3: Reunion

Kiara's pov

I took a shaky breath as I looked at the frail man before me. This was the father I had imagined a hundred different ways, but never like this.

My heart was pounding, and my hands wouldn't stop trembling. This was my father, the man I had built up in my mind for years after my mom's tragic accident which led to her demise.

“Kiara…” His voice was barely a whisper, as if even saying my name took the last of his strength. Collen exited the room, leaving us alone as I sat beside my dad.

I forced myself to move closer, to reach for his hand. It felt fragile, cold, and I could see the effort in his eyes as he looked at me.

There was so much I wanted to ask, so much anger and confusion swirling in me, but all of that felt irrelevant now.

“Why… didn't you… come for me?” My voice cracked, barely holding back the resentment I had held in for years.

A soft sigh escaped him. “I…tried, Kiara. I searched everywhere. But they…took you from me.” His voice broke, and it hurt to hear him like this.

“They? Who? Who took me away from you?” I asked, sobbing.

“I'll explain to you, my beautiful daughter. Ever since your mum's accident, I struggled to keep you by my side. I was struggling to fend for us, and you were just a little girl who always asked about her mummy.” He slowly said, coughing faintly.

“Sorry, dad.” I said, almost choking on my sobs.

“I prayed to God that you would get to call me that before I die,” He let out a weak smile, staring into my teary eyes.

“Those men came to take you away because I couldn't pay rent. I begged them, but they didn't listen and beat me almost to death instead. And that was when I swore to build this empire and get the wealth and connection I need, to find you, my dear.”

“I'm sorry you went through all that, dad.” Tears streamed down my face as I placed my head on his chest, hugging him tightly.

“I'm so sorry for everything you've been through, dear daughter.” He whispered.

This reunion was something I never thought could happen. Hugging him melted my anger away, and I couldn't bear to watch him die. However, a question popped in my mind.

“Dad, did you marry someone else?” I raised my head, and his face sunk in.

“I'm so sorry, my dear. I had to remarry to establish my empire. And those worthless children!” He coughed again. “Your step-siblings, James and Mandy. They're so bent on taking over the company and I'm afraid everything I've built over the years would crumble.”

“James and Mandy?” I scoffed, wiping away my tears.

My father's breathing grew weaker, each breath shallow and strained. He squeezed my hand, his eyes desperate. “Kiara…you can't let them win. They're planning to take everything. Tomorrow. You have to be there. You're…the rightful heir. I love you, d-daughter.”

“I promise, dad.” I whispered, swallowing back the lump in my throat. But before he could say another word, his hand went limp, his eyes closing as his head tilted back.

“Dad? No! Dad! Wake up!” I shook him gently, tears flowing uncontrollably. There was no answer, only silence.

My dad was dead.

A door opened softly behind me, and I turned to see a young man standing there, tall and handsome.

“I'm…Damon,” He said, stepping forward with a deep sadness in his gaze. “I'm so sorry. Your father was a great man.” His voice was so calm and comforting.

I nodded, barely able to form words. “Thank you…Damon.”

Damon happened to be my dad's best friend's son, and he had been working with my dad over the years until he fully became the successor of his dad's company.

After mourning my dad with Damon and Collen, I decided to do what my late dad would be proud of, which was taking over the company.

“Damon, can you tell me what's happening with the company?” I asked after a moment, trying to get myself together.

“Yes. Your step-siblings have been scheming to take control for months, but your father's shares are yours now. You have the power to stop them, if you're ready.” He said, pocketing.

Damon was indeed handsome, the way he spoke exuded a charming authority.

“I'm ready.” I nodded, locking eyes with him.

A few hours later, I was standing in the grand living room, meeting the people I'd never imagined would be part of my life.

James and Mandy, my so-called step-siblings.

“Kiara, welcome!” Mandy's smile was bright as she hugged me, though there was something about her that felt off.

Why was she so happy even after knowing that our dad just passed away?

This was strange.

She handed me a glass of champagne, her eyes gleaming. “This is a big day for you, welcome to the Abernathys! Let's toast to our family.”

I hesitated, then forced a small smile and took a sip. “Thanks, Mandy.”

James barely looked at me, his expression was cold. “So, you think you'll just step in here and take everything, huh?”

The coldness in his eyes darkened as I met his gaze. “I'm only here to take what's rightfully mine, James.”

He scoffed but said nothing more, his eyes narrowing.

Mandy linked her arm through mine, chatting easily about nothing, her tone almost too friendly.

“Don't mind James, Kiara. He's just too hot-headed.” She laughed, gesturing to me to drink up.

James was indeed hot-headed while his sister was quite the opposite.

Hours later, as I made my way up the winding staircase, a sharp pain hit my stomach, as I almost slumped.

I gasped, gripping the railing, my vision blurring as the pain twisted deeper, sharper, until I felt something warm trickling down my legs.

“No…” I whispered, panic surging through me as I stumbled, barely able to breathe through the agony.

Blood, there was blood dripping down my legs. My mind raced, realizing Mandy’s sickly sweet smile, the drink she’d given me.

I reached out, desperate for help, my voice barely a whisper. “Damon…”

The darkness started closing in as I fought to stay on my feet.