Tough Claim

Trista’s point of view

As soon as we were out of Leonard's sight, I let go of Chad’s arm in disgust. I would have wiped off my mouth if not for the fact that I didn't want to ruin my lipstick which Leonard must have done anyway.

I began to walk away but for some reason, the men I have encountered in my life seemed to like pulling me by my hand. I stabilized myself before dragging my hand out of his.

“Where the hell are you going to?” He asked as I stared at him. I hated that I had to kiss him, even fleetingly, to lie to Leonard that he was my boyfriend.

I knew he wouldn't have let me go if not for what I had said and done. Leonard was too hard-headed and I didn't like that he had found again.

I had instructed my family to make sure he never got to me after we divorced. After I traveled, I avoided news that involved him so I didn't know what was going on with him.

He had to see me where I least expected it causing me to make things up to get him off my back. The smile on the face of the stupid man in front of me just made everything worse.

“You think you can use me and go just like that? You're wrong, Trista.” I hated the way he called my name. After what happened at my house the other day, he texted (he got my number from my dad) to apologize, which I ignored but I knew it meant nothing to him. He was not remorseful about what he had done and his words backed that up.

“I used you. That's all there is to it. Good day.” I walked away not even sparing him one last glance.

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The company had a press conference a few days later. It was time for my father to officially name me as the new heiress of the company. While there had been no doubts about who was going to take over, we had to do it for the formality.

I approved an interview afterwards. It was unavoidable but we had screened the press allowed in so there would be no unnecessary questions asked.

An area was set up for interviews and I reminded the reporter that she had only a few minutes to ask me her questions. It had been a long day and I wanted nothing more than to go home to be with my child and relax.

“Would you love to shed light on why you and your ex-fiancé parted? There weren't any reasons given to the media but people are curious about what happened.” I frowned at the reporter. I had specifically instructed that no personal questions be allowed. I hated when they tried to pry into my life, something that had never been favorable for a famous person.

Since I didn't want them to report that I had been dismissive, sparking controversies, I decided to stick with the truth as closely as possible. “My ex-fiancé wasn't the man I thought he was. We realized it was best if we parted ways, so we did.”

The reporter nodded and I decided that was the end of the interview. I was about to stand up when she spoke. “We recently received two photos…” She hesitated, which made me sit back down.

“One of these photos is of you and your ex-fiancé kissing. For two people who are supposedly separated, it looked to be very passionate.” I bristled. Of course, the media had to misinterpret the forced kiss Leonard and I had shared. I wouldn't put it past him to hire people to take a picture of it so he can paint a picture of us being together with everyone.

“The other photo on the other hand is something curious. A young girl who is the spitting image of you and your ex-fiancé.” At the mention of my daughter, my heart dropped. How did they…? Who sent the photos?

Not even my father knew about her, she was the main reason I travelled, the reason I left the City. I didn’t want anyone to know about her. She was my secret.

I stood up abruptly. “What daughter? I won't have you spreading speculations in my name. Stick to the professional questions you are to ask and leave my personal life out of it. This conference has ended. Leave before you're thrown out.”

I ignored the sputtering of the reporter and stormed off. I was headed to my car when I saw him. Leonard, looking all shocked. Had he seen the interview already?

“Trista.” He called out but I didn’t stop walking or turn around to look at him. I wanted to get away from everyone as soon as possible.

He called my name again and again, it was starting to piss me off.

“I don't want to deal with your bullshit right now, Leonard. I asked you to never come to me again and you're violating that right now.” My car was only a little further and the moment I left here, I would be filing a personal restraining order against him.

“Do you have a child for me?” His words stopped me in my tracks. I hesitated for a moment too long before I continued. I heard him come after me and he grabbed me by the arm to stop me from moving.

“What the fuck is your problem? I'll sue you for assault, Leonard and this is not a joke.” He had manhandled me every time he saw me and it was one time too many.

“I'm not letting you leave this place until you answer my question, Trista. Do you have a child? Is she mine?” I couldn't read his expression but I knew I would only be wasting my own time if I kept avoiding the question.

“I don't see a reason why it's any of your fucking business but if you must know, no, I don’t have a child. And even if I did, she wouldn’t have your blood, you cheating scum.” My heart hammered against my chest. I hated it when I got angry, especially in public with the press around. I knew they were capturing us at the very moment.

“Then why did the reporters ask you about the child? Why were you seen in a picture with her? Why does she look like me?” He asked and I glared at him, feeling the need to punch him or something. It wouldn't bode well with the press but it would do a lot of good for my anger.

“Why do you fucking care, Leonard? I just there was no child, it’s just the reporters making up stories, so they can feed.” I wanted to yell the words at him but that would mean an early Christmas present for the media.

“And I feel like you are the one making up stories. There's something you're not telling me.” Curse that reporter and whoever sent the photos. I would make sure the media company is sued and the person found. They needed to pay for this. Prying into my personal life, stealing pictures of me, how could they!

“That's just propaganda. Stay away from me, I have a boyfriend now, who I love so much, I don’t want this fake news jeopardising what we have.” I hated that I had to use that weasel again but I needed Leonard to leave me the fuck alone.

“Again, that's bullshitting, Trista.” He said and I groaned. He was frustrating me. It was almost like he could read my thoughts. He probably could since he spent most of the time he was lying to me, analyzing me. I wouldn't be surprised if he could see through my lies.

“If that's what you believe, then go ahead. If you think there is any child, you can continue with your fantasy but I didn’t have any child for you and never will.” I said and turned away but he followed.

“Stop following me, Leonard.” I ground out but he shrugged. He continued walking alongside me, slowing down to match my stride. I was only a few feet away from my car but I knew he could pull a repeat of last time and I wouldn't want to get into that with him when people were milling around.

“I told you I wouldn't leave you alone until I got the truth out from you and I wasn't joking.” I stopped again. He stopped too. He looked way too calm he collected, as though he enjoyed seeing me discomforted.

“I swear, if you don't stop following me right now, I'm going to have you arrested and jailed. What the fuck is your problem with me?” I had the police on speed dial. It would only take a call to make sure he lasted in jail for at least a month for harassment.

“Go ahead. You can do that, as long as you tell me the truth. Is that child mine?” He moved closer and I instinctively backed away.

“Go to hell, Leonard.” He opened his mouth to speak but whatever he was about to say was lost as someone spoke loudly from a distance.

“Not again! Why do you keep harassing my woman?”