NoTe!
Read this and the authors note at the end, it's very important!

Hello Guys!
I noticed some improvements in the previous chapter! I expect better here😁

Hope I should oh, vote and spam my comment section with extraordinary comments that will trigger updates.

I don't know about other writers, but to Wendy, Comments do motivate her, it shows how engaged my readers are💜

Finally, the chapter is here💜
Special dedication
To my best bite
She plotted most of this chapter!
TOLA_AISH
Missed you!

Also if you are a fan of Leo and Chase.
Oya spam this chapter with your mouth watering comment.

If you need another update today.
200 comments and I am dropping it😋

Do make sure to read the authors note after this chapter and participate in the question, if there is sha💜
Love you!
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Taking a step into the large reception area, Leo takes a deep breath. Everything still seemed a lot familiar, he could still remember the last time he visited. He wouldn't call it a visit, because it was more like a therapy section. He lets out a small smile, immediately he sights the receptionists. It was clear the previous receptionist no longer worked there because this was a new face.

The only difference was the fact his Aunt was the one taking it. He had stopped seeing a therapist for a while, because it seemed like he had scaled through it, only for the nightmares to begin all over again.

With his Aunt, it had always felt like he was in good hands and it was a safe space, which had made it easier for him to open up. in the past year, he had spent all his vacations in Lagos State, at his Aunt's place. His Mum had made sure he saw her sister when they detected the dear need for him to see a therapist.

When he thought everything was slowly going back to normal, the terrifying dream had to begin all over again. He was already used to not having anyone home, only one maid got to have a night shift, while others retired, having his brother at home, was more like having nobody.

"Leo!" He recognised the voice immediately. Now he wondered why Aunt Claire had insisted he had his section in her office, even though she knew he felt much comfortable in her home. She said it was good for him, not locking himself indoors, like he would have done, till the next day, when he was supposed to leave.

Most times he wondered how different his Aunt was from his Mum, how could two siblings be so different, but he knew the possibility because he and Kesh were more like fire and ice.

Aunt Claire had accomplished a lot, also successful, most times he compared her life to his Mum, he couldn't help but wonder how life would have been if his Mum wasn't an actress, she didn't have to be on the road always. Maybe life would have been a lot different, things wouldn't have turned out the way they are now.

Leo manages to force out a smile off his face, that was the least he could do. Seeing his smiling Aunt. He doesn't miss the fact she also had company. His gaze lands on the boy who looked around his age, Leo took note of his height, he was clearly taller. He slowly makes his way down to where they stood.

"Aunt!" Leo calls out to Aunt Claire, Immediately he gets to where they stood, he stops, now turning to the boy in her company, who he noticed, suddenly had his eyes on the tiled floor, which wasn't the case beforehand.

Looking at Aunt Claire was more like looking at his Mum, the younger version. They had this deep resemblance, clearly Leo looked very much like his Mum, so you could notice the deep resemblance between him and Aunt Claire, which could make you mistake her for his Mum, even though she looked very young.

In their family, they had this deep resemblance, if you see a family member, you could easily tell.

"Chase, my nephew Leo." Aunt Claire says picking Leo's attention. He watches the boy in question takes his eyes slowly away from the tiled floor and look towards him. Leo didn't miss the opportunity to take a good look at him. He had this calm yet confusing look on his face.
"Leo, this is Chase. I think you both would make good use of your company." He watches his Aunt who suddenly pauses. She attempts to utter another word, which Leo noticed because her mouth almost moved, but gets cut off by her ringtone.

Aunt Claire slowly takes her phone to view, Leo could see the serious look appear on her face. It was very clear, the call was a serious one.

He uses this medium to take a good look at the boy, whom his Aunt had introduced as Chase. Firstly his name was rare for a Nigerian, he sure knew there would be an interesting story backing that up. Parents always had fun reasons for giving their kids rare names.

It was clear, he was here for therapy, he couldn't help but wonder what the challenge was. Looking at him Leo couldn't guess his age, but he knew if he was older it won't be more than a year, but he believed they where definitely age mates, with just this few minutes spent, he could tell the similarities between them, he looked like the quiet type, or maybe the pretender, if you wanted to use that term in description. Because that was him, if you mean it that way. He wasn't the type to showcase himself, on first meetings. First impressions sure mattered a lot. So he was trying to place Chase in one of the category, was he the quiet type or the pretend type?

"Excuse me!" Aunt Claire suddenly says picking Leo's attention. He didn't get to say a word. He just watched her walk away.

On a second thoughts, he walks down to an adjoined chair, which was few feet away, he sits down taking his eyes to the tiled floor. As funny and childish as it may sound, he start counting the ties with his eyes.

He doesn't fail to notice, the other guy joining him too, it was obvious he was already tired of standing. He had this calm look on his face.

Leo wasn't looking at him directly but could tell when he brought out his phone. It was just something about him, been very conscious of his environment, noticing the slightest things. Everywhere just seemed awkward, not to exclude tensed.

Suddenly taking his eyes off the tiles, Leo tries to raise himself up, thereby getting access to his phone. Which he pulls out immediately, and starts using it.

"Do you think she would be back soon?"

Leo pauses immediately he heard this. He heard him correctly. But it was clear, he wasn't expecting the question.

"Uhmmmm, I can't tell" Leo rushes his words, now taking his eyes back to his phone.

"I didn't get that."

He heard Chase say, this makes him stop typing into his phone, while he turns in his direction.

"I can't tell," Leo responds honestly.

"You are her nephew right?" Chase suddenly asks, meanwhile Leo pauses for a while, more like he wanted to think properly before responding. Because the conversation felt weird.

"Yes. Leo!" He responded calmly.

"I know, I've heard your name a dozen of times," Chase says. Leo couldn't tell his facial expression, because he wasn't looking in his direction.

This statement did get Leo's attention.

"Heard you have stopped smoking too. Was it hard? How did you do it so easily?" Chase asks.

This makes Leo turn to Chase immediately. Not just the question, but how bold he was asking him, did baffle Leo. His mind runs down to Aunt Claire, wondering if that wasn't something which ought to be confidential.

"I know right?" Chase suddenly says interesting Leo the more. "She didn't mean it that way, she only told me so that I would also stop smoking." He watches Chase say in a calm tone.

"What else do you know about me?" Leo who couldn't help but chuckle asks.

"Nothing," Chase says. Leo could she the honesty on his face. "Don't worry this is a safe space. You can tell me anything." Chase says. This makes
Leo laugh for the first time since morning. He clearly understood what Chase was doing. He was clearly mimicking Aunt Claire.

Leo didn't fail to notice how Chase only smiled at this. More like the tension was getting clear little by little.

"So what made you start smoking?" Chase suddenly asks. This question felt like a bomb to Leo, he suddenly pauses, then turns to Chase's direction. More like he was trying to read into the boy, who had this curious aura.

"I totally understand if you don't want. . ." Chase suddenly says.

"No, don't worry it's nothing like that,"
Leo cuts him off immediately, now taking his gaze off Chase, he tries to study the wall In front of him, now rubbing his temple. The look on Leo's face showed something was bothering him, and he was sure Chase had noticed it.

"It's due to emotional stress," Leo suddenly responds trying to get the tension off the air. Most teenagers his age did smoke for fun or to feel among this days. He did his to get high, at least he could get a few hours of happiness, even if it was for a short period. He didn't have to feel those pains or think during that period. Because it felt like heaven. Leo could tell Chase was boring holes on his body with his eyes. Suddenly deciding to keep the conversation going. He turns to Chase.

"And you?" He didn't miss the confused and tense look on his face, deciding to elaborate and keep the air tension-free, he let out a smile.
"Why did you start smoking also," Leo asks.

He notice Chase paused, wondering if he didn't hear him correctly, he asks again.

"Why did you start smoking?" Leo repeats.

Immediately Leo asks, he noticed the change in Chase, who just stared into thin air, he suddenly gets up, now taking his hand roughly into his hair. This act picks Leo's concern. Wondering what was suddenly wrong, he gets up. Walk closer to Chase, now giving him a gentle tap.

Leo could see the fear in his eyes, which confused him the more. But he did make out something from the whole reaction. The question he asked triggered it, maybe he shouldn't have asked. But Chase looked comfortable asking him, he only wanted to keep the conversation going. He didn't know it was going to cause this reaction.

Chase suddenly looks back, Leo couldn't help but notice the distress in his eyes, not to forget how scared he looked. He slowly turns to the reception area, he noticed how busy the receptionist looked. Seemed more like she hadn't noticed what was going down.

"Please, please," Chase suddenly says, pulling away from Leo. If Leo wasn't scared before now. He surely was now.
"Please just leave me, please," Chase continues pleading with his eyes shut tightly. Leo sure knew he wasn't referring to him, he was suddenly feeling goosebumps.

"Chase what wrong, "

Leo couldn't tell the relieve he felt at that moment, something he hadn't felt in a long time. He knew it was his Aunt.

"Aunt! Aunty!" Leo suddenly screams, on instinct, trying to get a grip of Chase, who had almost crashed onto the tiled floor.

Struggling with him, Aunt Claire joins him, help drop him on the floor, he head on Leo's laps.

Leo didn't miss the tears on Chase's face. Chase was crying, he looked like a little baby, hugging himself. Leo couldn't help but wonder, how just one question, something he thought was just common, did take a huge effect on him. He knew something was oddly wrong. He felt sorry for him. He had his own problems, but this break down was something, Chase looked like, he had things he was dealing with.

"Chase cool down!" Aunt Claire suddenly says, Leo didn't miss how hard she tried to hide the fact she was almost panicking. "Cool down Chase, it's me, Miss Claire, it's me!" Aunt Claire says now patting his back.

Leo watches her continue with this act for a while, he could see some improvements, because Chase seemed to be relaxed. But his eyes were still shut.

"Open your eyes, Chase," Aunt Claire suddenly says, more like she read Leo's mind. "Chase I promise I'm here so just open your eyes." Aunt Claire repeats.

All this while Leo watches attentively. Taking notes of everything with his eyes, he wasn't sure Chase was going to open his eyes soon. He could feel the receptionist, standing a few steps away from him.

He suddenly starts opening his eyes slowly, Leo moves back immediately he noticed this, he didn't want to cause more than he had down already.

"Leo, help me here;" Aunt Claire suddenly says, this makes Leo move closer on instinct.

Leo and Mrs Claire suddenly helps pull him up, meanwhile the receptionist picked his phone who laid on the floor carelessly. Hopefully, it wasn't cracked.

Leo noticed Chase also helped in making the movement easier. They helped him get into Mrs Claire's office, now laying him on the three sitter Ankara chair. Aunt Claire takes an opposite seat, Leo also follows suite, now remembering he had left his phone in the reception area.

"What happened?" Aunt Claire asks cutting Leo off his thoughts. You could tell she was curious, by the look on her face.

"I just asked a question," Leo responds honestly. "And he had a panic attack."

"Which question?" Miss Claire questions. Leo keeps mute immediately, he was obviously contemplating if he should tell her it involved smoking or not. Because that was clearly not an impressive topic, for boys their age.

"I just asked why he started smoking," Leo suddenly says, he could hear Aunt Claire hive a sign of relieve.

"Leo we would talk later but please can you excuse us, I need to talk to Chase," Aunt Claire suddenly says, Leo was expecting this, he didn't utter another word, he only gets up, intending to go to the reception room, and getting his phone too.

__________________________ 🖊️

Going through her profile, Leo is conscious of his screen, if there was something he was so careful of, It was double-tapping on the picture. He had staked her successfully since he got her handle, without ever tapping the follow icon, or tapping on her picture.

There was no post of her's, he ever missed. Most times he wondered what he really wanted with her.

Suddenly leaving her profile, he goes to the news feed. First post, he doesn't fail to post, even though he knew it wasn't something useful. Nathan Otedola to him, was a big joke himself, so how could a joke produce a joke.

He had been contemplating to unfollow him because he didn't see any usefulness of him there, he never posted anything useful. But he wasn't going to give bloggers that benefit. He sure knew unfollowing Nathan was going to cause unnecessary reactions. People always had to dig out things, where there was nothing.

Scrolling down, he notices a picture from "QueenOfHearts" which he couldn't help but stare at. Ekanem was very beautiful, she was just something which could catch the eyes, no one could say otherwise. Most times he just wonders why she turned out the way she did, been one of Nathan's call girls did reduce her worth in his eyes, but finally having a chat with her during the last party. Because they spent almost the whole day together. He knew he shouldn't have judged her so easily.

She was a very nice and friendly person, but also had the wild side. He doesn't fail to notice she tagged him, which suddenly brought a small smile on his lips, he didn't even have a reason for smiling.

But seeing this video, made it broaden. Jewel was at it again. Her Video's always had this effect on him. Even when she wasn't even talking this time, only turning her head around, and blinking her eyes, the way she shakes her head, made him picture an agama lizard. Seeing it was Nathan's post, he swallows hard. He just left Jewel's profile, and this video wasn't there, also he knew it wasn't an old video. Seeing the caption "Babyface, adorable as an angel"

He doesn't react to it, he sure knew Nathan was at it again, he knew Nathan well enough, to know he gets whatever he wants. But funny enough there interest had never clashed until now.

"Leo! you can come in now,"

This cuts him off his thoughts, he gets up via instincts.

Walking into the office, Leo eyes falls on Chase. He doesn't take it off, he sure knew, the guy was getting uncomfortable by his gaze.

Leo takes a seat closer to Chase, as directed by his Aunt. Suddenly remembering he was holding something which belonged to Chase, he finally hands Chase his hoodie.

Which Chase collects, muttering "Thank You!" Although it wasn't very audible, Leo still took note of it.

Suddenly Aunt Claire jams her hands together, a small smile appearing on her face, like she was about to say something important. Also, Leo had this curious look. Leo also noticed Chase looked better than before, maybe the talk with his aunt did help.

She gradually pulls her Laptop, turning it to face them. Leo had to blink twice, immediately he came to terms with what was on the screen. His shocked look suddenly disappears.

'THE REPERCUSSIONS AND DANGER'S OF SMOKING.'

Chase let's out a small smile, while Leo groans. Then suddenly laughs, surprisingly Chase joined him.

"Seriously aunt!" He exclaimed after we all stopped laughing. "What is this for?"

"Well, I purposely brought you two together."

"Aunt you know I stopped," Leo cut into her speech.

Aunt Claire gives Leo a look which proved, she didn't believe a word.
She was experienced with such cases and knew how difficult it was to quit smoking, especially when it was an addiction and used for emotional stress.

"Are you sure? I know it could be difficult. This is a safe space." She suddenly stops. "If you both aren't comfortable having this conversation with each other, we can..., "

"I have no issue with it." Chase suddenly says cutting her off.

Leo knew his Aunt wasn't wrong about the smoking aspect. He has tried everything possible to stop it. But just can't.

"You two are going to watch this video because I was up all night preparing it, and I hope that after this video you both would know that smoking isn't really good for the health and smokers are liable to die young," Wth that her small speech she hit the play button and the video started playing.

Leo couldn't help but groan, but so far as he had company, the fact Chase had this cool aura, he sure knew deep down Chase knew they were both wasting there time, watching the video. They both knew the urge. Smoking was very dangerous, but pulling out of its addiction, was a decision one had to make, a decision he hadn't thought of making.

__________________________ 🖊️

Rinsing his face with the water from the sink, Leo suddenly stares into the mirror. He couldn't remember the last time he looked into a mirror. He noticed the boy in the mirror, looked so different.

He had a tiresome yet fun day. Been in Chase company felt good. He felt like, there was someone who understood him, he didn't have this judging look. Funny enough they did exchange numbers after Aunt Claire's numerous talks. He didn't regret leaving the house like she had insisted after all.

He noticed Chase was the curious kind of guy. But he seemed to blank out most times like something was bothering him, Leo was tempted to asks, but remembering the panic attack, he thought against it.

He couldn't tell if he they were going to see each other again. This was one of the few person's he met and also wanted to meet again.

It felt good, interacting with someone who was similar to you.

Remembering he had to pack up for his flight, also school resumption was the next day. He felt slightly relieved he wasn't going to be at home. School wasn't the best option. But there was someone he always looked forward to seeing. That person always made it worth it, even though she always snapped at him.

__________________________ 🖊️

Cherish folds her uniforms neatly, before placing them into her school bag. Her phone suddenly beeps, which she jumps on almost immediately.

Seeing Zara on the callers ID brought some kind of satisfaction to her, she had been worried since she hadn't heard from her for a while. Funny enough Zara's number hadn't been reachable, her social media accounts, had the offline icon.

"Cherish!"

Cherish smiles immediately she heard Zara's voice. It seemed energetic, and she seemed excited too. Cherish did pick that.

"I have been trying your line, like forever." Cherish says, waiting for a response. That was clearly the only thing she could think of that moment. "How are you?" You could hear the concern in her voice.

"I am fine! You?" Zara asks chuckling.

The sudden statement about Zara been pregnant, made by Senior Eva gets into her head. She didn't sound pregnant. Cherish had to make a mental note if been silly, was there any way a pregnant woman sounded.

"Fine too." Cherish responds. In truth, she was happy, to leave the house. Unfortunately, her Dad's twin has been at there house, for the past few days. She didn't know why she hadn't gone yet. But the lady was never satisfied. Most times she wondered the kind of human being she was.

"I have got plenty of chocolates! Get read... I am coming Mum!" Zara suddenly says. "Cherish, later."

She cuts the call, meanwhile Cherish drops the phone on the bed. She didn't get to ask why she had been MIA for that long.

She slowly pulls her bag closer, kneeling on the bed.

__________________________ 🖊️

Geraldine stares at the online icon, if she said, she wasn't confused, then she was lying. She couldn't believe Jewel had snubbed her messages but was online.

She had sent tons of message, without getting a response. She even called and Jewel ignored her.

"Did you pack everything?" Wendy who had walked in, taking Geraldine unawares, suddenly asks. Meanwhile, Geraldine turns to her Mum, who looked so pale. Since she eavesdropped, she had been avoiding looking at her Mum, to top it all her Dad didn't join them for dinner, breakfast or lunch. She didn't like this development at all. Her parents been distant.

"Take!" Wendy hands her the pack filled with sanitary pads.

______________________ 🖊️

"Jayden, honestly you of all people knows how sceptical I am about you leaving the state by plane, after the last incident with your previous school." April who stood very close to the wall says staring directly at her son, who had his eyes focused on his laptop, although he wasn't doing anything with it, he didn't just want to give her the benefit of getting his full attention, even though that was the case.

"Jayden!" She calls out. "I am talking to you." April suddenly says. Meanwhile, Jayden slowly turns to her direction. Giving his Mum a look which did confuse her.

"The approval form is in your hands. It's your choice to sign it or not." Jayden says in a bored tone. Not like he was eager to go or wanted to participate. The truth of the matter was, he wasn't interested, but he was tired of his Mum acting like he was a three-year-old baby.

"Don't use that tone on me." April suddenly says, a serious look appearing on her face. Meanwhile, Jayden's gaze softens, on realizing he had just snapped at his Mum. The next thing he saw was her back, she doesn't utter another word. Just bangs the door and walks away.

Jayden takes his eyes downcast.

4000 Words🌹
Wow, my target it 5k 😂😂😂 I will conquer.

Awwn! I almost gave Leo a chapter all to himself, but Gidi and Cherish had to steal from it😂😂😂

What do you think of CHASE and AUNT CLAIRE?

The characters mentioned above aren't mine, but borrowed😭😭 only God knows how I so badly want Chase to be my character. I so love him. Tolani dash me na😭😭😭

CHASE AND AUNT CLAIRE are both characters from "SOMETHING IN THERE (FACADE)" BY TOLA_AISH

CHASE is more like our important Male lead, though we have got Tayo🙈 to Those following the book. I am sure you enjoyed this, and are wondering what's wrong with Chase😂 I don't know too😂😂😂 seems like Tolani wants to kill us with suspense 😂😂

Most of us would have wanted Tayo playing a role here😋 not to worry, I and Tolani are planning a bigger collab, honestly that would be a blast. Most of our favs would be meeting each other, Lily, pink etc! If you aren't following my favourite book on Wattpad, you should oh, this isn't the only collab, we would be having, you shouldn't miss out, enjoying both books.

Also, you need to read CHASE POV. I can't wait to know what Chase thinks about Leo. Tolani will be updating it soon.

Okay, what do you think about this chapter. Yh, we finally got in the head of the character, we found it difficult understanding. I believe even Chase feels Leo has that aura, you can't just tell what's going on with him by looking at him, but looking at you, it always seems like he could see through you.

This isn't all there is to know about Leo, that's just the fact. Leo is one of the few characters, I want to develop slowly. Just like Ekanem. You won't even be getting any Pov of her in this book, but she plays an important role, we have sure gotten into Nathan's head before.

Question Time

1) What do you think is wrong with Leo?

2) What do you think of Chase. Honestly I really wanna know what's going on with my baby.

3) What do you think of Aunt Claire, I love her already.

4) Seems like Leo is into Ekamem too.

5) Do you want to know what Aunt Claire and Chase discussed in Leo's absent?🤭 I can't provide that. It's on Chase Pov. You can get it in "Something In There" start reading, you will get to the chapter soon enough.

If you love Leo, you should try reading Something In there too, because Leo likes Chase too🤭 Chase is an interesting Character, I personally adore him.

AN
Like I would always say, smoking doesn't make you a big boy or girl. You might see it as fun, and feel everything is under control. But when your life start getting meaningful, one useless illness would wanna come and take charge of your body, and you would be like devil. Which devil? Innocent devil! You won't remember you where the one who did it to yourself. The sickness doesn't start immediately.

Also, don't start taking it for fun, thinking you could stop whenever you decide to. No, it isn't so. Smoking isn't child's play. It is very addictive, most people find it very difficult getting over it, the worse part of it, is using it for emotions stress. SMOKING IS BAD

THE BETRYAL SER🌹ES