Fated To Not Just One, But Three

Chapter 346: Lying

Louis’s POV

It was Levi’s voice on the other end, calm and curious. For a moment, I froze. My throat tightened, and a dozen excuses rushed through my mind. I thought of telling him the truth—that I was with Olivia—but the idea died before it could leave my lips. Things between us were already strained, and throwing this into the fire would only make the tension worse.

"I had to check on a contact," I said finally, keeping my tone as calm as I could.

There was a pause, then Levi’s voice cut back, laced with disbelief. "A contact? Since when? Why don’t I know about this? What’s going on, Louis?"

I clenched my jaw, forcing my voice to stay relaxed. "Not everything I do has to run through you, Levi. This one’s... personal. It came up last minute."

The silence on the line stretched uncomfortably, heavy with suspicion. I could almost feel his frown through the mind link, his mind racing to piece together the lie. My heart thudded against my ribs, but I kept my emotions intact.

"When are you coming back home?" Levi finally asked, his voice clipped, businesslike now. "I need your signature on some files."

I pinched the bridge of my nose, shutting my eyes for a moment. "Tomorrow," I said. My voice was firm, leaving no room for argument.

"Tomorrow?" Suspicion colored his tone again. "Louis, what are you—"

"Everything is fine," I cut in, sharper than I intended. "Don’t overthink it, Levi. Handle the files for now. I’ll be back tomorrow."

mind link, shutting out his presence. The silence that followed was

exhaled and leaned back against the headrest, but peace didn’t last long. Another tug

this—double-teamed me like I was the reckless one, like they needed to watch me closer. As if being born a

be trusted, when in truth I was no different from

voice was quieter than I expected,

my shoulders to ease. "Yes," I answered simply, steady. "I’m

carried that steady,

though he couldn’t see

shoulder everyone’s burdens, always treating me

they thought I was weak—they did it because they were older by a few minutes and felt it was their

Levi’s endless scrutiny lit something inside me early. I wanted to take charge of my own life. I wanted to lead myself. To prove I wasn’t

I am now. A man who takes control even in bed. It’s one

speak to me. No matter how

I did, he’d only keep worrying, and I didn’t want that. "Yes. I just spoke to her a few minutes ago," I said, careful to keep it

exhale over the

say exactly?" he asked, softer this time,

right now," I said carefully, keeping my words short so he wouldn’t sense the unease behind them. "But

and worried. "I’ll talk to Levi