Hoax

Chapter sixty-five

Estelle Adler 

Even as I pull up to Harry's house, I feel little relief or solace.

As I slam the car door shut and walk quickly towards Harry's front door, my mind reels.

I've spent the entire journey feeling like I'm in a perpetually drunk state; unable to think straight, unable to talk, unable to function.

The only thing I've done since I left the meeting with Bart, is stifle my sobs.

It's a miracle I managed to get here unscathed.

As I knock on Harry's front door, I wait with bated breath and a quivering bottom lip. 

I hear commotion on the other side and a few seconds later, Harry appears – "Hey sweet girl-" He chimes, as he rips the door open.

His words, mixed with his stifling gaze, causes me to completely break down.

"Hey-" He coos, a sense of urgency arises on his face, but I only manage a fleeting glance at such an expression before I throw myself against his chest.

I sob against his t-shirt, whilst his large arms encase me. 

He doesn't say anything – instead, he gently rubs my back and lets me sob against his chest.

After a few seconds, I pull back and look up at him through teary eyes.

His eyebrows are furrowed in concern, as he places his large, warm palm on the side of my face. He brings up the other one to completely cocoon my cheeks and uses his thumbs to brush away the hot tears falling from my eyes.

His eyebrows are knitted together in concern, whilst he gazes at me deeply with his green eyes. 

"Come in, baby-" He says, holding my face in his hands. 

He lets go of my face and without another word, I brush past him with a small sob.

Instinctively, I walk through Harry's hallway, towards the back of his house – "It was terrible-" I say, my voice completely fraught with emotion. "It was so bad, Harry...I-"

"Why? What happened?" He asks, following me into his living room.

I plonk myself down on his couch, as my tears continue to fall.

I sniff harshly, as Harry seats himself next to me.

His hands meet mine, on my lap, as he embraces them with concern.

"Bart Stubbs..." Is all I can say, before another sob falls from my lips.

Upon hearing this name, I shoot a glance at Harry.

His complexion alters immediately.

He goes pale.

In that moment, he seems understands why I'm so upset.

"No..." He says, in no more than a whisper. "...Big Wig Bart, is-"

"Ana's dad-" I finish his sentence for him, my voice high with emotion. "I can't believe you didn't tell me!"

"I didn't realise! I-" Harry leans into my face and tries to console me. "You've only ever referred to him as 'Big Wig' Bart before...I never...I didn't know Bartholomew Stubbs was who you were talking about!"

Harry suddenly seems in hysterics too.

I'm not angry with him, as I genuinely believe he had no idea 'Big Wig' Bart and his ex's father was the same person.

"Did you not know how powerful her dad was?" I ask, trying to swallow the bubble in my throat.

"No...no, I've never given it a second thought...I mean, I knew he worked in the film industry, but no more than that..." He re-calls, seeming completely dumb founded. "...I've only met the guy a few times and everyone calls him Bartholomew, so I never thought..."