Trapped in a Ruthless Heart

The Unexpected Visitor

"Ahmm, Hanky, let's talk about what happened back there," she said, while cleaning Hank's bruises.

His silence frightened her; he didn't seem to be her best friend when he acted this way.

Hank was a very cheerful person; there was no dull moment when she was with him.

"That bastard deserved that," he said while clenching his fists.

"I did it for my brother, and for our company; that ass*ole was ruthless."

She went to the kitchen and found a slice of carrot cake and orange juice. She served it to him; her father would surely ask them what happened.

After more than thirty minutes, John Sullivan entered the living room and asked what happened. She told him the story; he had no reaction.

"Who was the man, Hank?" he asked.

"The certain Nathan Wolfe, Uncle John, the man who almost had everything, but was never happy with his accomplishments."

John Sullivan stared at her blankly, as if he knew the man; he never said a single word. After a few minutes, he stood up and tapped Hank's shoulder. He walked away silently and never commented on the fight.

It was Sunday, twelve noon, and many customers were coming to their restaurant.

They were serving both American and Asian Cuisines. This is their main branch, and another two are going to open soon.

"Miss Sullivan, someone is looking for you," the kitchen staff said.

"Who's that, Annie?" she replied while busy doing her plating.

"A customer who wants to talk to the chef. I told him that you are busy, but he insisted. He said he wants to compliment the chef on the food."

"It's okay, I'm finished," she smiled.

She didn't bother to remove her apron and went out of the kitchen.

Her eyebrow raised when she saw the man. Oh yeah! Nathan Wolfe is his name.

He looks so dashing and dangerously handsome. He is wearing a dark grey polo shirt that emphasizes his toned muscles and big biceps.

He is also wearing dark shades; he looks different from last night. He looked younger this time, but his authority and strong aura were palpable.

She is sure that his eyes focused on her from the time she left the kitchen. Goosebumps appeared on her arms; she was shaking a little while walking.

"I am the chef, sir, so how's the food?" She tried to be more civil, ignoring what happened last night.

"The food and the chef look great to me," he said while referring to the untouched food on the table.

"I don't have time for this nonsense conversation. I am so busy, and yet you told me to come out. What is it you want, Mr. Wolfe?"

She really doesn't know why her blood boils when she sees him; maybe her first impression lasts, as the cliché says.

His every word was like acid to her ear, even if he didn't mean anything by what he just said.

He chuckled and took off his shades, revealing his dark gaze, his sensual lips looking delicious to taste.

She tilted her head, thinking.

"Let's get out tonight. Do you see these bruises? It's your friend who made these, and you need to take me out for dinner," he said seriously.

"But it's Hank who punches you and not me, so why would I take you out?

Besides, we have a restaurant; just eat here, and I won't make any charges," she replied.

"I want to go out to a party tonight. I need a date, and it's you that I want, and I won't take no for an answer," he said arrogantly.

He crossed his arms on his chest, giving her his dashing, debonair smile. He is a really drop-dead gorgeous guy, and his smile is like a panty dropping.

She let out a heavy sigh; he is really annoying. Is it true that Nathan Wolfe is inviting her? Her? A plain lady, Yana Sullivan?

What is he really up to? Is he sick? Or does he just want to play? Knowing that he always gets what he wants. But I'm different from those women! For Pete's sake!

"Do you even know my name, Mr. Wolfe? You are asking me out, and you didn't even know my name," she said, while pouting her lips and raising her eyebrows.

"Yes, Ms. Sullivan, Rhianna Sullivan, right? Only daughter of John Sullivan, he said confidently. She wondered why he knew her father.

"Your father and I met years ago; he is so kind and clever," he said, as if hearing what was in her mind.

And because she had no choice, she agreed to go on a date with him.

Besides, that would be the first and last date with him.

She let out a deep sigh; she had met him less than twenty-four hours ago, but he was totally giving her a roller coaster ride!

"Looks like you have a date, my princess," John Sullivan said, while smiling at her.

"Is it Hank? Is that young man courting you, princess?" Her father asked her, as if he wanted to corner her.

"No, Daddy, Hank and I are just friends, and he's not my type," she giggled.

He just nodded; he was about to leave her when he faced her again.

"Princess, you know that Daddy loves you; always remember that." his voice was full of sincerity and love for her.

It was soothing and really caring; his voice was able to erase her fears.

"I may never be a perfect father; I have flaws and imperfections," he paused.

"But please never doubt my love for you."

His eyes were almost pleading; in her eyes, he looked older, as if he had been defeated for a long time.

"Since your mother died, you are the only memory that she left; all I want is your happiness," he said, teary-eyed, his lips trembling.

And her tears started to fall, even if she tried to stop them.

She never had a serious conversation with her father; he always made her smile, as if everything would be all right

But this time was so different; she saw a very lowly man. He looked so down and defeated.

"Forgive me if sometimes I failed to be a good father," he said while tears came down from his eyes constantly; sadness was visible all over his face. His shoulders moved while sobbing.

She hugged her father tightly. "I will never doubt your love for me dad, I'm so blessed because you are my father, and I never saw any flaws or imperfections," she assured him, burying her face in his chest.

She can feel his irregular heartbeat because of nonstop crying.

"When I get married someday, I want a man who is exactly like you, Dad," she said while crying and smiling at the same time.

Why does she have a sudden feeling of longing for her father? And with this thought, she cried even more.

A black limousine entered their driveway, and the driver went out and opened the door for her.

And there he was, sitting comfortably inside, wearing his three-piece suit, and looking at her. Looking so breathtakingly handsome.

He raked his eyes all over her body, as if checking how she looked.

She was wearing a backless yellow gown, its slit almost reaching her upper thigh, revealing her long and shapely legs.

"Hop in!" he said, and so she did.

Parties really bored her to death, especially since she didn't mingle with the folks Nathan ran with.

She wanted to go home, but Nathan was so busy talking about business.

She thinks he only came to the party to do business.

"A penny for your thoughts?" A tall guy approached her; he was good-looking too. He had greyish eyes, an upturned nose, and kissable lips.

This man was also big and looked like a celebrity in a magazine.

"I'm Scott Langley," he said in his baritone voice. He was intently looking at her.

"Rhianna Sullivan," she said.

He kissed the back of her hand. It's so awkward, she thought.

"Why are you alone at this party, milady? Who's with you?"

She looked around, but she couldn't see where Nathan was.

"I'm with Mr. Wolfe," she said in a small voice.

His face changed, his jaw moved; she wasn't sure if it was just her imagination, but she saw a glint of bitterness in his eyes. Was it hatred? Remorse?

He smiled. "If I were him, I wouldn't leave you alone. I'm not sure, but I think I saw him earlier talking to Melissa James, the supermodel." He told her directly.

She did not like what she just heard. He invited her, then just left her alone for another woman?

"But I'm here; we can talk if you like," he said, touching her arm.

It made her feel uneasy; she felt afraid and awkward at the same time.

"Only if I allowed you to talk to her," a familiar voice intervened.

"And get your filthy hand off her, Langley."

She saw Nathan standing just a few steps away from them, his eyes releasing fire; his jaw was clenched, and he was fisting his hand.

But Scott didn't seem bothered by his presence; both men stared at each other seriously. And no one dared to break the stares.

"Take care of your woman, Wolfe; you should not leave her alone." he looked at her and smiled.

"I'm going, 'til next time, Ms. Sullivan."

Nathan came near to her and held her arm; his facial expression didn't change. His eyes looked dangerous, and he was breathing heavily too.

"I just left for a while, and you flirted with that bastard!" His voice was like thunder, which made her tremble.

She stepped backward, but Nathan held her waist and moved her closer.

"Why are you so furious? You talked to Melissa James and left me alone at this boring party, but I didn't react the way you reacted!" she hissed. She is not a robot, and she will not bow down to him! Over her dead body!