THE LIE THAT BOUND US

AN OPPORTUNITY

Johanna's Pov

I had barely gotten any work done that morning.

My mind kept going back and forth wondering why Sebastian was really investigating into his father's old business dealings.

I sat at my desk, looking at the pile of work I had to do infront of me.

I took a deep breath and dived straight into what I had to do that morning.

It felt so impossible to concentrate, my mind kept wandering back to what I had heard.

Why was Sebastian actually looking into his father's partnership with my father after so many years?

What exactly is he up too?, And what did he know?

I spent years believing that the Mosers were responsible for my family's destruction.

My father's imprisonment took everything from us. Our reputation, business, stability and I haven't forgotten about it.

I couldn't forget about it.

But then again Sebastian was investigating the very past that destroyed my family.

Maybe there was something in those old document that i needed to get my hands on.

I leaned back in my chair and folded my arms.

“I need to find out what Sebastian was looking for.”

But the problem was, I had no idea how to do that. I couldn't just walk up to him and demand for it.

He wouldn't even take me seriously and besides, its not like we have been on good terms.

Even during our university days, we found every possible way to turn every conversation into an argument. The thought of it made me smile honestly.

My phone suddenly vibrated on the desk, bringing me back to reality.

I looked at the screen, It was a message from my aunt.

Aunt Lillian: "Are you coming home early today?"

I sighed before replying.

Me: i don't think so but I'll try to be early.

I put my phone down and looked at the clock hanging on the wall.

I still had several hours left at work.

But instead of returning to my paperwork, my mind drifted and i found myself thinking about Sebastian again.

There had got to be a way.

If he was investigating the past, then there is an information he needed.

And if there was one thing I was certain about, it was that I was probably the few people who could give him information about the Koller side of the story.

"Perhaps that was my way in."

My thoughts were quickly interrupted when a colleague of mine walked toward my desk.

“Johanna?”

I looked up.

“Yes?”

“Mr William just told me that there's a business event this evening. Some of the Moser executives will be present.”

My heart skipped.

“Mosers Executives"

She nodded in approval.

“I thought you might be interested since you previously worked with some of the companies that will be there.”

I hesitated a bit. I don't want to go.

At least, that was what I told myself. But deep down, I knew exactly what it meant.

Sebastian would be there.

“Forward the details to me please,” I said to her.

By the time I got to the venue of the event that evening, I had questioned my decision several times.

The place was filled with various people dressed in expensive suits and elegant dresses.

Conversations about business, investments and partnerships filled the room.

The thought that i didn't belong in a place like this crossed my mind.

There was a time when my family had been part of this world that was before everything fell apart. I looked around the room, trying not to let the past memories get to me.

Then my eyes stopped at him.

Sebastian Moser.

He stood across the room, surrounded by several men in dressed in suits.

He looked Older, more confident and intimidating.

But there was still one thing that didn't change about him. He still had the same arrogant posture.

The same expression that made me want to argue with him all the time.

It seemed like he had sensed my stare, Sebastian suddenly turned and our eyes met.

For a slight moment, none of us moved.

Then he shot me a faint smile.

I turned around immediately and looked away.

Just Great. Exactly what I needed.

Some minutes later, I felt someone approach me.

“Are you avoiding me?, after all these years?”. I turned around and saw him Sebastian.

I crossed my arms and replied “I wasn't avoiding you actually.”

“Oh Really?”

“Yes i wasn't.”

He looked around.

“Then is all just a coincidence?.”

“Yes it is.”

He just laughed softly.

You haven't changed at all."

“Neither have you Sebastian.”

His expression changed.

“That's really unfortunate.”

“That is for you.”

There was a pause for some minutes.

“I see you have been asking questions.”

My stomach tightened.

“I don't quite follow?”

“About my company?.”

I urged myself to remain calm.

“I work in business. I think I am allowed to be curious.”

“Curious?”

“Yes.”

He glared at me for a moment.

I couldn't figure out what he was thinking.

"My father's old business records have become relevant again.”

I froze for a second. There it was, the information I had been looking for.

“Why?”

He stared at me with a surprised look.

“Because there are some things that don't just make sense.”

My heartbeat quickened.

“What exactly are you talking about?”

He didn't answer immediately. Instead, he looked towards the other side of the room.

“My father kept several records of everything. Old partnerships, Financial agreements and Contracts.”

My eyes narrowed.

“Is his partnership with my father included?”

He turned back to me.

“Yes it is.”

Something inside of me shifted. All he had just said was exactly what I needed to hear.

I wanted to ask him another question but someone called out for him.

He glanced over his shoulder towards me.

“Well i have to go.”

“Wait! Sebastian.”

He stopped immediately.

“Do you still have those records?”

He turned around completely and looked at me for a moment before answering.

“Why do you ask?”

I didn't really have an answer to give him so I just said, “I am just curious that's all”

He gave me one of those his knowing looks.

“Of course you are.”

Then he walked away.

I watched him disappear into the crowd.

My mind was already spiraling.

Old contracts, financial records, documents from the partnership between our families. Things I hadn't been able to access and now Sebastian had access to them.

I spent years trying to figure out a way to restore my family but perhaps I have been looking in the wrong direction all this time.

I gently picked up my bag and started walking towards the door.

“Sebastian was searching for answers, which meant sooner or later, he would need something from me.”

I could use that to my advantage.

I didn't need to trust or like him.

All i needed is to get close enough to him and find out what he knew.

For the first time that evening, I actually smiled.

Sebastian Moser has no idea what I was planning and I decided to keep it that way.