Wrecking Heart

"The only thing worse than not knowing a secret is discovering one..."

A heavy silence encircled us, but not so tightly that we were suffocated. I stared out the car window, watching the buildings and trees go by in a blur. Logan and I were deep in thought. To say that breakfast in the morning was awkward and uncomfortable would be an understatement. We both tried to make excuses to Grecia to avoid being in each other's company, but she was adamant that we all eat together.

The elephant in the room was as obvious as the fact that fish live underwater, not in the cloud. As the tension between me and Logan grew, Grecia decided enough was enough and forced us to talk things out between us. We tried yet again to persuade her that we were extremely busy today. But she didn't listen to our excuses.

So, here we are! I also have no idea where he was taking me because we haven't said anything to each other, but I assumed it was out of town. We've been on the road for quite some time. After about a half-hour, Logan pulled off the main road onto one of the small side streets lined with decent-sized houses. The scent of saline water filled my nostrils as a breeze blew in through Logan's open window.

"What brings us here? "At the seaside?" I finally asked, perplexed.

"Just wait and see," he grumbled, his gaze fixed on the road. I humph and return my gaze to the window. Logan slowed down and came to a stop in front of a half-completed building two kilometers down the road. I frown and take a look around the room. Seriously? Why can't we go to a park or something if he wants to talk? Why are we here?

He unbuckles his seat belt and walks towards me as he exits the car. I quickly unbuckled my seat belt and jumped out of the car before he could open the door for me. He stood there, puzzled, staring at me before shaking his head and muttering something inaudible. Even if I don't say anything and just let them do it, I usually don't like it when someone opens the door for me. If we have our hands, why should we bother others by requiring them to walk to our side and open the door?

"What brings us here, Logan?" I asked him, irritated that he wasn't answering my questions.

I rolled my eyes at him as he said, "You'll see." Yes, thank you very much!

I take my time getting a good look at the place. It's a two-story house, as far as I can tell. The ground floor was finished, and the first floor was halfway finished. The front garden has a two-tier Boca Hexagon Fountain with no water in the middle, and long grasses surround the entire area, indicating that no one has used it in years.

"Whose residence is this?" I inquired, looking around. Logan remained silent for a moment before responding.

"It's mine," he said, and I returned his frown.

"I'm not sure what you're talking about."

"Come with me," he says, taking my hand in his. The sensation of his skin against mine caused my heart to pound in my chest and a shiver to run down my spine. This is not supposed to happen again! Not after yesterday's brawl.

He leads me down the house's side path to the backyard. As I looked at what was in front of me, I let out a loud gasp. The property is perched on the edge of a U-shaped cliff, and I could see the crystal blue sea a few steps below. The sound of the waves crashing on the rocks and ground, combined with the chirping of birds from somewhere, is simply amazing!

"It's breathtaking." I let out a sigh. I subconsciously grabbed his hand and lightly squeezed it. Logan looked surprised at our hands before looking into my eyes. I then realized what I had done. My cheeks flushed, and I awkwardly tried to pull back. But he didn't let go, instead tightened his grip.

"Come," he said softly and led me to the cliff's edge, where there was a flight of stairs leading down to the ocean. We descended the stairs and soon found ourselves on the sand near the ocean. I shivered as a cold breeze brushed against my exposed skin, and I couldn't help but feel guilty for only wearing a white Bardot top and a black floral knee-length skirt. But then again, I didn't know we were going to the beach.

"Are you cold?"

"No, I'm fine," I lied, but he didn't care and slipped off his black leather jacket and wrapped it around my shoulders before I could stop him. He was dressed in a white shirt and black pants, and his hair was messy, making him appear more attractive than he was. I dig my fingers into my palm to keep from running my fingers through his smooth hair. We sat on the sand in silence, staring at the sea for what seemed like hours but was only a few minutes.

"This was my childhood home, where I lived until I was 19," Logan finally said, breaking the silence. I noticed him clenching his jaw and staring out at the sea, lost in thought when I looked at him.

"Why did you shift then?" I inquired softly.

"Because I lost this property in a game," he explained, and I looked at him, puzzled.

"Game? What kind of game is it?" I inquired, intrigued.

"Poker. "I lost the game once, so I had no choice but to sell the property," he said, his eyes tightly shut. For me, poker was just a friendly game of exchanging marbles when someone won, but I realized there was a lot more at stake for people like Logan.

"Why did you participate in the game?"

"When I first started the business at the age of 18, I couldn't make enough money. I received a lot of contracts requesting collaborations, but I didn't have enough money and was frustrated. So many people conspired against me. They all took advantage of my situation when they saw how desperate I was to do business. I had a lot of debts after I took over the company." He said this while picking up small stones and tossing them into the sea.

"Patrick introduced me to this game at that time. I began by playing with a small amount and was able to make a profit while also repaying all of my debts. When I started winning every game, I became overconfident, so I played for a large sum of money. But luck was not always on my side. I once lost a large sum of money in a game and had to sell this property."

"What was Grecia's reaction?" I inquired. They had to go through a lot to get to where they are now. It had to be a lot to take in.

"She wasn't happy, but she didn't yell at me or point the finger at me. She realized why I did it. But she warned me not to play again that day. She said something to me that shifted my perspective, and I began to see things in a new light. She advised never to believe in luck. It was not the key to success. I stopped playing it after that."

"We stayed with Patrick for a year. During that time, I was entirely focused on the business. I didn't participate in any games, and I occasionally fought underground to relieve my tension. I reinvested the profits from the drug business into my company, which grew gradually. During that year, I also worked my ass off to build Watson Mansion."

"Even though mum didn't say anything, I could tell she was unhappy with our short-term stay. Not that Patrick didn't treat us well, but knowing we didn't have our own place made her antsy." Logan let out a deep sigh as he told me about his trials and tribulations. My heart ached once more for them.

"I felt like I was a bad son to her. I've only added to the problems we've had and never attempted to solve them. I caused her so much grief." He said, which caused a frown to form on my brow.

"Don't say that," I warned him, my gaze fixed on his saddened eyes.

"What do you mean?" He inquired, his face befuddled as usual. It was now my turn to sigh.

"That you were a horrible son. I believe you are far from that. Logan, everything you did was for your mother. You only had her. It explains why you went to such lengths to improve your company and become wealthy. You wanted to make Grecia feel safe and secure, to provide her with a happy and stress-free life. You wished to make her proud." I said this while looking him in the eyes.

His eyes were filled with an intensity that was difficult to match. It was saying something, but I couldn't understand what it was saying. I couldn't take it anymore and turned my gaze to the vast ocean. Looking into his eyes was painful, especially when those same eyes were accusingly looking at me. I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat without my knowledge.

"However, I don't believe what I did to you was justified." He said it all of a sudden. I cocked my head slightly but didn't look at him.

"When I saw it, I was blinded by rage. I didn't know what to make of it, which is why I abruptly left that morning. I know I acted on impulse, and I apologize for what I said. I should have listened to your side before jumping to conclusions," he said. I frowned at his statement.

"What did you see, Logan?" I inquired cautiously. Why do I have such a strange feeling about this?

"The photograph on your nightstand" I still didn't get it, and when he realized I wasn't catching up, he cleared all my doubts.

"It's your father, Lia." I faced him this time, remembering his words from the day before. I recall him saying that he knew my father and that he was responsible for Logan's father's death. He also mentioned some names that I couldn't place.

"I'm guessing you didn't know your father was a DEA-trained secret agent." I made a shaky motion with my head. What is this nonsense he's talking about?

"No, my father, like you, was an entrepreneur. I don't believe we're talking about the same person." I tried to ignore the bad feeling that was growing inside of me.

"I am certain I am referring to Benjamin Kingston, who is also your father, Lia. He was employed by TRIXEYE, a division of the Drug Enforcement Administration. He had been a secret agent for more than five years before resigning. And those working for secret agencies will always have to keep their information and location hidden. That explains why you didn't know his identity until now." To say I was taken aback would be an understatement.

All those years with my father flashed through my mind. I couldn't believe what I was hearing at the moment. I tried to deny it, but no words came out of my mouth. No way, this isn't true. It's most likely a misunderstanding. He is not talking about my dad, NO.

"It was his mission to apprehend my father for his drug dealings after they received anonymous information from someone. I heard your father was the team's leader. However, word of a DEA investigation into the business made its way to some drug dealers with whom my father had connections. To save their asses, they murdered my father and staged a fucking car accident," Logan said, his fist clenched. Even though my mind was racing from the information, I hesitantly grabbed his hands and interlocked our fingers, my thumb rubbing the skin on his knuckles in the hopes that it would calm him down and, by extension, me. And, indeed, it did.

"I found out about it from Herbert. I was enraged at the time, so I went in search of your father and those who murdered my father to take my vengeance. I approached the DEA using my connections, but I had no idea where Benjamin was. He quit his job shortly after that mission, I was told. I was also unable to track his location because it was highly confidential. I could only see the photograph that they had on file. And I'll never forget his face" When I heard all of this at once, my head felt like it was spinning. I was trying to make sense of everything, but it was difficult to keep up.

I recall Mom writing in her diary, which I brought with me to New York, about her concern for Dad's safety due to his work. But I never expected it to be for this. When I remembered Dad wasn't in Worcester with me and mom, it felt like a huge wave hit me. I think it was when I was five or six, but I'm not sure. But I always missed dad during those times because he was never present. Mom said it was for his job, but I had no idea this was his line of work.

"It was like cold water was poured on me when I saw your father's photo near your bed. All I could see was red. Because I recently opened up to you about my past, I assumed you were a spy sent by your father to destroy me. That's why I said hurtful things."

"I'm not trying to justify myself here, and I'm not going to hold a grudge against you. When I told Mom about this yesterday, I realized you had no idea what I was talking about. And I'm sorry I didn't realize your parents had died as well. She didn't say anything else and said you'd tell me when you're ready, so I'm not going to push it either."

My knees felt shaky. I couldn't think clearly about what he was saying. But all I wanted to do was go back to the house. I just wanted to cry in my bed for the rest of the night. I didn't have the energy to respond to him at all.

"Would you please take me back?" My eyes were starting to burn as I mumbled softly. Logan gave me a hesitant look.

Logan began, "My intention was not to hurt you by saying this all, Lia." But I cut him off because I didn't want to hear any more.

"Please Logan," I said, putting my hands over my ears. I shook my head, saying, "I don't want to talk right now." I'm on the verge of crying, and any more words from him will send me over the edge.

Logan nodded, and we got to our feet to leave. We climbed the stairs and walked back to the car in silence. My body felt weak, and my throat felt as if it were closing in on me.

I stared out the window at the passing scenery, different emotions and thoughts making it difficult for me not to cry. Finally, a whimper escaped my lips, and I lost all control right there and then.

I realized now that I didn't know who my true parents were. All these years, I had been living in a dream world. Did they ever intend to tell me this? What if I didn't run into Logan? I'll still live in this world without knowing the truth, right?

Upon hearing my whimpering, Logan pulls over to the side before unbuckling our seatbelts and he pulls me into his arms so that I was sitting on his lap. I sobbed into his chest, clutching his shirt in my fingers. Logan comforted me by whispering soothing words into my ears.

I sobbed into his chest, "Y-you w-were right, Log." "My entire life is a lie. "I am a lie," I sobbed loudly.

"I'm so sorry, baby. I didn't mean those words "I'm so sorry," he said softly, kissing my hair repeatedly. "Please don't overthink it."

"I'm so sorry, love," he said again.

******

(Next Morning)

"Hey, Karrie, I'm waiting outside." Scarlet's cheerful voice made me sigh as I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I checked the time on the clock lazily and scowled when it read 8:30 a.m. Saturday.

"Scar, why are you calling at this time?" I groggily groaned. From the other end of the phone, I could hear her gasp.

"Are you serious, bitch? You're the one who suggested we go apartment hunting today. "And you forgot!" I groaned again as she asked me accusingly. Oh no, I forgot!

"Ah yes, of course, I know," I lied as I threw off the duvet and jumped out of bed. I hung up the phone after promising Scar I'd be out in ten minutes and dashed into the bathroom to brush my teeth and take a two-minute body wash. I threw on some random clothes and dashed downstairs. Grecia sat beside Logan, who was stuffing a plate of pancakes into his mouth. This guy eats like a pig at times!

Grecia noticed my haste and called out. "Karolia, eat some breakfast," she instructed. Logan looked at me, and our gazes locked for two seconds before I broke the stare.

"I'm sorry, Grecia, but I'll have it later. "I'm in a hurry now," I said as I went to kiss Grecia on the cheek and bid her farewell. Logan asked if I wanted a ride, which surprised me given how poorly my day had gone the day before. We drove back in silence after our moment in the car yesterday, and even after we arrived home, we didn't talk much because I was locked in my room all day.

"No, thank you Scar is waiting outside," I said softly. After that, I dashed out the door because my best friend was growing impatient.

Scarlet exclaimed dramatically as I took a seat in the passenger seat, "Finally, the princess decided to show up." I rolled my eyes and mumbled an apology.

"So, where is the first stop?" Scarlet inquired as soon as we reached the main road. I entered the coordinates into the car GPS. I contacted a few people who were interested in renting their apartment yesterday, and I was interested in a few of them.

"Are you certain you want to leave?"

"Scar, this is like the millionth time you've asked this," I grumbled.

"Yeah...But-"she began again, but I interrupted her.

"I can't continue to be a burden to Grecia and Logan. I feel like I'm starting to take advantage of them."

"But, Karrie, can you afford it on your own?" She inquired of me. I shrug my shoulders as I look out the window.

"I'm also looking for a job. "I hope I'll be able to manage," I mumbled, my heart pounding loudly. To be honest, I'm not sure if I'm making the right decision here, knowing that the money in my account is insufficient to cover all of my needs. But I'm willing to take this risk.

"I'm ready to help you, Karrie. Allow me" Scarlet casts a hopeful glance at me from the side. I shake my head, dismissing the idea once more.

"Don't worry, Scar, I'm fine. You have to pay for your university education, so it's a good thing you're staying with Pat for the time being. So, you can concentrate solely on your studies. You've done enough for me, and I always appreciate your offers." I said this, and she gave me a hurtful look.

"I'll still do a lot for you," she said firmly, and I gratefully squeezed her hand.

"I know I can rely on you at all times. But for the time being, let me handle this myself."

"Whatever you say," she sighed heavily.

(A few hours later)

"I don't think this will work out, Karrie." Scarlet sighed. We'd been looking at a few apartments by this point, but nothing seemed to be a good fit. The first apartment was in an old building that needed to be renovated and was a little out of the way from the city. It felt like the building was about to collapse at any moment, and I'm only 19 years old. I would like to live a little longer. The second one was even more heinous. The room was filthy and strewn with spider webs. I felt like I'd die from lack of oxygen if I stayed any longer, and Scarlet doesn't seem to like it either. Yes, I'm looking for a cheap one, but that doesn't mean I'm ready to live in a place that even a ghost would be embarrassed to enter.

"Alright. This is our final hope." I said this as I walked through the main door of the apartment we're currently renting. If this also fails, I may have to approach some dealers.

"Really?!" Scarlet's face shone brightly. "So, if this doesn't work out, you're not going to leave?"

"Umm... No. This is the final one for today. If this isn't the one, I guess we'll have to try again tomorrow." I said, and her face dropped. I rolled my eyes at her after she mumbled something under her breath. She expresses her displeasure with my decision to leave Watson's house. I'm also aware of the reason for this. It has something to do with her ship sinking.

"By the way, I heard from that lady we met in the elevator that the apartment's owner is quite hot. Aren't you intrigued?" I rolled my eyes as she asked, wiggling her brows. We encountered a curious lady in the elevator who wanted to know everything she could about us on the short trip from the ground floor to the third floor.

"Sometimes you lose sight of the fact that you have a boyfriend." Yes, Patrick asked her to be his girlfriend, which makes me very happy. Patrick is a nice guy, and they are a good match.

"It's far preferable than not realizing you have one." She mumbled something. We were interrupted by a very familiar voice before I could ask what she meant by that.

""Karrie? Scarlet? Scarlet and I turned around to look at Tyler, who had his face scrunched up in confusion.

"What exactly are you doing here?" Tyler was taken aback.

"We have to ask you that," I said, equally surprised.

"I own the entire building," he explained. Our mouths dropped open. The ten-story structure houses approximately 50 apartments.

"So you're that hot-looking house owner that everyone here gossips about?" Scarlet inquired, as Tyler chuckled.

"Yep, that would be me," he admitted. I was still perplexed. "But I texted a lady about the details yesterday," I explained.

"Oh, that's my mother. "She handles all phone conversations, and I handle face-to-face conversations," Tyler laughs, and we all laugh along with him.

"But why do you need an apartment right now?" "Did Watson kick you out of his house?" I rolled my eyes at him as he asked teasingly.

"No, I thought it was time to get out of their shadow." Tyler and Scarlet exchanged glances and shook their heads at the same time. What's the matter with them?

"What?" I inquired, bothered by their silent conversations that I couldn't hear.

"Nothing," they both mumbled at the same time, and I made a face at them before turning to look around the apartment, which I enjoyed. With two small bedrooms, one hall, and a small kitchen, the space is adequate. Sure, there are only a few necessities like couches, bed cots, and a stove in the kitchen, but the best part of this place is the balcony from the master bedroom that overlooks the city.

Tyler provided a rent reduction, which made the rent more affordable for me, which I am grateful for. But I need to find work soon. I checked the balance in my bank account a few days ago, and as expected, there isn't enough money. I'm not earning anything now that I'm not going to work. This should have been obvious to me. The money I used up until now came from savings I had when I turned 18 in Worcester. When I arrived in New York, I was able to transfer that amount of money to Scarlet's account, which she later transferred to my new account I established in New York with the assistance of Sheriff Wilson.

After I paid Tyler the advance amount and signed some paperwork, the apartment was officially mine. To commemorate the occasion, we three decided to have some fun by going to our current favorite restaurant, which also had a game area. Throughout the day, a sense of self-sufficiency permeated my veins. I've never rented an apartment on my own because I lived with Scar and now with Watsons when I first moved to New York. Even though I was overjoyed, I was worried about how to break the news to Grecia and Logan.

*******

"

"Could you please pass the salt, Karolia?" When I heard Logan's voice calling my name, I jumped a little. We're having dinner right now. Grecia sat at one end of the dining table, with Logan to her left and me to her right, so that Logan and I were facing each other.

"Pardon me, what?" I inquired once more. He raised his eyebrows but repeated his question.

"The salt. Can you pass it?"

"Sure," I clear my throat and passed the salt. When his fingertips touched mine, electricity erupted, and I quickly drew back, startled by the sensation. Damn him for having such an impact on me. Logan's lips quirked up, causing me to press my lips together. He's well aware of what he's capable of doing to me, asshole.

"Are you okay, honey?" Grecia expressed concern when she asked, "You seem disturbed." I shake my head, assuring her that I'm fine, which I'm not. I was thinking about how to break the news to them that I'm moving out.

"Uhh…I'd like to say something to you guys," I began nervously. Let's just get this over with as soon as possible.

Grecia encouraged, "Go on sweetie." Tucking my hair behind my ear, I cast a glance at Logan, who appeared to be listening in on our conversation.

"I found an apartment," I explained as I watched their reaction. Grecia's face dropped instantly, and Logan gripped his fork tightly, his jaw clenched as he averted his gaze.

"Oh...great," that's Grecia said, despite the fact that I could tell she wasn't delighted. I looked at Logan, hoping for a reaction, but he didn't even look at me. Even though he wasn't eating, his gaze was fixed on his food.

"Can you tell me where it is?" Grecia inquired, and I told her everything she needed to know about the location. She appears pleased that it is only a 15-minute drive from here and that she will be able to visit frequently. I also informed her that it was my friend Tyler's apartment. But this time I received a response from the other Watson.

"Is he the reason you're leaving?"

Logan, enraged, inquired. My eyes narrowed slightly.

"Logan" Grecia warned him, giving him a look that intensified the scowl on Logan's face.

"Whatever, I don't care," he grumbled as he stabbed the chicken breast on his plate with the fork.

It quickly became awkward again, and I felt like slapping myself. Why was I compelled to do this? But what better time to inform them than now? I just wanted to spend the last few days here without feeling awkward, but that doesn't appear to be the case. Grecia, I guess, couldn't take it any longer and decided to divert our attention to another topic.

"Logan, why don't you take her to our wood house?" She hasn't been here since she arrived." Logan's pupils dilated as he looked at his mother. He certainly appears surprised.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Mom," Logan interjected. Only one thing was crystal clear in my mind. Going somewhere by yourself with Logan? na-ah. This is not a good idea.

"I'll have some packing and stuff to take with me as well-" Grecia cut me off as I tried to reason.

"Sweetheart, believe me. You're not going to regret it. It's a lovely place, and I just want you to go to the woodhouse before you leave. It'll be like a mini-trip as well. I wish I could attend as well, but I have some important meetings that I cannot postpone."

"You can also call Patrick," Grecia suggested to Logan, and I couldn't help but agree. She seemed excited about this place when she was talking about it, and I don't mind going as long as I'm not alone with Logan.

But why do I have the impression that she is acting in this manner for a reason?