Kiara POV
I make my schedule empty for the rest of this month. I am not exactly in the mood to work either. As much as I hate to admit it, the break-up with Nolan affected me this much.
Damn it. I might not be as strong as I look on the outside. I finished the whole pint of ice cream while watching Bridget Jones’s Diary. It was a terrible idea, actually, and it made me feel even worse than I already am. What if I ended up like her? I suddenly stopped eating the ice cream and put them down on the table. What am I thinking? I am not even as old as Bridget in the movie.
I suddenly heard a knock at my door. I tried to ignore it, but the visitor seemed to be persistent by knocking on the door constantly. I groaned loudly before I dragged my heavy feet towards the door.
“Who is it—?“ I clamped my mouth as I saw my dad standing in front of the door. “D-dad?” I said, a bit surprised to see him at my place. He blew out an exasperated breath before he marched into my apartment. He looked around the place, and he turned around, giving me an angry face.
“What happened to this place? Why did you dress like that?” He asked, raising an eyebrow at me. Food packages were scattered everywhere around the place. I am in my oversized T-shirt. My hair is tied in a messy bun, and I haven’t showered since I got up this morning.
My tongue was tied. I couldn’t tell dad that I’d just broken up with Nolan. Our company had an ongoing project with his company. I don’t want this to be the reason to end his business.
“I heard about what happened with You and Nolan.” Dad suddenly cuts me. I looked up at him, unable to defend myself. “Dad, you should listen to me first… You had to know the whole story.”
He raised one hand to stop me. “I know… He’s a cheating bastard.” He took a step closer towards me before he cupped my face. “And he isn’t worthy of my precious daughter.” Dad continued.
I had to admit my heart melted after hearing his words. It surprised me how he still chose me over his business deal. I know it wasn’t easy for him to sign the deal with Nolan’s company.
He then led me to take a seat on the sofa. “Dad, I think maybe it’s time for me to find a spouse on my own,” I advise, avoiding his eyes. I am just afraid he might’ve not approved of the idea.
Silent filled the place for a brief moment before he said. “You know what, maybe you’re right, honey.” He suddenly agreed with me. He grabbed my hand, looking into my eyes.
“I’m sorry for jeopardizing your love life for these last five years. I think you’re fully capable of finding your own spouse.” He said, stroking my cheek gently. He adjusted his position, more towards facing me.
“I’ve made a mistake in my life by letting the woman that I love run away. I don’t want you to repeat the same mistake as I did. You should be happy. Growing old and have children with the man that you love.” He said in a fatherly tone.
I thought I loved Nolan. I mean, he’s the one who constantly filled my day, my only one. I always thought that we would end up getting married one day. He’s the first man that I actually liked from all the candidates that dad ever offered to me.
“You’re spacing out.” He said, snapping me from my train of thought. I shrugged my shoulders. “I don’t know, dad. Maybe I should just focus on work for now.” I replied to him, forcing another smile.
“Kiara, I just want you to be happy.” He said, hugging me tightly in his embrace. His hug is so warm and comforting. I’ve always been with my dad ever since I was born. He’s the one who raised me.
While I was a kid, I knew how hard he worked to give me a better life. I owed him a lot.
“Thanks, dad. You’re the best. I hope I could find a man as good as you.” I said, hugging him back. His scent has always been able to calm all my nerves. He’s like a dad and a mom to me.
I’ve always wanted a mother, but come to think of it, I already had him, and it was enough for me. Dad even picked out a dress for me when I had to go to a prom during high school.
He let out a small chuckle as I buried my face on his chest. “That’s impossible, kiddo. No man could ever love you like I do.” He replied, gently stroking my head. He might be right, though. It’s hard to find a man like him. Mom was lucky to have him.
Dad is a hard working man. He always put his family first before everything. That’s why I worked hard. I hoped that I could make him proud.
I never wanted to disappoint him. That’s why I chose to stay a virgin until I got married.
“How if you go back home? I felt pretty lonely lately. I rarely slept at the office anymore. I think it would be nice if we could spend more time together. You know, just like old times.” He then offered.
The only reason I moved out of the house is because Nolan asked me to. He felt a little uncomfortable if he had to stay over at my house when dad was around. (even though we did nothing but make out!)
“Let me think about it first, dad.” I said to him in reply. He lightly pinched my nose.
“Hey, I’ve got a good idea. How if you go take a bath and dress up. I am taking you out to a nice dinner. It’s been a long time since we had dinner together.” Dad said. I knew that he only wanted to cheer me up. It’s not good to lock yourself at home like this after breaking up.
“That sounds like a good plan. Give me an hour to prepare.” I got up from the sofa and scurried into my bedroom.