51

Just like I had imagined, I saw Lila's message that said, I should call her back as soon as I read it.

She must have been curious. I can't blame her though, I would probably be feeling that way too if I were to be in her shoes.

I checked the time to see that it is already past midnight.

Maybe I should just wait till tomorrow before I call her back.

I was still on it when my phone begin to vibrate and Lila's name pop up.

This girl got no chill.

"Babe" I greeted but she cut me short by going straight to the point.

"I saw your message, what's up?

Who is he?"

"Okay, calm down. You know I told you I have a date with Hammer today? So I got to the place earlier before him and I sat at a corner, checking people out as they go in and out.

And that was when Hammer came in alongside Michael, your brother."

"What does Hammer have to do with Micheal?" She questioned.

"I was just as surprised as you are. I knew they know each other but I thought it was merely for business purposes but turns out they are pals."

"So, what happened?"

"I got suspicious and stay where I was. Luckily for me, they sat in front of me but they didn't notice me, giving me the chance to eavesdrop on their conversation. To cut the long story short, James was not the evil man all along, it was Michael."

"I don't understand, what do you mean?"

"Apparently, Micheal is using your father. And Davis leaving home and your current situation is all part of his plan. In short, we are all pawns in his game."

"We?"

"Yes, we! Even I am not excluded."

"I don't understand a thing you are saying."

"I would probably be as confused as you are if I didn't hear them speak for myself. Micheal has been playing James, he wanted all the power for himself. How he intends to do it is what I don't know. He knew Davis was kind-hearted that is why he made your father send him out so that he won't be getting in his way.

And as for the Davis accident, it was all their plan. Hammer said something like saving him so that he can use him to his benefit later, I narrated."

"Even at that, how did you get involved in all of this?"

"I am not so sure, but I think he is trying to get to you, through me."

"Why would he do that?

"If only I have answers to all these questions, I wouldn't be so confused myself."

"Who the hell is this Hammer, to begin with? Why does he have so much against my family?

Now listen, Bel. I don't know if you already have answers to your questions or not but one thing I know for sure is that you need to stay out of that guy's way."

"That is not possible, not when I already know that they can use me to get to you. I have to find whatever ways I can get to stop all of this nonsense."

"Bel, I understand that you are trying to help the situation, but do not do anything that will only worsen it. Remember that there is a limit to what you can do in all of this because it is more of a family issue and above that, you have feelings for the guy in question."

"Are you saying I can't help out because I am not family?"

"Don't get me wrong, I didn't mean any insult. All I am saying is you shouldn't get too involved in the matter. You heard what they said by yourself. If they can do that to Davis, they would do much worse to you. I love you too much to see you get hurt. Please, stay away from those people."

"But it's not possible for me to just sit still and watch as if nothing happened."

"I know, but considering the situation, I guess that is the exact thing you would do."

"I doubt that. I am way too attached to this situation than you thought."

"More reasons why you shouldn't get involved. You are not directly affected so you have an option. Do not involve yourself in this mess, only to end up like me. In the end, it will all be for nothing."

"I will only do what I considered to be right."

"Am not forcing any decision on you bel, all am saying is do not do what you will regret. I can what grieving means so I can't bear to see you like that."

"At the end of the day, the decision is mine to take," I said to Lila over the phone. Two can play the game. If they want to use me, why not use him too without getting noticed?

He already sees me as a fool so what is there to lose?

I ended the call but not before saying goodbye to Lila.

I know telling Lila about what I heard was a bad idea sometimes, I wonder how we ever get so close with our differences. She has a different opinion every single time. We are so different from each other but I guess I would have to do what I felt is right.

I contempt on calling Hammer and apologise for not showing up so as to begin my game but my mind wander back to Lila's word.

Maybe I really shouldn't get involved in the whole thing. Or maybe you are just looking for ways to get back to Hammer, my subconscious mocked.

None of this make an actual sense but whatever happens, I will deal with it. I concluded on going ahead with my plan and I text Hammer instead.

Hey, I'm sorry I couldn't show up as planned, I have had urgent matter to attend to. It was quite personal to ignore.

Bella.

I immediately get frightened after sending the text. Now that I have sent it, it means games on. And I am completely clueless about how to go about it. I have no plan or strategy. Maybe I should back out. Perhaps, Lila is right after all.

My phone vibrate on my laps and Hammer's name pops up.

"Meet me tomorrow in my office" Dammit, I am fucked up.