Chapter 3

“Is my father in?” I questioned Mr. Russell, my father’s butler. 

The man himself was surprised to see me. “Yes, he is. Come in.”

I stepped into the foyer and almost bawled at the sight of every familiar feeling that wrapped me. 

Taking a deep breath, I continued my way to his study/private office. He was certain to be there by this time of the day.

Gripped by apprehension, I wiped sweat from my palm on my wrinkled skirt and knocked on the door of his study.

“Yeah? Who’s that?” His deep voice called.

I blew nervous breath and quietly cleared my throat. “I-it’s me, Paula.” 

I didn’t hear his voice again.

Scared to enter and feeling ashamed as well, I wrung my hands. “D-dad, please let me in.”

I heard nothing. 

“I-I’m sorry, pl…” 

The door opened before I could finish my apology. I met eye to eye with the man who had birthed me. 

Emotions crippled me, I couldn’t help the tears that fell. “I’m sorry, dad. Y-you were right. I-I should have listened to you.”

Dad watched me, not saying a word. I tried to gauge his expression but it was hard to read. I lowered my head, tears falling silently. 

His hand came around me and drew me closer to his familiar scent. A sob broke out from me as I held onto him as well. “I’m sorry, d-dad.”

“Shh! It’s okay. Come let’s go.” He stepped out of his study and led me towards the private living room. 

There were two living rooms in this mansion. One was strictly for family, the second was general. Anyone was allowed, especially visitors. 

It was a big house. The house I had grown up in. 

A maid passed us and she was surprised to see me. She smiled at me and I returned it. 

I was a liked personality in this house and many had been sad to see me leave three years ago. 

My stomach recoiled angrily when I thought about all I’d gone through in the hands of my ex-husband. 

Two months of my life had been wasted in jail over a crime no one could provide evidence of me committing.

It came to my understanding that he had possibly bribed those officers to lock me in jail for that two months. 

I no longer loved him. I got rid of that love during my time in jail. Vengeance was the only thing I felt towards him. 

“Sit and tell me what happened.” 

We both sat and I narrated everything to him, not leaving any part out. 

He was low-key furious by the time I was done. “I wouldn’t rub it in your face over how right I was over that bastard. But promise you won’t go back to him.”

“Dad, I have no plans of going back to him.” I promised.

“You’ve grown thinner. That jerk! I’d better not lay my hands on him else he would hate his existence.” He observed me through angry eyes.

I didn’t say anything because I knew it was my fault. 

“What’s done is done. We just have to find a way forward.”

“Can I live here with you, dad? I have nowhere else to go.” My eyes and tone were pleading.

“Of course, darling. You’re always welcome. This is your home too. And the company is still yours to inherit.” He said. “I knew you’d see him for who he is one day and you’ll return.”

Tears of gratitude pooled. I hugged him tight. “Thank you so much, dad.”

“Anytime, princess. But there’s a catch.” He suddenly said.

A small frown appeared on my forehead. “What catch is that?”

“I want you to get to know someone. He’s a very special young man. Smart and successful as well.” Dad revealed.

I heaved a sigh. “Dad, I’m just getting out of a bad marriage, I don’t think I’m ready for another one.”

“Trust me, he’s a good man.”

“I’m pregnant.” I divulged. “I’m pregnant with Nathan’s child but he doesn’t know and I do not want him to.”

“Perfect! I know Alexander will accept you and that baby. Nathan doesn’t have to know.” Dad said as though it was a done deal. “I’ve been waiting for a long while, hoping another woman doesn’t snatch him up before you realize you made a mistake with Nathan.”

“And if I don’t want to know this guy?” I wanted to know.

“It’s the only way you’ll inherit my company and wealth.”

“What? Dad, you can’t do that.” An ache throbbed my temples instantly.

“I can’t have you meeting irresponsible men, Paula. I found you a good, responsible, rich man a d you’ll have him.” Dad was suddenly serious.

“What if he doesn’t want me?” Why was Dad doing this? This was unexpected.

“He…”

“Excuse me, sir.” The butler stood at the entrance of the room.

“Yes, Randy?”

“Mr. Alexander Gray is here to see you.” He announced.

Dad turned to me with a grin. “Talk of fate.”

I groaned. 

“Usher him into the living room for guests, we’ll be with him shortly and tell one of the maids to offer him something to drink.” 

“Alright, sir.” Mr. Russell was gone.

“Now go into your room and look presentable. He needs to see you at your best.” Dad stood and left me there to go meet his guest.

Having no choice, I left the living room and climbed up to my room. I still had my designer things with me. 

I wondered what this Alexander guy looked like a d if he was going to be just like Nathan or a better version. 

Resigning myself to whatever that was bound to happen, I took time to have my bath and dressed but casually but making sure to look classy and elegant while at it. 

It was thirty minutes later when I walked down the stairs and entered the living room to meet a very beautiful pair of brown orbs and the most kissable lips I’d ever seen on a man. 

He was drop dead gorgeous!

I didn’t expect him to be this handsome.

He too was staring at me as though he liked what he was seeing.

“Alex, meet my daughter, Paula. Darling, this is my business partner and my friend’s son, Alexander Gray.”

He stood Immediately, walked towards me, and extended his hand. “Nice to meet you, Miss Johnson.”

“It’s a pleasure, Mr. Gray.”

“You never told me you have a very beautiful daughter, Mr. Johnson.”

The way the compliment rolled off his deep-rich tone had my face growing beetroot red. 

And the fact that he was still holding my hand while a spark of something coursed through my veins had me considering dad’s plans for me and this Alexander guy.