Chapter 49: chapter 49

Next day morning,        We sat before the cameras and reporters. The mic was placed before me and Chris. Jamie sat near me and Beth near Chris. Chuck and James stood aside near the podium to check if someone is here to disturb this conference.I was wearing a black knitted sweater and jeans with my hair turned into a bun. Chris on other hand wearing a white t-shirt underneath a grey blazer with matching skinny fit classic trousers and coolers in his hands. Ever since he found out about my contract with that devil, he didn't talk to me. He even avoided eye contact with me. But what he did to me is a huge thing, I can't thank him enough for it. I just wanna kiss him and show how much he means to me.Keeping those thoughts aside, I spoke first, "Yes, what yesterday you saw in the news channel is completely true. I'm his daughter, Ana Grace Collins. As he confessed" I bit my lower lip, "He abused me".One of the reporters raised her nail-polished hand. She was young and attractive."Yes?""Why you didn't say this to anyone before?" She asked calmly.I sighed, "I know this will come. Because I didn't have any proof. Listen, I've suffered for years. If my grandfather didn't catch him in the act, I would probably be dead now. After that, I've never seen him. Time passed and let me ask this frankly, what you'll do if all of sudden I come before you guys and throw big tantrums on a big shot without any evidence? You'll support him or me?"She lowered her head."See, that's why I've waited patiently until I can get my evidence"."But Mrs. Collins is denying this and explained that you manipulated him to say this" the other gentleman asked.I smirked emptily, Jamie touched my hand to support, "Ever since I was a child, she never took care of me. Then, how she knows what I've gone through".Cameras clicked us."So, what's your next plan, Ms. Collins?" A lady in specs asked."First of all, please don't call me, Ms. Collins. I want to be, Thomas. Please I beg you, I don't wanna carry anything which reminisces him. I'm Ana Thomas" I corrected them, "And now to your question, I know I'm not the only one who suffered in his hands. So, whoever you are please come forward to us and share your experiences with me. We all together can collect as much evidence as possible and lock him behind the bars. Let's unite together under the hashtag we stand together, Thank you" I smiled warmly."Whether our New Era is invested by him? Cause yesterday morning, he announced you as his daughter. That's why you exposed him? And what it has to do with Chris?" An older reporter asked.God! They are not gonna leave it, "Listen! New Era is completely started from scratch with the help of my grandfather and my best friend, Jamie" I looked at him.I turned back to the camera, "He announced that because New Era found a substantial growth and he wanted to claim credit for it. You can even verify the documents. It has nothing to do with him"."What about you Mr. Rovan? Why you helped Ms. Thomas? Are you two dating?" They shifted the target on him.Beth interrupted, "No personal questions, please".My heart sank. Why he didn't wanna say that he is supporting me? Is he gonna break up with me?"It's okay, Beth" he spoke finally, "I can manage it. The real reason why I helped Ana was she is my best friend" he interlocked my hands with his, "She told me everything and I wanted to do something. That's why I did this and I'm with her in this. So, whatever happens, we gonna face it together" he replied confidently, "Right, Ana?" He looked at me.I nodded quietly and looked at him with love, "I can't thank him enough for what he did".He tried to smile and turned back to the camera. I don't know why he is hiding our relationship."Well, I have another news" he continued. Everyone looked at him sharply."I'm gonna quit as an Actor. Before you can ask what's the problem, I'll explain" he inhaled breath, "Ever since I was a child, I'm in the spotlight and I'm done enough of it and I'm tired of being in this. So, I'm gonna quit. 'Snow Storm' is my last film". We heard murmuring voices around.He looked at me, "I think our time is over. Let's go".We both stood up, Chuck and James cleared the way for us. We came out. Before I can catch Chris, he left with Chuck in his car.I exhaled. Jamie came behind and touched my shoulders. I looked at him disheartening look."Is he still Mad?" He asked.I nodded, "But, I don't blame him. This is entirely my fault".He hugged me, "He'll understand"."I don't think so, Jam. He avoided our personal questions and...omg! Is he gonna end things with me? That's why he didn't say anything" I panicked."Hey, Relax! Nothing like that gonna happen. He is just pissed"."Even if he does, I won't break up with him. I'll wait as like him. I think it's Karma. A year before, I made him wait and now it's his turn".Meanwhile Chris,         "Chris, Are you still mad at Ana?" Chuck asked me.We both were in the backseat of the car, James is driving it.I unbuttoned my blazer, "Kind of. You know since the first day of our relationship, she never trusted me. I found out that she is having bad cramps because of him. She was tortured by that animal, but she tried to convince me that she is having periods. When I confronted her, she promised she won't repeat it. But again, she signed a fucking contract. How can I believe her again?" I replied in a pissed tone."You know that she did it for you"."I know that's why I'm trying to convince me. But...but..." I sighed, "To be frank, I think I was the one trying to work out this relationship. She is not that much interested" I shrugged."Are you kidding? Listen, you can't say those words. I mean, she sabotaged her ultimate aim only for you and how can you think like this? Listen, I agree she may have trust issues. But you are the one she loves the most. So, please don't say this".I sighed, "You are right. I'm sorry, it's just I'm disappointed and I want an assurance she won't repeat it or some time to convince me"."I can understand" he patted my back, "So, how Beth took the news?""Well, she said she gonna miss me" I smiled, "But, I'm happy that she can't boss me anymore"."I'm happy for you, Chris" he sounded sincere, "After years of pains, you deserve it"."Thanks"."Now, what you gonna do?""You know, I'm interested in music and pianos. Let's see what can I do with that. For now, I have much more money than I could imagine" I Chuckled.I reached my apartment, after dropping Chuck. As I've expected there are two guests - My parents aka Devils."What the hell you thought, Rovan? How dare you to say to the public that you are quitting?""Yes, Daddy. I've been saying this for so long" I replied casually, "But you are the one never listened"."Did you forgot about the consequences of this?" My Mother came before him, "Don't you wanna see your brother's child?""I know what happened to him" I shouted back at them, "He never came out of his mother's womb. You fooled me all these years. That's the reason I couldn't find him anywhere".They were shocked to hear it, "How...how...did you know about this?" My Mom closed her mouth.Dad stood still."I know everything. Now, it's my turn. If you compel me back into acting, I'll go to press to say that my brother died due to drug overdose, not because of an accident" I crossed my arms, "What do you say?""No...No...you won't let that happen to your brother"."Try me. I don't have any shame in admitting to it. Again, you want your reputation or to be ruined by your son?" I smirked evilly.They looked at each other for a minute and Dad spoke grudgingly, "I know who helped you, that magazine girl...she is...gonna pay for this...""Don't speak bad about her or you gonna regret why you are here" I replied clenching my Jaws, "And if you think of doing something to her, I swear you won't be in this world"."Honey! Let's go" My Mom pulled him back staring at me, "You gonna regret it"."No, I'll be happy".They left the room. This is the happiest day of my life. I did it! I did it! Finally! I'm free from them. I just wanna share this with Ana...but...I couldn't.She came inside few minutes after they left. She tried to speak something, but I ignored her and went inside my room.I know it hurts. But, I can't stop thinking about how she went behind my back.