The C.E.O'S shattered heart (MxM, C.E.O X C.E.O)

Chapter 57. What if......? Part 5

Zachariel's P.O.V

I was having a great time with Alexei and the kids at Briac's wedding. Madeline had to ruin it all just because she couldn't see me happy with someone else. Jacques told me that he was thirsty while we were dancing. I decided to get the other kids a drink as well. I was surprised when Madeline called out to me. She was supposed to be with the kids and not me. Madeline smiled when I turned around to face her.

Madeline grabbed my arm, then uttered, "I would like to talk to you about something, Zach." I pulled Madeline's hand away, then said to her, "I'm busy right now, Madeline. Go back to the kids. And never touch me again." Madeline smirked, then stated, "It can't wait, Zach. I'm sure that you want to know about the latest developments in your life." I took a deep breath, then responded to Madeline with, "I'm not in the mood to listen to your bullshit, Madeline. Go back to the dance floor before one of the kids gets hurt."

Madeline didn't make an effort to leave. She kept staring at me like I was some celestial being. She was testing my patience. I decided to walk away before I could say something cruel to her. I halted my steps when I heard Madeline say, "I bet that you will be surprised when you see the headlines of the newspapers next week, Zach. Alfred has written a rather interesting article about you." I knew who Alfred was. Paul, Madeline, Alfred, and I grew up in the same orphanage together. I never forgot about Alfred because he was often sick. He was in and out of the hospital throughout his whole childhood. He was cute, so people were eager to adopt him. They, unfortunately, backed out when they heard how much raising a feeble child would cost them. I often volunteered to look after Alfred. He never bothered anyone. I could study in peace whenever I was with him. I was worried about Alfred, so I kept an eye on him after leaving the orphanage. I knew that he was now a healthy man. He was married and had two kids. I couldn't understand why he would want to write an article about me.

I sighed then stated, "I will contact Alfred's office on Monday. He wouldn't dare to publish anything about me when he hears who I'm related to." Madeline laughed, then uttered, "Alfred knows that you are Giovanni and Caterina Malachi's son, Zach. He was happy when I told him that I had met you again. Alfred found out that you are starting a new business. He wants to support you. People will soon find out what a kind and generous person you are. Alfred didn't want to write about your relationship with Alexei, but I convinced him otherwise. Rick is on his way here as well. He had been looking for you for years now. I called him to notify him that I found you. Alexei and the kids will hate you when they hear his sob story. Can you believe that the man is still hoping to get compensation from you?"

I grabbed Madeline's arm, then dragged her to a tree. I made sure that no one could see or hear us while we were there. I glared at Madeline, then said to her, "It seems like I was wrong about you, Becky. You are not an idiot who thinks that having me by your side will make everything better. You probably want to tear me apart then put me back together as I did with you. Well, you won't succeed. I don't let people walk all over me anymore. Rick got what he deserved. He should have treated us better. People left us in his care for a reason. He should have known what the consequences of misleading the system were. I couldn't just sit back and watch other children suffer at his hands after I left." I lost my mind when I heard Madeline say, "Rick never got fascinated with anyone other than you, Zach. I bet that you loved the way he touched you whenever he got drunk. How do you think Alexei will react when he hears what a little whore you were?" I slapped Madeline, then yelled, "Shut up, Becky!" I had never let that bastard Rick get close to me. It was just a rumor that the older kids had fabricated to bully me. I dealt with all of the rats accordingly.

I clutched my chest when I realized that Madeline had ruined everything. People would soon begin judging me for dating Alexei. They would question my abilities when they would read who my parents were. They would think that I was riding on my parent's coattail this whole time. My reputation would instantly go down the drain. It suddenly felt like I was getting attacked from all sides. I was mentally exhausted and didn't know what to do. I grabbed Madeline's face, then told her not to mess with me. I got startled when I heard Genevieve yell, "Why are you hurting Madeline, papa? She is a nice girl." My world crumbled down around me when Jacques denied the fact that he was thirsty. I needed to get out of there before I did or said something stupid. I ignored Alexei's pleas and left with my parents. My grandfather had held a speech to calm me down earlier, but it didn't help.