The Secrets of Scandal

Chapter 11

***Photo of Chase

Logan's POV

"So today's the day, huh?" I was so focused on writing this email that hadn't even realized that Chase had walked into my office. If he was anyone else, he would have gotten a lecture on respecting your superiors because he walked into my office uninvited. But he's one of my closest friends so he gets away with things like that.

"Yup," I say shortly, finishing the email.

"You don't sound very excited," Chase observes, coming around my desk to stand next to me.

"That's because I'm not excited," I push the send button before logging out of the computer and turning my attention to my smug-faced friend.

"What's so funny?"

"Oh, nothing. It's just that last week I remember you saying you were quite jealous of my relationship with Priscilla. You said you want something like that one day..."

"That was a moment of weakness," I scoff, averting eye contact.

I had seen him and Priscilla, his long-term girlfriend, teasing each other the other day and doing other cute couple things. Though I may be the heartless jerk everyone claims I am, I can still recognize and observe others. The way that they look at each other shows how much love they have for one another. In a moment of weakness, I had muttered that I wish I had something like that.

But then I quickly remembered that a relationship would entail only sleeping with one woman, which I was extremely incapable of. I have grown accustomed to sleeping around. It would be bizarre for me to sleep with the same woman twice. Yet that did happen, only on rare occasions though.

Chase smiles, not believing a word I said. Chase is a "romantic". It makes me want to vomit.

Continuing on, Chase asks, "So I thought you were going to get her today? What happened?"

"When I got to her dingy apartment, I was greeted by her old man, who reeked of alcohol. I don't understand why he was drinking. It was only 11 A.M. But I digress..."

"Look who's talking," Chase snickers, now sitting on the edge of my desk.

"Hey, that's only on... special occasions."

"Uh huh. Sure, but continue with what happened."

"Well I asked where his daughter was and he informed me she never came home last night. I was so mad. I told her last night when we made the deal that I would be picking her up this morning, but I guess she didn't listen. I dropped off some of the money, threatening to sue them for every penny they own if he doesn't make sure Emma is in our custody tomorrow. The old man actually seemed happy about us taking Emma away. He was very confused that we offered money in return for her."

"That's strange," Chase trails off in deep thought, "So now what are you going to do? Today we had planned for her to go to the boutique to get ready for tomorrow night."

"I know, I know," I facepalm my forehead, "We arranged to pick her up tomorrow morning and I guess the makeover is going to happen tomorrow. Can you still take her?"

"Nah, dude. Priscilla's parents are in town tomorrow and I have to go out for lunch with them. Ask Dante to do it."

"Fine," I groan, pulling out my phone to text Dante.

"Are you excited for tomorrow night though? All eyes will be on you, my man."

Not even bothering to look up from my phone I roll my eyes at him. "I don't want to be tied down, remember? These next few weeks or however long it takes for my image to 'improve' are going to be hell for me."

Chase doesn't say anything. He just stares at me in deep thought.

I have a plan though. In public Emma and I will have to act like the perfect couple. I will go along with my parent's plan in order to appease them and solidify my hold on the company. Then I will break things off with Emma and return to my bachelor lifestyle.

My plan is genius actually. However after our "break up", the media will believe I'm capable of love but I just gave up to focus on my career. Therefore I will appear dedicated and committed to my job. 

In the meantime, I will have to restrain myself not to touch other women while I'm out. However, in the solitude of my own home, I will do what I please, with whom I please.

~

The next morning I gave Dante instructions before sending him in a black Porsche. I don't trust anyone with my favorite Lamborghini. With Dante taking care of the whole Emma situation, I can go to the hotel gym with Tristan to blow off some steam.

I think after the gym I will take a nap. I already have a headache from Coral's endless blabber about tonight's plans. In her words, it has to be "magical" because proposals should be memorable. Yeah, with her endless nagging ringing in my ears, I need a nap.

Well, I say that is a whole bucket of BS. It's a fake proposal. Even if it was real, why would I have to put so much effort into it? I know we have to make it look real for the cameras, but I dread the moment I have to pretend to be in a relationship.

In a huff, I slip on my gym clothes and head downstairs. I prefer my gym at home much better but I will have to make due with what I have while I'm at my father's hotel.

Grabbing a stack of weights, I begin my training for the day, beginning with my arms. 

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Author's Note

Hey guys this chapter is on the shorter side at just bellow 1,000 words. I want everyone to know that I don't think chapter length really matters. How I arrange my chapters is I think, "What needs to happen in this chapter?" and then I write using my outline until the event is finished. I don't really pay attention to word count. I don't want to have to draw out small events that don't  need that much space just to get up my word count. 

So if one scene takes up 600 words, then the chapter might be 600 words. But let's say a chapter is super eventful, then it might be around 3,000 words. 

Who knows?

But with shorter chapters, I will post a few at one time instead of just one chapter.

Do you guys like having a few shorter chapters posted at once or having just one big long chapter?

Anyways, I love you all and I will see all of your lovely faces in the next chapter! (That is, if you decide to keep reading...) 

As always, comments, follows, votes, and messages are highly appreciated and I am so thankful for you all and your support!

Hugs and kisses for everyone! 

-Libby