Where Love Lies: Book 2 - 5. Chapter 5: Let the game begin!

Gael let out a low, amused chuckle, the kind that stirred tension like a spoon through hot tea. He leaned back in his chair and looked at Ian with calm satisfaction.

“I’m part of the business now, Mr. Sandoval,” he said smoothly, the words rolling off his tongue like silk. “Better get used to seeing my face around here.”

Ian stared at him, eyes wide, mouth slightly open.

“This… this is a joke, right?” he said, almost laughing, though there was nothing amused about the look in his eyes. “There’s no way this is happening. No way in hell.”

Gael gave a casual shrug and slid a sleek leather folder across the table.

“Go on. Read it. Carefully.”

Ian’s fingers were stiff as he picked up the folder, snapping it open. The room remained dead silent—no one dared move, not even breathe. His eyes scanned the printed words, and as they did, the color began to drain from his face.

The document was real.

His lips moved slowly as he read the highlighted clause aloud under his breath:

“Thirty percent of shares… investor discretion… may be managed by the investor’s immediate family or legal designee…”

Gael’s voice broke through his disbelief like a knife.

“When you agreed to take in an investor, Ian, you sold 30% of your company. Those shares now belong to Mr. Leonardo Moretti.” He paused, letting that sink in before continuing with a polite smile. “And since I’m his son-in-law, he’s entrusted me with the duty of overseeing the business, ensuring his investment is… well protected.”

Ian slowly looked up, his hands trembling as he dropped the file on the table. The sound of paper hitting wood was the loudest thing in the room.

His face twisted with a mix of rage and disbelief.

“You little snake. You married Alex just to worm your way in here, didn’t you? That was your plan all along.”

Gael smiled—but it didn’t reach his eyes.

“Actually, I married Alex because your little schemes left me no choice. I am just playing the role of a good husband and a dutiful son in-law. But this?” He motioned to the folder. “This is just a bonus.”

Ian rose from his chair again, this time slower, more controlled, but his rage was unmistakable.

“Do you honestly think I’ll sit here and let you run my business into the ground? Over my dead body.”

Gael met his glare calmly, voice low and firm.

“Then I suggest you take better care of it. Would be a shame if your investors started to think you were... unstable.”

The room went ice cold.

And just as Ian opened his mouth again, Alex finally spoke—his voice quiet, but laced with steel.

“Gael isn’t going anywhere, Ian. And neither are those shares.”

The room buzzed with disbelief and rising tension, the kind that coils in the chest and dares someone to breathe wrong.

Ian’s jaw clenched so tight the veins in his neck bulged. He turned slowly to Gael, voice dipped in venom.

“Alex is already here. There’s no need for you to be. You can take your drama somewhere else.”

Before Gael could open his mouth, Alex stood. His chair scraped loudly against the polished floor as he met Ian’s furious glare without flinching.

“My father,” Alex began, “wanted both of us here. He trusted me and Gael to manage the business together—as a couple. That was the condition of his investment. I’m sorry you didn’t know, Ian, but you should’ve read the fine print.”

A slow, smug smile tugged at Gael’s lips as he folded his arms.

“You know these kinds of deals always come with contracts. Would’ve thought you’d be more careful, Ian.”

A heavy silence followed—until Amanda suddenly shot to her feet, her face twisted with outrage.

“This is madness! We can’t allow him to be part of our business! He’s manipulative, conniving, and a stain on our name!”

Gael turned to face her, unbothered. Calm. Cold.

“Well, Amanda,” he said lightly, “you’re free to take it up with my father-in-law. After all, investing in this company was Ian’s choice. You welcomed the Moretti money. You didn’t get to choose the hands that came with it.”

Amanda looked like she’d been slapped. Carlos was visibly confused, shifting in his seat with furrowed brows as he looked from his father to Alex and Gael.

“That’s enough,” Ian said, his voice a dangerous growl. “This meeting is over. Everyone—get out.”

Chairs scraped. Papers shuffled. The other board members stood, whispering amongst themselves, stealing curious glances at Gael as they filtered out of the room.

Only Ian, Amanda, Carlos, Natalie, Alex, and Gael remained.

The door closed.

The silence inside was suffocating.

Carlos finally broke it.

“Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on?”

Natalie, still rooted to her chair, looked stunned. Her lips parted, but no words came out. She kept glancing at Gael, like she couldn’t comprehend what had just unfolded.

Amanda turned to Ian, fury bubbling over.

“You let this happen? You sold thirty percent of our company to them?”

“This company needed that,” Ian snapped. “The terms weren’t supposed to give him control.”

Alex crossed his arms.

“You didn’t expect my spouse to be part of this because you weren't looking at the pictire. But Gael is now a Moretti. That changed the terms. Legally. My father didn’t break the contract, and neither did I.”

Ian slammed his hand down on the table, the sound echoing like a thunderclap.

“You’ve humiliated this family.” He looked between Alex and Gael. “First you married that thing, and now you’re dragging him into my business? After everything I’ve done for you?”

Alex narrowed his eyes. “Everything you’ve done for me? What have you done for me? Weeks ago, we barely knew each other. Like I said before, I was the one that did something for you.'

That made Ian go silent for a moment—his face flickering with restrained rage. He turned to Carlos.

“And you,” he growled. “You just sat there and let all this happen. If you didn't get involved with this stupid boy, none of this would have happened.”

Carlos stood slowly, clearly caught off guard by the venom in his father’s tone.

“What do you want me to say, Dad? That I’m shocked? That I’m pissed?” He gestured toward Gael. “This isn’t about him. This is about you losing control. And honestly? It’s hard to feel bad.”

Ian’s eyes snapped back to Gael.

“You think you’ve won?”

Gael tilted his head, amused.

“Won? No, Ian. This isn’t a game to me. I’m not here to take over your business or destroy it. I’m just here to make sure Leonardo’s investment is safe. And to keep an eye on those who might not want it that way.”

Amanda scoffed.

“You think you’re untouchable now that you married into money? You’re still the same street rat who crawled into this family by playing the victim.”

Gael’s smile faded. He stepped forward, slow and deliberate. His eyes were no longer playful—they were cold, dangerous.

“You want to know the truth, Amanda?” he said quietly. “I never wanted to be part of your world. But you made me part of it when you tried to ruin my life. When you watched me suffer and smiled. When your family used me like a pawn.”

He looked around the room.

“Well now, I’m not the pawn anymore. I’m the one you’ll have to answer to when things start falling apart.”

Ian’s face darkened. “You’ll regret this.”

Alex walked over and took Gael’s hand.

“No, Ian. You will regret it if you dare hurt my husband.”

And with that, the two turned and walked out, leaving the Sandovals in stunned silence behind them.

The storm had arrived.

***

The sky outside was steel blue, the kind of color that made the city look cold and untouchable. Gael stood in Alex’s office, arms crossed, gazing out the massive floor-to-ceiling windows at the sprawling skyline that stretched endlessly. Cars moved like ants, buildings stood like immovable giants, and far in the distance, he could almost hear the hum of the world.

This wasn’t his place.

Not really.

But it had to be. He had to make it his.

He wasn’t allowed to crumble—not in this family, not in front of Amanda, not in front of him.

But before he could take another breath, his arm was yanked so violently, he staggered backward with a muffled gasp.

He turned—and his heart dropped.

Ian.

Breathing like a wild animal—his eyes bloodshot and his jaw clenched so tight, Gael swore he heard his teeth grinding. The older man’s hand twisted into his arm, dragging him close, nostrils flaring like a man who had just smelled blood.

Gael’s entire body stiffened in fear. It crawled up his spine like ice.

“How dare you come back into our lives?!” Ian bellowed, spit flying from his lips. “What is it, huh?! You got a death wish?!”

His hand snapped up and gripped Gael’s jaw, fingers digging in hard enough to bruise. The fear on Gael’s face was unmistakable—raw, unfiltered. Ian liked it. He fed on it. His breathing grew heavier.

“TELL ME!” Ian shouted again, shaking Gael by the face. “You were spared! You should’ve run and never looked back. But instead you worm your way into my company?”

Then, like a switch being flipped, Gael was slammed against the wall—his back thudding loudly. Ian’s grip on his jaw tightened, forcing his head back. Gael’s breath hitched.

He couldn't breathe.

Couldn’t think.

But then—

Suddenly, behind the haze of fear, his mind began flashing... those memories.

The cold floors of his cell.

The laughter of the guards.

The pain. The blood. The nights spent screaming into the dark until his voice gave out.

It all came flooding in like a dam breaking.

Something inside him snapped.

His hand shot up, trembling but strong. He pried Ian’s fingers from his jaw one by one, dropping them with force as his chest rose and fell sharply with fury.

“Your torture,” Gael hissed, voice low and dark, “your inhumane treatment gave me courage.”

His eyes flared as he stepped closer.

“And in revenge, the rule is... you pay back with interest.”

Ian growled, his hand shooting out and twisting Gael’s arm. Gael winced but didn’t back down.

“You think this is revenge?” Ian seethed. “The job I left incomplete last time... I’ll finish it now.”

Gael’s breath caught—but then he blinked rapidly, tilting his head slightly toward the door.

And then he whispered, in a voice both small and strategic—

“Dad?”

He raised his voice slightly.

“Leonardo?”

Ian’s entire body froze. His heart slammed against his ribs like a war drum.

His head turned toward the door instantly.

But—

Nothing.

No footsteps.

No figure.

Just silence.

And when he looked back—

Gael was smiling.

Not scared.

Not broken.

Smiling.

“What happened?” Gael asked mockingly. “You looked like you saw a ghost. You seem... scared.”

Ian’s fists clenched.

“I’m not scared of you, you little...”

“No,” Gael interrupted coldly. “Not me. Leonardo.”

He stepped forward now, the fear long gone, replaced by steely calm.

“I know you. I know how greedy you are. Desperate. You need him. You need his money. His connections. You want to act like a god, but without him, you don’t even have a leg to stand on.”

He leaned in, whispering venomously.

“As long as you’re tied to Leonardo, you’ve got stronghold over one of the most powerful coasts in the country. Cut that cord...”

He snapped his fingers.

“You lose everything.”

Ian’s face turned red, his veins bulging as his fists trembled at his sides.

“Am I missing anything else?” Gael asked, his voice like silk and steel.

Ian stepped forward, face inches away from Gael’s.

“You think by marrying into a powerful family and sneaking your way into my company, you’ve won something?”

Gael tilted his head with a mock pout.

“I wouldn’t have done any of this if it weren’t for you. So really... this is all thanks to you, Ian.”

His voice dropped again, darker now, angrier.

“You’re not the man everyone thinks you are. And you know what? I’m not scared of you. Not after what you did to me in prison.”

Ian’s eyes twitched.

Gael's voice wavered just once—but his fury made it sharp.

“You had me raped, Ian, beaten up. Like I was trash. That was the worst thing you could do to me. And guess what?”

He stepped even closer, their faces nearly touching.

“I survived it. I’m still standing. And now, I’m stronger than I’ve ever been.”

He jabbed a finger into Ian’s chest.

“I’ve had enough of you. Get out of this office.”

Ian stared at him, breathing hard like a bull ready to charge.

His lip curled.

“This isn’t over.”

Gael’s stare didn’t break.

“No,” he whispered, voice like ice.

“It’s just beginning.”

And Ian—gritting his teeth so hard his gums bled—stormed out of the office, slamming the door behind him with a crash that shook the walls.

The door had barely stopped rattling when Gael’s strength abandoned him like air leaving his lungs.

His knees buckled, and he dropped to the floor.

No pride. No armor. No more pretending.

The sobs came before he even realized he was crying—sharp, broken gasps that tore from his chest like knives. Tears poured down his face, hot and endless, as his body curled in on itself. The pain—he had held it in for so long. He had stood tall in front of Ian, defiant and strong, but now…

Now he felt like a child again. Powerless.

He covered his mouth, trying to silence the cries that echoed through the office, but they kept coming. Every breath hurt. Every memory came crashing down, flooding his brain like a wave he couldn't swim through.

He didn’t even hear the door open.

Didn’t feel the footsteps.

Not until warm arms wrapped around him from behind, pulling him close.

He tensed—startled—but then he felt the familiar touch, the familiar scent. He looked up through blurred eyes.

It was Alex.

Without hesitation, Gael lunged forward, clutching at Alex’s shirt with desperate fingers and burying his face in his chest like it was the only safe place left in the world.

His sobs grew louder, more broken.

Alex’s arms tightened around him immediately, his hand running up and down Gael’s back, anchoring him.

“Gael…” he whispered, his voice shaking. “What’s wrong? What happened?”

But he already knew.

He shouldn’t have left him alone.

Not here.

Not with the wolves circling.

“I knew I shouldn’t have left you in this office alone… not with Ian still here. I’m sorry—God, I’m so sorry...”

But Gael just shook his head against his chest, still holding on like he was afraid Alex would disappear too.

His voice was so small when it finally came out.

“Just hold me.”

A shuddering breath.

“Please… I just… I just need you to hold me. I’m gonna be fine.”

And that’s what Alex did.

He didn’t ask more questions. Didn’t try to fix it.

He just held him.

Held him like he would never let go.

Like no one could ever touch him again.

***

In a spacious, dimly lit conference room at the company headquarters, the tension was nearly tangible. Ian, Amanda, and Natalie were gathered around a sleek, dark wooden table, each bearing expressions that melded fury and determination. Their voices overlapped, punctuated by frustrated sighs and determined declarations.

Amanda was the first to speak, her tone sharp and indignant.

“No, no, no—this can’t be allowed,” she snapped. “That boy—Gael—can’t keep doing this. His very survival, his very presence, is all your fault, Ian. You were supposed to weaken him, to break him. But instead, you’ve only given him power.”

Natalie’s eyes filled with tears as she nodded vigorously.

“You’re right, Amanda,” she agreed. “I’ve seen it too. Before, he was nothing but a desperate, wandering soul, and now that he’s returned, he’s back for Carlos. After everything we’ve been through—after all I’ve sacrificed—I can’t risk losing Carlos. I deserve my happy ending, and Gael is blocking that.” see

Ian’s face contorted with rage as he glowered at Natalie, then shifted his attention to Gael.

“He isn’t going to bring his… gay ass into my son’s life. I won’t allow it.” His voice trembled with fury as he slammed his hand on the table. “This whole arrangement was meant to make sure that Gael stayed away—to get him out of our lives permanently. But clearly, he has other ideas.”

Natalie’s voice trembled with frustration.

“Then do something about it, dad. You are Ian Sandoval, for goodness’ sake—you can do anything! Just keep Gael away from my husband. We need to protect what we’ve built.”

Amanda’s eyes flashed as she interjected, her tone biting.

“Is that what you think Gael’s here for?” she demanded. “You really believe his only purpose is to meddle in this family, to steal Carlos for himself?”

Natalie shook her head slowly, wiping away a stray tear before speaking.

“Why else would he return, if not to try and finish what he started? If he couldn’t have Carlos, then he’s here to complete his twisted vendetta—and it’s costing us dearly.”

Ian’s eyes narrowed, his voice low and threatening as he addressed Natalie.

“Perhaps you too should do something. Gael is manipulating Alex, your Cousin, whom I thought would be smarter and keep that boy on a leash. But he proved to be a big disappointment and didn't honor our contact. Now we're here thinking about how to get rid of him without making it look like it's us.”

“Right now, he's got some powerful backup, Ian.” Amanda said with a sigh. “And again, it's your fault. You didn't even tell any if us that you got him married to Alex. I would have told you it was a bad idea.”

“The milk has already been spilt, we need to think of something more permanent.” Ian scoffed. “If we can break his ties with Alex—separate him from that family—then we can finally put an end to this chaos.” His tone was half-predatory, half-strategic, as he fixed Natalie with a steely gaze. “After all, isn’t Alex your own kin? You know him better than anyone here.”

Natalie took a shuddering breath.

Slowly, she said, “I know him, better than most. And I won’t let him be used as a pawn in some twisted scheme.” Ian leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he addressed Natalie. “You know Alex better than anyone,” he said. “There must be something—some weakness or insight—that can help us get ahead of Gael and finally separate him from Alex.”

Natalie paused, her gaze distant as she considered Ian's words. After a moment, a slow smile spread across her face.

“I think I have an idea,” she said, her voice tinged with anticipation.

Amanda leaned in, her curiosity piqued.

“What is it?” she asked eagerly.

Natalie chuckled softly, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“Just hold on to your seat,” she replied. “It's going to be a bumpy ride.”

The room fell silent as Amanda and Ian exchanged glances, both intrigued and wary of what Natalie had in mind. Whatever her plan was, it promised to shake things up—and potentially drive a wedge between Gael and Alex once and for all.

***

Gael stood at the sink, splashing cold water onto his face, trying to wash away the remnants of his earlier breakdown. He reached for a paper towel, patting his skin dry, and then looked up into the mirror. His eyes were red-rimmed, his expression weary. He took a deep breath, attempting to steady himself.

Suddenly, a hand grabbed his arm, pulling him around. Before he could react, lips pressed against his, forceful and familiar. The scent, the taste—it was unmistakable. Gael shoved the person away, his hand flying up to deliver a sharp slap.

Carlos stood there, his cheek reddening from the impact, his face turned to the side. He slowly looked back at Gael, who was breathing heavily, his eyes blazing with anger.

“Don't you ever do that again,” Gael hissed, his finger pointed at Carlos. “You may be used to cheating, but I will not betray my husband. Especially not with you.”

Carlos sighed, rubbing his cheek.

“I know you're angry, and I probably deserve that. But—”

“I don't want to hear it,” Gael interrupted, his voice sharp. “You've made your choice.”

Carlos looked at him, his eyes searching. “Isn't that why you're here? To get me back? I still love you.”

Gael let out a bitter laugh, the pain evident in his eyes.

“Don't flatter yourself. While I was locked away, suffering, hoping you'd come for me—that's when whatever love I had for you died.”

Carlos stepped closer, gripping Gael's arm.

“I don't believe you. If you didn't still love me, why are there tears in your eyes? Why do you look at me like you want to hold me? Why did you come back into my life?”

Gael pulled his arm away, his voice trembling.

“I didn't come back by choice. I'm fulfilling my duties as a husband.” He turned to leave, but Carlos grabbed his hand, pulling him back.

“You haven't moved on,” Carlos said, his voice low. “No matter how much you push me away, I'll keep coming back.”

Gael looked at him, his eyes filled with a mix of anger and sorrow.

“Stay away from me,” he said quietly. “I feel nothing for you.”

Carlos stepped closer, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Then why are you still here?”

Gael's eyes narrowed, his voice cold.

“Because I have obligations. Not to you, but to someone who truly loves me.”

He pulled his hand free and walked away, leaving Carlos standing alone in the bathroom, the sting of the slap still fresh on his cheek.

***

sat in his car, the engine idling softly as he stared blankly through the windshield. His fingers trembled as he wiped his lips, trying to erase the lingering sensation of Carlos's kiss. “How dare he do that to me,” he muttered, the betrayal still fresh.

Suddenly, his phone rang, jolting him from his thoughts. The screen displayed “Private Number.” He hesitated for a moment before answering.

“How's it going?” a deep voice inquired from the other end.

Gael took a deep breath.

“I'm in. It was easier than I thought.”

“Good,” the voice responded. “But be careful with Ian. He's a dangerous man.”

“I'm treading carefully,” Gael assured him. “We'll finally get what we want from Ian. He'll pay for everything.”

There was a pause on the line.

“Remember, our goal is bigger than just Ian. Stay focused.”

Gael nodded, though the caller couldn't see him.

“Understood.”

As the call ended, Gael stared at his phone, the weight of his mission pressing down on him. The identity of the mysterious caller remained unknown, but their shared objective was clear. The game had begun, and there was no turning back.

To be continued....