After the auction, the party continued for more hours before it was finally wrapped off. We exchanged greetings with more guests and arranged rooms in the hotel for the ones that traveled from far places places grace the occasion.
By the time we were done I was already very exhausted. Our chauffeur arrived and I left with dad and Amara. Andrew could walk home for all I care. I just couldn’t bear to be in the same space with him.
When we got home, I headed straight to the room I shared with Andrew. I entered the closet and took off my heels immediately. They were already starting to hurt me so I was pretty sure that I had blisters there.
I checked and I was right. I sighed and picked up an ointment. I was about to rub it on my injury when I heard a knock on the door. I knew that it wasn’t Andrew because he isn’t one to knock especially when the door is opened.
“Come in.” I said and my dad entered, his face brimming with smiles.
“Cathy..” He muttered as he walked to wards me and engulfed me in a very tight hug before he pulled away.
“Today was a big success and it’s all because of you.” He said.
“Not really, I didn’t do it all. It was able to be a success because you were around to guide me.”
“Even though I was around, you chose to listen to my guidance. When you came to me, wanting to be the host to the Charity event, I didn’t want to at first.”
“Though it made me happy, I had my doubts because you’ve never ever wanted to be involved in the things happening in the company especially this charity event. After much thinking, I decided to give you the chance since you were daughter and the heir to everything that I have.” He paused for a while and touched my face lovingly.
“Like I had hoped, you didn’t fail me. In fact, this event is the most successful we’ve ever had since your mother started it. I’m sure she would be very proud of you.” This is the proudest I’ve ever seen my father and it’s all because of me.
“Thank you dad. Don’t worry, it won’t end here. Like I said, I’ll always strive to do things for the benefit of you and the company.”
“I know now that you’re fit to be the future of this conglomerate. So, I decided to prepare a little assistance for you.” He said as he placed a file I never knew he was holding on my hand.
“Open it.” He urged when he noticed that I was just staring at it in silence. I heeded to his command and opened it. I covered my mouth in shock as I read it’s content.
“Really dad??” I asked in shock and he nodded in smiles.
My dad had just returned back to me my shares in the company. After my departure from the company, all the shares he bought in my name was taken back for fear I might use it against him later.
“You can add it to the shares you’ve gathered.” My surprise increased when he said that. How does he know I’ve been buying shares??
“Don’t look so surprised. Like I said, I know a lot of things even though I try to look the other way.” He said.
These shares, added to mine that I have accumulated already is more than his own. Why would he give it to me if he knows that I can easily overthrow him anytime I want to.
“Why did you give me this? Your position in the company is going to be threatened by this.” I asked in confusion. Dad sighed as he collected the ointment from me and crouched down.
He lifted my legs and helped me apply the ointment on my blisters. After he was done, he stood up again to match my eye level.
“I did it because I want to put my trust in you again. You are my daughter, my only child and I’m supposed to be your stepping stone so that your claim to everything your mother and I have suffered to build over the years wouldn’t be questioned.”
“You know you’re the future to our company. I’m sure you won’t turn your back against me in the nearest future.” Dad said. I smiled and pulled him inyo a warm hug. He trusts me again..
“You’re not going to regret this dad.” I whispered, my eyes were already teary.
“I know Cathy.. I know…”
After the small father and daughter’s moment, Hector finally left his daughter so she could wash up and go to bed. He was about to head to his room when he saw Andrew walking towards his and Catherine’s room.
Andrew bowed his head as a sign of respect when he noticed Hector’s presence but he didn’t reply neither did he move. He kept on staring at Andrew silently, like he wanted to say something.
Due to Hector’s hard gaze on him, Andrew couldn’t walk out on the elderly man. All he could do was stand, fidgeting on his spot till Hector finally decided to break the thick silence.
“Walk with me Andrew.” Was all he said before he left, without waiting for Andrew to follow him. Andrew on the other hand followed him immediately to avoid his anger.
Hector walked into his study and Andrew followed behind him like a lost puppy.
“Lock the door!” He ordered and Andrew obliged immediately. Hector walked in further and sat on the chair that was facing the large desk.
“Have your seat young man.” He ordered as he pointed towards the chair facing his. Andrew walked with shaky legs before he finally sat down on the chair.
“You messed up big time today..” Hector started as he gave Andrew a very cold look.
“I’m so sorry sir. I made a big mistake. I wasn’t in my right mind.” Andrew apologized.
“Really??” Hector gave Andrew a very suspicious look.
“Yes sir. I was drugged. I don’t know what came into me. I woukd never cheat on your daughter.”
“You dare not. Catherine is the only reason you are in this household but if she doesn’t want you here, then you have no place here.” Hearing that, Andrew panicked and he got on his knees.
“Please sir.. I can’t live without your daughter. I never intended to cheat on her. I was framed. Please don’t separate us. I love Catherine so much.” He pleaded as he crawled towards Hector.
“Stand up!” Hector ordered and Andrew stood on his feet immediately like he was a robot that was bring controlled.
“In as much as I don’t want you in our lives, I need to think of my daughter’s happiness. She might be mad with you now but I know she would later come to forgive you.”
“I don’t want her to come crying to me later so that’s the only reason I’m not throwing you out or this house.” Andrew’s eyes widened in happiness when he heard that and couldn’t stop thanking Hector.
“No need to thank me just yet. I’ll only let you stay, under one condition.”
“What is it sir? Anything… I’ll do anything just to be by her side.” Andrew said.
“Really? This wouldn’t be an issue then.” Hector muttered as he opened the desk’s drawer and brought out a file.
“I need you to sign a nuptial agreement that you’ll leave this house with nothing if you are ever caught cheating on my daughter again even though it isn’t on purpose.”