Page 1 of Daddy’s Accidental Surprise Little

CHAPTER ONE

Charity

Freedom… It was being an adult and getting to escape the clutches of overprotective parents as you prepared to dive into the cold, unforgiving world around you. At least, that’s what it was for most people. For me, it took the passing of my father before I finally got to experience it.

My father had been a cold hearted businessman with no love in his life, not even for his wife and daughter. It was because of him Mother had died years ago after being driven into the cold clutches of depression. After that, Father kept me on a shorter leash, claiming it was for my own safety, even though I felt like I was suffocating. All he cared about was how I would continue the family name and grow the wealth.

Now that he was gone, I felt like a bird that was taking flight for the first time, enjoying the way the wind felt beneath my wings. I knew what was expected of me, but I didn’t care. I hated the house, the money, everything. I wanted to go out into the world and see the sights.

Upon reading Father’s will, the family lawyer confirmed what I had already been told: I would inherit everything. All I had to do was complete the legal requirements, and it all would be mine, and there was nothing anyone could do about it. Much to my surprise, the only requirement was to keep about two hundred thousand dollars in the main account that had been given to me and stay in the house for thirty days. After speaking to the lawyer, I found that I could sell the house after staying for the required thirty days and felt relieved.

Most people would call me crazy, but I didn’t want to keep my family home. Thanks to the ruthless behavior of my father, whose years of shady business deals and misconduct towards Mother and I haunted the halls. While I was thankful that I had more than Heather, whose father had owed money to Mark, a close friend of my father, I still didn’t want it. So, after chasing away the grievers and lawyers, I called up Heather, eager to hear my old friend's voice once again.

"Hello?" answered Heather's familiar voice, and I heaved a sigh of relief, grateful that she had answered the phone.

"Heather?" I asked, continuing without giving her a chance to answer. "It's Charity." The phone went silent for a moment, and I grew worried that she might actually disconnect the phone on me.

"Long time, no see," she replied, her tone a little wary as she spoke. "I'm sorry to hear about you dad. I know you hated him and all, but it still has to suck." I waved a dismissive hand as I sat down on the fancy couch that I despised while Father found them sensible.

"Thanks," I told her, still hurting a little. Even though I hated him, his death was still a shock. "I have a question for you. Have you been working since you met that guy?" She sounded a little confused as she spoke.

"Well, yes, but only part time," she informed me. "I work for Lanberger and Benedict Realty. Why?" Realizing how perfect this was, I smiled.

"Two reasons, actually," I told her, feeling relieved as I spoke. "First of all, do you know if they're hiring? Second, how would you like to be the realtor who sells my home?" She fell dead silent once again, and I grew worried that I had lost her once again.

"You're selling your family's house?" she asked, both shocked and amazed. "Why? Is something wrong with it?" I shrugged as I crossed my legs and held them to my chest.

"Not physically," I reassured her. "Also, it wouldn't be right away. I have to stay here for thirty days in order to inherit everything. After that, I want to sell it and move somewhere smaller that doesn't remind me of Mom and Dad." Having recently lost her parents, I was certain she understood what I meant, and the tone of her voice confirmed it.

"I see," she said as she started rummaging around for something. "You're sure that's what you want?" I nodded immediately.

"Of course," I told her, growing slightly aggravated by her questions. "I'm even waiting for a call from Derek Lanberger to confirm that it's legal and everything. I just need to get out of this place." She sighed, and I heard the click of a pen on the other line.

"Alright, confirm with Derek first to make sure it's legal," she told me. "Meanwhile, I'll talk to Stephanie and see if there are any openings left at the office. Otherwise, you might have to try Darling Realty." I heaved a sigh of relief and nodded my head.

"Thanks, Heather," I told her as I got up off the couch. "You're the best. When I sell the house, I'm going to request you personally as my agent." She laughed softly through the phone.

"I appreciate that, Charity," she agreed. "Meanwhile, I recommend doing any remodelling that you think might need done. It'll help increase the price of the home. You could always talk to Xavier. I'll get his number for you." Looking around the house, I nodded in agreement.

"Thanks, Heather," I repeated in response. "Lord knows this place needs it." After a while, she told me she needed to go, and we both hung up, leaving me alone in the empty house.

Finally, after twenty-one years under my father's roof, I had freedom. Once I fulfilled the requirements and got rid of the house, I would have even more freedom. As the house grew dark as the sun set outside, I took a deep, cleansing breath, enjoying the way the weight seemed to melt from my shoulders.

CHAPTER TWO

Oscar

The reality of the situation hit me like a ton of bricks as I stormed into my home and slammed the door shut behind me. I couldn't believe Jasmine had done this to me. We had only been going out for a month, and she was already cheating on me with some frat boy from the college she attended part time. As soon as I was alone, I went into the living room and sank into the cushions of the couch, letting it swallow me as I moped.

"Oscar?" called out Isabella, my housekeeper and Jasmine's Auntie. "Is that you?" Groaning internally, I got up and looked at the woman.

Isabella, or Auntie Isabella, was ten years older than me, and she knew more about me than anyone. We were childhood friends, and she grew up asexual, never marrying or having children. That didn't stop us from continuing to be friends long into adulthood, and I even helped her when her cleaning business went bankrupt. Now, she cleaned for me.

Her caring brown eyes grew soft and full of concern as she stopped in the doorway to the living room. Searching my expression, her brow creased with a frown, and she shook her head, sending strands of black and gray all around her face. Immediately, I knew I was in trouble.

"What happened?" she asked as she crossed her arms at me. I raised an eyebrow as I watched her, knowing I couldn't lie to her.

"Jasmine," I admitted. "She just dumped me for some frat boy she was tutoring." Lowering my face into my hands, I shook my head. "I'm such a fucking idiot. I can't believe I trusted her." Shaking her head sympathetically, Isabella made her way over to the couch and sat down next to me.