My daughter

Ethan's POV

I had been in a bad mood since I woke up. It was a Saturday morning, and my father had decided to visit my house. I had not heard from him since the day I took over his position as the CEO, and I was sure that he was not coming to sing my praises.

Chloe and Ariana had been here for two days. Chloe mostly ignored me, while Ariana would play with me anytime she sees me. I would be lying if I say that it wasn't fulfilling. The only down side was her health.

That morning, I went to Ariana's room to see her, but I was surprised to meet Chloe there, cradling her in her arms.

"Is something wrong?" I asked her, my voice laced with worry.

Chloe nodded, blinking rapidly. I knew that she was trying to stop herself from crying, and I felt a pang in my chest. "She is in pains. I don't know what to do."

I panicked immediately. I thought of driving her to the hospital, but I had no idea if she was strong enough to hit the road. Instead I decided to bring the doctor to my home. I made a phone call, demanding that the doctor come as soon as possible.

I went over to them, and I witness Ariana whimper, clinging on to her mother. My heart ached.

"Does this happen often?"

"Sometimes." She rocked Ariana to her chest. "It's going to be okay, baby. The doctor is coming. Don't worry, hold on to mommy."

I looked at Chloe, and at moment, I didn't see any of her rebel attitude. All I saw was a mother, fighting to save the life of her child, and it did awaken something inside of me, the strong compelling feeling to protect them both. Fuck, I shouldn't be feeling this way about her when I still had it in mind to punish her for what she did.

I went over and I took our daughter from her. "Get some rest, Chloe."

"No! I can't rest. Not when my daughter is like this."

I placed a kiss on Ariana's cheek, and she grasped by shirt, making my heart ache. It hurt me so much, realizing that my daughter had been going through all these without my knowledge. The DNA result wasn't out, but I knew already. I could feel it inside of me, the connection, I could even see the resemblance. She was my daughter. I knew since the moment I set my eyes on her.

The doctors came soon, and Chloe and I left to give them space to work. Chloe paced restlessly, taking deep calming breaths.

"I wish there was a way to just take everything and free her from this suffering. She is a fighter, but she is not supposed to be. She is supposed to be in school, playing like her mates." She whispered, and I turned to her, her words hitting me deep. Our daughter was going through something that someone her age shouldn't go through at all. And if I could, I would take it from her.

It was unlike me to think of taking someone else's pain, but I guess it was the package that came with being a parent. I knew that I would move a mountain to see her happy and well.

My face then fell on Chloe again. She was leaning her back on the wall, but she had let herself slump on the ground, with her head thrown back against the wall.

I noticed the stress lines on her face and her puffy and red eyes. I wondered if she was falling sick.

"I will tell the doctor to check on you."

"Don't bother about me. I am only here for my daughter."

I didn't say anything anymore. I closed my eyes, as I waited with pounding heartbeat for the doctor to finish with my daughter.

"Where is your fiancee?" Chloe's voice made me open my eyes, and I saw her looking at me.

"Why are you asking?"

"I want to know who my daughter's stepmom would be."

I didn't like to talk about my fiancee with people for personal reasons, but I decided to answer her.

"She's not in the country now. She will come back in a month time, and we will have our wedding."

Her eyes widened in shock, then she just shook her head, and her expression was back to normal.

"Congratulations."

I looked away. Ashley Davis and I had been engaged for four years now, but I refused to give her a wedding. There was nothing wrong with her, but I just could not imagine myself being tied to her.

She was the perfect choice according to my father. She was the governor's daughter, and he wanted the prestige of being family with the governor. Marrying her was the only criteria he gave for me to take over as CEO, and that why I proposed to her in the first place. But it was after four years that I decided to finally make a move with her. And it was because my father demanded a date first before he handed the company over. There was dread in my heart as the day becomes near.

"Chloe, there is something I thought you should know." I then diverted her attention. "My father is coming here today."

She frowned. I guess she knew who my father was. Our family was famous after all.

"Is he going to be nice to Ari?" She asked. It amazed me how the first thing to always come to her mind in every situation was Ariana. I liked that part of her. Even though I was absent in the four years of my daughter's life, I knew that she was loved.

"I don't know, but it does not matter. I only thought you should know."

"Thanks for the heads up."

The doctors left about an hour later, and we went to check on Ariana. She looked better, and she smiled when she saw us. Chloe rushed to her, hugging her gently.

"I'm fine mommy, don't squeeze me."

My heart melted at how she was taking everything with such a light heart. She was in severe pains only a few moments ago, and now... How was she able to cope so well?

"Ethan, come give me a hug." She invited me, and I went over and she crawled into my arms. I kissed the side of her face, savouring the feeling of holding her in my arms. It made me angry at Chloe again, because I couldn't help but think about everything I missed. Her first step, her first word, her as a little baby, and it hurt. But now wasn't the time to bring that up. I just had to take what I have and make the best of it.

Our attention was suddenly drawn by a slight knock on the door, and I didn't need to go over to know the reason for the knock.

"He is here. My father." I said to Chloe, handing Ariana over to her. "I will see you soon, Angel."

I left the both of them, and went to the living room where my father, Anthony Howells was. He was reading a book. He shot me a look of disappointment, before taking his gaze back to the book he was reading. This was something I was already used to.

"Good morning, dad."

"You were made the CEO, and that is the day you decided to turn down all your appointments, even the one you have with the governor's son?" He began, and I knew that I was in for a long day.

"I had something important to do that day."

"More important than the growth of your company? This family's legacy?"

"More important." I responded, and he shot me a deathly glare.

"Do not forget our agreement in all of these. You are to be married by this time next month. You should focus on building your company and make yourself worthy of Ashley Davis' attention."

At that moment, I saw Ariana running to the living room, and towards me. "You said you will be back soon." She squealed excitedly, before she turned and realized someone else was there. My father frowned at her. Shit!

"Who is this?"

"She's my daughter."