Chapter 1 The Photograph

Luca’s POV

I exhaled heavily, my sore eyes staring at my reputation fall apart on the Internet while I couldn't do anything about it.

I was all over the news. Every blogger had something to say about me, and every social media handle had the hashtags labelled on every post.

It's not like this was a new thing in my life. I'm used to the fame.

But this was something else.

#icehockeytyrantmessyprivatelife#

This was now trending on every social media platform and I couldn't make it stop.

The frame looked so real. I was the only one who knew the truth.

I have never met this lady in my entire life, and yet she's flaunting an intimate moment between us online.

“Give me that!” Denise grabbed my phone and tossed it away from me.

Her cold gaze pierced mine as she sat on the sofa and crossed her legs.

She didn't say anything to me, and I really needed to hear what she had to say right now.

“You know I didn't do that. I don't even know her.”

She arched one of her brows. “I'm your agent, Luca, not your lover.”

“I know, Denise. I'm just losing my mind here.”

“You can start by ignoring what they're saying on the Internet.”

I took a deep breath as I leaned back on the sofa. “What do you want me to do?”

“I'm very sure the NHL won't condone such an attitude.”

My brows furrowed. “Are you trying to scare me?”

“What would be my gain if I do so?”

“Then what are you trying to do?”

“I'm just stating the obvious, Luca,” she replied. “I'm just waiting for a message from the team management.”

“What other message do you need from them?”

She cleared her throat and leaned in towards me. Her eyes remained calm, and there wasn't even a trace of tension around her face.

“I'm not ready to back down because of done stupid blackmail. I have a lot of money to make with you.”

I can say the same for myself too.

“But the team management has threatened to end my career.”

She smirked. “That's the irony, kid. They don't have the right to do so.”

My brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

She heaved a frustrating sigh. “Let me think and stop coming up with incessant questions.”

The entire room settled into silence.

Denise had her eyes and keen attention fixed on her tablet while I leaned back on the sofa.

My mind reeled…my career, my life…everything I've worked for.

My heart jumped as I heard Denise's phone buzz.

I fixed my eyes on her expression and I slowly watched her brows furrow.

Her calm eyes suddenly looked perplexed.

“What's the problem?” I blurted.

My heart rate spiked and I struggled to leap my breath under control.

“The management replied…”

“And what?”

“They want you to make a public appearance within seven days.”

“That's easy. I can even…”

“I haven't finished!” She interjected.

I swallowed hard and put a seal to my lips, giving her my full audience.

“Now they want you to make a public appearance with a best friend. Anything that can keep the public thinking.”

“I'm still a little confused.” My puzzled eyes won't stop staring at her. “How's this supposed to solve this issue?”

She exhaled heavily while shaking her head. “This is supposed to shift the attention of the public. What's too hard to understand there?”

It's a great idea, but I don't think I can let the people who did go away just like that?

“What will happen with the scums that pushed this blackmail over the net?”

“If I'm being honest with you…nothing.”

My eyes widened as a gasp ripped through my throat. “There's no way you're letting…”

“Do you want to go ahead to waste all you have just to bring them to justice?” Denise interjected with a very firm tone.

“Denise, these people can't get away with this.”

She placed her hand on my shoulder and looked straight into my eyes. “I'm sorry, but you just have to let it be. Let's focus on the ultimatum given by the management.”

I took a deep breath, my heart squeezing from within my chest.

My tongue turned bitter with the rage that filled my entire body. But there was no way I could let it out.

“Fine. How are we going to make this happen?”

Denise dropped her tablet on the table, folded her arms and started pacing the room.

Then she stopped and averted her gaze back to me.

“I'm sure you have a best friend. Somebody that can help you.”

“Of course…Tessa. She can help me out.”

“Then put her on the phone right away. We need to get this done within seven days, remember.”

I grabbed my phone immediately and dialled her number.

“Tessa, how are you doing?”

“I'm fine, Luca. Your voice sounds so urgent.” Her soft tone graced my ears from the other side of the phone.

I cleared my throat. “I need you to do something for me.”

“Go on. I'm listening.”

“First of all, are you around?” I asked. “Perhaos you could come over to my place so that we can talk about it.”

“I'm really sorry, Luca. I actually skipped town this morning. I needed to attend to something urgent.”

Damn it!! There's no way this is happening to me right now.

“Fine. When will you be coming back?”

“I won't be coming back until next month.”

“Shit!!” I slammed my hand against the sofa arm-rest.

“I hope there's no problem, Luca.”

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my tense nerves. “I'm fine. I'll call you.”

I hung up and tossed the phone aside.

I dropped on my sofa, eyes staring at the ceiling with all hopes shattered.

“We have to find an alternative immediately.” Denise broke the silence.

I sat upright and arched my brows as I stared at her. “I'm sure you heard everything she said over the phone.”

“I heard it all. I'll make arrangements to get another person,” she replied. “I guess I have to do everything all by myself.

Denise left the house with no words as to where she was going.

My palms grew sweaty, my head was already aching.

I needed to think, and I needed to do that as fast as possible.

Sponsors are all waiting to see what will be my fate.

I can't let my career end too soon.

I grabbed my coat, a face cap and sunglasses, and then I headed out for a walk.

I took the elevator, and I had to take the garage door out.

I didn't want to be met by the flock of journalists and interviewers at the front.

The crowd was unbelievable, and I can't even think of walking past them.

I kept trying to get to Denise over the phone, but her number kept going straight to voicemail.

Did she just leave me here alone?

What does she expect me to do?

I walked into a bar while making sure the sunglasses and face cap were enough to keep my identity discreet.

Suddenly, I bumped into a stranger, causing his drink to spill.

“I'm really sorry.” I apologised, pulling out a scarf from my coat to clean the mess I had just made.

“Who wears sunglasses inside a bar?” He asked angrily.

A gasp ripped through my throat and I took off my glasses, locking eye contact with him.

This is unbelievable. “Cassian!” I blurted.

My heart raced with both joy and shock. A face from my university days that I thought I would never set my eyes on again.