Clara’s POV

“Newest contract? What are you talking about?” Natel asked, confused on what his team mates were talking about.

Dad must have sent out the invite to be among the elite players for this year’s tournament. Natel had no idea this was coming his way, he quickly took his phone to check the news and found out it was true.

“Hell yes! I can’t believe this, it’s true.” Natel screamed out of excitement, dancing all over the place.

“Yes bro, I can't wait to see you dominating on that Waves jersey.” Said a player, clapping Natel on the shoulder. “You deserve it, after that come back from a coma. You missed some serious ice time but you’re getting them all back.”

“Yes, man, when you had an accident and fell into a coma during the power play season. We all thought it was done for you.” Anthony, another player said, nodding his head. “But doctor Ray Lina here worked her magic on you.”

“Lina blushed at the praises while I stared in disgust. Biting my tongue so hard that I tasted blood.

The praise continued as we made our way through the crowd, with Natel still excited about his newest achievement. I should have been happy for him because that was the right thing to do but I couldn't. All I could think of was the mysterious photographer and the heavy feeling that something bad was about to happen.

A few minutes later, all phones in the crowd began to beep with notifications including mine. It was another news story but this time, a scandalous one.

“Sir, is it true that you borrowed 2 million dollars just to get a car that would fit your new status?” A reporter stumbled upon him like a wolf, stretching out her phone to show him the trending news.

“I can’t believe he’s trying to fake it when he hasn’t signed the deal yet.” Another reporter shouted. “This could destroy his career before it even got started.”

I couldn’t believe it was true, I remember asking him severally on how he was able to buy a new car but he always ignored the question. Now it’s about to blow up his whole career that have worked hard for.

“What happens if dad finds out about this?” I whispered in my head. “He won’t be happy for the Rangers team, it’s too much stain for their reputation.”

I immediately stepped out of the crowd to put a call across to Michael. He was the only person that could help me fix the mess before it escalated.

“Hey brother, I’m sure you must have heard the news right?”

“Yes, the video was sent to dad. He’s been yelling and hovering around the place. Honestly, it's a big mess.” Michael responded, disappointed at the situation as well.

“I know but I really need you to help me fix it, please.” I said, scanning the crowd and hoping Natel doesn’t notice my absence again. “talk to dad not to withdraw the invitation for this year’s tournament and also clear the debt from my account before it gets worse.”

“Sis, Are you sure about this?” Michael was skeptical, his voice suddenly lowered.

“I’m very sure, I can’t let this news destroy his career and my perfect life that was supposed to begin from tomorrow.”

I was ready to do whatever it takes to control the damages that could happen. I quickly sent a text to the Rangers CEO, in order to hold down the deal as well.

“The debt is cleared, I will speak to dad when he's calm or in a better mood.”

“Thank you, bro. You’re the best!” I said, ending the call.

I quickly rushed back to the crowd, only to find Lina responding to the reporters. “It’s been sorted out, I just put a call across. That video has been taken down and we’ll request an apology to Mr. Natel.” Lina yelled, trying to get the reporters away from taking more pictures.

“What the hell, you bitch!” I groaned, my eyes glimmering with anger as I stared at her in shock. “Did she just take credit for a situation I sorted out?”

When we finally reached the parking garage, Lina immediately moved towards the front passenger seat.

“Oh, I hope you don’t mind if I sit infront,” she said, with her hand on Natel’s chest. “I get terribly carsick when I sit at the back especially after a long day and some hours spent performing broad surgical procedures. It gets really exhausting, you know?”

I wanted to tell her exactly where she belongs and is supposed to sit but Natel was already agreeing with a nod.

“Sure, you don’t even have to ask first. I’m sure my wife doesn’t mind.” He said, even before I could speak. “Thank you for the way you handled the situation out there, i couldn’t deny the allegations but you immediately cleared the debt and saved me from further embarrassment. I promise to pay it back.”

I gritted my teeth and slid into the back seat without a word. Watching as Lina comfortably hugged my husband with an evil smirk on her face. Like she belonged to him.

As Natel started the engine, I caught both of them stare at each on several occasions. I could see how she blushed at each stare just the way she loved it. The realization that Natel had never intentionally looked at me in that manner made my skin crawl.

“Babe, I don't like the way……” Oops! I was about to confront Natel about the constant eye contact before my phone rang. Michael’s name appeared on the screen, and I was sure he had spoken to dad and was about to give me feedback but I quickly pressed the decline button.

I couldn’t afford to pick the call so I sent a text message instead.

“Who was that?” Natel asked, glancing at me in the mirror. He finally remembers his wife was in the car.

“It was nobody,” I replied quietly. “Probably just the wrong number."

The phone beeped immediately, but this time, it was a reply from Michael. “Dad has agreed not to cancel Natel’s invitation to the elite’s tournament.” That was the content of his message. I smiled uncontrollably, as I covered my mouth out of excitement.

“Serious? Clara, what’s going on?” Natel said with a deep masculine voice this time, his eyes seeking for answers as he continued to stare at me through the mirror with a look I’d never seen before. “You’ve been acting strange all evening. Sneaking out to take calls, even when the reporters were bashing me. My dearest wife was nowhere to be found. What are you hiding?”

An increasingly anxious feeling struck me. “I’m not hiding anything ... .I.” I stammered, but my voice was barely audible, it came out weaker than I intended.

“That’s obviously a lie,” Natel said, his fist clenched as he gripped the steering wheel. “I’m going to ask you for the very last time, what are you hiding Clara?”

I could see the fury blazing in his eyes. Lina turned in her seat to stare at me like she was concerned. “Natel, I hate to say this but I did see Clara outside the event center earlier. She was…..