For The Stars Have Sinned

We stayed in the hospital for a week. After Papa was hospitalized, I just heard that Rei was charged with murder. Because the police saw him lying blind near Gerard’s body. The murder weapon was also retrieved from the crime scene where his fingerprints were confirmed.

I know that Lyndon used his influence because Topzan Entertainment, the company that was supposed to save Rei, was slowly losing money. Now Rei is now an outlaw and is permanently banished to prison.

“Mayor of the city?” I whispered as my eyes narrowed.

Lyndon investigated Rei’s background and found out that the Mayor of the city nineteen years ago was the one who adopted Rei and raised him abroad. It turned out that Rei was the Mayor’s illegitimate child so the case subsided because the Mayor covered up the crime Rei had committed.

“You are also a witness to that crime, Rishel.” The edge of his lips curved. “I can’t help but think criminals enjoy it when you watch their crimes, huh?”

I glared at him and put the folder down on the table. “Isn’t that good because I’m the unique witness to the three crimes that the police have yet to solve?”

“Ah, lady.” Lyndon sat up properly and crouched down to bring his face closer to mine. “Now tell me what you’ve seen.”

I breathed deeply. I looked for a moment in the large mirror on the wall. I know the police and prosecutors of the case are behind the glass. I just found out that Lyndon is an officer other than being an Engineer and CEO of his own company.

I looked back at the man sitting on the other side of the long table. I clenched my fists and began to tell the story of what I saw in the three crimes.

After that Lyndon drove me back to Boljoon. When I asked him who would take care of the case, he informed me not to worry because he said his friend would take care of it. I didn’t ask anymore.

“You’ve been staring,” Lyndon suddenly said, lips curling a little.

That’s when I noticed that I had been looking at him for a while so I quickly turned my gaze back to the front. I feel my cheeks burned hot with shame. “T-Thank you,” I whispered.

“Mmm.”

At that time, the surroundings were quiet. But I was surprised when he suddenly asked. “How’s your father?”

I was silent for a moment before answering. “He’s recovering well.”

“That’s good. I settled the Gerard family’s debts and compensated them with a generous amount. You don’t need to concern yourself with these things.”

The edge of my lips curved. “Thanks for the help.”

“Don’t mention it,” he said.

I looked out the window. The car travels the coastal road to Boljoon. It’s afternoon and I can see the setting sun and orange sky outside.

Until now, I still haven’t received a call from Tiden. After we dropped him off at the hotel, I didn’t have any news about him. When Papa was shot, I applied for a leave to the management, which they immediately approved. I was even surprised at first because I expected that I would have to say a long excuse before they agreed.

I didn’t get a call from Levi either. That’s what really surprised me because I know how possessive he is but today he didn’t show it. I don’t know whether to be happy because no one is messing with me or angry because I know he and Nicole are making out while I’m out of town.

“Are you thinking about that guy?” Lyndon suddenly asked.

I was startled and looked at him. “Huh?”

The car stopped when the traffic light turned red. Lyndon turned to me. “I don’t want to see you upset, Rishel. Don’t think about that man while you’re with me.”

“What are you talking about? I don’t—”

He raised his hand so I closed my mouth. He stared hard at me. “Do you remember what I said when we first met?” he asked.

I blinked and remembered that afternoon in Papa’s office, where I first saw him. His warning to me is still clear in my memory and he informed me that he will get what he wants in due time.

Is this the time he was referring to?

“I don’t understand what you’re saying,” I said and looked away.

Lyndon smiled and brought his face closer to mine. “Then I’ll tell you, lady. Break up with Levitus and be with me.”

My body stiffened because of the closeness of his lips to my ear. I can still feel the heat of his breath. I swallowed hard. “T-That’s impossible!”

Lyndon turned his face away. “Impossible, huh?”

I took a deep breath and played with my fingers. I gave Levi a choice between Nicole and me but he didn’t choose anything. I can’t bear to be the first to abandon our relationship. I still can’t even though I’m hurt by the knowledge that he slept with Nicole behind my back.

Yes. I was terrified of what would happen if I broke up with Levi. With all those years of my hard work, being a devoted fan of one person, and achieving my goal to become his girlfriend, with all the efforts I poured to get to where I am today, I can’t bear to waste it all.

“Do you really love that man?” asked Lyndon.

The corner of my lips twitched. Love? I don’t know if I really love Levi or if it’s just my own obsession that prevails so I can’t let go of the relationship we have even though it’s very toxic.

I never really learned what love is that’s why I can’t answer his question. I looked back out the window. “May it be love or not, it’s none of your concern, Lyndon.”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

He snickered and asked, “What was his reaction that morning, Rishel?”

Thump. My chest suddenly heaved at his question. “Are you asking about that morning after someone stole my… my –”

“Yes. I’m asking about that morning.”

My fist clenched as I remembered the cold look Levi gave me. I just realized now that he’s looking at me like I was a lowly woman. He was judging my entire personality, but I was so glad back then that I didn’t notice.

“It’s not your business,” I insisted.

“Sure it is. You always forget that I’m your fiancee, Rishel. Your business is my business too.”

I couldn’t find any words to counter him so I just kept my mouth shut. I won’t win when it comes to him. But my eyes narrowed and turned to him. “Aren’t you bothered that your fiancee is no longer a virgin?”

I just saw the big smile on his lips. “Ah, you admit your position, I see.”

My cheeks turned red but I couldn’t say anything to him. He saw that I was struggling to counter attack what he was saying so he laughed. “Don’t worry, Rishel. I’ll marry you because I love you and not because of your body. Even if someone forced himself on you but in the end, I’ll be your man until you grow old. So don’ don’t concern yourself with these trivial matters.”

I was about to speak but suddenly my phone rang. I reached for it and checked the caller ID. Levi. I was stunned as I stared at his name posted on the screen. How many days has he been silent and why did he think to call me now? Is it because he and Nicole had a fight? Or is it because he’s tired of that woman’s body and I’m the one he wants to sleep with?

My grip on the phone tightened. Lyndon noticed that my hand was shaking so he stopped the car on the side of the road and took the phone from me. He answered the call.

“This is Rishel’s fiancee. What do you need from her?” Lyndon asked after answering the call.

I didn’t hear Levi’s reply but from the way Lyndon frowned I knew he was cursing him.

“She doesn’t have time for you. Don’t call her again or I’ll tear apart that company of yours like what happened to Topzan,” Lyndon warned and hung up. He handed me the phone and I stupidly accepted it.

“What did he tell you?” I asked.

He just smiled and ruffled my hair. “From now on, you don’t have to answer his calls. I warned him.” Lyndon sighed and stared at me. “Maybe you should quit showbiz.”

“W-What?”

“I don’t trust the people around you, Rishel. Especially the members of that band.” He looked straight into my eyes. “You’re not safe in that circle.”

My two eyebrows met. “You don’t tell me what to do, Lyndon. My life in showbiz is quiet. Also, this is my dream.”

He sighed. “Levitus Yushen shot your dad, Rishel.”