Fault 2 // Denis Stoff

T h i r t e e n

"What do you mean your management want to speak to you and I?" I scoffed, sitting across from Denis at his table.

Matty was currently napping in his stroller. I honestly just wanted to leave Denis's house, until he had to drop the bombshell that management want to speak to us. Today.

"I don't know alright?" He sighed. "Some fans spotted us arguing in public. It's causing commotion or some shit like that. We have to be in the office in a half hour."

"Fuck." I groaned. "This is not fair on me. You do know that right? I didn't ask to be brought into any of this! I told you to leave me alone so many times Denis!"

"I know, I know." He said, hushing me. "We might as well leave now. It's a twenty minute drive."

"Fine." I muttered, standing up and grabbing my things as Denis did the same.

I thought these past few days couldn't get any worse. Boy was I wrong.

We made our way to my car without any conversation. Clearly, I was still pissed at him for last night.

I carefully put Matty in his car seat, whilst Denis jumped in the passenger seat.

I walked around to the drivers side and got in, huffing like a spoilt child. I was so angry.

The car ride was mostly silent. Denis tried to make conversation but my answers were extremely short, he eventually got the point.

I caught myself looking at him every now and then. I do not know why.

We finally reached the office, going inside instantly as I carried Matty.

"Hey, meeting with Denis Shaforostov." Denis told the receptionist as she typed some things in.

"2:30 meeting?" She asked as he nodded.

"Upstairs, take a left on the fifth floor."

We began walking.

When we reached the floor, another receptionist offered to take Matty into a room to play.

Leaving Denis and I alone in the waiting room.

"I am sorry, you know." He sighed, looking right at me.

"Yep."

He tutted, leaning back in his chair whist typing away at his phone.

Suddenly the door opened, revealing a suited up man.

"Come in." He instructed as we did so.

"Take a seat." He spoke again, as Denis and I sat on the two chairs in front of him.

"What's this all about?" Denis snapped.

"Well, I'm gonna save you the bullshit and say that we all know why you two are here." He began, "the constant fighting in public has got to stop. Fans are beginning to catch on to it. It's not good for the upcoming album, or for us as management. So, we have a deal."

"What's the deal? Because I don't have to do anything." I said, crossing my legs. "Especially to save him, why should I?"

"Ms Liska, if you could listen. You too, Denis. Put the phone away."

We both groaned, starring at the man who seemed quite deluded.

"The deal is, you two are going to be together again."

"What?!" We both spat.

"No! I am not doing that!" I defended.

"Me neither!"

"Denis. You want to keep your place as frontman or not?" The man said, raising a brow.

God, I hate management. Pure evil.

Denis kept quiet, obviously not wanting to risk his career.

"The thing is, this relationship will be fake. But you will make it look real, by going out for dinner, taking Matty to the park every now and again and finally, going on tour together."

My eyes widened. "I have a god damn job! And a kid!"

The man rolled his eyes. "Ms Liska, all expenses will be payed for. You will get an allowance each month. Besides, this helps us and you."

"How on earth does this help me? I am not risking everything to save his stupid career!"

"Your child, he needs both parents. You think a single parent on a low income is healthy for him? If you refuse to take this offer, then we will just have to drop Denis from AA all together. We don't need this drama. It decreases our income, fans will stop buying albums, they'll begin to hate Denis..etc."

Denis looked at me wide eyed. "Lana. Please for fucksake. Stop refusing."

I sighed heavily. Rubbing my temples.

"How on earth is it healthy for a child to be on a tour bus for god knows how many months?!"

"Matty will stay with a babysitter. You can both visit him when you're in LA. We can organise one of the best nannies."

"I don't want to be taken away from my kid!" I whined.

"Then you best get this over with. Denis, we're gonna have to drop you-"

"No!" He protested. "We agree. We'll do this! Right, Lana?"

I felt so pressured right now. My poor baby boy won't see me for a couple months. I don't think I can handle that. But do I really want to be known as the girl who destroyed Asking Alexandria?

I could feel tears prickling my eyes.

They both starred at me coldly.

"Yes. We agree."