothering to wonder why he was acting that way – I don't have time for you…

- Come on, Missy. – he interrupted her, as soon as she was ready to turn around and leave – I… I just want to talk. – Liam shrugged, putting his hands in his pockets, looking almost embarrassed – You know, I... During the holiday, I thought a lot about the things you said to me the last time we talked and... I noticed that you are certain. Always has been. I was a complete jerk to you and didn't even bother to apologize. So... I'm here for that. – He opened a pleasant smile… Falsely pleasant.

- To apologize...? Missy repeated dubiously, internally wondering if Liam had always been so brash like that or if it was just the feeling she used to have for him that had blinded her to such falsehood.

- Yes… - he sighed, which also made Missy wonder if he honestly thought he was sounding truly heartbroken – Missy, I… I really regretted what I did. – he took a step forward, with his arms outstretched, immediately making her retreat even more, as if the fire of hell was approaching her feet – It took a while, I know, but I finally realized how stupid I was to think that a bitch like Suzan was worth more than a kind, loving woman like you and I broke up with her. In the end, I realized that you were the only one who was always by my side, listening to me, taking care of me and supporting me, no matter what happened... - he whimpered dramatically - And that's worth infinitely more than any shag... .

- Why are you saying all this to me, Liam? – Missy grunted, interrupting him, already deeply disturbed by the whole conversation. In fact, her stomach, which had been so sensitive these last few days, was already getting queasy from all his nonsensical acting.

- Easy there, Missy. – It wasn't hard for her to recognize the barely concealed twinge of irritation in his voice, at being interrupted – Look… I'm telling you all this because… I want you back, Missy. – he took a moment before saying that last sentence, however, instead of being nervous, he seemed to be purposely trying to make a dramatic pause, as his face contorted with a laughable drama – I know you must have thought that I I was happy with that bitch Foster, but the truth is, I wasn't! I missed you from the start! – he whimpered – And I feel it even now! More and more! But I tried to pretend to be strong and pretend that I turned it around! But it was a lie, beautiful. – he made a pout that forced her to bite the inner part of her cheek, in order not to laugh – I suffered during every second that we were apart. And most of all, I suffered a lot having to watch you with Knight, when it was clear that you were also forcing yourself to be with him, trying to forget about me and...

Missy finally couldn't hold back her laughter any longer, bursting into a loud cackle, which made Liam stop talking immediately, clearly offended by her reaction.

- Forcing me to be with him? – she repeated, out of breath because of the fit of laughter – do you swear that was the excuse you gave yourself? Oh, Liam, please… – she shook her head, now more composed – We both know you haven't missed me for a second since we broke up. I know perfectly well that the only reason you got close to me was because your mother made you, hoping to break into my mother's world of high society through me. Was she the one who wrote that whole ridiculous speech? Why does she still have hopes of getting close to my mother, using me as a ladder? – Missy theorized, suspicious – Or did you really think you could seduce me and, somehow, get Logan to admit you back to the agency? Anyway, regardless of what it was, frankly Liam... - she sighed, with the feeling of alien shame bothering her - Just have some dignity and get away from me once and for all, okay? The last thing I want is to have to watch this ridiculous act of yours.

- Come on, Missy... - she saw him try to smile, although his teeth were visibly clenched, most likely due to the anger he was feeling at her immediate and not at all kind refusal - We both know that you and Knight won't last long and I'm sure I fit in much better in your new life...

New life... That was when, at the sound of those two words, the pieces finally fell into place inside Missy's head, making her realize what had happened recently to awaken Liam's desire to be her boyfriend again.

- You read one of the articles about my software, didn't you? - Missy raised an eyebrow, looking him up and down with disdain - Of course you read it. Not even your mother's insistence would be able to make you stay with someone "ridiculous" like me, especially after I moved on with my life... But the prospect of getting rich through me was able, isn't it? – she grunted, disgusted – And I bet your mother was extremely in favor of you coming here to ask me for forgiveness, after 03 months, as if the suffering and humiliation you made me go through were nothing, and ask me to come back with you. God, I'd even bet she wrote a script of what you were supposed to say. – Missy rolled her eyes when she saw Liam's face pale in surprise, which made her sure she was correct – Aren't you two ashamed of being so short? So blatantly freeloaders?

- Hey! - Liam growled, offended, but Missy was not intimidated.

- And you still have the courage to deny it? Oh please, Liam! – Missy rolled her eyes – I don't know what offends me more, if it's knowing that I got involved with someone as despicable as you or if it's the fact that you and your mother really think I'd be foolish enough to let myself be carried away by excuses as empty as these. But I guess you've always thought of me that way, haven't you? – She looked at him coldly – Like someone needy and stupid, that you could manipulate easily? Like when you go around showing off with my car, claiming it as yours? Even as he stiffened at her accusation, Missy couldn't take any kind of satisfaction at her discomfort. All she wanted was to simply get away from that man once and for all – Listen, Liam, whatever your intentions are, just understand that nothing will ever happen between us again, okay? – She looked at him seriously, her voice so vehement that it came out as a growl – So, stay away from me and never speak to me again! And if I were you, I'd get away from the agency before Logan finds out you're here! - She threatened him, feeling relieved to finally end that conversation, as she turned to leave.

- Do you really think you and Knight will go far? - Liam half growled and half mocked, but she didn't even turn around. With a secret smile, she just ran her fingers over the ring on her right hand, not even flinching as she took a few more steps away from him – You might think you've become badass since we broke up, but the truth is, you're still the same sucker ever! – still without letting herself down, Missy ignored him solemnly, continuing to walk, approaching the agency's door, until he shouted something that made her freeze – So know that your perfect boyfriend also has shit with Suzan! That's right! - The victorious smile was audible in his euphoric voice, especially when Missy remained still, perplexed - I saw her entering, to go to Knight's office, with a shitty smile on her face. She always said she knew some dirt on him and I don't doubt they're both fucking behind her back, just like I did!

For a second, a part of Missy actually cringed inwardly at those words, but in the next second, she realized who was saying this to her. And who were they talking about. How many lies had Liam Newton told her since they'd met? How much proof had she had that he and his mother were cunning? Capable of anything to get what they wanted: more specifically their money and their mother's influence? At the same time, how many times had Logan proved his love? How many times over those three months had she felt that wonderful sense of completion when she was beside him, as if her souls were pieces of a puzzle that had finally been completed?

Why, then, was she still standing there, listening to him?

- Do you really think I'm going to believe you? – Angrily, she turned her head to face him – If I were you, I would really get out of here right now, Newton, because I'm going to call security myself!

- You stupid bitch! – She heard him spit, as she practically ran to get away from him – Then go run after him and see for yourself! I hope you fuck!

Swallowing hard, even though she knew everything he was saying was nothing but lies, Missy couldn't help her insides clench and, as her feet moved quickly through the halls of the agency once she finally entered, she suddenly found herself going heading not to her sister's study but to Logan's office. Honestly, part of her wasn't even doing this to prove Liam wrong. She just wanted to feel his arms around her and be enveloped by the calming feeling of love and comfort that always came over her when she was with him.

However, as soon as she reached the table where Simon was sitting, looking worried, Missy immediately knew something was wrong. Because, even muffled by the door and the distance, Logan's screams filled the room. He looked furious, almost out of his mind, but she couldn't understand what he was saying.

- Missy! – Simon gasped as soon as he saw her, looking almost desperate – I think you'd better go in there... I'm really scared that he ends up killing the...

That's when the door to Logan's office opened with a loud bang, while Logan's voice was now heard very clearly, like the crack of thunder.

- Get out! – he literally roared, and Missy literally could feel his hatred inside her, making her freeze.

But nothing could have chilled her more than when she saw Suzan leaving Logan's office with a distinctly angry rush. However, the woman's furious face broke into a malicious smile as soon as her eyes met.

- Well, hello Mel, dear ... - Suzan purred, approaching her surreptitiously, in a way that reminded Missy of a fox - Long time no see, right?

- Get out of that building! - Logan suddenly appeared behind Suzan, with bloodshot green eyes and features almost disfigured by anger - Now!

- Don't be so nervous, Logan, honey. - Suzan reached out to give a casual pat on his chest, which made Logan growl even more - I just want to exchange a few words with my old friend ... - She smiled widely at Missy, with a sly twinkle in her eyes that it made Missy's stomach clench.

- I swear, Foster, if you don't leave right now...? – Logan looked literally about to kill someone, but Suzan quickly stopped him.

- Oh, I'm going out. – Her smile became maliciously satisfied-After all, you need time to think about my proposal, don't you? - She winked seductively at him, before waving happily to Missy, walking away casually - See you later, dear. Oh, and congratulations on your engagement. Don't forget my invitation, okay?

- Your...! – Logan roared through his teeth, still with his green eyes frighteningly furious, but Missy quickly put herself between him and the direction in which Suzan had left.

- Logan...! – Missy gasped, confused and fearful, especially since a part of her couldn't help registering that, technically, Liam was right: Suzan had indeed gone looking for Logan in her office – What happened? Why are you like this?

For a moment, Logan just stood panting, his broad chest rising and falling rapidly, his face not just angry but deeply troubled, until, in a rush, he embraced her, pressing her body against his so tightly. that Missy could literally feel his rapid heartbeat against her chest. In that position, he almost looked like he was trying to protect her from something, squeezing her in his arms as if he was afraid she would disappear or someone would steal her.

- What happened? she asked again, more and more disturbed by what had made him that way.

- Nothing, nothing. – he muttered repeatedly, his deep voice still hoarse with fury – Foster just showed up in my office and started saying stupid things. And to think I asked security not to let her into the building anymore! – he sighed, still excited – I'm going to fire the entire team for allowing this to happen!

- But what did she say to make you like this? – Missy questioned, confused – What did she come to talk about anyway?

Her confusion increased even further when Logan's face turned livid and even more troubled, almost as if she'd just said something that had terrified him. And try as she might to control her reactions, still the confusion in her mind opened the door for a twinge of distrust to begin to creep through her, especially when Logan shook his head and straightened up with her still in his arms, looking like he wanted to. put that matter aside.

- Do not worry. Like I said, it was stupid stuff, like trying to talk me into giving her her job back. He rolled his eyes, possessed.

- Convince... How? - Missy raised an eyebrow, knowing that there was no reason to be insisting on that subject, but those atypical reactions of Logan were really making her uncomfortable.

Why did everything he said sound like he was editing out an important part of history?

- She tried to... blackmail me. - he said that last word with a possessed murmur.

- Blackmail? – Missy gasped, suddenly remembering what Liam had said about Suzan knowing something compromising about Logan, which only made her heart sink even more – Blackmail you… With what? she asked hesitantly, dreading what the answer would be.

- Nothing important. - Although Logan's voice was firm, she couldn't help noticing that he didn't meet her eyes as she continued - She threatened to sue me for having fired her for false cause, that kind of thing. – he shrugged, finally turning to face her, although she could still recognize the tension in his posture – There's nothing you need to worry about, love. he stated affectionately, but Missy still wasn't convinced.

On the contrary, everything seemed more and more strange.

- What did she mean by “you think about the proposal she made?” she asked slowly, carefully studying what his reaction would be.

- Don't listen to her. – he practically begged, running his hands through his hair – She just tried to convince me to admit her back, in exchange for not creating problems for me. It is obvious that I will not accept...

- But… – she interrupted him with a murmur, furrowing her brows – If there's really nothing she could blackmail you into accepting the proposal… Then why did you look so furious? Missy questioned fearfully, getting more and more suspicious as she saw him look away again.

"Of course there's nothing she could blackmail me with, Missy!" – He looked like he wanted to look unconcerned, but all he managed was a painful grunt – She just was herself: she said a bunch of shit and insulted you until I went crazy. It was just that. But it won't happen again. - He looked her in the eyes with a dark determination that surprised her - I guarantee it.

- Logan… – she swallowed hard, cringing a little, before finally gathering enough courage to ask – You would tell me if, at some point in the past, you and Suzan were… involved, right? - She finally completed, with the words leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.

"But of course there was never anything between her and me, Missy!" – Logan looked directly at her, with green eyes so intense and sincere that Missy immediately felt most of her fears leave her heart – I would never get involved with someone like Suzan Foster! I would never do that when I was still single, much less at the beginning of this year, when she walked in here, and my heart was already hers anyway! – he argued hotly, troubled – Don't let what she said make you think that, at some point, I wasn't faithful to you, Missy. You are the only woman I love and desire! And you will remain the only one, even after I take my last breath. he murmured desolately, tightening his arms around her.

Feeling soothed, Missy rested her head against his chest, enjoying some of his body heat as she let his words, laced with truth and passion, erase Liam's rude words from her memory. However, as much as she tried to fight those twinges of distrust, a part of her brain registered that Logan had only spoken about marital fidelity. Which was pretty obvious, since she'd asked a question exactly along those lines, but... Why then had he averted his eyes at other times, especially when she'd asked about the blackmail? Was she seeing too much... Or was there really some other way Logan could have gotten involved with Suzan other than sexually? And if so, what would it be anyway?

- So... - She smiled crookedly, deciding to ask that last question so that Logan could answer her honestly again and, thus, she could get over that subject completely. After all, what concrete reasons did she have to distrust Logan? - If anything else had happened between you and Suzan... You would tell me, right?

However, to her complete surprise, his answer didn't come immediately, as she expected. Instead, Logan stiffened, almost as if that question had been like a slap in the face, and for a few seconds he just watched her, looking lost and scared, almost vulnerable. And so he remained for several seconds, his troubled eyes focused on hers as his Adam's apple quivered, until finally, looking more haggard than ever, he began to sigh.

- Missy... - he swallowed hard, almost as if there was a stone in his throat - I... Actually, there's something I need...

- And I better never see your face around here again!

The sound of Megan's angry scream startled them both, making Missy jump a little as she turned her face to the opposite side of where they were, to see her sister storming into the room, with Devon on her heels, who exchanged a tense look with Logan. , before focusing attention fully on his wife again.

- What was that woman doing at the agency? – Megan grunted, out of breath, referring only to Logan, as she stood in front of them with heavy steps – Could it be that my sister can't have a moment of peace anymore, even though she's engaged?

- It won't happen again, Megan. – Logan growled dangerously, obviously not at Megan, but at the situation as a whole – You have my word.

- Oh, Missy, you're so pale...! Her sister gasped as soon as he turned his eyes to her, taking her hands and moving her a few steps away from Logan, so she could study his face attentively - Was it something that bitch said...?

"No, Megan, it's okay…" Missy calmed her gently, even though inside she wasn't feeling calm at all.

Especially not when Logan looked like he was about to tell her something important.

- Are you sure? You've been looking a little sick these days... – Megan caressed her face protectively, worried – Maybe we really shouldn't be discussing wedding plans today. Especially not after that slut came to harass you. – Megan rolled her eyes, possessed, and, when focusing her attention on a specific point behind Missy, she narrowed her eyes, quite suspicious, before asking – Can I know what you two are whispering so much about?

Startled, Missy turned, realizing that Logan and Devon had taken a few steps away from them, until they reached the wall, well away from them and Simon's table, but quite close to each other, both with their arms crossed and with serious expressions, although Logan's posture and jaw were so tense and hard that he literally looked like he'd been chiseled from stone. Immediately after Megan's question, Devon walked over to her, wrapping his arms around her shoulders with a reassuring smile, but one that only made his sister's eyes narrow even more.

- It was nothing, love. – Devon calmed her down, kissing her temple gently – Logan and I were just talking about the failure of the building's security to let Foster in.

- Do you swear? – Megan raised an eyebrow dubiously, skeptically – And you needed to do that specifically in a tone of voice that no one but you could hear?

- You're always so suspicious... - Devon laughed distractedly, hugging her even tighter.

Too bad Megan wasn't the only suspicious one there.

Hesitantly, Missy moved to where Logan stood, stopping in front of him fearfully before he wrapped his arms around her too, again with inordinate strength, as if he was afraid she was going to run away.

- Would you like to wait until we get home to tell me what you want? – she offered, thinking that maybe that way he would feel more comfortable to reveal to her the reason for all that.

- There's nothing to tell. – he stated, determined, offering her a peaceful smile – Don't worry about it, love. Just focus on the wedding. He kissed her engagement ring reverently, leaving her momentarily speechless.

"But… Logan…" she started again, but he quickly cut her off, his tone apologetic.

- I was just going to mention that Foster is just a lying snake and that nothing she does can hurt us. – He shrugged absently – Just that. - His statement was resolute and, apparently, also serene.

However, as she looked deep into those green eyes before he quickly looked away again to talk to Devon and Megan, Missy knew that maybe that wasn't what he had planned to tell her a moment ago...

And that maybe there really was something very wrong there.