Chapter 15 A Love-sick Puppy
Michael leaned back on the couch, swirling his drink. “I don’t think that’s the truth. Krystal was so attentive to you. From what I saw, she really cared about you. She took care of you like no one else.”
Lorenzo’s voice dropped low, gravelly with pain. “What are you trying to say?”
“I’m saying,” Michael leaned forward slightly, his tone calm but pointed, “if she didn’t have any feelings for you, she wouldn’t have stayed that long. Two years isn't nothing, Lorenzo. There had to be something real.”
Lorenzo went still for a beat. His fingers trembled slightly as he set the glass down, his expression cracking for just a moment. “You really think so?”
“I do,” Michael said. “And look at her now. she suddenly has men chasing her left and right? Come on, man. She’s doing it on purpose. She wants to make you jealous.”
Lorenzo narrowed his eyes. “You mean… she’s pretending to have all these guys around her just to get under my skin?”
Michael smirked and lifted his glass. “Think about it. Has she ever said anything like, ‘I have plenty of men now, and you're not even on the list’?”
Lorenzo’s mind flashed back to that conversation in the car. ‘Since I divorced you, I’ve had so many men around me.’
He gave a small nod.
“There you go,” Michael grinned, pointing with his whiskey glass. “She’s trying to mess with your head—make you realize how much she still matters to you.”
A slow smile spread across Lorenzo’s face as he leaned back against the leather couch. “So it’s all a bluff. She’s faking it.” He chuckled darkly.
Michael leaned forward, his tone more serious now. “You like her, don’t you? Don’t lie.”
Lorenzo’s expression twisted, the weight returning to his shoulders.
His fingers curled tightly around the empty glass as he exhaled hard.
“I don’t have the luxury to think about that right now.
I have to take care of Esther. Until I find a good doctor and get Esther treated, I can’t think about myself. ”
Michael frowned. “Still no trace of Astra?”
Lorenzo muttered, “Don’t even bring her up. The last time, that so-called genius nearly killed Esther. She’s not who people think she is. Just a damn fraud.”
Michael frowned, thinking for a second. “There’s a high-profile medical event tomorrow night. Some of the best doctors will be there. You might catch a lead on Astra.”
“Alright,” Lorenzo muttered, eyes dark.
***
“Oh my fucking God…”
Krystal sat up with a groan, her head pounding like a drum. She looked around the room in a daze, tangled in blankets, memories rushing back with a vengeance.
“What the hell did I do last night?” she whispered, dragging her hands down her face.
Then it hit her—the way she snapped at Lorenzo, her rant about Esther, the car ride, her voice cracking as she asked why he was bothering her if he didn’t love her.
Images slammed into her brain. Her yelling at Lorenzo, fighting over Esther, storming off like a damn fool, and then crying out in his car.
‘You’re worried about what Grandpa will think of me?
Did you think about him when you were hooking up with Esther?
Aren’t you the one in love with her? The one having an affair?
Then why the hell are you here bothering about me? ’
She let out a dramatic groan and collapsed forward on the bed, face buried in her hands. “What did you do , Krystal?”
Just then, Darren stepped into the room holding a breakfast bag. “You’re up. Good. I brought breakfast.”
She lifted her head and barked at him. “Why the hell didn’t you stop me last night? You let me walk around like a total idiot! I humiliated myself!”
Darren set the breakfast bag on the bed and crossed his arms. “Don’t blame me.
You were on your own trip. You drank way too much, almost knocked me out with a cocktail glass, and then stormed off for ‘fresh air.’ I followed you even though you told me to stay the hell away, so maybe say thank you I didn’t let you end up in a car sex with your ex. ”
Krystal flopped back on the bed, groaning. “That bastard! Why is he haunting me even after the divorce? Everywhere I go, he shows up—like I owe him a million dollars or something.”
Darren sighed. “There’s a doctor’s gathering tonight. Exclusive one. You going? You haven’t attended in two years.”
“No,” she muttered instantly. “I don’t want to see anyone. You go if you want.”
He shrugged. “Fine. Kara’s going to be there though.”
Krystal sat straight up. “She’s back from overseas?”
“Yup,” he said, pulling out a breakfast sandwich from the bag and handing it to her.
She snatched it, taking a bite mid-step as she hopped off the bed. “Then I’m going. Pick out something to wear—we’re going tonight.”
Krystal took a big bite and stormed down the hall, sandwich still in hand. “Get your suit ready.”
Darren stared after her with a sigh. “She changes her mind faster than the weather.”
***
Three sharply dressed men entered the grand, chandelier-lit hall, the soft clink of polished shoes echoing across marble floors. Women paused in conversation as they passed, some pausing mid-conversation to steal a look—others whispering behind manicured hands.
Lorenzo, Michael, and Xander moved with quiet authority. The gathering was small—intimate by elite standards—with just under a hundred people, all handpicked from the top tiers of the medical world. Tailored suits and flowing gowns filled the lavishly lit room.
“Astra is confirmed to appear tonight,” Xander said, checking something on his phone.
Lorenzo gave a tight nod, sliding his hands into his pockets. His eyes were sharp, pissed off. “Keep a lookout for her. She’s not getting away this time.”
Just then, movement near the entrance caught his attention. His gaze landed on Krystal walking in—Darren by her side.
Lorenzo’s body went rigid. The drink in his hand nearly slipped from his grip.
His jaw clenched so hard a muscle jumped in his cheek. “What the hell is she doing here?” he bit out, eyes tracking her every step like a predator.
Seeing Darren so close to her only added fuel to the fire in his chest. His glare zeroed in on the man beside her.
“She never goes anywhere without dragging that bastard along?” he snapped, voice dripping venom.
Michael’s brow lifted, surprise flashing in his eyes as he followed Lorenzo’s stare. “What a coincidence. Didn’t know she had ties to medicine.”
Lorenzo frowned, expression tightening. “She never went to medical school.”
“Maybe she heard you’d be here and showed up just to mess with you,” Michael said casually. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”
Lorenzo chuckled, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, drink in hand, wearing a smug grin. “You really think so?”
Michael gave a dry chuckle. "No use guessing. She’s right there. If you want answers, go ask her yourself."
Lorenzo put his glass down, already straightening his suit.
***
Krystal glanced around the crowded room. “The party’s already started. Why isn’t Kara here yet?”
Darren rubbed the back of his neck, scanning the crowd. “No idea. Let’s split up and look for her.”
Meanwhile, Lorenzo arrived at the spot where he’d seen Krystal a few minutes ago—but she and Darren were gone. He frowned.
He’d watched them walk in different directions earlier, but now there was no sign of either of them.
“Where’d she go?” His eyes narrowed. “And why did that guy take a different route?”
Xander nudged him from the side, grinning. “Maybe this is Mrs. giving you a chance to have a moment alone with her. After all, she came here for you.”
Lorenzo smirked, straightening his cuffs. “If that’s the case, I’ll not disappoint her. I’ll give her what she’s asking for.”
Xander gave him a thumbs-up. Lorenzo headed into the hall. After a few minutes of scanning the hall, his gaze finally landed on a woman in a red dress.
Krystal stood by the drinks counter, her back turned. Alone.
Lorenzo appeared behind her without a sound and gently tapped her shoulder.
She jumped, surprised and turned. “Kara, you’re so—” Her voice stopped dead when she saw who it really was.
Lorenzo raised a brow and casually reached for a drink.
Krystal groaned under her breath, visibly irritated. ‘He really is like a ghost—showing up everywhere I am.’
However, she put on a smile and questioned, “What are you doing here?”
He took a slow sip, meeting her eyes. “Didn’t you come here to see me?”
Krystal let out an incredulous laugh, looking up at the ceiling like she was asking for patience. “Do you really think the entire world revolves around you? That’s… unbelievably narcissistic.”
She turned to leave, but Lorenzo grabbed her arm.
“How long do you plan on being angry with me?”
She yanked her arm back, muttering, “Why would I be angry? I’m not your lover.” Then her expression softened, just a little. “Or are you ready to give up Esther to stay with me?”
Lorenzo hesitated. He looked away.
Krystal’s heart sank a little. ‘I knew it... Esther will always be his priority.’
Krystal placed her glass down gently, her voice quieter this time. “Please don’t bother me again.” She stepped past him and began walking away.
“Krystal,” he called, his voice low.
She stopped.
Lorenzo’s fingers tightened around his glass. His whole body was tense. “If you want to stay away from me, I’ll respect that. But if you still feel something for m—”
“It doesn’t matter anymore, does it?” she interrupted softly. Her voice was steady but tinged with sadness. “Lorenzo, we’ve already parted ways. Please keep your word and keep our worlds separate. I hope you and Esther have a long, happy life together.”
She turned and walked away without looking back.
Suddenly, Kara appeared in the hall, visibly flustered, her gown swaying as she rushed up to people.
“Have you seen Astra?” she asked one person after another. “She was supposed to be here. Did you see her?”
Most people shook their heads, unfamiliar with Astra’s face. Kara didn’t realize only a handful of people could actually recognize her.
“Where did she go?” Kara muttered anxiously, scanning the hall.
Krystal spotted her and froze. Panic kicked in. If Kara saw her now, she’d call her out in front of Lorenzo—and everything would come crashing down.
Without thinking, Krystal spun back toward Lorenzo, rushing up to him and wrapping her arms around his waist. Her face was buried in his chest.
He blinked down at her, surprised. “What now?” he asked flatly. “Didn’t you just say you didn’t want anything to do with me?”
Her eyes flicked toward Kara, who was still nearby, searching. “Please don’t talk,” she whispered urgently.
Lorenzo smirked slightly, then wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close—one hand on her waist, the other cradling the back of her head.
“So, Michael was right,” he murmured. “You really are trying to get close to me again. Because you love me.”
Krystal stayed quiet, hiding in his chest.
Kara glanced around a final time and, not seeing Krystal anywhere, walked off in another direction.
Krystal slowly stepped back from the hug, but Lorenzo didn’t stop. His hand lingered, fingers gently caressing the back of her head.
“If you’re willing to wait,” he said softly, “let me sort out the Esther situation first and then we can talk about you and me.”
He leaned in, slowly closing the distance, lips nearing hers.
But she dodged him at the last second, her gaze flicking over his shoulder as she spotted Kara disappearing down the hall.
“Yeah, great. Thanks,” she blurted quickly, brushing past him to follow.
Lorenzo stood there, surprised at first. But then chuckled under his breath, smug.
Moments later, Michael and Xander joined him.
“What happened?” Michael asked.
Xander just grinned, catching Lorenzo’s expression.
Lorenzo dropped into a nearby chair at the bar, trying to act casual, but the happiness on his face gave him away.
“Did you figure out why she’s here?” Michael pressed.
Lorenzo didn’t answer—his face said it all.
Just then, Kara returned, clearly annoyed and out of breath.
Her elegant, green gown shimmered faintly as it caught the light, brushing the floor with every step.
Her hair was tied in a neat half updo, strands framing her youthful, expressive face, which was flushed with frustration.
“Astra?” she called into the hall. “Why does she always disappear whenever I look for her?!”
Lorenzo, Xander, and Michael turned their heads from Kara to each other, then all at once started following her.
Kara hurried through a nearly empty corridor, her heels tapping sharply against the stone floor. As she passed a corner, a hand suddenly reached out and yanked her aside.
Krystal pulled her into a hidden alcove. Darren stood next to her.
“Jesus, Kara!” Krystal hissed, panicked. “Do you want to tell the entire world who Astra really is?!”
“Oh my God!” Kara squealed, throwing her arms around Krystal. “I’ve been looking for you for hours!”
Krystal hugged her back, but Kara pulled away almost instantly and gave her a stern look.
“Wait a damn minute—are you seriously still hiding the fact that you are Astra? After all these years? You’re not planning to stay a secret forever like Damion, are you?!”
Krystal sighed, shaking her head. “I’m not sure... but I don’t want to be revealed yet. So please, don’t tell anyone you’ve seen me.”
Kara nodded, chewing her bottom lip nervously. "I didn’t but it looks like someone’s already following me."
Krystal’s brows pinched in concern. She peeked down the corridor in the direction Kara had come from. Sure enough—Lorenzo and Xander were scanning the area, their sharp eyes searching. They were definitely following Kara. And they were just minutes away from reaching them.
“Give me your jacket,” Krystal said quickly, keeping her voice low.
Kara, wearing a dress with a breezy, shimmery white jacket over it, didn’t hesitate. She slipped it off and handed it over. Darren, already sensing what Krystal was about to do, pulled a medical mask from his pocket. He always kept one handy. “Here,” he said, passing it to her.
“Thanks,” she muttered.
“I’m heading out,” Kara added. “Damion’s been waiting in the car for an hour already. Text me later, and we’ll schedule to meet properly.”
“Got it,” Krystal said, slipping the mask over her face and tying her hair into a messy bun to change her appearance completely.
Kara glanced at her. “What are you going to do if he finds you?”
Krystal’s lips curved into a dry smile. “Run like hell,” she muttered—and bolted.
Kara blinked. “What the—?”
She turned to Darren. “What’s going on with her?”
Darren casually leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching Krystal vanish down the corridor like it was just another Tuesday.
He sighed dramatically. “Trouble’s been following her like a love-sick puppy with a grudge.”