Rhythm of Heartbreak

Chapter 35: Entanglement

"What's happening?" Jess asked softly, worry clear in her voice. She was deeply concerned about Rick, but she could tell there was more to Bennie and Alexander's conversation than they were letting on.

Alexander let out a heavy sigh. "We got another email from the tabloid. They're planning to release a new story—this time, it's about Adam Logan."

Jess's eyes went wide in shock. "What?" she exclaimed.

Bennie leaned in, his gaze intense. "How are you connected to Adam?" he asked.

Jess's mind raced. She blurted out, "How do you know all this? Where did you get this information?"

Ignoring her questions, Bennie pressed on. "How are you related to Adam?"

Feeling trapped, Jess took a deep breath. "He's my father," she said briefly.

Alexander's eyes widened in disbelief. "What?"

Bennie continued, explaining the seriousness of the situation. "The gossip column knows about your relationship with Adam and is linking it to the tragedy that happened to Iris 23 years ago. Now, with you working at a label where Rick is a major artist, it's too much of a coincidence. Do you understand the story they're creating, Jess?"

Jess's stomach twisted. Were they suggesting she had orchestrated all this to get back at Rick? The thought made her sick.

"That's ridiculous! I didn't want to work here in the first place. I didn't plan any of this, especially not to get involved with Rick or seek revenge for my father. I didn't even know who Adam was until recently!" she said, her voice rising with anxiety.

"We believe you, but that's not what the public will think once this story is out," Alexander said seriously. "They'll see you as the villain or the avenger."

Jess turned away, frustrated and trying to grasp the situation.

"I would never intentionally hurt Rick. I could never do that," she pleaded, her voice trembling.

Bennie exhaled, his expression serious. "How can we handle this?" he asked, looking at Alexander.

"We can consult our legal team, but my main concern is Rick," Alexander admitted, worry showing on his face.

Bennie nodded and then turned to Jess. "Do you know much about Rick's past?" he asked.

Jess squinted, unsure of where this was going. "I found out by accident," she said, explaining how she discovered Adam was her father and how she stumbled upon Rick's family secrets.

"Did you know about their affair?" Bennie asked Alexander, surprising him.

Alexander looked down, nodding. Jess noticed their silent exchange but still felt like something was missing.

"And you didn't mention that these two were involved?" Bennie asked Jess, then shifted his focus back to her. "How did you find out Iris was Rick's mother?"

"I saw her picture in his closet," Jess said quietly.

"Rick never lets anyone into his home, not even us," Alexander added, filling in the gaps for Jess.

Jess recalled her visit to Rick's house. It had been an accident, but now, a pressing question burned in her mind.

"Can I ask something?" she hesitated, feeling the weight of her next words. "Is Adam Logan... is he Rick's biological father?"

Bennie and Alexander exchanged a look, the gravity of her question hitting them hard. "Are you saying you and Rick might be siblings? That's... unimaginable," Alexander said, stunned.

"I know! That's why I need to know the truth. I can't bear the thought of us being together if we're blood-related!" she cried out, her frustration spilling over. Privacy and discretion be damned—she needed answers.

Bennie sighed deeply before explaining. "Iris Adrian was a famous singer, but she was troubled. When she got pregnant with Rick, she considered abortion because of the scandal. But she changed her mind and kept him. She met Adam Logan later, but he's not Rick's father."

Jess felt a wave of relief. The tension that had been building for days finally eased. Tears welled up in her eyes, and one slipped down her cheek. The relief was overwhelming.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "You have no idea what this means to me."

Alexander pulled her into a comforting embrace. "Oh, Jess, that must have been so hard for you," he said softly.

"But we need your help too," Bennie said, drawing her attention.

Jess wiped away her tears and turned to him. "What can I do?"

"Rick never recovered from the tragedy. He's been battling his demons ever since, and we're worried he might be in a bad place. We need to find him quickly," Bennie explained, his concern evident.

Jess's heart pounded. Where could Rick be? She thought back to their conversations, searching for any clues.

"Soccer, swimming, banging the drums," she murmured to herself. Were those clues significant?

"Do you know of any place Rick might go to play soccer, swim, or play drums?" she asked, trying to piece it together.

Alexander and Bennie exchanged a look. Alexander's eyes lit up. "The villa! Could he be there?"

Bennie nodded. "It's worth checking. It might be the only place he feels safe."

They looked at Jess, assessing whether she could handle the task. She met their gazes with determination. "Please, I need to be with Rick," she begged.

Seeing her resolve, Bennie and Alexander decided to trust her with this.

Jess felt like she was walking through a scene from a movie, the kind where the protagonist gets lost in the woods. She shook her head, trying to dispel the dark thoughts. This wasn't the time for such distractions. She had a mission.

The villa stood ahead, perched on the hills, hard to reach by car—Rick had designed it that way. To get to the old house, she had to walk a long path. As she trudged up the path, Alexander's stories about the place echoed in her mind. The manor had been in Rick's family for generations, once a symbol of prestige and luxury.

When Jess finally reached the gates, she was out of breath. The grounds were overgrown and neglected, but she could imagine how beautiful it would be in spring with wildflowers blooming. The house, a grand structure of brick and stone, stood tall and imposing, adding to the desolate atmosphere.

As she approached cautiously, a shiver ran down her spine. The villa had all the makings of a haunted house, the kind where ghosts or worse might lurk. She cursed herself for comparing everything to movies; it wasn't helping her nerves.

Pushing aside her fears, Jess made her way to the entrance. Just as she was about to knock, she heard the sound of splashing water from behind the villa. Curious, she followed a narrow path along the side of the house.

When she reached the end, she was stunned. It was like stepping into a painting. A large pool sparkled in the sunlight, surrounded by a lush, dewy lawn. The contrast between the neglected front and this hidden paradise was striking. Someone had clearly been maintaining this part of the estate. It was beautiful and serene—a perfect escape from the chaos of the world.

As she took in the scene, the side door from the kitchen area opened, and Rick stepped out into the garden. He looked almost otherworldly, like a prince from a hidden realm. But the fantasy quickly faded when their eyes met. His gaze was a storm of emotions—shock, hesitation, and anger.

Jess swallowed hard. She had found him, but she wasn't sure she was ready for what would come next.