Falling in Love with You

Chapter 3 Accusing Gertrude

Jonathan Pov...

I woke up groaning, my head heavy with regret. I knew my parents weren't just upset, they were downright furious. Who would be so bold as to do such a thing after graduation? Who would plan something like that? That video was taken down three years ago, and we even paid the person who owned it! How could there still be a copy floating around? Damn it! I cursed, seething with anger.

She seduced me that day when I was pissed. That cheerleader was always following me around, mocking me, and calling me gay. I just wanted to prove to her that I wasn't, the fact that I had just lost my virginity because of the bet with one of my classmate's sisters who was also part of the cheering group.

When I lost my virginity, something in me changed, I became wild, constantly craving more. Then that cheerleader started provoking me, and she got exactly what she deserved that day. I rammed her with a fury, determined to shut her up, so she wouldn't go around spreading rumors that I was gay and into men. But now, I'm left with this overwhelming shame, just as I’m about to become the face of our company. This isn’t just a personal attack; it’s an assault on my family’s honor. We even paid them more than they asked! I growled in frustration, pacing back and forth in my room, my anger boiling. My parents, alarmed by my outburst, rushed in, worried about what had happened.

"Jonathan!" Dad uttered knocking on my door.

"What is going on out there?" he added, but I didn't reply, still thrashing in my frustrations. The weight had overwhelmed me, and I couldn't find the words to express the turmoil inside me. My mind was a chaotic storm, each thought a lightning bolt striking the same spot over, leaving me exhausted.

"Jonathan, open the door!" He warned. I heard him ask for the duplicate keys. Before I could walk to open it, he had already opened the door. He looked at me bewildered!

"Dad!" I mumbled, messy and looking pathetic.

" Get out of your room. You need to eat breakfast and come with me! " He commanded, offering no further explanation. I knew that tone all too well, there was no point in arguing. Resigned to the inevitable, I got up and followed him, understanding I had no choice but to comply.

After finishing my breakfast, Dad waited for me. Although I was unsure of our destination, one thing was clear: I had to follow him. I was taken aback when the car pulled up in a suburban area where he used to practice shooting. Why had Dad brought me here out of the blue? Was he planning to take out his frustrations? Before I could process what was happening, he asked me to get out of the car. Frowning, I complied and stepped out.

He ordered one of the people to assist me. Is he going to let me fire a gun?

"Dad!" I mumbled.

" You need to start your training. We don't know who is trying to fight us this time. You need to know about self-defense. People know you are the heir of Lewis Towers. " He elaborated. Dad is right!

They helped me set up, likewise with Dad on the other side. I'm nervous holding a gun for the first time. I didn't hit any because of my nervousness, but I hit one before I finished my round. I looked at Dad, he seemed quite impressed. I look at his chart, I'm dumbfounded that he hit all the targets.

After venting my frustrations, we headed to the office. He promptly introduced me to everyone working there. My first day on the job was quiet, embarrassing, and stressful, but I made it through. Just as we were about to leave, I received a text from Jessica saying she was waiting in the lobby. I asked Dad if I could meet someone before heading home, and he nodded. When I met Jessica in the lobby, she looked terrified.

"Jessica." I beamed.

" Oh my God, Jonathan! I thought I'd never see you again. When you left that day without a word, I heard everything and saw the video. I—" Before she could say more, I gently silenced her by placing my finger on her lips, stopping her from bringing up the video.

"Jessica not here, please!" I pleaded before dragging her out of the building.

"That's my past, Jessica, and what surprised us was, why there was still a copy of it when we paid the owner of that!" I clarified. She shakes her head.

" I'm so sorry, Jonathan. I just found out who posted that video to humiliate you. I have no idea why she would do something like that. " She said, her voice filled with worry and pain.

"She! Who is she? " I frowned, puzzled and anxious.

" It was Gertrude babe! She has a video of it. She posted because you chose me over her! " She explained. I'm dumbfounded.

"What!" I uttered in disbelief. Gertrude! She was a nice woman to do that! She likes me?

" I can't believe it either, Jonathan. She is my best friend and I didn't know she had a video of you. Maybe she was jealous of that woman. Imagine the person you like, loving someone else and f*****g a random woman. " She added. It doesn't add to my hunch, but she has some point too. She was a friend!

"I need to see her. I need to talk to her. " I muttered, clenching my fists and gritting my teeth in frustration and anger. She has become my friend now. In the few days I've spent with her, she's shown to be generous and sweet. Her kindness, understanding, and support have been so genuine that it's hard for me to believe this is real.

" I'm sorry Jonathan, but they have already left. Remember his brother came to fetch her. You can't see her now. " She responded dejectedly. I punched the wall, frustrated. Why! Why? I screamed.

Jessica comforted me until I calmed down, and afterward, I took her out to dinner before heading home. Despite the evening, my anger still simmered inside; I couldn’t understand why Gertrude would do this to me! When I got home, Dad immediately called me into his study. I wasn’t sure why, but I felt it was something good.

"Dad!" I sounded before entering.

"Have a seat son." He responded.

" You don’t need to worry about the news, it will fade away soon. We’ve managed to erase the sources, but we can’t erase them from the minds of those who’ve already seen them. All you can do now is stand up and show them that it was a mistake from when you were immature. We’ve already posted your explanation on our website, so no one should question you! Have a moment to read it so you’ll be prepared. " Dad explained. I nodded, but before leaving his study room, I revealed to him who had spread the news.

"Dad, I know who posted it, but we can't reach her now, as she left the country," I stated. He frowned.

"Who would that be, Jonathan!" He asked firmly.

"I was told it was Gertrude's!" He was stunned, staring at me, mouth agape and wide eyes. He shook his head before replying.

" That's impossible, Jonathan! Why would she do that? She is the face of the Star Group! " He also uttered in disbelief, just as I was surprised, but I was more stunned at what he spat out.

"What? What did you say, Dad? " I stammered, struggling to grasp the meaning of his last words. The face of Star Group! My shoulders sagged in disbelief, my body paralyzed with shock. My mind went blank, and my heart twisted painfully as if it had turned at an unnatural angle, leaving me breathless.