7. Playing Along, Plotting Revenge

“Ric, I need you to hide!” I hiss, my voice barely above a whisper. His eyes flicker with reluctance, but he moves quickly, slipping into the hallway just as the doorbell rings again.

I quickly adjust my robe, tying it tightly around my waist, smoothing my hair to look somewhat composed while trying to calm my racing heart. I can still feel the lingering heat of Ric’s touch on my skin, but now isn't the time to think about that.

I open the door, and there stands my father, his face set in a stern expression. “Natalie,” he says, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. “Why have you been ignoring my calls?”

I steel myself for the conversation I’ve been dreading. For the last two weeks, I’ve avoided him, knowing exactly what kind of lecture awaited me about my ‘marital issues.’ But now, here he is, in my home, and I can’t avoid it anymore.

“I’ve been busy,” I reply, forcing myself to sound casual, though I’m sure the tension is obvious in my voice.

“Busy?” His eyebrows shoot up in disbelief. “Too busy to answer your father’s calls? Natalie, I’m not just anyone — I’m trying to help you. You can’t keep shutting me out like this.”

I bite my tongue, knowing quite well where this conversation is headed. He’s here to talk about Mike, and I’m not ready to hear what he has to say. But I let him continue.

“I didn’t come here to argue,” he says, his voice softening, though the disappointment in his eyes stings. “I came to talk some sense into you.”

I cross my arms, bracing myself. “About what?”

He gives me a long, measured look, as if I should already know the answer. “About Mike. This whole mess you’ve made with him—it’s gone too far.”

My chest tightens. I look away, pretending to adjust a pillow on the couch. “What mess, exactly, Dad?”

“The way you humiliated him at that event,” he continues, his voice rising slightly. “People are talking, Natalie. They’re talking about you, too. You need to fix this.”

My stomach churns, the anger bubbling up again, but I keep my expression neutral. “So, what are you suggesting? That I apologize to him for his mistakes?”

Dad shakes his head, his voice softening like he’s trying to reason with me. “I’m saying that you need to give him another chance. Marriage isn’t something you just throw away at the first sign of trouble. You and Mike can work through this, but you need to be the bigger person. Reach out to him. Apologize for how you handled it and move forward.”

I stare at him, my fists clenched at my sides. “So, I should pretend like nothing happened? That’s your solution?”

“No, but there’s a way to address this privately without ruining both of your reputations,” he insists. “Mike made a mistake, but that doesn’t mean your marriage is over. You need to show the world that you’re still united, that you can get through this.”

A cold, bitter laugh threatens to escape, but I keep it inside. Of course, my father is worried about appearances. “So, you want me to forgive him publicly, to save face for him. And for you.”

“Don’t make it sound like that,” he says quickly, though his expression falters. “I just want what’s best for you. For both of you.”

I nod, but my heart is pounding with barely suppressed rage. “And what exactly do you want me to do?”

Dad’s face brightens, sensing that I’m giving in. “I’m organising a major event in two days. It’s going to be a huge opportunity, not just for the company, but for our family image as well. Ric Steward — my friend you met at the launch party — and I have been working on it for months.”

The mention of Ric makes my heart skip, but I keep my face carefully neutral.

“It’s a formal affair,” Dad continues, oblivious to the storm brewing inside me. “There will be investors, partners, the press, big players of the industry — it’s a big deal. This is the perfect chance for you and Mike to clear the air, show the world that you’re still a strong couple. You’ll be seen together, and you can apologise for the misunderstanding. It’ll smooth over the rumours, help Mike regain his reputation, and salvage yours in the process.”

I blink, stunned by his audacity. I can barely believe what I’m hearing. My jaw clenches. I want to shout at him, to make him understand how much pain I’ve been through, but I know better than to engage in that kind of argument with him. He never listens.

The anger rises higher, but I keep it buried deep. Apologise? For Mike’s cheating? For exposing him? The thought makes my skin crawl, but I see an opportunity here — a chance to turn this situation to my advantage.

I nod, feigning consideration. “You’re right, Dad. It would be good to clear things up.” I pause, glancing at him with a small smile. “I’ll go to the event. I’ll make sure everything looks... perfect.”

For a moment his brows arch in suspicion, but when I keep the smile on, he gives me a smile of his own, clearly pleased with my response, completely unaware of the plans already forming in my head. “I knew you’d come to your senses. You’re my daughter after all, my little girl,” he says. “You’re doing the right thing, Natalie.”

I nod again, though inside I’m screaming. The right thing for who? Certainly not for me. But I’ll play along. For now.

“I’ll show up,” I say, my voice steady, masking the storm within. “But I need to get ready for something else right now so you need to leave ASAP.”

He frowns slightly, clearly wanting to discuss more, but I cut him off before he can say anything. “My friend’s engagement party. I need to prepare for it,” I lie smoothly, glancing at the clock in the room as if I’m running out of time.

My father’s eyes narrow, but he doesn’t press. “Alright. But don’t forget about the event. Two days from now. I’ll have my assistant email you the details. Chat up with Mike before you show up though. And be there, and make sure you’re ready to do what needs to be done.”

I smile sweetly, nodding. “I won’t forget, Dad.”

With one last look, he heads to the door. “This is important, Natalie. Don’t let your pride get in the way.”

As the door closes behind him, I let out the breath I’ve been holding. My hands unclench, the anger that had been simmering just below the surface finally releasing in a long exhale.

I stand still for a moment, trying to shake off the weight of the conversation. Then, with a smirk, I turn back toward the hallway.

“Ric, you can come out now.”

He emerges slowly, his expression unreadable as he steps back into the living room. “Sounds like your father has big plans for you.”

I roll my eyes, crossing my arms. “Yeah, well, he has no idea what I’m planning.” My smirk widens as I meet Ric’s gaze. “I’m going to that event, alright. But I’m not apologising.”