Hey guys, thanks so much for the very nice reviews... they certainly keep me going;) Thanks.
Well, I hope you enjoy this chapter, too....
Angels or Devils
Chapter 10
Once Lana had forgiven Damian, she hung up the phone, breathed in and out to regain her sanity. Her emotions were running on hyper-drive, suffocated by tense and confused feelings that constricted the beat of her heart. She had allowed Lex to kiss her. Why? Hadn't she stopped loving him long ago? Hadn't she convinced herself he would never be a part of her life? It was wrong to want to resurrect something she knew could never work out... not now, not ever. They had to move on, they had to fight those demons of the past and move on.
But could she ignore the burning, the ache for something she knew was real?
"Yes," she whispered to herself. Feeling adamant about her decision, she began heading towards office as she uplifted her confidence and determination. Lana walked inside, not noticing the emptiness of the room, "Lex... this was a mis-" She cut herself off, finally realizing there wasn't anyone in the room. Glancing around her office to ensure its void, she sighed as she shook herself into reality... she should of known he would run away. He always ran.
Lana seated herself into her chair, "Back to business, Lang," she urged herself as she scrambled through her papers. She decided it was time to really prepare for her meeting with Blythe... everything had to go right, especially on her land proposal. Project V, as her and C.Z. had dubbed it, had been in the works for a year now. No one except the two partners knew about it. Things had to be kept under wraps since it would ultimately give them a monopoly over all fashion lines. All they needed was extra land.
Slightly paranoid, she looked around to make sure she was alone. Lana unlocked one of her drawers, only to find that the Project V file was missing. "What hell," she gasped in confusion. The file was missing. Quickly, she grabbed the phone, speed dialing C.Z.
"At 3 in the morning, this better be good, Lang," an exhausted C.Z. greeted, she didn't have to ask to know it was her workaholic partner.
"Did you take the file, C.Z.," she inquired with panic persistent.
The British designer, yawned as she tried to make sense of Lana's question. "What file," she asked, having no idea what she was talking about.
"The Project V file... did you or did you not take it, C.Z.," she questioned again, growing angry her lax concern.
Suddenly fully awake, the Englishwoman furrowed her eyebrows as she realized the severity of the situation, "No... I thought you had the file in your drawer."
"If I had it, I wouldn't be calling. It's gone! The file is missing," Lana yelled in rage. "Someone took the damn file."
C.Z. couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Who? Who could have known about it? Who could've taken it," she inquired like a madwoman, beginning to panic in full anxiety.
Lana sighed as she tried to ignore the rattled woman on the other end. She had to think of a solution, of the culprit. Suddenly, it hit her. Of course, how could she be so dense... so naive and gullible?
Finding her voice as the realization sunk in, she answered C.Z.'s questions with one name.
"Lex..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day, 8:00 AM...
Ignoring the protests of the secretary, the determined young businessman made his way into the office supposedly closed-off to all visitors. He didn't care what time it was, or who was allowed it or not, he had to get through for the sake of the truth. With resolute force, he opened the door to the office.
Startled by the intrusion, the head of the company looked up and frowned in anger at her uninvited guest, "What the hell are you doing here, Lex," Lana questioned from her desk. She didn't wait for an answer, but simply acknowledged her out-of-breath secretary who followed behind him, "Kate, call security immediately." Without hesitation, she quickly turned around to follow her boss's order.
"Lana," he demanded, attempting to calm her. "There's something you should know." He revealed a file in his hand.
Taking a glance at the folder in his hand, she arched her eyebrow, "What? Are we feeling remorse about stealing something that wasn't yours," she asked sarcastically. "God, how could I have been so stupid to think you were here last night because you actually cared about our relationship? I should have known you were that underhanded... but I actually believed you, I trusted you when you said you'd never do anything underhanded to me."
Lex furrowed his eyebrows, completely at lost. He didn't understand what she was accusing him of, "Lana, I have no idea what you're talking about. I didn't steal anything... maybe you should ask your fiancé, Damian Steele, or should I say-"
"Leave him out of this," she demanded with a clenched jaw. "This is between you and me, and the fact that you tried to sabotage my plans. But, that's quite alright because I made sure Mr. Blythe found out about your indiscretions. I figured it would give him a better insight into your personality, seeing as he really wanted to get to know you."
Still, unable to make gist of her accusations, he stammered with his words, "Lana... I don't understand... I haven't-" Suddenly, he was interrupted by a group of guards who detained Lex from making his advances towards Lana. Grabbing him by the shoulders, they began pulling him out of the office as he attempted to escape their hold. "Lana... don't do this. You have it all wrong. I haven't stolen anything," he managed to say as he struggled against the guards. "Get your damn hands off me! Lana... just hear me out."
In her heart, she knew there was some truth to his contentions. But, she just couldn't allow herself to believe him... she didn't want to listen to him, to risk getting hurt again by his lies. No, she wasn't going to fall for his lies again.
Lana gradually made her way towards him, silent and unwavering in her decision, she signaled to let him go. "I don't care what you have to say. Just give me the file and leave my office," her voice was unfaltering, coldly assertive. "Don't say a word, just turn around and leave... Mr. Luthor."
He felt her words, hitting him like freezing wind. He knew she wasn't going to listen. Keeping his gaze on her eyes, he saw a reflection of himself and knew he had to surrender. Lex handed her the file and did as he was told, only glancing back as a final farewell.
After waiting a few seconds for all of them to exit, Lana closed the door forcefully. Not wanting to think twice about the spectacle, she opened the file in her hand and began reading. Gradually her eyebrows began furrowing as she intently absorbed the material. A tear suddenly escaped her eye, realizing her mistake and the newfound truth. She wasn't hurt, it wasn't the pain from betrayal... but anger, unadulterated rage. "Harvey Dent..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Noon...
Whistling happily, the oblivious Damian made his way into his fiance's office. He was delighted she had forgiven him for their last confrontation, and now they were doing lunch. Hopefully, it would be their old lunch days when they were first dating. Those times were stress-free and Lana wasn't so tied up in work. Thinking of those days, he opened the door to her office, "Hello, sweetheart... are we ready for lunch?"
Lana grinned, seemingly aloof as she approached him quietly, putting her arms around his neck. "I'm glad you were able to come. I like to keep you close," she said, facing him adoringly.
"Now, I wonder why that is," he questioned, whispering into her ear as he playfully nibbled her neck.
Smiling cryptically, she replied provocatively, "Oh you know... I like to keep my enemies closer... Harvey."
As soon as he heard the name, he froze, remaining still and speechless. "What did you just call me," he swallowed nervously.
He backed away slowly, while she patronizingly chuckled out loud at his reaction, "You heard me, Harvey."
"Lana, I can explain...," he began.
"When were you planning to tell me... after the wedding? Or when you were through with me," she asked, the anger noticeably increasing.
"Lana, I wanted to tell you, but I was being blackmailed by Lionel Luthor, " he contended, trying desperately to explain himself. "I love you, Lana... I fell in love with you the day I met you."
Sighing in annoyance of his excuses, she shook her head, "Obviously not enough to tell me the truth, apparently."
"I couldn't... I would have been ruined," he admitted, knowing well he was losing her.
"What about me? What about our relationship," she inquired, yelling as her frustrations got the better of her. "Why? Just tell me why you lied to me?"
His head down in shame, Harvey surrendered the truth, "I was hired by Lionel Luthor to make sure you and his son never resumed your intimate relationship. At first, that's all I had to do... but when you became C.Z.'s partner and the company started branching out successfully, I was ordered to spy on your business transactions."
Overwhelmed by the information, she stared at him in disbelief. Lana couldn't feel her voice, her whole body seemed to numb. She had lost so much, changed everything in her life because of one man's egotistical plan for the future. "So you... you were the one who stole the Project V file," she finally found her voice as the realization sunk in. "You've been lying to me all this time... about... about everything."
"No, Lana... not about everything. I love you and that stands as a fact. I have never lied about loving you," he reiterated, nearing her.
Seeing his approach, she raised her hand to yield his steps, "Don't come near me," she demanded. "I don't know you anymore."
"Lana, my name may not be Damian Steele, but I am still the man you fell in love with," Harvey insisted, hoping she would understand.
"What are you talking about? You disguised yourself as a British lawyer, hired to seduce me when I was vulnerable and lost... I didn't fall in love with you, I fell for your act," Lana amended, allowing tears of frustrations to escape her. "I thought you were the one who could help me find myself... but... but I was wrong. I don't know you... or myself."
He shook his head disapprovingly, "No, Lana... that's not true. I may not have the British accent and may have been blackmailed, but I love you. I'm still that lawyer who cares for people... and cares for you, especially you."
Shaking her head from side to side, tired of hearing his apologies, she headed towards the door, "I have to attend a meeting. I'm sure you can find your way out, and I expect you to be out of the apartment by end of this day. Don't call, don't come by... just stay out of my life."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An unusually weathered Lex opened the door to his hotel... exhausted and emotionally drained, all he wanted to do was lie down with a drink in hand. But, it was apparently too much to ask for. Inside, awaited the man who had controlled his steps since the day he was born.
"Lex, it's about time you got here," greeted the very-smug Lionel Luthor.
Eyeing him with clear annoyance, he stepped inside his room, closing the door behind him. "Hello, father... what brings you to other side of the world," he asked as he headed for a drink.
"I just wanted to make sure you were prepared for the Blythe presentation," he replied arrogantly. "I wouldn't want to hear that my son wasn't capable of easily winning over an obtuse, old man... especially when his competition was an over-the-hill, dim-witted English and an overzealous young woman from Smallville."
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were doubting my abilities," Lex sipped his drink, praising the heat of his vodka-on-the-rocks. "But, that possibly couldn't be it since you had it all panned out. In fact, you probably have some new information for me... possibly information gathered by your henchman, Mr. Harvey Dent."
Chuckling smugly, he admitted, "I'm surprise it took you that long to find out." Lex's eyes darted to his father, exuding hatred at his pompous attitude and indifference. The elder Luthor simply simpered, "Two years ago, I found Mr. Dent in Gotham City and instantly knew the up-and-coming attorney would be perfect for the job. He reminded me so much of you... that's what did it. I knew the little princess of Smallville would easily fall for the young man who thought he could conquer the world. Add Paris, and it was one of the best investments I have ever made."
Remaining silent, he continued to glare at his father. He felt the anger overwhelming his body... how could he have let this happen? His father had not only manipulated his life, but the one person he cared the most about... Lana. He could only blame himself... he had let her go and allowed his father to create further distance between what they had.
"But, that's enough of that... here's what you need for your meeting today," he placed the Project V file on top of a table as headed towards the door. "I suggest you get started... you only have half an hour before your appointment."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Half an hour later...
He knew what he had to do, even if he would have to sacrifice making a deal. If not for himself, for Lana... he had to do this.
Entering the elaborate office of the British mogul, he began quickly, "Mr. Blythe, there's something you have to know-"
"Oh, not to worry, Lex... Ms. Lang already explained the misunderstanding. You needn't to worry about anything except your presentation," he cut off Lex, smiling and urging him to keep at ease.
Lex ceased his steps, realizing that Lana wasn't in the dark anymore. He admired the fact she cleared the situation... it was something the old Lana would have done. It was his turn now. "I'm glad the issue has been cleared," he replied, slowing down. "However, the reason I am here is not to present my proposal for your land."
Looking perplexed, Mr. Blythe asked, "Then why are you here, Lex?"
"I've come to withdraw my bid and my interest in your land," he revealed. "I apologize for the short notice, but it is the right decision."
"Are you sure it is," the English tycoon questioned, finding it strange he would do so impulsively. "You do understand, this opportunity will not remain on the table ever again?"
"I understand, Mr. Blythe," he admitted. "Nonetheless, I believe Ms. Lang is more deserving of this chance. The truth is, Mr. Blythe... she will always be the competitor with the better personality. No one can compare to her... especially not me."
Furrowing his eyebrow, Mr. Blythe continued to look onto the young man who simply nodded a farewell and resumed to leave the office. He was baffled, but knew that there was something bigger involved... it had to be love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later that night...
Lana stood, pensively viewing the night sky out on her balcony. With a drink in hand, she thought about everything that occurred in the last three days. It had all happened so quickly and resulted in more confusion. Yet, one thing was for sure... she was left vulnerable again, pained by lies and confused by her own feelings. Everything was in the air, including decisions she didn't want to make. There were too many risks, and she was tired of getting hurt.
As she continued to get lost in her daze, her former fiancé quietly appeared behind her, admiring the beauty before him. Seeing her there, he truly regretted the decisions he had made. Hopefully, the one he was making now would make up for all of them. "Lana," he called for her attention.
She turned around abruptly, "What are you doing here?"
"There's something I have to tell you," he announced. "I decided that it was only right."
"Look, Steele, Harvey... whatever your name is... we're not getting back together," she retorted with added resistance.
"That's not why I'm here, Lana," he corrected. "There's something you need to know." Saying nothing in return, she allowed him to continue. "The reason I was kept under Luthor's 'employment' for such a long time was because of Lex's continuing interest in you. For two years, he has followed you through the media and whatever news he heard from Paris. As much as he tried to, he could never stop loving you... and his father knew. Since his master plan for Lex did not include you in the picture, he made sure you were in Paris and distracted with me."
Lana bit her lip, trying to register the truth. "Why are you telling me this," she asked.
"Because I've made enough mistakes in my life... and it's time to start making the right ones now," Harvey answered honestly. "I don't expect you to forgive me and I don't expect you take me back, especially when I know you love Lex." Her eyes widened, startled by his observation. Before she could argue, he spoke up, "I have always known you were in love with him. And I knew he would never stop, especially after I read this." He handed her a worn envelope, "Well, I have to go. I'm going back to Gotham," he claimed, swallowing nervously. "Goodbye, Lana."
Uncomfortably and regretfully, he left the woman who would forever hold his heart. Meanwhile, Lana held the envelope, contemplating its content and the new discovery. Hesitantly, however, she opened the letter and began reading.
She gasped, finding it hard to breathe as her heart constricted, the emotions overwhelming her body.
Lex's letter from two years past had finally arrived.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I'm glad it finally did arrive! But, what do you think? Enjoyable chapter, or hate that cliffie? Well, feel free to rant, review, criticize, anything you wish....
Oh and just so you know... Chapter 11: The FINALE
Btw, Harvey Dent is a character from Batman. He's otherwise known as Two-Faced. Of course, this is prior to his change. I just thought his character was appropriate;)
Well, I hope you enjoy this chapter, too....
Angels or Devils
Chapter 10
Once Lana had forgiven Damian, she hung up the phone, breathed in and out to regain her sanity. Her emotions were running on hyper-drive, suffocated by tense and confused feelings that constricted the beat of her heart. She had allowed Lex to kiss her. Why? Hadn't she stopped loving him long ago? Hadn't she convinced herself he would never be a part of her life? It was wrong to want to resurrect something she knew could never work out... not now, not ever. They had to move on, they had to fight those demons of the past and move on.
But could she ignore the burning, the ache for something she knew was real?
"Yes," she whispered to herself. Feeling adamant about her decision, she began heading towards office as she uplifted her confidence and determination. Lana walked inside, not noticing the emptiness of the room, "Lex... this was a mis-" She cut herself off, finally realizing there wasn't anyone in the room. Glancing around her office to ensure its void, she sighed as she shook herself into reality... she should of known he would run away. He always ran.
Lana seated herself into her chair, "Back to business, Lang," she urged herself as she scrambled through her papers. She decided it was time to really prepare for her meeting with Blythe... everything had to go right, especially on her land proposal. Project V, as her and C.Z. had dubbed it, had been in the works for a year now. No one except the two partners knew about it. Things had to be kept under wraps since it would ultimately give them a monopoly over all fashion lines. All they needed was extra land.
Slightly paranoid, she looked around to make sure she was alone. Lana unlocked one of her drawers, only to find that the Project V file was missing. "What hell," she gasped in confusion. The file was missing. Quickly, she grabbed the phone, speed dialing C.Z.
"At 3 in the morning, this better be good, Lang," an exhausted C.Z. greeted, she didn't have to ask to know it was her workaholic partner.
"Did you take the file, C.Z.," she inquired with panic persistent.
The British designer, yawned as she tried to make sense of Lana's question. "What file," she asked, having no idea what she was talking about.
"The Project V file... did you or did you not take it, C.Z.," she questioned again, growing angry her lax concern.
Suddenly fully awake, the Englishwoman furrowed her eyebrows as she realized the severity of the situation, "No... I thought you had the file in your drawer."
"If I had it, I wouldn't be calling. It's gone! The file is missing," Lana yelled in rage. "Someone took the damn file."
C.Z. couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Who? Who could have known about it? Who could've taken it," she inquired like a madwoman, beginning to panic in full anxiety.
Lana sighed as she tried to ignore the rattled woman on the other end. She had to think of a solution, of the culprit. Suddenly, it hit her. Of course, how could she be so dense... so naive and gullible?
Finding her voice as the realization sunk in, she answered C.Z.'s questions with one name.
"Lex..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next day, 8:00 AM...
Ignoring the protests of the secretary, the determined young businessman made his way into the office supposedly closed-off to all visitors. He didn't care what time it was, or who was allowed it or not, he had to get through for the sake of the truth. With resolute force, he opened the door to the office.
Startled by the intrusion, the head of the company looked up and frowned in anger at her uninvited guest, "What the hell are you doing here, Lex," Lana questioned from her desk. She didn't wait for an answer, but simply acknowledged her out-of-breath secretary who followed behind him, "Kate, call security immediately." Without hesitation, she quickly turned around to follow her boss's order.
"Lana," he demanded, attempting to calm her. "There's something you should know." He revealed a file in his hand.
Taking a glance at the folder in his hand, she arched her eyebrow, "What? Are we feeling remorse about stealing something that wasn't yours," she asked sarcastically. "God, how could I have been so stupid to think you were here last night because you actually cared about our relationship? I should have known you were that underhanded... but I actually believed you, I trusted you when you said you'd never do anything underhanded to me."
Lex furrowed his eyebrows, completely at lost. He didn't understand what she was accusing him of, "Lana, I have no idea what you're talking about. I didn't steal anything... maybe you should ask your fiancé, Damian Steele, or should I say-"
"Leave him out of this," she demanded with a clenched jaw. "This is between you and me, and the fact that you tried to sabotage my plans. But, that's quite alright because I made sure Mr. Blythe found out about your indiscretions. I figured it would give him a better insight into your personality, seeing as he really wanted to get to know you."
Still, unable to make gist of her accusations, he stammered with his words, "Lana... I don't understand... I haven't-" Suddenly, he was interrupted by a group of guards who detained Lex from making his advances towards Lana. Grabbing him by the shoulders, they began pulling him out of the office as he attempted to escape their hold. "Lana... don't do this. You have it all wrong. I haven't stolen anything," he managed to say as he struggled against the guards. "Get your damn hands off me! Lana... just hear me out."
In her heart, she knew there was some truth to his contentions. But, she just couldn't allow herself to believe him... she didn't want to listen to him, to risk getting hurt again by his lies. No, she wasn't going to fall for his lies again.
Lana gradually made her way towards him, silent and unwavering in her decision, she signaled to let him go. "I don't care what you have to say. Just give me the file and leave my office," her voice was unfaltering, coldly assertive. "Don't say a word, just turn around and leave... Mr. Luthor."
He felt her words, hitting him like freezing wind. He knew she wasn't going to listen. Keeping his gaze on her eyes, he saw a reflection of himself and knew he had to surrender. Lex handed her the file and did as he was told, only glancing back as a final farewell.
After waiting a few seconds for all of them to exit, Lana closed the door forcefully. Not wanting to think twice about the spectacle, she opened the file in her hand and began reading. Gradually her eyebrows began furrowing as she intently absorbed the material. A tear suddenly escaped her eye, realizing her mistake and the newfound truth. She wasn't hurt, it wasn't the pain from betrayal... but anger, unadulterated rage. "Harvey Dent..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Noon...
Whistling happily, the oblivious Damian made his way into his fiance's office. He was delighted she had forgiven him for their last confrontation, and now they were doing lunch. Hopefully, it would be their old lunch days when they were first dating. Those times were stress-free and Lana wasn't so tied up in work. Thinking of those days, he opened the door to her office, "Hello, sweetheart... are we ready for lunch?"
Lana grinned, seemingly aloof as she approached him quietly, putting her arms around his neck. "I'm glad you were able to come. I like to keep you close," she said, facing him adoringly.
"Now, I wonder why that is," he questioned, whispering into her ear as he playfully nibbled her neck.
Smiling cryptically, she replied provocatively, "Oh you know... I like to keep my enemies closer... Harvey."
As soon as he heard the name, he froze, remaining still and speechless. "What did you just call me," he swallowed nervously.
He backed away slowly, while she patronizingly chuckled out loud at his reaction, "You heard me, Harvey."
"Lana, I can explain...," he began.
"When were you planning to tell me... after the wedding? Or when you were through with me," she asked, the anger noticeably increasing.
"Lana, I wanted to tell you, but I was being blackmailed by Lionel Luthor, " he contended, trying desperately to explain himself. "I love you, Lana... I fell in love with you the day I met you."
Sighing in annoyance of his excuses, she shook her head, "Obviously not enough to tell me the truth, apparently."
"I couldn't... I would have been ruined," he admitted, knowing well he was losing her.
"What about me? What about our relationship," she inquired, yelling as her frustrations got the better of her. "Why? Just tell me why you lied to me?"
His head down in shame, Harvey surrendered the truth, "I was hired by Lionel Luthor to make sure you and his son never resumed your intimate relationship. At first, that's all I had to do... but when you became C.Z.'s partner and the company started branching out successfully, I was ordered to spy on your business transactions."
Overwhelmed by the information, she stared at him in disbelief. Lana couldn't feel her voice, her whole body seemed to numb. She had lost so much, changed everything in her life because of one man's egotistical plan for the future. "So you... you were the one who stole the Project V file," she finally found her voice as the realization sunk in. "You've been lying to me all this time... about... about everything."
"No, Lana... not about everything. I love you and that stands as a fact. I have never lied about loving you," he reiterated, nearing her.
Seeing his approach, she raised her hand to yield his steps, "Don't come near me," she demanded. "I don't know you anymore."
"Lana, my name may not be Damian Steele, but I am still the man you fell in love with," Harvey insisted, hoping she would understand.
"What are you talking about? You disguised yourself as a British lawyer, hired to seduce me when I was vulnerable and lost... I didn't fall in love with you, I fell for your act," Lana amended, allowing tears of frustrations to escape her. "I thought you were the one who could help me find myself... but... but I was wrong. I don't know you... or myself."
He shook his head disapprovingly, "No, Lana... that's not true. I may not have the British accent and may have been blackmailed, but I love you. I'm still that lawyer who cares for people... and cares for you, especially you."
Shaking her head from side to side, tired of hearing his apologies, she headed towards the door, "I have to attend a meeting. I'm sure you can find your way out, and I expect you to be out of the apartment by end of this day. Don't call, don't come by... just stay out of my life."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An unusually weathered Lex opened the door to his hotel... exhausted and emotionally drained, all he wanted to do was lie down with a drink in hand. But, it was apparently too much to ask for. Inside, awaited the man who had controlled his steps since the day he was born.
"Lex, it's about time you got here," greeted the very-smug Lionel Luthor.
Eyeing him with clear annoyance, he stepped inside his room, closing the door behind him. "Hello, father... what brings you to other side of the world," he asked as he headed for a drink.
"I just wanted to make sure you were prepared for the Blythe presentation," he replied arrogantly. "I wouldn't want to hear that my son wasn't capable of easily winning over an obtuse, old man... especially when his competition was an over-the-hill, dim-witted English and an overzealous young woman from Smallville."
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were doubting my abilities," Lex sipped his drink, praising the heat of his vodka-on-the-rocks. "But, that possibly couldn't be it since you had it all panned out. In fact, you probably have some new information for me... possibly information gathered by your henchman, Mr. Harvey Dent."
Chuckling smugly, he admitted, "I'm surprise it took you that long to find out." Lex's eyes darted to his father, exuding hatred at his pompous attitude and indifference. The elder Luthor simply simpered, "Two years ago, I found Mr. Dent in Gotham City and instantly knew the up-and-coming attorney would be perfect for the job. He reminded me so much of you... that's what did it. I knew the little princess of Smallville would easily fall for the young man who thought he could conquer the world. Add Paris, and it was one of the best investments I have ever made."
Remaining silent, he continued to glare at his father. He felt the anger overwhelming his body... how could he have let this happen? His father had not only manipulated his life, but the one person he cared the most about... Lana. He could only blame himself... he had let her go and allowed his father to create further distance between what they had.
"But, that's enough of that... here's what you need for your meeting today," he placed the Project V file on top of a table as headed towards the door. "I suggest you get started... you only have half an hour before your appointment."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Half an hour later...
He knew what he had to do, even if he would have to sacrifice making a deal. If not for himself, for Lana... he had to do this.
Entering the elaborate office of the British mogul, he began quickly, "Mr. Blythe, there's something you have to know-"
"Oh, not to worry, Lex... Ms. Lang already explained the misunderstanding. You needn't to worry about anything except your presentation," he cut off Lex, smiling and urging him to keep at ease.
Lex ceased his steps, realizing that Lana wasn't in the dark anymore. He admired the fact she cleared the situation... it was something the old Lana would have done. It was his turn now. "I'm glad the issue has been cleared," he replied, slowing down. "However, the reason I am here is not to present my proposal for your land."
Looking perplexed, Mr. Blythe asked, "Then why are you here, Lex?"
"I've come to withdraw my bid and my interest in your land," he revealed. "I apologize for the short notice, but it is the right decision."
"Are you sure it is," the English tycoon questioned, finding it strange he would do so impulsively. "You do understand, this opportunity will not remain on the table ever again?"
"I understand, Mr. Blythe," he admitted. "Nonetheless, I believe Ms. Lang is more deserving of this chance. The truth is, Mr. Blythe... she will always be the competitor with the better personality. No one can compare to her... especially not me."
Furrowing his eyebrow, Mr. Blythe continued to look onto the young man who simply nodded a farewell and resumed to leave the office. He was baffled, but knew that there was something bigger involved... it had to be love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Later that night...
Lana stood, pensively viewing the night sky out on her balcony. With a drink in hand, she thought about everything that occurred in the last three days. It had all happened so quickly and resulted in more confusion. Yet, one thing was for sure... she was left vulnerable again, pained by lies and confused by her own feelings. Everything was in the air, including decisions she didn't want to make. There were too many risks, and she was tired of getting hurt.
As she continued to get lost in her daze, her former fiancé quietly appeared behind her, admiring the beauty before him. Seeing her there, he truly regretted the decisions he had made. Hopefully, the one he was making now would make up for all of them. "Lana," he called for her attention.
She turned around abruptly, "What are you doing here?"
"There's something I have to tell you," he announced. "I decided that it was only right."
"Look, Steele, Harvey... whatever your name is... we're not getting back together," she retorted with added resistance.
"That's not why I'm here, Lana," he corrected. "There's something you need to know." Saying nothing in return, she allowed him to continue. "The reason I was kept under Luthor's 'employment' for such a long time was because of Lex's continuing interest in you. For two years, he has followed you through the media and whatever news he heard from Paris. As much as he tried to, he could never stop loving you... and his father knew. Since his master plan for Lex did not include you in the picture, he made sure you were in Paris and distracted with me."
Lana bit her lip, trying to register the truth. "Why are you telling me this," she asked.
"Because I've made enough mistakes in my life... and it's time to start making the right ones now," Harvey answered honestly. "I don't expect you to forgive me and I don't expect you take me back, especially when I know you love Lex." Her eyes widened, startled by his observation. Before she could argue, he spoke up, "I have always known you were in love with him. And I knew he would never stop, especially after I read this." He handed her a worn envelope, "Well, I have to go. I'm going back to Gotham," he claimed, swallowing nervously. "Goodbye, Lana."
Uncomfortably and regretfully, he left the woman who would forever hold his heart. Meanwhile, Lana held the envelope, contemplating its content and the new discovery. Hesitantly, however, she opened the letter and began reading.
She gasped, finding it hard to breathe as her heart constricted, the emotions overwhelming her body.
Lex's letter from two years past had finally arrived.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I'm glad it finally did arrive! But, what do you think? Enjoyable chapter, or hate that cliffie? Well, feel free to rant, review, criticize, anything you wish....
Oh and just so you know... Chapter 11: The FINALE
Btw, Harvey Dent is a character from Batman. He's otherwise known as Two-Faced. Of course, this is prior to his change. I just thought his character was appropriate;)
