Chapter 25

Hussain POV

Laying on my back, in my old room at the family mansion, I stared at the ceiling. I didn't go home last night because I was too angry... Not with anyone, but I am angry with myself. How could I be so foolish, not only did I hurt her, but I also let her walk out of my life as well. My house was probably flooded with reporters as we speak but I don't care. I don't care what no one says about me anyone because last night I watched as the woman I never knew would play such an important role in my life, leave... And it feels like some ripped the heart from my chest.

Hearing a light knock on my door, I sighed into my pillow, pulling the sheet further up my body, ignoring her, my mother. Forcing my eyes shut, listening to the low creek as the door pushed opening, the low clicking of her heels on the flooring echoed in the room,

"When you were a boy," I felt the edge of the bed sink where she sat down, " You were never a late sleeper, never loved breakfast, never... a lot of things,"

Taking a deep breath, I pulled the covers off my head, sliding up leaning my head against the headboard,

"What are talking about mother?"

"Hussain... You let that young lady left here with a broken heart,"

"As you heard... We were never a couple... We were just... Well, you know,"

"Mhm, I heard but I know what saw. That's the second time I've seen your eyes burn with so much passion for a woman... The first time was when you were going to preliminary, you were in so much hurry, you left your pencils at home, a girl in your classes gave you one and every day after that you tried to impress her," my mother giggled,

"That's a long time ago, Mom," I chuckled lowly, remembering my childhood crush.

"Exactly, I the way you look at Ali..."

"Allison,"

"Right. The way you and Allison look at each other, I knew you weren't together but... The aura I get from both of you… it's something your father and I swear once,"

"Still you're getting a divorce,"

"Don't let our mistake ruin your take on love, being in love and being loved back is a beautiful thing,"

"You've met the girl once and now you think you're some matchmaker," I stared at her,

"That's the problem, I am telling you something your mind wants to deny... But your heart already knows" she rose to her feet, leaving the room, "Are you going to join us for breakfast?"

"No, I have to go home, I have Maria to deal with and a scandal to cover up,"

"I hope you make the right choice Hussain, good luck,"

The drive home was quiet, I am guessing Aiden saw the article and knew why Maria had frequent doctor visits with Ramsay. I have been in numerous scandals, most I managed to straighten out, others I let them run their course, but this one... It felt like I disappoint a lot of people. Pulling up the house, I stepped out of the car, inhaling the fresh air, enjoying the midday sun melting into my skin.

"Thank you, Aiden," I mumbled.

"Sure thing, boss," he nodded.

Walking up to the house, I noticed something on the I'm all small steps in front of the door, two large, brown envelopes, one on top of the other. That strange, I wasn't expecting anything, from anyone. Crouching, I brushed my fingers on the rough paper, one is from Philip but the other one was blank, but I think I know who it's from, rushing inside with envelopes, I began to rip Philips own apart, throwing the other on the table before me. Blinking a few times, when I saw the pictures of them together, and it was dated yesterday, so this is the friend she had breakfast with, "Maria!" I cried out, "Get in here,"

"Hussain," she scurried in, "Please believe me I didn't say anything to the media, I don't know how..."

"But you did say something..." I handed her to photograph, "you said something to her,"

"How did you... Are following me?"

"Don't be absurd, why do woman always think that I am a stalker or something, of course, I did not... I paid someone to,"

"You think she said something, mouth probably slipped a few times or... Maybe too much, but she is my friend, she would never do such s thing,"

"Maria... You and this woman are no friends. Her name is Stefanie, someone I was involved with, she tricked you and juice out whatever information she could out if you... To get back at me,"

"Wh-what, no, she said..."

"It doesn't matter what she said, all she does is lie, Maria,"

"We… we met the day you let Aiden take to Doctor Ramsay. She and I both were waiting outside, and I guess she spotted Aiden because she began to ask me all kind of weird question and I... Hussain, I am sorry, I am but you don't pay attention to me, and I just wanted a friend and I..."

"It's ok Maria, I understand," I lowered my gaze, staring down at the picture that was behind the one with her and Stefanie. Glancing at her, I reached for it pulling it out slowly. Folding my lips into thin lines, I forced my eyes shut, spinning the picture around to her,

"Who is this?" I mumbled lowly, already knowing the answer to the question, it was a picture of her and another man, kissing.

"Hussain, please let me explain,"

"Maria, in that envelope," I pointed at the one with a name, "it's a high probability that it's a DNA test, I requested one from Ramsay. I don't know if you know how it works, but it had him check to see if any strand of my DNA is in your blood... So please don't lie,"

"I-I..." She stammered Ripping open the envelope, I slid back the sofa. I didn't know if I should be angry or rejoicing. I am not the father.

"I am not the father Maria, still you and Stefanie tried to ruin my reputation, but I have met someone... Someone who makes me want to be kind, someone who I crave to be next to them, even if it means we just hang out and you guys ruin that for me, but... I forgive you,"

"Hussain it's not what it looks—"

"The day I saw you arguing with Louis... Was It about the man in the picture,"

"Yes. Since you’re not the father, then it’s... His name is Arian, Louis's nephew,"

"Pack your Maria, you have cost enough damage and I can't you around. What I will do for you is give you a million dollars, take care of yourself and your family,"

Running off I could her loud sobs, I did feel bad for her, but she bad news and I had to make things right again. Pulling out my cell phone, I scrolled down to her number, pressing the phone against my ear, waiting on her high-pitched voice,

"Mr. Myers?"

"Hello, Toniann... I think I need your help."