Vicious Circle

10. The Hated Man

Difficulties were something I had grown accustomed to at every stage of my life. However, overcoming these difficulties could sometimes be very exhausting. If I think of my life as a staircase, stumbling at every step and trying not to fall was very tiring. The most important thing was that it was sad that the people who were pushing me were people I knew. However, I always found a way to continue on my path. Somehow, I took steps and tried to continue on my way. It wasn't a valid situation for me. I didn't like to feel sorry for myself because of what I had experienced. But I couldn't help wondering.

Why always me?

After seeing the news, I brushed off Colin's remaining questions and left the house. As I headed upstairs, I noticed two people standing at the door. I hesitated between moving forward and staying put, but when one of them said, “Brie Cooper?” I stopped.

The man who spoke was clearly middle-aged. However, he had a straight posture and an athletic build. There was sympathy in his eyes. Apparently, he must be the team boss Chris they were talking about. As I approached them, I extended my hand.

“Hello, I'm Brie Cooper,” I said, and the man smiled and extended his hand.

“I've heard a lot about you, Brie. I'm Chris Holt, the team boss.”

“Nice to meet you,” I said, and the other man next to him extended his hand. “Nick Martin. I'm the team engineer.”

He was a young, handsome man. He had fair skin and hair that was almost white. His hazel eyes were bright. When I greeted him in the same way, a middle-aged man opened the door.

“Welcome,” he said, his eyes scanning all of us. He was so formal in his dress and speech that I felt embarrassed to be standing there in my unpressed T-shirt and sweatpants.

Chris and Nick entered the door, while I chose to move forward slowly. When Roger made eye contact with me, I was about to introduce myself when he said, “Brie Cooper.”

When I smiled and extended my hand, there was a smile on his face. You could tell he was sincere from the wrinkles around his eyes.

“I've been wanting to meet you, Miss Cooper. I'm Roger Miller, I've been working for Mr. Holmes for a long time. Your cat, Lucky, is in the other house.”

When we shook hands, he showed me into the living room. As we walked in, I felt strange looking around Wayne's house. Surprisingly, it was quite spacious and bright. When we entered the living room, I noticed that the layout and design of the house were quite luxurious. Before entering the hallway, there was a staircase leading upstairs on the right. In front of the windows overlooking the ocean was an L-shaped sofa. The color of the sofa was turquoise. Right in front of it was a glass coffee table. On the table was a vase with colorful flowers. There was also a rocking chair. There was a beautiful clock on the wall. Right in front of it was a beautiful table and chairs. The house was so eye-catching that I couldn't take my eyes off it. Nick and Chris were sitting on the couch talking to each other.

As I was about to sit down, Roger said, “Mr. Holmes is asleep.” When I suddenly turned to look at him, Chris said, “That's good news.”

Nick took a deep breath. He leaned back in his chair and said, “I was very scared because of the news. It wouldn't be a good idea to wake him up right now.”

Wayne's falling asleep was both strange and surprising. I didn't know if I had anything to do with it, but when I thought about what had happened during the day, my cheeks flushed. Wayne was really asleep.

“Miss Cooper,” said Chris Holt. When I turned my head toward him, he continued. "Your arrival has already helped us make progress. We all want Wayne to be okay. However, not everyone is aware of this. The Formula 1 environment is full of wolves. Everyone, including teammates, is a competitor. Do you have any connection to this news being leaked? "

Of course, I had anticipated this question. It was clearly stated in the confidentiality agreement I signed.

Wayne Holmes' mental health information will not be disclosed.

I just nodded my head. “That's why I'm here. I have absolutely nothing to do with this incident. If you have any doubts, I won't stand in the way of your investigation.”

Chris must have believed my sincerity, because he put his hand on his chin and fixed his eyes on the floor. As he was lost in thought, Mateo entered the room, panting.

“What was that news?” he said.

As we all stared at him, I heard footsteps coming from the stairs. It was Wayne. He was wearing nothing. His sweatpants were about to fall off his waist. He fixed his hair with his hands and made eye contact with all of us.

“I saw the news, let me tell you before you ask.”

When he sat down on the rocking chair, he leaned his head back. His eyes were closed, and his eyebrows were furrowed. Mateo must have sensed the tension in the room because he chose to stay where he was. When his eyes met mine, he asked, “Are you asleep?” by moving his mouth. I just nodded because Wayne had opened his eyes and was looking at me.

“Whoever did this, it's clearly revenge.”

When we all shook our heads, Wayne said, “Everyone except Brie, get out.” Chris and Nick looked at me, unsure, but they did as Wayne said. When they all left the house, we were left alone.

Wayne leaned his head back again and took deep breaths. When he brought one hand to his forehead, a chuckle escaped his lips.

“Brie, are you serious?” he said.

When I looked at him, confused, he opened his eyes and looked at me. The area around his blue eyes was bright red. He couldn't really think he had done that to me.

“You did it, didn't you? You're trying to get revenge on me. Because this morning you came to the man you hate. He emptied you. And you emptied him. You're sorry you couldn't control your desires.”

His words made me feel guilty. Most importantly, they were definitely true. I wanted revenge on him. But not like this. I would never take away something he had worked so hard for.

“No,” I said, looking into his eyes. Was it wrong to expect him to believe me? “I didn't do it, Wayne.”

He laughed and stood up. He ran his hands through his hair very hard. “Brie, did you know I slept today?”

I shook my head at him. “There could be many reasons why you slept. Your body may have craved it because facing me gave you a comfort zone, and you fell asleep. But this is temporary...”

He picked up the vase on the table. I looked at him in shock as he threw it against the wall. Glass shards scattered everywhere.

“Mr. Holmes?”

He covered his face with his hands. When he pulled his head away, strands of hair fell onto his forehead. “Brie. Don't talk to me like you talk to your patients.”

“What's causing you to be so upset? Is it the news? I didn't do it, Wayne. I would never do that. It's up to you whether you believe me or not.”

“You wouldn't do that to someone you hate,” I said, realizing what he was getting at. The idea that I might hate him was devastating to him. He didn't want me to hate him. That was something that scared him.

“Wayne. I don't hate you.”

I stood up and approached him. I stood facing him. “I'm right here in front of you. Completely defenseless and naked. I didn't do that to you, Wayne, and I don't hate you.”

His breathing slowed down. When the furrow between his eyebrows relaxed, I felt the need to take a deep breath. Our attention was distracted when my phone rang. It was Colin. Since we were close by, Wayne saw who was calling.

“Why is he calling you?”

“We're discussing something, Wayne. It's personal.”

My goal was to prevent him from getting involved. But I didn't know how to do that.

“Your cat is at my other house,” he said, his blue eyes wandering over my face. “What's your relationship with this man?”

In response to his insistent attitude, I rolled my eyes at him. “It's none of your business.”

As I turned to leave, Wayne grabbed my arm and pushed me against the wall. When he pressed his whole body against me, I said, “Stop it!” But his only response was to press himself even harder against me. I could feel his whole body.

When I felt someone enter the room, I turned my head to look. Alex Holmes was there. His blue eyes, similar to Wayne’s, were fixed on both of us.

“What’s going on here?”