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It tore us apart, the intensity too much for our young hearts to take. Guilt tore me down, as did the expectations placed on me by my father to follow his footsteps and become a doctor. It was years of pain knowing I had done wrong, and the worst part is, I didn’t have the ability to apologize.
Charlotte had disappeared, untraceable as if she never existed and was a figment of my imagination.
And so, I used the pain to make myself a mogul. London—my accomplice at the time—had everything to do with it. I was away from the memories, living a different life without my family to remind me of my mistakes.
My days consisted of people all around me. I was rarely alone, but at night, when darkness fell—I was reminded of my solitary life. A life purposely crafted to numb the pain of losing the woman I love.
Yet, there was a force much greater than anything I could have ever imagined. Timing had been everything. I resisted the trip back home to the States, but because of that one snap decision to fly last minute—my entire life changed. Seeing Charlotte again made me realize that money is nothing without the woman you love.
And again—I was unstoppable. She was always meant to be mine, and this time, nothing was going to get in my way.
I will never regret fighting for Charlotte and spending my days earning back her trust. We have built a life together. Our family, our home—all of it is because of Charlotte. She is the matriarch of our family, the queen who deserves to sit on a throne to which I will forever bow down.
Down the long corridor, I begin my walk to the boardroom, watching employees scurry around me with fear. The persistent throbbing inside my head refuses to leave, all because I am about to encounter the one man I’ve been avoiding for the last four years.
Will Romano.
As I enter the room, I keep my gaze to myself and take a seat at the opposite end of the table. To distract me from being in the same room as him, with the intent of focusing on our agenda, I glance at my phone only for it to ring—Amelia’s name appearing on the screen.
With reluctance, I answer, dreading the call if this is what I think it is.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Hello, now is not a good time,” I quickly tell her, keeping my tone neutral.
“I know it must be your daytime, and you’re at work, but Dad,” she hesitates, only confirming my fears. “But please, it’ll only take a moment.”
I don’t say anything, listening for the words I’d been dreading since the day she was born.
“Dad, Austin proposed.”
I close my eyes, torn between my eldest daughter getting married and my approval of the union. I only approved when he asked me for her hand in marriage because the kid will treat her well, and somewhere in the back of my mind, I know just how hard it is to find a person with honorable intentions. He has a strong head on his shoulders, respects my authority, and he’s studying to be a doctor.
Austin said he would only propose marriage with the blessing from Charlotte and me because he understands the importance of family and would never want to jeopardize Amelia’s relationship with us.
Unlike others in this very room.
Yes, Amelia is too young. Austin is young too. However, he promised not to rush the wedding, ensuring that nothing will get in the way of their studying. He loves Amelia and promises her a life full of love. How could I say no to that?
“Congratulations,” is all I say.
“I know, Dad. It’s a lot to take in. Do you think we can talk about it when you’re free?”
“Sure.”
I hang up the phone, my eyes lifting to meet Romano. The guy has aged, sporting a beard of all things and wearing reading glasses. His stare is penetrating, full of contempt. I am the one who stopped him from going any further with my daughter, and perhaps I would also act the same if someone tried to get in the way of Charlotte and me. It’s been a while since I’d last seen him, only in passing at events we frequented. We never breathed a word to each other, and I did my best to stay away from him.
What he did is still unforgivable in my eyes. He took an innocent girl, broke all our trust, and for what? He almost ruined her.
My mind begs not to remember the night of the accident. The call we received telling us our daughter had been admitted into hospital with a broken arm and concussion. The panic from the unknown and the possibility we could lose her. All of these events stemmed from their forbidden relationship, and frankly, I’m glad she walked away.
And equally relieved Romano chose his career over her.
The meeting starts with the same old agenda. Jensen dragged matte
rs longer than necessary, barely giving anyone a chance for input. Romano made a few points, all of which were valid though I did not acknowledge nor converse with him on any matters.
Time drags, and out of boredom, my eyes lazily fall onto my phone screen, where a notification catches my attention. It’s Ava, which comes as no surprise. The girl will be the death of me. Thank god it wasn’t one of her bikini shots. I believe she learned her lesson from my directive to remove the image since the world did not need to see her posed in such a compromising position.
