Chapter 4
1132 Words
Frank’s pov
“Dad! Dad! Wake up!”
A sledgehammer of pain slammed behind my eyes, the heavy consequence of last night’s alcohol. Last night was all about celebration. I would soon be a free man. The thought of how I absolutely grounded Mary yesterday, we f****d for more than eight glorious times, made the headache almost bearable.
groaned, pulling myself awake. Bella was right beside the bed, her face unusually pale and far too serious for a Sunday morning.
“Bella, you’re up so early. Did you sleep well?” I asked, trying to soften my voice with concern.
“No, Dad. What’s going on? Where is Mom?”
“Mom went out for a little trip. She’ll be back soon,” I lied, trying for a calming tone I didn't feel.
“Are you two getting a divorce?” she asked, her wide eyes unnervingly curious.
Divorce? I bolted upright. “Where did you hear that from?”
“Mom said something like that yesterday when Madam Debby asked her,” she answered.
The question hit me like a physical punch. Even though Vivian and I were tearing each other apart, I absolutely refused to let my daughter get caught in the wreckage. How was I supposed to explain a separation without shattering her?
“Sweetheart,” I said, drawing her close, wrapping my arm around her small, fragile neck. “Your mom and I are having a little Mom-and-Dad fight, that’s all. But don’t worry, we will fix it.”
“Are you sure? Please, I don’t want you and Mommy fighting,” she pleaded, her voice trembling.
“Don’t worry. Everything will be fine,” I assured her. It was the best lie I could muster. Maybe with time, I could gently break the news. But first, she needed to meet Mary and start building a bond.
“Sweetheart, go to your room. Daddy needs to shower. Okay?”
“Okay, Dad,” she replied, her footsteps light as she left.
A few minutes later, a soft knock came at the door.
“Bella, I said go to your room!” I yelled.
“Good morning, Sir. It’s me, Debby. I just wanted to let you know breakfast is ready, and if you need me to do anything for you,” Debby’s voice came through the wood.
“You know I could fire you right now, don’t you?” My voice was harsh, a sudden need to assert control surging through me. “Between Vivian and I, who do you work for?”
“I work for the Blacksmith family, Sir,” she responded immediately, avoiding a direct answer.
“Good. So don’t think that because you’ve worked with us for so long, you are somehow above sacking,” I warned.
“I’m sorry, Sir,” she said quickly.
“Yesterday, you watched Vivian leave the house with my daughter and did nothing about it. Worse, you helped her carry their suitcases out,” I stated, my volume rising.
“I’m sorry, Sir. It won’t happen again.”
“It better not. What are my schedules for today?” I demanded.
“You have a meeting with Mr. Peter today at 3:00 PM. Also, you are scheduled for one-on-one trading sessions with Mr. Kingsley and Lady Margret.”
“Cancel all my appointments for today. It’s Sunday, and I want to rest,” I commanded.
“Understood, Sir.”
“You know what, wait. Just keep the meeting with Peter. You can cancel the rest,” I amended.
“Very well, Sir. Would that be all?” she asked.
“Yes… wait!” I stopped her again. “I don’t ever want to see Vivian here. Do not do anything without my express consent. I don’t want her close to Bella. In fact, later today, I need you to get a new SIM card for Bella. Do you understand?” My voice was sharp, leaving no room for argument.
She paused, seeming to swallow whatever she wanted to say. “I understand, Sir,” she said, and then I heard her footsteps retreating.
I desperately needed to meet Peter to talk about the divorce, but the thought of my parents’ next move, what they might do to stop me was terrifying. How could I divorce Vivian without them finding out?
The looming threat of Fredrick returning to take my position haunted me. We used to be close, but everything fractured the moment Mom and Dad started treating him like royalty. I was always the second option. No matter how hard I tried, they would always choose him.
He’d left the United States for his Ph.D. in Canada nine years ago. He must be finished by now, yet he was still there. Only Mom and Dad kept in touch. His absence had been a relief; I wouldn’t wish for anything more than for him to stay there forever.
My phone rang, cutting into my thoughts.
“Hello,” I answered. The other end was silent.
“It’s me,” a voice responded.
I didn't need any further introduction. The painful reality was that we shared the exact same voice. How could I not recognize my own twin brother?
“Fredrick!” I exclaimed, forcing a tone of fake shock.
“It’s been ages, man. I’ve been trying to reach you, but your line was never reachable, and you never bothered to check on me,” he stated.
“I’ve been busy,” I snapped, already looking for an excuse to end the call.
“Really, man? Too busy to even check on me? Or are you just scared I might come back and take the company from you?” he said.
I was silent for a moment. Such a dickhead. It was as if he could read my mind. That f*****g bastard still had the company in mind.
“I’m not scared of you coming back to take the CEO position. Like I said, I’ve been busy. I guess you’re done with your Ph.D. now, so what are you still doing in Canada?” I asked, trying to casually fish for information, was he staying put, or was he returning?
“Well, I am done. I’m just trying to wrap a few things up here before I return. Once I’m finished, I will definitely come home. I know you miss your elder brother. I will definitely come back home,” he insisted.
“f**k you, man! You’re two minutes older than me! What do you mean, 'elder brother'?” I shot back.
How could I possibly tell this prick that I truly didn't want him back? But the fact that he was still "busy" over there was a significant relief.
I can stay calm for now, pending his arrival.
- Writer
