My Forced Husband Is A Billionaire

Chapter three

Ava

As I stumbled back to my room, my mind was a whirlwind of confusion and embarrassment. How could I be so stupid? I cursed myself for letting my stupidity get the best of me. I couldn’t believe I’d actually spit water all over Liam just because I found out he was dating Natalia.

I shouldn’t have been so shocked, though. Liam was definitely handsome, the kind of guy my sister usually went for, but he wasn’t the typical hot guy or a wealthy guy. Or was he? He had a small library, which seemed to suggest he wasn't exactly rich. But then, why would he run a library instead of flaunting his riches? This puzzle didn’t add up. I was usually good at solving mysteries, but this one was beyond me.

Lost in thought, I barely noticed when a knock on my door pulled me back to reality. Mrs. Greta stood there with a kind but stern look. “Dinner’s ready; your mother wants to talk to you." She said, and my heart skipped a beat. Today was definitely a day of surprises. My mother wanted to talk to me. That could only mean trouble.

I forced myself to go downstairs, trying to shake off the anxiety that had settled in my chest. My mother never called for an audience, and I couldn’t help but worry about what she wanted to discuss.

I entered the dining room and greeted my mother with a polite smile. She merely nodded, while Natalia sat at the table, ignoring me. To my relief, Liam wasn’t present.

My mother started without any pleasantries. “You will be allowed to see your father today.”

I nearly leaped out of my seat with joy. Thank God I held myself. I avoided a lecture about being a lady. Finally! Since arriving, I had been trying to find a way to see my father, but my mother had made sure I stayed away from his quarters. Now, I was going to spend time with him.

But before I could fully savor the moment, my mother continued, “And also, your sister is getting married soon.”

My eyes widened in shock. I struggled to keep my composure and avoid spitting out my drink. Imagine spitting my drink on my mother. Unlike Liam's case, this time my head will explore with the lecture.

Probably another lecture about how I’d grown up and learned terrible things while away at school. Not that Natalia was any better, but of course, she was the golden child.

“Oh? That’s great,” I managed to say, trying to sound enthusiastic. “Congratulations, Natalia.”

Natalia’s expression remained unchanged as if she were indifferent to the announcement or didn't care who was receiving it.

My mother’s gaze was sharp and unwavering. “Mom, I need to go shopping,” She said quickly, “Jim wants to see the gown before the wedding. I know they say it’s bad luck, but it’s important.”

My mother’s eyes narrowed. “Fine, I’ll take you shopping. But I won’t let him see the gown. Natalia, don’t let him see it. It could bring bad luck.”

As I walked away, I pondered the name “Jim.” Was that another name for Liam? Or just a nickname? I had no idea.

Before I could escape to my father’s quarters, my mother stopped me with one last instruction. “Ava, You will not embarrass us at the engagement. Dress well and act maturely.”

I nodded, hoping she would let me go soon. The thought of finally seeing my father kept me going. I really couldn't wait.

***

As I entered the room, the sight before me was both comforting and disheartening. There he was, on the bed, his wheelchair resting by his side. My father’s head was bent over a book, the same old habit I had inherited from him. He looked older, his hair long and unkempt, evidence of how sickness had taken its toll. I saw the weariness in his eyes.

“Martha,” he said, without looking up, assuming it was one of the caregivers. “I’ve told you to take some rest. Look, I am relaxing. Go and rest.”

"Dad" I whispered so low, my voice shaky, not even knowing if he'd hear me.

The book dropped from his hand as he heard my voice, disbelief evident on his face. I could barely hold back the tears that had already begun streaming down my cheeks.

“Ava, my princess, is that you?” he asked, his voice cracking with emotion as he finally looked up.

I rushed to him, careful not to hurt him, and wrapped my arms around him. “Yes, Daddy, it’s me. I’ve missed you so much.”

He looked at me with a tender smile. “Oh, my baby, you’ve grown up so much. When did you return?”

Trying to mask the pain of not being allowed to see him sooner, I replied, “I just arrived, Daddy. I’ve missed you terribly. How have you been?”

“Oh, me?” he said, trying to sound cheerful. “I’m a strong man now. See, the last time we were together, I couldn’t even sit up. Now I can. I’ve improved over the years. I’m more comfortable being like this. This is my life, and that’s what matters.”

I felt a pang of sadness at his words. “Daddy, I am so sorry, I,,,,” I began, but he interrupted me.

“Stop it, Ava. I’ve told you a million times to stop this. I don’t want to hear any more apologies from you,” he said firmly but kindly.

"Yes Dad"

Changing the topic, he said, “Tell me about your school.”

“School was good, Daddy,” I began, my voice filled with pride. “I graduated with a degree in Business Administration. I hope to one day own my own company and manage it. For now, I’m still looking for a job. I’ve applied for a position at Winston and Co. I’m hoping they’ll accept me. Even with my background, I want to make something of myself.”

He looked at me with pride. “I’m proud of you, honey. Of course, they’ll accept you. If they don't, it's their loss.

We spent the rest of the day chatting, catching up on lost time. It was a precious moment that I had longed for. His caregiver came to remind him to rest and I told him that I'll leave.

“I’ll come back to visit and we’ll catch up more,” I said, hugging him tightly one last time. And then I left the room. My emotions were a conflicting mess of happiness and sadness.