Tales Of Heart

Chapter 5

Getting home after such an awkward day, I reached for the doorknob, only to realize the door wasn’t locked. As I stepped in, my eyes landed on my favorite person sitting on the couch, a huge smile on his face. I ran toward him without hesitation.

“Daddy!” I screamed in excitement.

“Good evening, my princess. How are you doing?” he asked, returning my smile as he pulled me into a warm hug.

“I’m fine, Daddy,” I replied, sliding onto the nearest chair.

“I’m sorry I left you alone last night. I had to go to the market for building materials, and there was a massive traffic jam on the way back,” he explained, his face forming that cute, apologetic expression I had always loved.

All my life, my dad has kept me close. During my college days, he made sure I got to school safely every day. Sometimes I feel like he’s overprotective, but deep down I know it’s just love. From what I’ve seen, he loved my mom dearly, and even now, he’s the kindest man I know.

“That’s fine, Dad. I understand. You don’t need to explain,” I reassured him.

“Okay, princess. Tell me, how was your day? I can already see you’ve got the job,” he said, grinning at me.

I almost forgot to tell him, I had gotten the job, and my first day had already left me questioning everything.

“Well, you’re right, Dad. I got the job, and my day went well,” I said cautiously, avoiding the details. I didn’t want to worry him unnecessarily.

“And your CEO… how is he treating you?” His gaze searched my eyes, and I could feel him trying to see through my careful answers.

“He’s… just like any other arrogant boss. Nothing special,” I muttered, shifting my eyes away, uncomfortable under his intense scrutiny.

“Okay, dear, but no one should ever hurt you. You’re all I have left, and I won’t let anyone bring you pain,” he said, patting my shoulder gently.

A tear threatened to fall. His words always had that effect on me, a dark cloud of helplessness descending whenever I heard him speak that way. I wished Mom were alive, even if only for him. He didn’t deserve this kind of pain.

“Okay, Dad, but don’t worry so much. I’m not your little baby anymore,” I said, trying to lighten the mood.

“You’ll always be my baby girl. Now go upstairs, freshen up, and come down for dinner,” he said, standing and heading toward the kitchen.

After dinner during which, as always, I was reminded how great a cook he is, I bid him goodnight and went to my room.

As I lay on my bed, my thoughts kept returning to earlier events, but I tried not to dwell on them. I picked up my phone and opened my messages.

“Hello, Disney Princess. Have you forgotten your friend? Pick up my call!”

It was Angel. And I was in big trouble.

I called her back, and she answered almost immediately.

“Excuse me, ma’am? Do you know who’s speaking?” she said, dripping sarcasm into her voice. Angel was a drama queen, and I had crossed a line this time.

“Angel, I’m so sorry. I haven’t been with my phone much these days,” I pleaded.

“Oh, so you’re lost in love with your Prince Charming now?” she giggled knowingly.

I rolled my eyes. “Angel, yes, he’s handsome, but far from a prince charming with his disgusting attitude.” Thinking of him made my chest tighten.

“Woah, calm down, baby girl. Tell me what happened,” she urged.

I recounted the day’s events, and she exploded in fury.

“WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS?! SUCH A FOOL TO TREAT YOU LIKE THAT!” she shouted, her protective side flaring. Angel could be terrifying when someone hurt me or even insulted me.

I sighed, half-amused, half-exasperated. “I know, I know. But I can handle him.”

“Handle him?” she scoffed. “Emily, you haven’t seen anything yet. Wait until he thinks he can walk all over you…”

I laughed softly, shaking my head. “Well, we’ll see.”

I ended the call and lay back on my bed, staring at the ceiling. My mind was buzzing with questions, plans, and a strange curiosity about him. I didn’t know it yet, but this was only the beginning.