It was meant to be a happy occasion when my boyfriend Lewis and I went to my parents’ house, but things rapidly got out of hand. My life was completely flipped upside down when my father’s surprise response and a frantic attempt at escape exposed layers of deceit and a secret past.
It seemed like something from a movie, meeting Lewis. As I was studying for my final examinations in a little café, he stumbled over his own feet and spilt coffee all over my notes.
“Oh my god, I apologize so much!” His cheeks reddened with shame, he said.
Startled, I looked up, but immediately laughed when I saw the honesty in his eyes. Really, it’s not that bad. In any case, I needed a vacation from studying.
“May I purchase you an additional beverage to compensate for the inconvenience?” he inquired, a hopeful grin forming on his face.
Sure, I said, continuing to laugh. “I’m Jianna, just so you know.”
“My name is Lewis. It’s nice to meet you, despite the chaotic circumstances.
We were stuck together ever since that day. Lewis possessed a contagious charisma and a relaxed grin that put everyone in his vicinity at ease.
Lewis was a technician who frequently got lost in the world of gears and motors. I was struck by his impoverished upbringing, which touched me deeply. He always made time for our weekend excursions and late-night conversations despite his low circumstances.
I began implying to him that it was time for him to meet my parents three months into our relationship. But Lewis had a reason for everything.
You know that this project is killing me, baby. Perhaps next week? After a tough day in the garage, he would say while scrubbing oil off his hands.
I let out a sigh, a little annoyed. Lewis, you mentioned that last week. They are quite eager to meet you.
With beseeching eyes, he reassured Jia, “I promise, after this deadline, we’ll go.”
I brought it up again one evening as we were relaxing on the couch. “My folks are often inquiring about you, Lewis. They’re eager to see the man who has won their daughter over.
With a groan, Lewis ran a hand through his disheveled hair. “Jia, I am aware. Simply said, It is quite important to meet the parents. How can I make sure they like me?
I laughed and cupped his face in my palms. “They will adore you as much as I do.”
Lewis eventually gave in after weeks of persuasion. “Well, let’s get started. This Saturday?
“Really? Do you really mean it? I smiled and gave him a firm embrace.
Indeed, it is. “I wish to bring you happiness,” he whispered into my hair.
When Saturday finally arrived, my folks were overjoyed. My dad, Robert, even cleaned the grill in preparation for a possible barbecue, while my mother, Maria, prepared her signature lasagna. My anxieties started to frazzle as Lewis and I pulled into the driveway.
“Jia, calm down. Lewis squeezed my hand and reassured me, “It’ll be alright.
When we arrived at the door, my mother gave us a big hug. “You have to be Lewis! I’m so happy to have finally met you! Her eyes gleamed as she said.
It’s good to meet you as well, Mrs. Walker. “Jianna frequently discusses you,” Lewis answered with his signature grin.
My father came over and shook hands firmly. “Walker Robert. Lewis, welcome to our house.
“Thank you very much, gentleman. Lewis stated, “It’s a pleasure,” in a calm voice.
Our short conversation in the living room was followed by my dad’s suggestion of a home tour. Lewis, come on, let me take you around.”
After him, Lewis said, “Sure, I’d love to see it.”
They began in the dining room, proceeded to the kitchen, and then made their way downstairs. This is my storage area for tools and other items. A little like a guy cave, my father clarified.
Lewis entered and took a quick look around. Excellent, Mr. Walker. This is quite the setup, you have.”
But my dad’s attitude changed in some way. He stared at Lewis, his expression hardening. Lewis, why don’t you move in a little bit more? With a bland tone, he said.
Lewis said, “Oh, yeah,” and continued into the basement with a few more steps.
My dad quickly locked the door behind him by slamming it shut. I felt panic take hold of me. “What are you doing, Dad?” I yelled as I hurried over to him.
He said, “Janna, stay back!” and took out his phone. “I’m phoning the police.”
How come? Why not? I tried to get past him to get to Lewis, but I was confused.
“Jianna, you’re not understanding. My dad said in a shaky voice filled with an emotion that I couldn’t identify: “This man… he’s dangerous.”
Lewis pounded on the other side of the door. “Please open the door, Mr. Walker! There was an error of some sort!
At the top of the stairs, my mom emerged, lured by the ruckus. With terrified eyes, she said, “Robert, what’s going on?”
“Maria, I don’t have time to explain at this moment. My dad pleaded, “Just trust me,” and he called 911.
As the scenario started to become apparent, I stood there torn between horror and incredulity.
Could you kindly explain why you did it, Dad? My eyes filled with tears as I made my demand.
Listen closely to what I have to say, Jia. He isn’t truly Lewis. With a calm but enraged voice, my father added, “He’s actually a wedding con man who robbed my business partner Roger’s daughter Alice two years ago in another city.” “I knew who he was as soon as he walked in.”
I staggered back, as though something had torn out from under my feet. “No, it isn’t possible. Lewis is — he’s my partner. I objected, shaking my head in shock, saying “He wouldn’t do that.”
“Jia, everything he has said to you is false. I realize it’s difficult to believe. My father persisted, his eyes softening as he noticed my anguish, “He’s an impostor.”
A tremendous crash from the basement was heard at that moment. Lewis was attempting to flee after smashing a window.
Before we could respond, he vanished into the darkness. When the police came a short while later, Lewis was gone.
I sank to the ground and said, “I can’t believe this.” “How did I become so blind?”
My mother bent down next to me and encircled me with her arms. “My dear, it’s not your fault. He and similar individuals are adept at tricking other people.
My dad gave the police a rundown of all he knew about Lewis—or rather, the man acting as Lewis—while the police collected our statements.
My mind was racing while we spoke, attempting to put the pieces of my broken world back together. I relived every conversation we had and every tale he had told me. Was everything a lie?
I saw something on the ground next to the smashed glass as the cops were ready to depart. Lewis’ fitness bracelet was on it. Wearing it all the time, he boasted about how well it tracked his exercises. I took it up and rolled it about in my palms.
I said to the cops, “Wait.” “He abandoned this. Is it possible to trace him using it?
I lost the bracelet to one of the cops, Officer Martinez, a sweet-looking woman. “These often feature GPS monitoring. We could locate him if he is still wearing the connected gadget.
The IT team started looking for Lewis as soon as we turned over the bracelet. With my mind numb, I watched as the house hummed with activity. My father sat with his hand resting on my shoulder. “Jia, I really apologize. I never intended for you to experience this.
Dad, I simply don’t get it. How was he able to con me in this way? My voice broke as I continued, “I thought I knew him.”
Gently, he murmured, “We’ll get through this together.” “We’ll see to it that he pays for his actions.”
Officer Martinez returned a few hours later with an update. “We are at a certain place. A few miles away, at a hotel, his phone starts pinging. We’ve moved in already.
Barely able to talk, I nodded. Mom gave me a handshake. “Would you like to accompany us?” Officer Martinez enquired.
“Yes,” I said with a forceful tone. “I have to finish this.”
It was a haze driving to the hotel. The cops quickly surrounded the building when we got there. As they neared the room where Lewis was hiding, I took a step back and held my mother’s hand tightly.
“Authorities! Let yourself in!” Officer Martinez pounded on the door and yelled. There was no reply. Lewis was handcuffed as they emerged after forcing the door open.
For a moment, as our gazes locked, I believed I had found the love of my life. With a frantic tone, he said, “Jia, I can explain.”
“Lewis, or whatever your real name is, save it,” I sternly said. “I’m tired of hearing about your lies. Please stop.”
I had a weird mixture of relief and sadness as they carried him away. The man I had fallen in love with was a phantom, a creation of a skillfully crafted delusion. However, I was also clear of his duplicity and prepared to start over.
My dad gave me a big embrace when we got home. “Jia, I’m so proud of you for persevering.”
“I’ll be alright,” I murmured, my eyes welling with tears. “It aches now, but I’ll get over it.”
Over the next few weeks, Lewis’s true story came to light. Andrew, as his true name was, was no stranger to deceiving ladies and embezzling money from their households. He was certain to get a lengthy prison sentence after being charged with several charges of theft and fraud.
I became aware of how fortunate I was to have a family that loved and looked out for me as I started to recover. Although it was a difficult lesson, it made me respect the truth and have faith in my gut.
I had faith that I would ultimately discover true love once more, based on honesty and trust. My family was at my side up until that point, and that was plenty.