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."

could press further, I severed the mind link, shutting

back against the headrest, but peace didn’t last long. Another tug pulled

this—double-teamed me like I was the reckless one, like they

trusted, when in

are you okay?" His voice was quieter

the tension in my shoulders to ease. "Yes,"

us. Alright?" Lennox’s voice carried that steady, older-brother tone—the one he always used when he was

couldn’t see it.

shoulder everyone’s burdens, always

from care. From love. They weren’t trying to control me because they thought I was weak—they did it because they were older by a few minutes and

me early. I wanted to take charge of my own life. I wanted to lead myself. To

being pulled along—that’s what made me the way I am now. A man who takes control even in bed. It’s one of the reasons I became a dominant. Not the entire reason, just

shifted, frustration creeping back in. "Have you talked to Olivia? She’s refusing to speak to me. No matter how many times I try to reach

lie and say no... but if I did, he’d only keep worrying, and I didn’t want

Lennox exhale

did she say exactly?" he asked, softer this time,

carefully, keeping my words short so he wouldn’t sense the unease behind them.

to Levi tonight... before we go to bed. We’ll