His pride

For the first time, Christian was nervous to seeing Shania. But he gathered enough courage as he pushed his bedroom door open. After so much chaos going on. He just wanted to be there for Shania.

“Where is she?” He wondered as he proceeded inside. The bedroom was empty. Christian became afraid as he took out his phone. He didn't even get to call Shania when he noticed the balcony door was open. With speed, he rushed towards there and yes. He found her. She was sitting on the sofa all covered up with a quilt. Seeing her, his heart raced.

“Hey,” he muttered as he walked up to her. There was no movement from Shania. Christian was aware she was awake.

“I missed you,” he murmured and sat on the armrest and bent down to kiss her on the cheek. His arms circled her and pulled her to him.

“I left rushing, don't hate me for that,” he added and snuggled more to her. She smelled delightful. Christian's eyes closed as he inhaled her floral scent. The mixture of roses and lavender. He couldn't resist, but planted kisses on her neck and exposed shoulders.

“Talk to me, baby,” he hissed and slipped his hands inside the quilt. Shania stirred a little, but didn't dare utter a word.

“Your silence is killing me,” he was worried about her. The fact that her secret identity was exposed to the public in such a way that would leave her shattered made his heart.

“Shania,” Christian whispered her name and slowly tilted her head up by the chin. As he expected, her eyes were puffy red. Her eyes flickered up and down a few times when she tried to look away.

“I'm right here…don't feel sad… I hate myself for not being there for you,” he muttered, feeling frustrated with himself. If only he didn't leave, who knew what those reporters said to Shania?

“I'm… I'm okay,” finally the words left her sealed lips. Christensen was sad even when she was smiling at him.

“I'm not so weak…and…sooner or later, this was bound to happen," she added, still smiling at him. For a while, Christian stared at her, trying to find anything in her beautiful eyes. She was so innocent, and he wanted to protect her.

“I'm a jerk, aren't I? I left you…rest assured, the person who did this…will not go scout free,” he vowed to punish anyone who dared to hurt his woman.

“On what basis… Ace…what's done is done…what's there to feel ashamed about,” it was enough, her secret identity was exposed. At Least she didn't have to hide anything.

“They wanted to hurt you… I can't sit and watch,” he muttered while caressing her cheeks. Shania's heavy lashes flickered down as she sank even more into Christian and enjoyed his warmth. His hot breath brushed against her face. His strong arms circled her as he pulled her to his chest.

“Are …are you not worried,” after a while, Shania said, Christian who was too immense in her, opened his eyes and glanced down.

“About what?”

“That…your name will get tainted…if…is people find out about us?” She wondered what he was thinking. However, Christian shook his head and slowly pried her off his chest.

“Never…you are my pride, little one…” he smiled from ear to ear and winked at her. Shania couldn't help but smile and tried to sit comfortably.

“The family knows… I bet Madeline is cursing me… isn't she?” Shania said and let out a sigh, of course, Madeline was always ashamed of her. But now, she guessed her mother had more reasons to keep her away from Christian.

“I'm here…they won't say a word,” Christian said and creased her hair, Shania frowned and flipped her hair to the sides.

“Mr. Christian Ace…your reputation…playboy reputation will be ruined to being involved with a stripper,” Shania scoffed and rose from the chair. Christian chuckled and tried to grab her hand, but she smacked him with a pillow.

“Ha! I'm more popular than before… I'm sure the media want a piece of me,” Shania said while heading back inside the room. Christian arched his brows questionably and went after her.

“Are you sad?” He asked, wondering why she was suddenly in a good mood,

“Do you want me to cry or lock myself in some basement?” She glared at him. Christian shook his head, not sure what to say.

“Let me take a shower… I need to explain things to my grandparents,”

“I'll come with you,” Christian volunteered, but Shania shook her head.

“I'll be fine… I'm sure your fiancée is looking for you,” saying that, Shania took a towel and went straight to the bathroom. She needed to take a shower.

“This girl,” Christian let out an exhalation and took out his phone. So many missed calls from Ashley. First thing first, he had to shut down the media.

“Whoever is spreading this… I need the name,” Christian said over the phone and left the room. At least Shania was okay.

___

“Danny, are you telling me someone just came here…sneaked in and took pictures of Shania!” Isabella yelled and slammed her purse on the counter. Danny was a little startled by her outburst, but soon regained his wits.

“Isa, you know how busy I get… I… Well…”

“You were busy tasting pussies huh…touching books and all,” Isabella remarked sarcastically and snatched a glass of water from one of the waiters.

“I tried okay… Do you think I'm a fool…the media and customers have cornered me? I can't even walk in the street peacefully," Danny stammered and wiped the sweat from his forehead. He was helpless in such a situation, but Isabella was not having it.

“So…where are the stupid cameras you were supposed to install and protect your workers, huh!” Isabella said bitterly and looked around the ceiling and corners for anything. It was only then did Danny realize something.

“The cameras were busted and someone broke into the computer room,” Danny whined, knowing everything was ruined. The media who posted Shania's pictures all over weren't willing to talk. It seemed they were paid heavily to keep their mouths shut.

“Because you are an incompetent boss” It was too much, Isabella was furious to even look at Danny.

“Bingo!” Danny exclaimed, which got Isabella's attention. She turned around and frowned, seeing Danny looking all happy.

“What?” She asked and Danny grinned.

“All is not lost…we can find the culprit… I might have put some cameras somewhere…but I need a tech genius,” Danny said and hurriedly started heading to Shania's changing room. Isabella was down for anything as long as it gave them the name of the person who took those pictures.

“If you need one… I can call Shawn,” Isabella said nonchalantly while Danny was looking around for something.

“Then call him,” he had to apologize to Shania, but they had to find the culprit. Maybe this could be a good reason to see Shawn after weeks. Isabella was a little scared. But Shawn was good when it came to technology stuff. Especially recovering information from a damaged computer or phone.