Billionaire's Hidden Truth

Linda's POV

I heard a tap on the door while I was seated at the kitchen table, looking at the half-empty coffee cup in front of me. I felt a sudden sense of dread since I wasn't expecting anyone and because of all that had been going on. I stood up slowly and made my way to the door.

I almost stopped when I opened it. My father, whom I hadn't seen in years, was there in front of me.

"Dad?" I muttered, utterly surprised. "Why are you in this place?"

Mr. Charles appeared older and more worn out than I had recalled. His eyes had gone dull, and he was shuffled from foot to foot as if he was scared.

His voice was tremulous as he said, "Linda, sweetheart." "There was nowhere else for me to go."

I moved to make room for him. He leaned heavily on the couch and rubbed his hands together as if he was unsure of where to begin.

"What's going on, Dad?" Sitting opposite him, I inquired. "What has brought you here now?"

He inhaled deeply and turned to face me, regret gleaming in his eyes. "I'm in trouble, Linda. Serious problems

My stomach rumbled. "What sort of trouble?"

Mr. Charles let out a sigh. Linda, it's the debt. Years ago, I took out a loan that I thought I could repay, but things went south. The folks I owe have begun after me because I was unable to keep up.

"Credit?" I said it again, my thoughts racing. "How much?"

He drooped his shoulders. More than I can pay back in my lifetime. Additionally, I believe it has something to do with what you're going through now.

"What do you mean?" My heart thumping in my chest, I asked.

His face was troubled as he gazed at me. "I believe that those pursuing me have some connection to Nathan, Kevin's brother. They're controlling me with my debt. And they are now attempting to harm you.

As I attempted to put things together, my mind raced. The betrayal of the fashion firm, Nathan's plots, and my father's debt all appeared too closely related to be a coincidence. However, my phone buzzed before I could ask any more questions.

I noticed a message from Kevin on my phone when I picked it up: "I'm coming over." We must speak.

I glanced at my father. We'll discuss this topic in greater detail later. I have to take care of things right now.

Kevin came a few minutes later. He appeared to have not slept for days because of the strained expression on his face. After nodding briefly to my dad, he turned to face me.

"We need to talk, Linda," he remarked quietly.

To give my dad some solitude, I escorted him to the opposite side of the room. "What's happening?" I inquired.

Kevin seemed more anxious than ever as he combed through his hair. He avoided looking at me and stated, "There are things I haven't told you." "Things about Nathan and my family."

Already frustrated, I crossed my arms. Like what, Kevin? Since the beginning, you have been hiding things from me.

He said, "I know," in a calmer tone. "But I was attempting to keep you safe."

"What do you protect me from?" My tolerance was growing thin, so I demanded.

Kevin let out a sigh. "You don't know my family. Although Nathan has always been the one stirring things up, there is more to it than that. I haven't been completely honest about several aspects of my life and background.

"Then tell me!" I pushed. "Kevin, stop hiding stuff. I'm entitled to the truth.

He shook his head and closed his mouth after opening it as though to speak. "Linda, it's complicated. Despite my desire, I am unable to tell you everything. Not quite yet.

Inside, I was boiling with frustration. "You say that over and over! If you won't be truthful with me, how can I trust you?

Kevin's eyes were regretful as he gazed at me. "I'm making an effort, Linda. Yes, I am. However, if you were all-knowing... I fear it would put you at even greater risk.

Kevin's phone buzzed before I could reply, and he looked at it rapidly while his face went pale. "I must leave," he whispered. "Remain here. I will return shortly.

He vanished once more in an instant, leaving me with more questions than answers.

Upon Kevin's departure, I sat down with a huge burden on my chest. Nothing made sense. It was all too much: Nathan's manipulation, Kevin's partial admissions, and my dad's debt.

Then, suddenly, an article appeared on my phone. The headline, "Linda Moore's Ex-Boyfriend Daniel Speaks Out: 'She's Not Who You Think She Is,'" had my heart skip a beat.

I was stunned and just gazed at the television. Daniel? Why was he speaking to the press?

With shaking hands, I hastily opened the article. A smug picture of Daniel telling the world about our previous connection was there. He gave me the impression that I was a cold-hearted person who had thrown him away after using him.

It was said that Daniel said, "She's manipulative." I know the real Linda, even though she acts like she's kind. Additionally, individuals must be aware of the truth.

What I was reading was unbelievable. My history with Daniel was being distorted into lies that portrayed me as the bad guy and thrust into the public eye. And I was certain that Nathan was the one responsible.

He used this as a means of retaliating against me and causing Kevin pain. He was turning everyone against me by publicly humiliating me through Daniel.

I was feeling nauseous. How could things have gotten so out of hand?

The hours that followed were a blur. The story was being picked up by news sites, and before long, my name was everywhere. On social media, people were sharing the piece, leaving nasty comments, and disparaging me.

Kevin didn't pick up when I called him. As the situation worsened, I felt panic and was unsure of how to stop it.

My phone rang just as I was ready to pass out from the stress. Kevin was the one.

His voice was frantic as he urged, "Listen to me, Linda." "I am aware of what is taking place. Nathan is responsible for everything.

With tears in my eyes, I responded sourly, "I figured that out." However, what should I do? Everyone believes that I am a terrible person.

Kevin's tone grew softer. "I swear, I'll make this right. But we have to get out of town for the time being. This is not a safe place for you.

I blinked, startled. "Go? Even so, where would we go?

He answered hastily, "I have a place." We'll be somewhere Nathan can't get to us. But before things worsen, we must go now.

My heart pounded. "I can't just vanish, Kevin. This is where my life is.

"I understand," he answered regretfully. However, Nathan will continue to pursue you if we stay. We have no other option.

I paused, conflicted. A part of me wanted to flee the misery that had become my existence. However, there was a part of me that wanted to fight and stand up for what I believed to be my true self.

Kevin spoke again, his tone stern before I could decide. "Please, Linda. Believe me. We must go. There is no other method to keep you secure.

I closed my eyes, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside me. Kevin was right—staying here would only put me in more danger. As much as I hated to admit it, leaving might be the only option.

"All right," I finally said, my voice shaky. "Let's go."