CHAPTER 67
ROBERT’S POV
The noisy buzzing of my phone disrupted my sleep as I groaned loudly in frustration upon waking up. I usually switch off my phone before going to bed to avoid disturbances such as this. But last night I was so tired and forgot to do that. Now my sleep was ruined, and it wasn’t even 7 a. m. yet.
Who could be calling at such early hours of the morning? I just hoped it wasn’t Carrey. At this point, I don’t think I can take any more devastating news of the company losing another client or learning we’d gone lower in the ad agency rankings.
Blindly, I reached across the bed for my phone which was on top of the nightstand, knocking down a few things as I did. Not bothering to check the caller ID, I answered the call and with a frustrated, sleep-deprived tone asked, “What is it?…”
“Boss I finally found her!” Frank’s overexcited voice boomed through the phone speaker.
“What?…” My eyes widened, the drowsiness in them suddenly vanishing like it was never there.
As if struck by an electric shock, I flung the duvet off my body and jumped out of bed. “Y-you mean you found Lily?” I blurted out, then quickly lowered my voice, realizing I was being too loud. I didn’t want anyone, especially my Mum, to overhear it. She could be passing by or even heading to my room and I’d forgotten to lock the door. Knowing her, she rarely knocked before entering my room.
Ever since I accidentally revealed that Lily gave birth to twins who were mine and declined her marriage proposal to Rosaline, she’d been relentless and angry like never before, practically having me by the neck. After our talk a few days ago, she gave me an ultimatum-either I find Lily within two months, drag her to court, and gain custody of the kids, or she’d tell my father, and they’d handle it themselves. She was hell-bent on her words. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so determined towards something. She also made it clear that if I didn’t find a wife within that same time frame, I’d have no choice but to settle down with Rosaline. My father and even my half-sister, Ginny were in full support of the idea, literally worshipping Rosaline like my mother and convincing me she was the perfect wife and bride for me.
Not only was I tasked with finding Lily but I also had to find a wife which I had no clue how to go about. Two months wasn’t even enough time for that. Now that Frank had managed to find Lily, I could breathe properly knowing that the problem had been solved.
“Yes, boss!” His voice rang again like he was unable to contain his joy. “I found her.”
“This is great news,” I said, my voice trembling with overwhelming emotions, almost breathless. Even though it was still early in the morning, I was certain this would be the best news I’d receive for the rest of the day.
Frank should feel like the happiest man on earth right now because not only would he be returning to work, but I was also going to promote him to one of the highest positions in the company. He had earned it. From now on, he would handle my personal tech issues and oversee all major technological projects for the firm.
“Where is she?” I asked.
“She’s at my place. I’ll send you the location. Come quick because she’s frightened and thinks she’d been kidnapped.”
“Wait…”
I wanted to ask if there was any chance he also found the kids when he hung up abruptly.
As I stared at my phone screen, my brows knitted in confusion as I wondered why Lily would be frightened and think we kidnapped her. I needed her more than anything now. The last thing I’ll do is harm her so there was no need for her to be frightened. And she knows Frank too well. It’s not like it’s her first time meeting him. Though it’s been a long but she should at least remember him as her colleague from the company.
I had no time to waste thinking. The most important thing now was getting to Lily. That was all that mattered.
As I tossed my phone on the bed, it beeped with a message, probably Frank’s location. I took off my pyjamas and zoomed into the bathroom to prepare myself for the journey ahead.
*
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*
It didn’t take me long to arrive at Frank’s place a modest bungalow with a low roof, plain walls, a small porch, and two neat expansive windows on either side with a simple yard.
On the second doorbell ring, Frank opened the door. Dressed in a plaid flannel shirt over a white singlet and cargo shorts, he still had that tousled look I have always known him for. A small towel hung on top of his left shoulder and he reeked of fried eggs and spices, which made me believe he was cooking. The idea of him cooking was something I couldn’t even imagine because he seemed like the kind of person who lived on instant noodles and takeout.
He smiled cartoonishly on seeing me. Not bothering to acknowledge his smile or greeting, I quickly saw myself in and walked towards the small dining room. Even though I was his superior, it would be rude if I entered his bedroom without his permission so I just stayed there.
“Where are you keeping her?” I asked, unable to contain the restlessness building up inside me.
“This way,” he gestured towards a small poorly lit hallway by the right and led the way.
As I followed closely behind him, my pulse began to beat erratically in my chest. I was unable to steady it, my mind running wild with a crazy mixture of hope and fear. After nine years, I was finally able to see her again. After everything I did to her, will she ever find it in her heart to forgive me? Will she take me to see my kids, our kids? Will she agree to come back to the company and help me revive it?
All these questions hammered in my head and I didn’t realize Frank was calling me.
“Boss?… Boss…? Are you okay?”
Snapping out of it as I drifted back to reality, I answered him. “Yeah…” plastering a fake small smile on my face.
I let out a deep breath to calm my nervous and anxious self as he opened the door and ushered me in.
“What the hell, Frank!…” I gasped in shock, seeing he had her hands and legs tied up while she was on the bed, with a small sack bag covering her face.
“Why do you have her all tied up?” I demanded, staring at him in disbelief as I hurried to untie Lily, freeing her from the restraints and easing her discomfort so she’d stop struggling and panicking.
“I had no choice, boss. She won’t stop fighting and trying to run away. Please don’t get mad. I only did what was necessary.” He said in an expression that showed he didn’t mean to do it.
I shot him a furious glare and slashed out a sharp breath, not saying anything. I returned my attention to Lily and took off the small sack bag covering her face only for my jaw to drop on seeing her.