The Richling's Trip-Married To Mr. Rich Jerk 2

7. Big Baby.

"Grief never ends... But it changes. It's a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith... it is the price of love." -(relatably.com) - Pinterest.

Chapter-7.

Ryden Parker's POV:

The hot water touched my skin, pricking me, yet my system found it comforting for whatever reason. I had no idea what was going on inside me, but I feel like missing. Most of all, it was regret and I can't seem to avoid it. It seemed unfair, that how hard I tried to hide my anguish, I happen to make it seem so palpable. I was tired of thinking about this self-perceived remorse, thinking it would settle down but it never happened. No amount of breakdown is going to turn back the time. No matter what, I had to get away.

Standing there in front of the dresser and staring at my stance, I noticed the frowns on my forehead only turning deeper, yet, I practiced a small smile to present myself. I removed the invisible crinkles off my shirt. The royal blue suit was clean and it had that freshly washed form.

A deep sigh made its way out of my mouth as I realized I want to be nonchalant from the inside too, just as I showed from the outside. I have perfectly presented myself established and professional, carrying a mask of calmness, but deep within, I am the same person who is often found battling with his inner self about qualms and incapability. However, I have always dealt with it and hopefully will definitely continue that way.

Though, after all of this, when I hear tabloids and people saying my life is perfect and liberated, it only hits my rug. Apparently, all that has been negated by just being a tycoon.

"So you decided to show your face here huh!?" Dad mocked the moment he spotted me, but there wasn't a single trace of disdain in his voice. I know he was just messing with me and so I shrugged.

"Ryan." Mom warned him and I instantly give her a thankful look.

"What?" He asked raising his brows a little.

"Don't mess with my baby." Ah! There we go. I thought I was getting away from that name. I gave Mom a stare of incredulity as she passed me an innocent look.

"Hey, baby!" Out of nowhere, Rachel emerged from my behind as she ruffled my hair making it messier. "Good morning big baby!" She chanted and I noticed these folks in front of me smiling widely, only to make this devil of my sister smirk a bit more smugly.

"Not you too, please," I begged, my tone coming out irritable as they all had a fit of laughter.

"Sweetheart, can you please pass me the salt?" Dad asked Mom as he looked my way, his face turned serious like the one he shares with the employees from the firm. The joviality he carried was soon replaced with aptitude. "So you ready for this new association with Mr. Suarez's firm?" He asked having a sip of his drink. "I will need your views and opinions on that. It is very important." He completed as he wiped his mouth.

"But we agreed that it would be handled by you. I mean I had to go to a few other places right and I was already working on the agencies. I don't want to get involved first and then miss any meetings later." I stated all at once as he frowned.

"You were serious about those agencies, Ryden?" He uttered in disbelief as I shrugged. Before he could reply, Rachel butted in.

"Pause," she stopped us from continuing the discussion as she dramatically showed us her palm, motioning us to stop, "You can have these office talks later, Dad. We're on a breakfast table for God's sake." She vividly spoke rolling her eyes. She added, "I have an important announcement." She completed placing her hand on the table as Dad's eyes widened for some reason. I followed his gaze and it stopped by her finger.

"Are you engaged, but you're still very young for that!" He exclaimed as she made a weird face. I noticed Mom smiling in incredulity. Before she could clear out, he attacked again, "Who's the guy and why haven't you felt the need of introducing him to us. You never even talked about him." His tone evidently turned octave as he stared at her pretty affronted.

I have dramatic people in my family. No one ever wants to be normal or what!? I wonder how fast Dad managed to be a typical protective father from being a professional executive within seconds. However, the executive thing does not help one in discerning few personal things, like now; he in no way realizing his own misinterpretation.

"Let her complete whatever she started, Ryan and no, she is not engaged." It was Mom as she looked Rachel's way the next moment, "I told you to remove that thing. You are wearing the ring on the wrong finger, honey." She completed and she took out and shifted it to another finger.

"Of course I know that. It was loose." She whined but soon added, "Anyway, so I was telling that I have this upcoming conference meeting with the company that I have been associated in Paris followed by a fundraising event starting from the day after tomorrow." She completed cheerfully as I almost rolled my eyes.

Typical Rachel. Her habit of exaggerating things is something she would never get rid of.

"So?" I inquired in an uninteresting tone.

"I am just informing you," she passed me her famous pointed glare. "I'm sharing about what's going on in my life, big baby. I am sure you could never relate." She again messed making me throw the salt sprinkler on her but she was quick catching it.

"Take that little pet with you. I can't take it if it finds my room early in the morning and starts eating my skin again." I mentioned that little dog, my eyes grimaced as she giggled.

"Of course, I can't stay without Casper." She said in a matter of fact tone.

"I think we would be late, so better leave before that," Dad stated as he got up from his seat.

"I'll meet you in the office," I replied as I turned to leave.

"See you, darling." I heard him addressing towards Mom as he gave her a kiss on her cheek.

+++++

"There's no need of it Ryden," Dad pushed back the folder my way, leaving me bewildered. Why he had been so ignorant about borrowing business, I can't really understand. "They are just properties. We may use them or sell them, either way, doesn't really matter son. I thought you were joking whenever you brought about agencies." He concluded resting against his armchair leaving me bit disoriented.

"But look at those small firms and properties. We will be losing them. And there's also this huge link with Dalton Dexter. We seized few mansions with him, which are under our control and not to forget, the cases are not so recent. What if they are just hiding, just to avoid paying the collection?"

"I have people assigned for that Ryden. You are not to worry." He tried to dismiss effortlessly but that was not happening.

"I don't really think so, Dad." I shook in a vigilant manner, "If that's the case, then why don't I get the last appropriate trace of the assigned task. Clearly, they are neglecting. Just because we don't need more assets, does not mean we can ignore, Pa." I twisted my lips as he stared at me amused. Ignoring his reactions, I added right back, "I would trail with the Dexter thing and you alert your so-called people to start getting on with the said task or else they are no more associated with our firm." I concluded as he smiled. What is the heck so funny here?

"I'm not cracking jokes. What is it that makes you all smiley and amused?" I spoke slightly aggravated by his ignorance.

"You addressed me as Pa," he suddenly stated, leaving me befuddled. I recalled back my few words, but I don't really remember. "Why did you stop calling me Pa? Call me by that often. I like it." He grinned leaving me in daze and mistrust at the same time.

"And I thought we were having a business related thing, Mr Parker," I satirically enraged only to get a dry look. He started, "I had been there son, the same place you are now," he paused as his voice turned normal grabbing my attention. "I can always switch my roles as per my mood. No one can take that away from me. Not even you." He smirked, although there was this tiny hint of melancholy in his eyes. I'm better aware of his struggle and I realize he likes to make sure I don't end up like him; distant and hard that is. And after Shirley, he rather showcases the father side more, instead of the Ryan Parker, the proficient business tycoon.

"So, is there any change in the plan with the Suarez's deal Dad?" I asked changing the subject immediately.

"Oh yes," he immediately responded with a small smile. "This would take a bit of your time. We have this big deal and hence I decided to include you in this." He stated showing me the file which he had been reading a while earlier when I entered here.

It was indeed profitable.

"But about the dealing overseas..." He was rather quick to cut me off.

"Ask anyone else to make that instead of you or we could postpone it either." He asked as I thought about it.

"I will let you know about that later," I replied nodding my head a little. The conversation soon turned serious as he explained the terms and clauses about this new investment with Mr. Suarez.

"Have they already reached here?" I questioned as he nodded glancing at his wristwatch. "They should be here any minute." He replied and right after that there was a knock at his door.

"Yes, come in," Dad said and his secretary, Ms Elena peeked through the door.

"Sir, Mr Suarez and his daughter Ms Alison are here." She informed and disappeared once Dad gave her a curt nod.

"Please have a seat, Mr Suarez," I said with a professional smile plastered on my lips as I shifted my gaze beside him to find a smiling --- I forgot her name.

"Alison." She completed for me effortlessly grasping the fact that I was having difficulties remembering her name. I tried to apologize for that but she stopped me instantly.

"That's completely alright, Ryden." She smiled again and then again quickly added, "I hope that's fine for you if I call you Ryden?" She gave me a questioning look. "Mr. Parker is too boring and professional," she paused and Dad coughed. She realized soon as she gave him an apologetic look, "Oh no! I don't mean that way, Mr Parker. Parker is cool and it's like a brand but engaging so formally is what I think is tedious and professional." She explained smiling at him and then at me.

Well, that's what we are meant to be, right; that is professional. What is she even speaking?

However, I did not feel like elaborating the discussion about our surname. I noticed Dad shrugging it away with a smile. Actually, it was not necessary but since they were important people so I didn't want to start the professional bonding with a bitter note or argument and therefore, I managed to articulate like it was completely fine for me.

"She was right. You are one appealing chap," her gaze suddenly landed on me as she stepped closer, studying my face and then soon added leaving me quite uncomfortable with the extra attention. "Any girl would be so lucky to have you. In fact," she paused completely observing my features intently followed by a brief look from head to toe. Never in my life earlier had I felt prickly to this extent, not to forget in front of my father and just as I glance his way, the old guy just covered up his grin; enjoying my embarrassment. However, I maintained a serious face. Before I could remind her about the business going on here, she again continued, "You're more striking and hot than she described you." I almost choked by her blunt statement and I advertently glance over Dad again, for some reason. He still had an amused look painted over his face, leaving me all the way more pissed.

Mr. Suarez seemed to ignore it as he looked unaffected by his daughter's boldness and just smiled it off.

"Whom are you referring sweetie?" He inquired glancing at her daughter.

"Oh, it's just a random girl that I met at the restroom couple moments earlier, Pop. She happens to work here I guess. I asked about Ryden and I literally had to stop her from talking about him." She narrated laughing and pointing at me and did I just feel twitchy in my own company for the first time?

"Her words don't do justice now when I look at you, Ryden. You're more charming to be very honest." She grinned stupidly making me feel apprehensive all over again.

Making a hard face, I started, "Well, sorry to break it to you Ms Suarez, but this arrangement is nowhere or near about my appearance, now is it? We have some business going on here. So if you don't mind, can we just begin with that?" I expressed finally, not hiding my displeasure and Dad coughed involuntarily as the father and daughter duo realized my edginess.

"Oh! Please don't mind Mr. Parker," the senior Suarez chuckled, "You too, Ryden. I hope you don't mind if I call you by your first name." Before I could act in response, the guy already started speaking again looking at her daughter's way, "Her frankness is something I love about her." He grinned proudly looking at her and we had no choice but to show that we didn't mind at all; even if we did.

Pretty confident, funny and straightforward people.

"So let's start the discussion. Shall we?" Dad rescued me from facing further awkwardness.

"Oh yes. Of course, sure." He said as they finally took their seats and I heaved a silent sigh shaking my head a little.

"You're going to be a part of this too or you would like to have a trip to the whole..." she didn't let me finish my sentence.

"Obviously yes. Why do you think I am here then?" She chuckled bringing back the irritation inside me. I managed to give her a stare and she added rolling her eyes dramatically, "I mean I am in for the meeting." She said in an obvious tone and smiling at me.

What's with her smiling continuously?

This was meant to be a serious meeting if I'm not mistaken.

"She's going to overtake my investing business very soon. In fact, this is her very first project." Mr Suarez jumped in.

"Okay." I nodded curtly.

"So coming straight to the point," Dad's thick voice succeeded in catching everyone's attention and he signalled me to start the meeting. And so I started keeping the conditions in front of them. Their expressions turned quite serious about it.

"Undoubtedly, it may turn out risky and there would be a number of obstacles but we can definitely work harder and overcome them as your firm is quite reputed and I am sure it will be profitable for both of us." Mr. Suarez pointed out and glanced at all of us simultaneously followed by a positive smile. "So, we will get back to you." He added.

Dad nodded in agreement and watched over me. I shrugged and my gaze fell over her daughter. She was smiling again giving me those weird looks. What's wrong with her! Not able to stand her conduct even for the next second, I decided to leave them alone with Dad. The meeting is over and I guess my presence is no longer needed too.

"Please excuse me, I have to go now," I announced, holding them up for a moment while they had a little talk. "Nice meeting you Mr. Suarez," I said glancing over him and averted my gaze over the smiling lady. Before I could say my goodbyes to her, she said, "See you soon then, so glad to meet you, Ryden." She grinned and I nodded lightly.

Finally, I managed to get out of the room.

"Hey, Ryden." I heard someone call my name in a loud voice that I noticed everyone working on the floor gazing our way. Annoyed, I turned only to come face to face with the same smiling i***t.

"What?" I couldn't hide about the infuriation and impatience in my tone. She made a confused look but soon added anyway. "Don't you think we should hang out sometime?" She asked as I stared at her for a moment. She arched up her brows questioningly, as she waited for my reply and still carrying that same unnecessary grin.

"I can't. I'm busy." I denied trying to sound as polite as possible but I believe I failed to do so.

"Oh come on! We will get to know each other well. It would help us in business too." She insisted coming closer holding my arm.

"That won't be necessary Ms. Suarez. Besides, I don't want to mix up my professional and personal life." I refused; silently hoping she would not get offended and hopefully not break off the deal considering her lack of understanding things. I would not like to judge so soon, but the way she showed herself and also during the meeting, I highly doubt she would be interested in this dealing. However, before she could embarrass me furthermore in front of my employees, I soon added, "And now I need to go." I dismissed her hastily and the stable smile which overwhelmed her expression, faded straight away.

Not caring anything further, I left her alone in there and walked inside my room locking it behind me.

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