Chapter Seven
1441 Words
s**t.
I almost made it out.
I turned, my father's stern face glared back at me. “The Osbornes are here and they expect to see the entire family.”
“I don't care about the Osbornes or this marriage,” I snapped. “ You said I shouldn't come home if I didn't talk to them so why call them for dinner.”
His eyes narrowed, and he took a step toward me. "You will do as you're told, Dalma. I'm still your father and I can tell you what to do.”
“No you can't,” I retorted. “I'm not your child anymore. I'm leaving this house. You can get your beloved daughter Cassie married to Alex. I don't care.”
He grabbed my arm, his grip painfully tight. "You ungrateful little…”
He was hurting me, but I can't show it. My father thrives on pain, he loves seeing just how weak I am. I won't let him win this time.
Mustering a false bravado, I said. “Imagine dad, just imagine your dear friend, Mr Osborne finds you treating your own daughter this way. Do you think he'll want to partner with you then?”
I could see the gears turning in his head, I saw his eyes get darker, and I knew I just incensed him the more.
"Let go of me," I demanded, trying to pull free. "You're hurting me.”
His face was twisted with rage, his grip tightening. “If you step out of this door, you're on your own now.”
"That's the idea," I muttered.
"I said, let go!" I shouted, finally yanking my arm free.
"You're making a big mistake, Dalma," he said through gritted teeth. "You'll regret this."
"Maybe…," I started, turning to open the door. "But it's my mistake to make.”
I pushed the door open and just as we stepped out, my mom walked in.
“Where are you...” I slammed the door in her face, interrupting whatever she wanted to say.
I'll leave them to formulate whatever lies they'll paint of me to the Osbornes.
It wouldn't be the first time they told lies against me to save their faces.
We moved swiftly towards the street where Jack's car was parked. I had borrowed it earlier in the day, knowing tonight was the night we had to leave.
"Get in, Damian," I said, helping him into the back seat before sliding into the driver's seat.
My hands shook slightly as I started the car, the engine's rumble masked my nervous breaths.
I glanced back at the house watching my parents watch me leave, memories of countless painful moments flashing through my mind.
JADEN’S POV
“Mum, I already told you to stop butting in on my personal affairs. I can find a wife for myself,” I rubbed my temple in frustration.
“It's been five years since Camille left you. You're yet to move on, I don't want to see you alone,” she said dramatically, causing me to roll my eyes.
She always uses the fact that Camille left me to make me do whatever she wants, but no more.
“I know that mum but I have more pressing issues to handle,” I clicked my tongue.
“Rylan won't you back me up? He doesn't want to listen,” she turned to my dad.
It was Wednesday night and according to family tradition, it was family dinner night. So I had to spend the night at my parents house.
“Son, your mom is right. You need to move on. We need grandchildren. The Worthington name won't die with you,” he said still digging into his meals
“I know that, and I'm working towards it,” I grunted
“Working towards it? How, exactly?” my dad's voice boomed across the dining room, his attention now on me.
“I don't see you dating anyone. You're always buried in your work.”
“I have my reasons, Dad. It's not like I'm doing nothing about it,” I protested trying to avoid eye contact.
His eyes narrowed. “If you don't bring a lady home soon, I'll have no choice but to reconsider your position as President of Worthington Enterprises.”
“What?” I froze. “You wouldn't,” I tried convincing myself, but even as I spoke, I knew he wasn't bluffing.
He never made idle threats, especially when it came to the family and business.
“Try me,” he said, his tone deadly serious.
I clenched my jaw, frustration bubbling up inside me.“I've saved this company and now my competency is doubted because I don't have a wife??”
Sighing, my dad looked up. “Say whatever you think, but my decision is final.”
Grinding my teeth, I regretted coming for this dinner.
“Fine. I'll bring someone home. But under my conditions, not yours.”
“That's all we ask,” my mom chimed in, her tone suddenly softer. “We just want you to be happy.” She rubbed my thighs softly under the dining table.
Happy. The word felt foreign, almost laughable. Happiness doesn't secure a $10 million deal.
But I nodded, just to end the conversation. The last thing I needed was more pressure.
Immediately, I lost my appetite. “I'd have to call it a night. Thanks for dinner mom and dad,” I strode out but could feel their gazes trailing me.
I had a long day and just needed a cool bath, a glass of wine and good sleep. I headed straight home and sank right into my bed instead.
“Mr Jaden! Mr Jaden!” I heard Valentine call out in my dream. Oh well it's just a dream so I'll ignore it.
“Mr Jaden!” he called out again, this time with a bang on the door, making me j******f bed.
It's morning already. “I'll be right there,” I responded with a shaky voice.
I stood up, lheaded for the mirror in the toilet, and washed my face.
Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I could see why I was voted most eligible bachelor. Even if they're a pain in my behind, I was grateful to my parents for their superb genes.
“Good morning Mr Billionaire,” I smirked at myself. The wise people advised to confess what you want and so far my confession has been a reality.
I headed straight to the washroom to prepare for the day. Half dressed, I opened the door to let him in.
As I opened the door, Nadia stumbled on me. She fell right into my bare chest, and I instinctively reached out to steady her. I guess she was resting on the door.
Nadia is my assistant secretary. Guess I misheard, Valentine usually meets me at home, not her.
"Whoa, Nadia, you okay?" I asked, my hands gripping her arms to keep her from falling.
Her face flushed a deep shade of red, and she quickly stepped back, smoothing her skirt. "I…I'm so sorry, sir," she stammered, trying not to meet my eyes.
"It's fine," I said, giving her a reassuring smile. "Just an accident."
She nodded, but her eyes flickered up my bare chest for a brief moment, her eyes trailing over in lust.
"Do you need something?" I asked, snapping my fingers to bring her out of her wormhole of thoughts.
This is the reason she was made assistant. I can't stand her staring at me like she wants to jump on me. Yeah, she was decent at her job but this, No No.
"Oh, yes," she said, snapping back to the present. "Mr Valentine sent me to get you. He went to close the deal at St. Bons."
"Thanks, Nadia," I said, brushing off the odd moment. "I'll be ready in 10 minutes. Tell my driver to get the car ready."
She nodded. “One more thing, there's a lady waiting for you in the garden.”
“I'm not expecting anyone this early but that's okay, I'll be with her shortly,” I headed back into my room to dress fully.
I got dressed in a charcoal gray fitted suit, a son navy tie with a subtle pattern, a black leather Oxford shoes and a classic silver Rolex watch.
I took deep breaths to get myself ready for the workload I have to finish and then headed for the garden to see the unreasonable person that'll come visiting this early without a notice.
“Camille?” my voice caught in my throat.
- Writer
