Chapter 69 BENEATH HER LIES

Chapter 69 BENEATH HER LIES
CHAPTER 69

JEREMY'S POV
BENEATH HER LIES

The house was too quiet when I walked in. It was as if someone knew I was coming back, sat inside and waited for me like in the movies.

Dad was seated by the dining table, his glasses were on the table, there was a glass of whiskey beside him. He was drinking, that's when I knew something was very wrong.

Richard was there too smirking, while leaning back. And it makes my blood boil seeing him in this house, I'll never accept him as my brother.

“Jeremy,” Dad called without looking at me. “Sit down.”

My eyes darted to Richard again, who had a slow accomplished smile on his face like he knows something that I don't. It's like he's happy I'm in this mess about Lana.

I sat down anyway and dad exhaled, it was long and heavy. Then he began, “Jr, is there anything I should know about Lana's video?”

Dad leaned back and continued. “It's online, it's everywhere. A trending video involving Lana.

My stomach churned in shame, I shake my head. “Dad, I didn't know she had a tape……”

“I don't have patience for this,” he snaps, rubbing his temples. “Why can't you control your women? That video is pure chaos for me, you've done nothing but embarrass me, Jeremy.”

I swallowed hard. “Dad, I didn't know she had a video like that. You're blaming me like I'm in the video with her…….”

“I need to think of something,” he interrupts me sharply. “Get out.”

I wasn't expecting anything less from him. He didn't want my explanations, he just wanted me to leave.

Richard gave a smug smile, he was enjoying my predicament. I gave him one last glare. It was a promise of violence, and I'm going to keep my promise to him. I pushed out my chair and walked away.

My chest was tight and my mind was spinning. I was very frantic and I walked outside, almost tripping over my feet. My phone beeped with a message, and I looked at it.

I need to talk to you about Lana. It's very important.

A location was sent to me, I was skeptical but I had to go anyway. I sent Reed a fast text, telling him my whereabouts just for backup.

I drove off to the location, because if I stay long enough I'll beat up Richard. It's a small café, tucked between a barbershop and a laundromat; it wasn't too small to notice.

I saw a man already seated with a baseball cap. I got closer and he looked pretty beat up, like he got into a fight or someone beat him up.

“You came,” he said as I sat down.

“Straight to the point, I don't have time for this.” I said with annoyance.

“I shot the tape with her, when we were together. She was on board with it, because she wanted to see how she looks.”

I glared at him slightly urging him to continue. “She begged me not to say anything to anyone.” he whispered. “But look man, I don't think you deserve such a woman.”

My hand trembled and my throat tightened. “And the tape today. Did you do it?”

He shakes his head. “I swear I didn't do it. I don't even have a copy anymore. Someone else came to my house, beat me up and took it.”

My eyes twitched with anger. Someone else did, Richard. That thought hit me so hard, but I didn't say anything.

I stood up and left the café. My phone buzzed with a call. Looking at the screen it was Reed.

“Jeremy, are you done?” he asked me.

“Yes.” I replied while leaning beside my car.

Reed cleared his throat, and I knew what he was going to talk about. “I saw the video online, man.” he paused. “That's a lot to take in.”

“I'm not doing this anymore.” I told him. “I'm done with her, besides we weren't in any agreement.”

Reed wanted to say something, but I cut him short. “Listen man, I'll go to Lana's now.”

“Don't do anything stupid, Jeremy,” he told me.

I drove fast and almost got a speeding ticket. Lana's house is loud as I knock. She's shouting at someone, or talking to herself.

Someone opens the door for me, and immediately she sees me, she goes quiet.

“Jay,” she whispered, stepping back. “Babe, oh my goodness, thank God you came.”

I grabbed her arm and dragged her to the living room. She removed my hand. Clutching her arm like I hurt her real bad.

“Tell me the truth,” I said to her quietly. “About your tape.”

She blinked hard and tears followed abruptly. I knew they were fake.

“Jeremy, I'm so…… I'm so sorry for what you've heard. But baby that's not me. Someone edited my face into that girl's body. People are so evil t…”

“Stop, just stop it,” I told her slowly. “Don't lie to my face.”

She froze but regained her composure.

“That's no editing,” I said. “Your ex told me the truth. The sex tape, the money you paid him, just to keep him quiet, he has receipts.”

She folded her arm with her chin raised. “So you believe that fool over me? Why? Because of your stupid cheap replacement.” she snaps. “You're pathetic, Jeremy.”

“Why didn't you tell me?” I asked her.

“Jeremy, that's not me. Besides, if it's me, we broke up already. Don't try to fix or save me. You can do that for your Grace.”

I was disgusted to even look at her face. “Don't bring her into this. It's about you, Lana.”

“Why not, Jay?” she spits. “I know you're itching to break it off with me. You want to go to your sweet, Grace. Can't you sympathize with me, she leaked that fake video about me! Because she hates me and wants to ruin my life.”

“Grace, didn't leak anything!”

“You don't know that.”

I stared at her for a long time, just trying to see if she was remorseful about this. And she was not her face twists, fear and furious. She was angry and bitter towards Grace.

She was afraid of losing me, and losing the life she built for herself all these years.

“Jay, look at me,” she whispers softly, her voice soft and clear. “I did what I had to do. And if you love you'll help me, you'll help me get over this. We can turn this around, blame Grace, or my ex boyfriend.”

She reached for my hand, and tried kissing me. But I pulled away

“Jeremy, what are you doing?”

“Lana, it's over.” I said in a clear voice.

And that's how Lana lost it, she screams an ear splitting, guttural sound. She lunged towards me grabbing my shirt, pounding at my chest.

“You can't leave me!” she shrieks. “YOU CAN'T, JEREMY.”

“I already did.” I said and walked out, her screams followed me.