INSANELY FALLEN

Gay?

Miller’s PoV

“I want you to help me get Jane back and destroy Lucas forever.” 

She remained penetrating me with her eyes, as if I am someone tiny. All her previous panic attacks and anxieties were long gone. There stayed not even a single trait of it anymore.

“I don’t care the Jane part, but for destroying Lucas? I will even side with Satan himself.”

Jane was a super soft subject and I haven’t freed up about it to anyone other than Nathan. I shared an extremely dark secret with her that could cause destruction for a multi-million company and the lives of many people, and this.... is her response. I suddenly had the compulsion to kick her, but the fact that I haven’t stooped so low as to strike a girl helped me gain some restraint. She continued slicing the pancakes. Not even slightly apologetic for comparing me with Satan. Not troubling to provide an answer back, I finished the rest of my food and waited for her. Though I was not looking around, I could sense multiple eyes on us. My employees were never comfortable around me, and that’s precisely what I need. Isabelle was annoyed at first, but now her only interest was her plate.

John, my current assistant, was struggling hard to get Stapleton’s attention for several times now. I don’t understand why he’s so captivated by her. She’s nothing like the lady a man wants. No elegance, no discipline, no fashion style. Her hoodie explains what kind of girl she is. I put on my shades to have a more relaxed view of the b***h in veil. If she spotted me checking her out, I am positive I don’t even want to experience the aftermath.

Her brown hair was naturally straight but not properly attended. The messy appearance actually looked nice when examined closer. Her pale skin was so, well, pale. There was not even a hint of foundation or any product of such. The lips were plump and rosy. Her eyes were a decent blue, and it gave an ice goddess face to her pale skin. If a girly girl had received these elements, I am confident she would handle it extremely well. Too bad God didn’t take sufficient time to fix her personality.

“I am finished.” Her voice is smooth but confident, goes with the character and outer view.

“If you finished scanning those girls, I said I am done.”

 I pulled out my shades to see what exactly she was referring to. There was a group of girls near the table behind her chair. Like everyone else, they were inspecting us.Thank God she assumed I was staring at them. Isabelle stood up from her seat and so did I.

“I am leaving. I’ll soon inform you with the further details. I have to work out a background study on the men who walked in with Lucas today. Maybe we’ll get something interesting.” 

Wow. She’s faster than I thought. Why didn’t I get an idea like that before?

“Take your time, but be fast.” I am bossy. I know.

She just shrugged her shoulders and headed towards the door, with me trailing behind her. 

I heard a few sighs from several people. Someone’s happy to see me leave. We took separate lifts and reached the ground floor. On the way towards the door she waved her hand at the receptionist, who reciprocated the gesture enthusiastically. Great; attitude queen has some manners. Cool breeze hit my face lovingly, making me smile a little. Wind always influences me. People hate storm, but I have prayed to God for one to happen when I was little. Normal much.

Isabelle, on the other hand, was impassive to anything around her. She looked straight at me and extended her hand for a shake. I expected a clumsy handshake, considering her small palm. But damn, her action was rough and strong. A perfect hand shake, yet her skin was soft. She removed her hand too fast for my liking and folded it across her chest.

“See you soon, Miller.”

“Wait. I am giving you a lift.”

“That’s unnecessary.” I don’t like it either believe me, but I am a gentleman.

“Then why do you think I took my keys?” She shrugged a little. 

“I don’t know. Maybe to show off.” Ok. She is going to walk, take a bus. I don’t care.

“Your wish”

Nodding sternly, she blended with the crowd soon. I don’t freaking know how I am going to work with her for so long. I really wish Lucas just died in some accident, so I do not have to put up with Isabelle anymore. I returned to the office and called in the floor receptionist.

“May I come in, Sir?”

“Yes.” Amanda was a really nice girl with always a smile on her face, unlike some grumpy brown head.

“E-mail the details of people who accompanied Lucas Redfield today to Miss. Isabelle Stapleton. John will send you her E-mail address. And then send a copy of the same to me.”

“Yes, sir. Is there anything else?”

“Yes. How do you know her?”

“Pardon sir. Who?”

“Isabelle.”

“Oh. We met at the lobby. She was looking for you. She was not friendly at first, but then we got along. She even asked me to call her Seb.” And then she let out a girly giggle.

“Okay, thanks. Now go do your job.” Because I do not want to hear anything more.

“Thank you, Sir.” Seriously? She’s nice to my receptionist, my assistant. Then why is she acting like a b***h towards me? Isabelle Stapleton is a tough puzzle to solve.

...................................

 Isabelle’s view point...

Throughout the bus journey back to home, my mind was occupied with different thoughts. And everything was concerned with one man. I know I was harsh when I said I didn’t care about Jane, but somehow I wanted to stop myself from going soft on him. I mean I thought he had everything but just like me and everyone else he had his own problems to worry about; still then he acted like a careless, bossy business man. When he talked about Jane, he looked so broken. And God knows what that poor soul was going through now. Though she is an heir to a business tycoon, that girl has to survive like a freaking puppet. Lucas needs to be taught a lesson, and I will make sure that it will be his last.

After walking a few lanes from the bus stop, I sighed, seeing the house at last. Neb’s car’s in the garage which means everyone’s home. I opened the door and was immediately invited by fresh aromatic smell of garlic bread. Damn, I will never be tired of eating dad’s special, though I am already full.

“Look Bry, your stubborn sister is here.”

Char and Bry were in front of TV watching some random wrestling show. After throwing a murderous glare at Char, I went and cuddled Bry. It’s like another routine of ours.

“Oh, me too....”

Jaco was on top of us within seconds, followed by Char. I was trying my maximum not to press on Bry too much. But he was enjoying it, nevertheless.

“A group hugs without me? Not possible.”

“Damn Neb, you weigh like a horse.” Char was panting hard as Neb was on top of him.

“That’s because he eat like a pig.” Jaco said and high fived Bry.

“No, I don’t.” Neb was smiling and started tickling Bry and me.

“God. Stop it. I didn’t even comment on anything.” Let me tell you I am so ticklish. My sides were aching from laughing so hard.

“This isn’t for not commenting. This is for not listening to me in the morning.” Oh, my.. I can’t take it anymore.

“Dad.. Help me.”

“No. Help US dad.” Yeah right, Bry’s also there.

“Okay, children, that’s enough. Time for some lunch.” On hearing the word lunch, the three morons were on their foot and ran to the dining table.

“Seriously, how old are they?” Bry and I were still sitting on the couch, breathing hard. While our supposed elder brothers already started hogging. I looked at Bry’s confused face. He has a point there. Shrugging, I carried him and joined the others. 

“So how did the meeting go?” I know Char’s question was a common one since everyone shifted their position a little with discomfort. Concentrating more on slicing my meat, I answered nonchalantly.

“It went well. I saw Lucas there.” For the next few minutes there was silence.. I raised my eyes to see the entire table looking at me with wide eyes. Even dad was beyond shocked.

“Guys breathe OK. It was just a live CCTV footage. He didn’t see me.” Dad was the first to exhale, followed by the others.

“I promise if something happens to you, even a minor scratch...”

“Ya ya Neb you already mentioned that before. I am here in one piece, right? Now finish your food.” They didn’t talk about anything after that. But I could see Dad’s constantly tensed look on me.

After finishing the meal, I went with Bry to play, of course, after locking the door. He was making a block castle while I was dressing up the new doll Char bought yesterday. I felt exhausted after the long day. 

“Seb, wake up. Seb.”

I was being pushed by Bry hard. When did I fall asleep?

“What is it, Bry?”

“You have a call.”

“Who’s it?” I tuned a bit to see him talking on my phone, very man like. I wonder how many hearts he’ll break when he grows up.

“But Seb doesn’t have a boyfriend.” My eyes widened hearing that. What in the world?

“Give me the phone, Bry.” As the obedient kid he is, Bry handed me the phone and smiled at me.

“Should I keep this a secret too?”

“Bry. I do not have a boyfriend. Ok?” He nodded playfully and went back building blocks. I looked at the caller id and it was an unknown number.

“Who is this?”

“Hey girlfriend. How are you doing?” How dare this son of a... Wait?

“John?”

“s**t. What gave away?”

“How did you get my number?” I know he’s a nice guy, but stalking is something I don’t appreciate at all.

“Geez, calm down Ninja. Boss gave me the number to notify you that the concerned details you asked for is sent.”

“Oh. Ok.” Well. That is an excellent explanation.

“No thank you to your favorite man?” I rolled my eyes at his unsuccessful flirting.

“That’s your job, John. Bye.” I cut the call before he could throw another flirty comment.

“So, really not your boyfriend, ha?” Sometimes I wish Bry was not as observant as he is.

“No Bry. I do not have a boyfriend.”

“Why? Are you gay?”

What the heck....?????

I sat up straight and scowled at him.

“Who the hell taught you that?” If it was anyone else, they would have been scared by now. But Bry looked at me with folded hands and a smirking face.

“So Char was right all this while.” What the hell should I do with that donkey?

“Char is never right and don’t believe him no matter what. I do not have a boyfriend because I don’t want one. Understood?”

“Well, if that helps you sleep at night. Then fine. “He continued doing his previous job as if nothing happened. Char is definitely going to pay for this. Taking slow breaths, I took out my mobile and checked the mails. It was from Amanda. There was a list of four names along with their photographs and details. After looking at each of them, the fourth one caught my attention.

Samuel Mills.

How can I forget him? He’s the only person who showed me some sympathy during those days. Suddenly an idea paved its way to my mind. I dialed Miller’s number, and he attended the call after five rings.

“Received the mail?” I could hear waves in the background. Is he on a beach? But it’s afternoon.

“Yes. We have to meet Samuel Mills tomorrow.”

“Who? Just wait a minute, please.” The background sound decreased as he spoke again. “Whom should we meet?”

“Samuel Mills. He accompanied Lucas today. That bald guy.”

“Understood. Why him?”

“Because he may know where Jane is.”

“And what’s the chance he’ll disclose it?”

“Believe me, the chance is high.” He was silent for a few seconds.

“Tomorrow, be ready at 4 pm.”

And then the line went dead.

I stared at the screen for a bit, then got up and went in search of Char. Let’s see how much of a gay I am?

................................

Miller’s viewpoint...

“Who was on the phone, Shawn?”

My elder sister asked while the little devil ran to me with a ball in his hand. After the meeting, I was figuring out what to do with Stapleton. That’s when Lisa, my sister, called for an outing.

My family isn’t affected by time zones. We do whatever we want whenever we feel to do so. Seems like Noah, the little devil, wants to play in the sea this afternoon.

I lifted Noah and wiped out the sea sand from his face. He looks so adorable with messy hair and eyes that twinkled just like his mom’s.

“Not anyone special, Li. I think I’ll leave. I have work.”

“When do you not have? We are leaving too. Noah has a class test tomorrow.” 

With that she took Noah from me and asked him to say bye to his wonderful uncle. I drove straight to my home and found Nathan sitting with a coffee mug and a newspaper on the couch.

“Good morning buddy.”

“It’s afternoon, Nathan.”

“Well, I just woke up so its morning for me.” He folded the newspaper and smiled at me like an Orangutan. I just shook my head before heading to my room to change. 

The evening went with me searching the history of Samuel Mills. He is kind of okay guy, unless being the financial advisor of that bastard. I wonder what Stapleton saw in this man, considering how loyal all Lucas’ men are; I don’t think they would even utter a word against their lord. That’s exactly what Redfield is good at, making loyal connections and the thing that helps him become unbeatable. 

About 2:00 in the morning, I received a call from David Stapleton. My first thought was that something happened to Isabelle and involuntarily a slight panic caught me. What if Redfield has her too, just like Jane? I attended the call with urgency,

“Is something wrong?” I asked without wasting time on pleasantries. 

“I am sorry to bother you this late, Miller. But a father has to protect her child, isn’t it?” At first I thought he was drunk, but later understood the reason for his hoarse voice was because of crying. 

“What’s wrong? Is Isabelle okay?” I don’t know why I asked that as my instincts took control over my brain. 

“Can I meet you now, Mr. Miller? A man-to-man conversation”

I usually say No to such things but something in his voice caught me off guard and decided to meet him at the Central Park in about 15 minutes. I put on a sweatshirt and black jeans, and headed straight to my car noiselessly. I know Nathan wouldn’t wake up even if a missile falls over the house, but still I took the precautions. I think this is a meeting I should keep as a secret.

By the time I reached Central Park, David Stapleton was already there in a buttoned up white shirt and khaki pants. He was staring at the stars and on hearing me he turned to my direction with a pained expression. 

“Thank you for being here, Miller. I never thought you would allow me to meet you at this time of the hour.” He said trying to bring a smile to his face, but all I could see was pain. I have a strong guess it is something related to his daughter. 

“Shawn.” I said, looking at him with a small smile. 

“Yes, Shawn. Thank you again.”

“Why did you want to see me?” Again the look of complete pain masked his face. 

……………………….........................................................................................................................................................