Chapter 68: Forged Identity [68]
Metropolis
Diana sat on the edge of the bed, holding her new identity card in her hands. The hotel room in Metropolis was softly lit by the light filtering through the slightly parted curtains. She studied the document carefully, examining every detail with curiosity.
"Clark, this world truly values formalities, doesn't it?" Diana said, turning the card over in her hands. "In Themyscira, I never needed something like this to prove who I am."
Clark, standing by the window, smiled slightly as he looked out at the urban horizon. "That's how it works here, Diana. Identity is everything. Without it, you can't even rent a room like this."
Diana shook her head, still intrigued.
"This name... Diana Prince. It feels strange, but at the same time, it's as if I could belong here."
Before Clark could respond, the phone on the table rang, interrupting their conversation.
Trriiim!
Trriiim!
Clark picked up the phone, answering with a calm tone. "Hello?"
On the other end, Lex Luthor's voice sounded firm, but laced with a touch of sarcasm. "Clark, always straight to business. I've got good news. The lawyer finalized the paperwork for your property purchase. Everything is duly registered and sealed. You're officially the new owner."
Clark relaxed a bit, nodding as he listened. "Thanks, Lex. You really expedited everything. It's good to know I can count on you."
Lex chuckled softly, though his tone carried a hint of curiosity. "Of course, Clark. But I must admit, I'm intrigued. A secluded house on the outskirts of Smallville? Seems a bit... out of character. What are you planning?"
Clark glanced at Diana, who continued examining her identity card. "Nothing much, Lex. Just something to call my own. Now, if you don't mind, I'm a bit busy."
Lex paused, his laugh losing some of its humor. "Right, Clark. But remember, in Metropolis, everyone has eyes and ears everywhere. Don't underestimate that. See you soon."
Clark hung up the phone and placed it back on the table. Diana looked up from the document, her expression showing mild curiosity.
"Can we go to the new house now, Clark?" she asked, standing up and crossing her arms.
Clark nodded, adjusting his shirt collar. "Yes, but first, I need to make a call."
Taking the phone again, Clark quickly dialed a number. After a few rings, a cheerful female voice answered.
"Clark! Finally, you called! How are you?" said Tina, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.
"Hi, Tina. I'm good. Listen, I have an address for you. It's for my new house. I'd like you to head there as soon as you can."
"Seriously? Your new house? That's amazing! I can't wait to see it. You know you're my best friend, right?" Tina said, her excitement evident.
Clark smiled at her response. "I know, Tina. I'll send you the address via text now. I want you to feel at home when you get there."
"Got it, Clark. I'll leave as soon as I can. Can't wait to see you!" Tina replied before ending the call.
Clark quickly typed out the address and sent it to Tina. He then turned his attention to Diana, who was watching him with a curious expression.
"Who was that?" Diana asked, tilting her head slightly.
Clark crossed his arms, answering casually. "That was Tina. She's going to be our future housekeeper."
Diana raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Housekeeper? Why would you need one?"
Clark shrugged, smiling. "Tina has some... interesting abilities. Plus, she's trustworthy. It'll be useful to have someone reliable taking care of the house while we handle other things."
Diana narrowed her eyes slightly, curiosity evident in her voice. "Interesting abilities? What kind of abilities?"
Clark walked over to the window, looking out at Metropolis's skyline for a moment before replying. "She has special gifts, like you and me. But I'll let her show you when she arrives."
Diana crossed her arms, a faint smile forming. "Your life here seems full of surprises, Clark. I can't wait to meet her."
Clark nodded, his expression relaxed. "You'll like her. Now, let's go. Our new home awaits."
....
Luthor Mansion
Lex Luthor sat in his office, behind a grand mahogany desk, his eyes fixed on a small velvet box resting in the palm of his hand.
He seemed lost in thought, his expression alternating between determination and hesitation. The box contained a gleaming ring, a piece of jewelry that represented far more than a simple commitment.
The office door opened silently, revealing the elegant figure of Desirée Atkins. She walked in with light steps, her eyes sparkling with a mix of curiosity and interest as she observed Lex. He quickly tucked the box into his pocket, but it was too late. She had already noticed.
"Lex, you seem distracted," Desirée commented, approaching the desk with an intriguing smile.
Lex stood, adjusting his tie with a nervous gesture. "Desirée, I was just... thinking about something important. Actually, about someone important."
She tilted her head slightly, crossing her arms. "Oh, and who might that be?"
Lex took a deep breath, walking around the desk until he stood before her. He knelt, pulling the box from his pocket with an expression that mixed boldness and vulnerability. Opening it, he revealed the ring that sparkled under the soft office light.
"Desirée Atkins, you've changed my life in ways I never imagined. I want to spend every moment by your side. Will you marry me?" Lex said, his voice firm but tinged with emotion.
Desirée raised an eyebrow, surprised, but a sly smile curved her lips. She leaned in slowly, whispering in Lex's ear. "Of course I will, Lex." At the same time, a soft pink glow escaped her lips, enveloping Lex in a hypnotic light.
"However," Desirée continued, still whispering as the light faded, "I need you to agree to one condition. All your assets must be in my name. It's the only way to ensure we're completely united."
Lex looked at her with adoration in his eyes, as if her words were the most logical thing in the world. "Of course, Desirée. That makes perfect sense. I'll arrange everything immediately."
Desirée smiled triumphantly, her fingers sliding down Lex's face. "I knew you'd understand, my dear. We're destined for great things together."
...
Talon
Lana Lang stood alone at the Talon, adjusting a camera on the counter as she took a deep breath. She seemed nervous, her fingers playing with a strand of hair as she mentally rehearsed the words she needed to say. Finally, she pressed the button to start recording.
"Hi, Whitney," Lana began, her voice hesitant but firm. "I've been thinking a lot about us, and... I think it's time to be honest with each other. I want to break up. Not because you did anything wrong, but because I feel like we're heading in different directions. I hope you can understand."
Before she could continue, the café door opened, and Clark's parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent, entered with warm smiles. Lana quickly paused the recording, straightening up behind the counter.
"Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Kent," Lana greeted, trying to hide the nervousness in her voice.
Martha smiled, tilting her head. "Hi, Lana. It looks like we're interrupting something. Is everything alright?"
Lana shook her head, trying to seem casual. "Oh, yes, of course. I was just recording a message for a friend. Nothing important. What can I get for you?"
Jonathan exchanged a quick glance with Martha before responding. "We just wanted to grab some coffee before heading into town. It looks like you're busy, but we can wait."
"No way!" Lana said, already moving to prepare their order. "You're always welcome here."
As she prepared the coffees, Lana noticed the happiness on the Kents' faces. Her curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't help but ask, "You both seem so happy today. Any good news?"
Thoughts raced through Lana's mind. Could it be about Clark? Maybe he's back, and that's why they're so happy.
Martha exchanged a meaningful look with Jonathan before answering, her smile widening. "Actually, Lana, we have wonderful news. I'm pregnant."
Lana froze mid-motion, clearly surprised. "What? Pregnant? Mrs. Kent, that's incredible! Congratulations!" She placed the coffees on the counter, her eyes shining with excitement. "I had no idea. That's so wonderful. How are you feeling about it?"
Jonathan laughed lightly, proud. "We're feeling very blessed, Lana. It was a big surprise for us too, but we're thrilled."
"That's amazing," Lana repeated warmly. "Does Clark know? I bet he's thrilled about the news."
Martha nodded. "Yes, he's very happy, and we're sure he'll be a great big brother."
"That's so exciting," Lana said, genuinely happy for the Kents. "Do you have any special plans for today?"
Jonathan replied, "Actually, we're heading to the hospital now. We want to check on the baby and make sure everything's alright. It's one of the first appointments." He looked at Martha with a tender smile.
Lana clasped Martha's hands, touched. "Please keep me updated. I'm so happy for you all!"
"Of course, Lana," Martha said, touching Lana's arm gently. "Thank you for your kindness. It means so much to us."
The Kents took their coffees and said their goodbyes to Lana, who continued smiling as she watched them leave. She was genuinely happy for the family and eager to see how this new chapter would change their lives. Though she had her own challenges, like the unfinished message for Whitney, feeling the Kents' joy was a welcome relief in her day.
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