AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Thank you,” I say as brightly as I can.
“Would you like me to lead you to the study?” Mrs. Latha asks. She’s probably asking because she believes I won’t know my way around the building after being away for so long.
“I’ll be fine, thank you,” I reply with a smile. I take a deep breath before walking toward the hallway on the left. I've always known it as my father’s personal area. I don’t think I’ll ever understand why he has a whole wing to himself when he barely uses three rooms there.
I take steady steps toward my destination. The framed photos of stone-faced relatives on the walls do nothing to help my nerves. I try to remind myself to act as naturally as possible around my father despite our strained relationship. Or no relationship at all.
I reach the entrance of his study, and all my mental preparation for this moment dissipates. I’m so tempted to leave without even seeing him. It’s pointless, though. I know I’d pay for it in more ways than one. I sigh, turn the door handle, and enter the study. The scent of cigar hits me as I step in, but what stops me in my tracks is seeing my father.
He is behind his desk, puffing a Cohiba while watching me impassively. There is no emotion on his face, no happiness, no excitement. You’d never know he hadn’t seen his only daughter for over a decade.
“Father,” I say as I enter the room and shut the door behind me. He gives me one look, and it seems he disapproves of my clothes. I glance down, wondering what is wrong with the jeans and t-shirt I am wearing.
“Aurora,” he says as I walk closer to his desk. I stop across from him, and he stares at me silently. His scrutiny makes me uncomfortable.
“How have you been?” I ask, trying to break the ice. My father shrugs, taking another puff of his cigar.
“Has Latha told you about the arrangement of your room?” he asks. Insecurity fills me as I stare at this stranger who is my father. He doesn’t care how I have been. He hasn’t asked about my journey, let alone the last ten years.
I mean nothing to this man.
Nothing to anyone.
I should be used to this side of my father. Well, the only side of him. But maybe there’s a part of me that still longs for a relationship with him. Or at least to have some sort of a father figure in my life.
I have not been lucky with my parents. My mother walked out when I was little, and my father never cared about my existence. My aunt treats me like I am a tedious assignment. How could I blame her, though? She isn’t my parent. Raising someone else’s kid couldn’t have been a walk in the park.
I snap out of my thoughts when I realize he is still waiting for me to answer him.
“N- No. She didn’t get to explain. She told me you asked me to see you as soon as I arrived,” I tell him, trying to calm myself.
“Good. You still know the rules,” he says as he brings out a file from his drawer. Of course, I still know his damn rules. How can I ever forget them when they’ve been beaten into me? It is obvious that nothing here has changed, even after a decade.
“Do not interfere in matters within the estate,” I recite as I grit my teeth. He nods in approval. The only approval I’ll probably earn.
“If you need anything, call Latha. That will be all,” he says before opening the file and going through it. I gape at him, realizing this is all he wants to see me for. I turn to leave. “You need to dress more appropriately,” he says, stopping me.
I freeze and turn to face him with a questioning look. I realize he still has his eyes fixed on the document. I glance at my clothing again, wondering what is wrong with it. I know it is pointless trying to explain to him that I am wearing what is comfortable for me.
“Okay,” I say, and he nods without sparing me a glance. I give him one last look before I turn and leave the study. I release a sigh as soon as I step out.
“That wasn’t so bad,” I whisper as I start walking toward the living room. I meet Mrs. Latha there and judging by the look on her face, she is waiting for me.
“Mrs. Latha,” I say, and her eyes light up.
“Aurora, your bag has been taken to your room. I wanted to know if you need anything?” Her smile is pleasant. It amazes me that she hasn’t been tainted by everything that happens on this property. I’m floored by her kindness but manage a smile in response.
“Thank you, I’m fine,” I tell her.
“Okay. If you need anything, please let me know,” she says.
“I’ll keep that in mind,” I say before I watch her leave. “Wait!” I call out, and she stops. “I’d love a glass of lemonade. I’m parched.” My nerves have had me on edge.
“I’ll bring it to your room.” She gives a nod and leaves before I can thank her.
I turn to the second hallway, assuming I will be staying in my childhood bedroom.I wonder if it is still the same,I think idly as I make the short journey.
I don’t know what I was expecting, but when I open the door, I am surprised at how much the room has changed. Gone is the pink princess theme; in its place is a palette of cool blues and greys. Neat and well-arranged.
