Riona's Heart Caught In A Billionaire's Web

“How dare you, Dad?” I yelled while tugging my dad’s suitcase as tears fled down my cheeks. “How dare you book a flight to Ireland, when it's barely been two weeks since mom died!” “Did your love for Mom die with her?” I screamed when he dragged the suitcase out of my grip. “Riona, my starlight, you know how crucial this trip is to Sapphire Shores” he explained calmly. "The company needs me to perform the inauguration of this new branch. It wouldn't look good if I were absent for my very own Branch Launch Event.” “I love my wife as fiercely as I did before her death, and I surely won't stop now.” He replied firmly. “That’s a blatant lie, Dad. If you genuinely loved Mom you would drop every other thing and mourn her!” screaming even louder than before. Mr Patrick sighed heavily “If that's how you think love works, then I’ve fallen short in raising you right.” “Do I have to sing a song of sorrow and cling to my wife's portrait to show I'm grieving?” He questioned in a frustrated voice. “Yes Dad, yes, at least it'll prove you haven't forgotten her.” I howled as tears blurred my sight and my chest heaved up and down. “Oh Riona, I can't ever forget my dear Rosabel even if I tried to,” Dad said as he tried to pull me into a hug but I stepped back. Because I won't listen to his deceit.“I won't let you mislead me. If you love Mom then stay with me. Mourn her with me.” Dad rubbed his temples, sinking into the settee like a wrestler after a bad round. I knew he was thinking…deciding what he should do, and I hope he'd choose to stay. Don’t leave. Choose me. Dad looked at me warily, gauging how he could let me down slowly. Sitting beside him, I held his hands “Dad, don’t think about anything else; just stay with me, please”, I thought, but I must have voiced it out loud. His eyes widened in surprise as I always acted like I didn't want him around, he exhaled sharply and squeezed his eyes shut. His tell-tale expression of surrender, then I knew that he would decide to stay home with me. Only for Livia to prance into our Family Room at that moment. Ugh! Like the interloper that she is, waltzing into our family room like she belongs here! I've disliked her ever since she started hogging my dad's attention. Livia said in her irritating, chirpy voice, “Uncle Pattie, why haven't you left yet? You're going to miss your flight if you waste more time here.” Dad sneaked a glance at me, and then I knew he wouldn't stay. “Dad, Ignore her and listen to me instead. Forget the inauguration and stay here with me” I pleaded, while Livia rolled her eyes, looking bored. But Dad listens to Livia more, making my pleas ineffective. “My starlight, I'll be back in two days, and then we can visit your mom's grave as many times as you'd like,” Dad said, trying to persuade me. “You're always so clingy and childish, why can't you be considerate just this once?” Livia said in a chiding tone. Gah, she pisses me off. I glared at her, hoping she would read the room and leave. Dad looked at me apologetically, he once again tried to hug me, but I shoved his hands. He had no right to hug me or look dejected when he was the one who chose work over me. Yet…I couldn't help but feel guilty when he looked so withered. Dad loped past me, towards the door. He stopped midway, saying “Riona, sometimes I wish you were more mature…more understanding like Livia.” “Huh? Why would you compare me with Livia?” I screeched, my voice hoarse from all the crying and shouting. He only shook his head at me and walked forward. Stopping when Livia smiled brightly at Dad as she spoke, “Uncle Pattie, do have a pleasant trip.” She looked thoroughly pleased Dad made her a yardstick for me to emulate. He replied by hugging her. Behind his back, she stuck her tongue out at me. So I'm the childish one, huh? I'm not letting her taunts get to me, assuring myself as I stalk off to my room. Toppling into my queen-sized canopy bed, I felt wounded as I replayed Dad’s last words. Drowning in self-pity, I don't hear when Dad drives off. I don't hear my phone ring, soon I fall asleep dreaming of how our family used to be together and happy. I wake up to a pounding on my door. “Ugh, who's trying to break my door?” Walking towards the door to open it… I froze, suddenly feeling hesitant. Maybe I shouldn't open it. Maybe Livia has finally gone rabid! Or worse, it could be a thief! Scrambling under my bed, I reached for my baseball bat. Now armed, I can take on whatever swings my way. Bang! Bang! Bang! Startled, I jump upward, forgetting I'm still under the bed bumping my head…hard. “Ouchh! It hurts so bad, why am I so edgy?” chiding myself as I rubbed my sore head. Treading warily towards the door, I took a stance meant for attack. I swiped my card at the electric door. Without time to brace myself, the door swung open too forcefully. Making me jump back, to avoid getting smacked in the cheekbones. Charging in like a woman gone mad, I hit the door with the bat. Propelling the door to swing back into place, slamming my assailant. The figure staggers and falls, moving into a crouching position. The man tries to get up, but I don't let him. I swing my bat wildly. I continued thrashing until a familiar voice groaned in pain. “Ahhhhhh!” shrieking in surprise. Did I just—oh I did. He groaned as he tried to stand. I can't believe it!