Chapter 5: Armor Fractures

Kate's pov)

Vanessa was as expensive as she was, and so was the restaurant she chose. Every polished surface reflected the light from the low-hanging crystal chandeliers. As servers glided between tables with elegance, the atmosphere was filled with the quiet murmur of classical music. Even though I didn't belong here, I wasn't going to let Vanessa scare me.

With that signature sneer on her face, she gestured me over. "Darling Kate," she purred. "I'm so happy you could attend."

I slid into the chair opposite her and said, "Let's get to the point." "What would you like to share with me about Simon?"

Vanessa sipped her wine slowly while leaning back. "Very straightforward at all times. Okay, let me get right to the point. I gave Simon no other option, so he called off your engagement.

Her words hit like a smack. "What are you discussing?"

She pretended to be sympathetic as she added, "Oh, sweetheart." "I had leverage, if you will. His family was involved in a controversy. I was ready to make it public if Simon didn't end our relationship.

My stomach rumbled. "What makes you do that?"

Vanessa shrugged, stirring her wine. "Because I could. And because I wanted him back. Unfortunately for me, Simon's too obstinate to forgive treachery. So instead, I lost him… and you lost him too."

Her remarks seemed convincing, but her tone was too arrogant, too practised. "Why ought I to trust you?" I questioned, narrowing my gaze. "You have a history of lying."

With an unwavering smile, she added, "Believe what you want." However, consider this: why would Simon discard the greatest thing in his life without any justification? He is not a moron.

I detested the way her remarks caused me to question myself. "You won't succeed if you try to turn me against him."

Vanessa grinned broadly. "Oh, sweetheart, I don't have to make you oppose him. He will handle that on his own.

I had more questions than answers when I walked out of the restaurant. Was Vanessa attempting to deceive me once more, or was she speaking the truth?

I had hardly had time to digest my chat with Vanessa when I returned to my studio and discovered Simon was waiting for me. His tie was slack and his face was exceptionally exposed as he leaned against the wall next to my desk.

"Why are you in this place?" I put down my bag and demanded.

His voice was low as he said, "We need to talk." "It's crucial."

I folded my arms. "I always get half-truths from you, even though you keep saying that. Why should I pay attention to you right now?

With a groan, he combed through his hair. Because you must be aware of the whole tale. Kate, I've been blackmailed by Vanessa for years. I called it quits on our engagement because of her.

A beat skipped in my chest. "She informed me of this," I answered cautiously. "How come you didn't tell me then?"

With remorse in his voice, he said, "I thought I was protecting you." Vanessa might have destroyed us with her knowledge of my family. I couldn't allow that to occur.

I wanted to think he was real. Though scepticism persisted, the sorrow in his eyes appeared real. "And now?" I inquired. "What's stopping you from being honest now?"

"Nothing," he responded firmly. "I'm done letting her control me. I want to repair this, Kate. I want to fix us."

His remarks made my chest hurt, but I couldn't dismiss the notion that he was still hiding something. "I don't know if I can trust you," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Then let me prove it," he implored. "Just give me an opportunity."

I didn't respond. I needed time to contemplate, so I turned away instead.

Lucas asked me to meet with possible investors for my new collection the next day. Though I couldn't get rid of the suspicion that Lucas had hidden agendas, the chance seemed too wonderful to pass up.

A modern conference room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city served as the venue for the gathering. With his trademark charm, Lucas presented me to the investors, emphasizing my ability and promise. However, as the meeting went on, the topic of discussion abruptly changed.

With a wary tone, one of the investors stated, "Simon Blackwood has a reputation." "Are you certain it's a good idea to align yourself with him?"

I turned to look at Lucas, who was observing me closely. I added cautiously, "Simon and I... have a complicated history."

Lucas had a little smile on his lips as he leaned forward. The word "complicated" describes it. Another may be ambitious. Simon tends to put his achievement ahead of anything else.

It appears he was testing my allegiance with his statements. I looked directly at Lucas and firmly stated, "Simon has made mistakes, but he's not the villain you're painting him to be."

Lucas's grin hardened. Just watch out, Kate. Not everyone is deserving of your trust.

I was unnerved by his calculating manner. Why did I feel like the pawn in this game he was playing?

The high-profile gala that night was a hive of activity. The city's elite, all elegantly attired, filled the room. Despite my best efforts to blend in, the tension in the air was unavoidable. I had a terrible sense that things were going to blow out because Simon, Vanessa, Lucas, and I were all living together.

Lucas came over to me as I was chatting with other designers. His eyes were keen, but his tone was light as he remarked, "Enjoying the evening?"

"It's been... interesting," I said, attempting to maintain my composure.

Simon joined us before he could speak another word, his face composed and calm. His voice was firm as he said, "Kate." "Is it possible for us to speak?"

Lucas's smile froze. "Oh, this should work out well. Simon, go ahead. Tell her the true reason you broke up with her.

Heads turned toward us, and the chatter around us subsided. Simon's jaw clenched, and I felt sick to my stomach. "This isn't the time or place, Lucas," he stated steadily.

"Why not?" Lucas challenged, his voice rising. "Everyone here deserves to know what kind of man you are."

Before Simon could react, Vanessa came closer, her smile razor-sharp. Simon, should I inform them?" she said sweetly. "Should I tell the truth to everyone?"

With everyone watching us, the room went quiet. I stood motionless during a storm of secrets, my heart racing. What was the true tale? How much longer could I endure?