Kiss me in the crossfire

ChapterNine

Chapter Nine

Annika's POV

Unknown to Sloane and me, we were walking into a private business party that my dad had put together to spite Are’s business.

We glance at each other as we approach the front door.

“I think there's a party going on inside.” Sloane cut into the silence. “Are you sure you'd be able to speak to your father in a gathering like this?” She stopped walking forward.

“He must be expecting me. Despite knowing all that I must be going through, I can't believe he's throwing a party like nothing happened yesterday. Does that man even consider me his child?” I push open the door. Standing still, I scan the room to locate where my father is. Thanks to Sloane, my outfit wasn't looking so bad for the party, but my hair was.

“He's over there.” Sloane caught sight of him before I did.

I was happy he was in the midst of people who were high investors in his business. At least, for once, he could pretend to be the respectable man society painted him to be. But all I could feel toward him was rage. One that had no bounds and was threatening to tear through the thin thread of composure I clung to. I was ready to unleash it, but I didn’t know how. He always had a way of slipping free, of turning circumstances into shields, of ensuring no harm came close to his business empire.

“I’ll go by myself. You can hang around,” I put myself together and relaxed before moving towards him.

“I’ll make myself useful,” Sloane replied. She reached into her small leather bag and drew out her camera, sleek and discreet. She seems like she was prepared all along to capture the glittering masks of the wealthy.

“Is it okay with you?”

“Oh yes,” I said. “It’s fine.” Oh yes.” I didn't have any reason to deny her that opportunity, knowing fully well that whatever she makes will be useful for me too.

Sloane’s eyes lit up. But I knew my father. He wouldn’t like to find out that I had brought someone into such a gathering.

I turned my gaze back to the room. My father was laughing. The sound, deep, controlled, and almost rehearsed, rolled over the table. It was fake, painfully so, and it stung more than I wanted to admit.

Amidst the clinking glasses and the sparkle of chandeliers, all I saw was him. My father.

All my life, I had known him to be a beast in business. Merciless, calculated, always two steps ahead. But I had never, not until now, believed he could raise his empire so high above his care for me.

“We need to speak,” I said, ignoring the startled looks of the investors around him. I didn’t greet him, and I didn’t nod politely at the others. My voice was steady but tight, and I knew my face must have reflected the anguish burning within me.

The laughter died in his throat. His expression faltered. He looked at me, no, through me, with eyes that weighed everything.

“Now?” His voice was low, almost patronizing.

“Yes. Now.” I responded firmly, despite how much I trembled within for what I was doing.

“Excuse me, everyone. My child needs a moment of my time.” He wore a forceful grin. “After you.” He added.

We walked into a quieter hallway, and I led him into his study.

When he shut the door behind us, he said. “Whatever you want to say can wait. Don't you dare barge into me during a meeting like that again.”

“Are they truly more important to you than I am, Dad?” My voice cracked, betraying me. “You didn't even bother to check in with me to see if I'm alright or not. Don't you care at all?”

“What are you talking about?” He pretended like he wasn't aware of what he had done.

“Oh, please! Don't talk to me like I'm just a child. You know exactly what's going on, but you see no relevance to how I feel. Why?”

My dad scoffed, “The problem I have with you is the fact that you took after your mother. Soft and calm, expecting life to be a bed of roses. You did not take after me. I don't have time for all this. I have people waiting for me at the party, and I must not miss my important deals.” He turned in the direction of the door.

“I'm getting a divorce,” I said with my head up high. “Since I'm weak, I shouldn't be the one suffering for your ruthless behavior.”

He turned back to me and glared. “You will do no such thing.” His voice, commanding and fierce. “Do you know how much better business has gotten because of your husband being my son-in-law? It's a loss for him and a loss for me, too. Don't you want to be useful to either me or your husband?”

I shook my head in disbelief. “Every decision you’ve made, every deal you’ve signed. It's all been about your business expansion. And what about me? What about your family?”

“You're just an ungrateful girl. You have loved my money and are still living on my money. Have you ever worked? If I had a male child, I wouldn't have to try to secure so many things just so our lineage will not run down in name, and you stand here telling me I don't think of my family. You'd better get yourself together and go back to your husband's house.”

“Is that really the kind of place you will want your child to live in and build a life in? Such a toxic and sad home?” Tears rolled down my cheeks as I expressed my deepest pain. “Daddy, look at me. I'm your daughter, I'm not a tool. I don't want to grow old and raise my children in a home like that. Ares can never treat me right, no matter how hard I try, because of you. Can't you see?”

“Fine. I will do something about it, but don't do anything stupid. You can't leave your husband's house because he slept with your best friend. How did you not even know she was never your best friend? You act foolishly many times.”