RENT A HEART

Chris POV

"What is it?" I asked Franklin. He'd been glancing at me ever since we left, those quick, nervous peeks giving me a bad feeling. I was driving to the Luca's residence, the sun was setting, the timing not good for guessing games.

"Oh, nothing really," he said, avoiding my eyes.

"Spill it, for God's sake," I snapped.

He blurted, "Eve came to look for you at the company this afternoon."

"What? And you're telling me now?" I slammed on the brakes, pulling over to the roadside. Gravel crunched under the tires.

"Calm down, tiger. I had other things on my mind, but yeah, she came. Shame you missed her," he said, a hint of mockery in his tone.

"How was she? Was she okay? What did she say?" The questions tumbled out.

The news about my identity had exploded across the media. I'd been terrified that it would be the end. The thought of her wanting to see me, even after that, sent a jolt of hope through me.

"Woah, calm down, I'll answer one at a time. She looked like she'd been crying. Eyes were swollen, bloodshot. I wouldn't be okay if I were her, to be honest. And she didn't say much, just that she wanted to see you and talk. Oh, and she said she's been trying to reach you, but it's not connecting. I think she still has your old number," he concluded.

My heart clenched. The image of her crying was like a knife. I wished I could hold her, tell her everything would be alright. A hollow promise, maybe, but one I desperately wanted to make.

"She wasn't angry? Didn't express disappointment that I hid my identity? Or that I'm a Luther?" I braced myself. Surely her family had filled her head with stories of our families' ancient feud.

"No, none of that. All she wanted to know was who was behind it… honestly, she didn't seem to care that you're a Luther," he said. I felt the knot in my chest loosen, just a little.

"Wait! Did you tell her the truth? About who was behind this whole mess?"

"I did," he admitted.

"What? I told you not to tell anyone! And I'm guessing you told her about everything else?" I asked, incredulous.

He just nodded. "Cut me some slack, Chris. She was persistent. She looked like she wouldn't leave until I told her. She's pretty stubborn, you know." He tried to defend himself, but I just sighed.

'I have to see her tonight, no matter what, I thought, as I started the car and pulled back onto the road, heading towards our destination'.

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At Luca's residence, Dreamville Estate.

The security guards, expecting us, waved us through as we entered the property. I spotted Luca waiting for me on his porch, surrounded by his family. I drove in and parked near the fountain, a few meters from where he stood.

"Grab the briefcase. Let's go," I told Franklin, and we got out of the car.

"¡Cuánto tiempo sin verte, amigo!" I greeted Luca, approaching him with a smile. He enveloped me in a bear hug. Long time no see, my friend!

"¡Claro, claro, claro, ya estás hecho todo un hombre!" He replied, clapping me on the back, his excitement palpable. Of course, of course, you've become quite a man!

"Oh, come on, man, you're only a few months older than me," I laughed, and he nodded in agreement.

"This is my wife, Angela, the one I told you about," he said, gesturing to the woman beside him.

"You lucky bastard," I said, shaking his hand before turning to Angela. We exchanged pleasantries, smiles all around.

"And is this your daughter?" I asked, crouching down in front of a tiny, beautiful girl who stared at me in wide-eyed wonder.

"Yes, she is. Mira, love, say hi to Uncle Christopher," he prompted.

"Hi, Uncle Chishofa," she said in her adorable baby voice. I couldn't help but grin. How cute was this kid?

"Can I carry you?" I asked, and she nodded vigorously.

"Oh, it seems she likes you," Angela chuckled as Mira eagerly jumped into my arms.

With the introductions complete, Luca led us inside his home.

Angela served us a three-course meal that was nothing short of spectacular: succulent shrimp sautéed in olive oil with garlic and a hint of chili for the first course, followed by tender, slow-roasted lamb seasoned with herbs. For dessert, a creamy custard with a rich caramel topping.

It was a hearty meal, and a welcome one. One of my favorites, as it happens.

A few minutes later, after we'd finished eating, Luca led us to his private study. This was the real reason for our visit.

Once we were seated, one of his men walked over to the massive television screen and inserted what looked like a data chip into the side panel. The screen flickered, and a few minutes later, a recording began to play.

I watched in silence as everything unfolded.

"I honestly didn't think you'd be able to recover this footage. Thank you," I said, relief flooding me. My father would finally be vindicated, his honor restored.

"Unless it's from another dimension, I have the means to find it," he said simply. "Give it to him," he ordered one of his men, who handed me the device.

"This is just a small token of my gratitude," I said, offering him the briefcase.

He opened it, then frowned. "Christopher, I don't need this. You've done far more for my family in the past. Retrieving a small device is nothing. I can't accept this, Chris," he said, trying to return it.

"Just take it, man. If not for anything, use it for Mira's school. Buy her something nice, you know? I can't take it back," I insisted. He reluctantly relented, closing the briefcase.

"What now?" he asked.

"I'll hand this over to the authorities and ensure they issue a public apology to my father. Then I'll find out who set him up and why," I replied.

"It won't be easy, but I'll see what I can do on my end to help," he said.

"I really appreciate that, man." After some more talk, reminiscing about old times, Franklin and I prepared to leave.

"See you later, my friend," he said, embracing me before I got into the car and drove off.

"I didn't know your contacts went as far as the Mafia. Who knew the handsome, innocent Christopher had it in him?" Franklin joked as we drove.

"Shut up, man," I said, chuckling.

"Thank God your father will be vindicated. Though it's not like he cared about any of this anyway; a prison record couldn't hold him back," he said, and I nodded in agreement.

"Speaking of your father, now that you have everything you need to save Atlantis, will you return and take the reins?" Franklin asked.

"Taking the reins is the only way I can unlock the shares my grandfather left me. It's also the only way to prevent Nexus's hostile takeover since my father will be handing over his shares to me. But even that's not my ace in the hole," I said, smiling.

We drove for a while before reaching Franklin's house. I dropped him off and then drove straight to Eve's. I knew she wouldn't be there; I'd already been told she was at her family home.

I parked in front of her house and dialed her number. She didn't answer on the first try, so I called again. This time, she picked up on the third ring.

"Hi, it's me, Chris," I said slowly, calmly, waiting for her to speak. I'd missed her voice so much. There was silence on the line, and then the call disconnected.

Maybe she doesn't want to see me just yet, I mumbled to myself. I glanced up at her window one last time before turning to leave, and then I heard my name.

"Surely it can't be," I murmured, hesitant to turn around.