I followed dad to his office. He took his seat and I took mine opposite his. He shared a few words with his assistant before he was dismissed leaving just dad and I in the office.
I bowed my head in remorse as I waited for dad to scold me when I heard;
“I’m so proud of you Cathy.” I looked up in surprise only to see dad staring at me with a proud look and a wide smile plastered on his face.
“You are??” I asked in confusion.
“Yes. I really love what you did out there.” Dad praised.
“But… I thought you would be mad.”
“Why would I be after what you’ve just shown me today? You handled the meeting well and stood your ground without faltering even to someone like him.” He said, referring to Nicholas.
A bright smile appeared on my face; “Really??” I asked happily.
“Yes! Today made me realise that you’ve already grown from that little girl you used to be that can hardly make a decision for herself. You’re finally capable of standing on your own.” He said.
I was deeply touched by his words. This isn’t the first time dad was praising me but it aas definitely the best of all. I was so happy to see dad finally proud of me.
It’s been a long while since we had such a warm and touching moment together since my revenge plan started. I heard dad sigh deeply so I turned my attention back to him.
“I feel like I’ve done my duty to your mother.” He said as he patted me a little on the head like I was a child. I didn’t know when he had suddenly walked over to where I sat.
I listened quietly, feeling the deep affection in dad’s words. He stared ahead, lost in thought. He seemed to be reminiscing on the past.
“Do you know it was your mother’s idea to start up this company?” He asked as he turned his gaze back to me.
“It was? I asked in surprise. Dad never mentioned it to me before.
“Yes and the only reason she ever had that idea was because of you. She wanted to watch you grow up to be a very successful young lady with the foundation that she had laid. She wanted you to take over this company.” He explained.
“I’m really sure…” He paused as he placed his hand on my head affectionately.
“… your mother would be so proud of what you’ve become if she was still alive.” He muttered as a sad smile appeared on his face.
I smiled back at him and placed his hands in mine. “I know she’s smiling down at you from wherever she is right now. She must be proud of who you raised me to be.” I muttered and he chuckled softly.
“I had to do my best as I’m getting old every passing day. I need to prepare you as the future of this company rest on the shoulders of both you and Andrew.” I noticed how his brows creased when he mentioned Andrew’s name.
“If it wasn’t for the fact that you are infertile, I would have annulled the marriage between you and him the moment he cheated on you.” He muttered as the frown on his face increaed.
My heart raced when he said that. Was that the reason he made Andrew sign that nuptial agreement? Why does he think I’m infertile?
“Dad, what makes you think I’m infertile?” I voiced out my thoughts.
“The family doctor told me.” Dad answered.
“He did? When?”
“Don’t you remember? After your miscarriage, the family doctor checked you. He told me that because of the miscarriage, you became infertile.” Dad explained.
I stared at him in surprise. When did all these happen?? Seeing dad’s ignorance, I was torn if I should tell him the whole truth about everything that had been happening or just keep them to myself.
I figured now wasn’t the right time to disclose everything so I decided to reveal a small part of the secret.
Taking a deep breath; “Dad… I’m not infertile.” I announced.
“W.. what are you talking about? Dr. Samuel said you were infertile.” Dad argued.
“Dad, it’s a lie. Remember that day I took you with me to that hospital for a checkup?” I asked and dad nodded.
“I ran a test for myself too and realised that I am not infertile.” I said but dad didn’t seem to believe me so I brought out my phone and showed him the picture of the test.
I had taken it that day just in case I need it for something like this. Dad stared at it in confusion.
“But.. Dr. Samuel..”
“He lied. He gave you a fake diagnosis.” I said.
“Why would he do that?”
“Because he was bribed by Andrew and that’s the reason I wanted to run a test on you in another hospital.” I answered. Dad’s shock quickly changed to anger, his face darkening.
“It’s high time I kick that bastard out of the house!!” Dad said and aimed to leave when I stopped him.
“What is it now? Don’t tell me you still want to stay married to him after everything he has done!!” Dad said as he turned to face me.
“I want him out of the house, even more than you do.”
“So why are you stopping me?”
“If Andrew had indeed bribed Dr. Samuel, don’t you think that there must be other things that he is hiding?”
“I can just forcefully get the truth out of him!!”
“No dad. You don’t really think he’ll confess to all his crimes if we just ask him about it. If he can bribe our family doctor to name me a barren woman, what else do you think he’ll be hiding in his cupboard?” I asked.
Dad stared at me quietly as he thought about what I had just said, then he asked;
“Okay, so what do you expect us to do now?”
“How about we play safe and uncover all his lies in a way he wouldn’t be able to deny it nor get away from it.” I suggested as I stared at dad hopefully.
After a brief moment of silence, dad nodded and agreed to my request. I smiled happily when he did that. With dad’s support, I felt more confident in facing the upcoming challenges.
Dad and I talked more about our plans before I took my leave. I got to my office in no time. I opened the door and was about to enter when I saw him sitting comfortably on a seat. Seeing him brought back the anger I was feeling earlier.
“What are you doing here??” I asked irritably.