THE HEIRESS

Flashback

Chapter five

“If only you had allowed us take pictures, maybe we would have something to give the police” Dalia queried her father. John ate in silence, “It seems you not even bothered about her disappearance; all you care about is your job. My sister is missing, Rosaline is missing papa”.

Dalia yelled throwing away the spoon she was holding, John took a sip from the cup of water in front of him and stared at his daughter “and you think I don’t remember? Dalia I may not be the best father in the world but if there’s one thing I would not allow you accuse me of is that I do not love my daughter” he spoke standing up with anger written all over his face. Dalia knew she had over stepped “I’m sorry pa. I’m just angry and frustrated at the situation” she spoke in her defense “then be angry at the animal who hit your sister and not me.” Dalia knew her father was hurt at the disappearance of her sister but he wasn’t showing it.

John walked out on his daughter, took his bag and left for work, for years he had been cleaning up Madam Beatrice dirt but should he tell her where to find to find Sir Marcus knowing fully well his daughter is with him? Rosaline is safe with Marcus than anyone else in the world but if he doesn’t give her any report by the end of the day she would look for another way to find out where her son is and that would mean her knowing about Rosaline. He said quietly on the bus, confused at the situation. If only he knew a day like this would come, he would have left with his family when he had the chance but no he decided to stay thinking he could keep them safe from Madam Beatrice.

23 years ago

“John am scared. What papa finds out about us? If Beatrice sees us together she’ll surely tell him” John held her hands and gave her a hug “No matter what happens, know I’ll always love you and this baby inside of you” he spoke with her still in his embrace.

“Esther” a voice called, they both turned and saw John running towards them, he pushed John aside and hugged Esther, just then Beatrice appeared with their father who was fuming.

“So it’s true” he yelled, Esther looked from her father to Beatrice who had a victory smile on her face “Daddy, it’s not want you think” Esther spoke with a shaky voice “Then what is this?” he asked throwing a paper at her, Esther picked it up, looking at it she started stuttering “Da… Dad… Daddy I can explain”

“You can explain what Esther? You’re such a disgrace” Beatrice spoke gloating “Sir, am sorry you had to find out like this but Esther and I were planning on telling you” Daniel spoke.

Everyone looked at him surprised “I don’t understand, what are you talking about?” Sir William asked, Esther looked at Daniel then at John who was standing behind Daniel.

“What are you doing?” she asked “Yes Daniel what are you doing?” Beatrice asked confused at the situation “I thought” Sir William paused and stared at Daniel, “are you saying you’re the father of the child Esther is carrying?” he asked. Daniel drew Esther closer, wrapping his hands round her waist, he nodded positively.

Presently

“Sir! Sir! It’s time to get off” a voice spoke and john felt someone tapping him, he woke up and realized he had slept off on the bus. He looked outside and discovered he was at his stop, stepping out he knew he wasn’t supposed to be here but seeing his daughter was all he wanted at that very moment.

**********

Marcus stood with his feet glued to the ground, looking from him to the three strangers standing in the living room, Eloise was in a state of confusion.

“Good morning” she stuttered trying to clear the air, she moved and shook Daniel’s hands.

“Morning miss” Sarah and junior chorused with a mischievous smile on their face as they shook Eloise’s’ hand. Daniel moved closer to Eloise, it felt as though he had seen her before but he just couldn’t bring his mind to remember where. Closing the gap between them, he hugged her life his life depended on it, Eloise was scared at first but suddenly felt safe within the arms of this stranger.

Marcus didn’t understand what was going on but he felt angry, angry at the sight before him, why exactly he didn’t know. Clearing his throat he walked up to them.

“Uncle Dan, I wasn’t expecting you this soon. You should have told me you were coming today” he spoke pulling Eloise closer to himself and wrapped his hand around her waist. Eloise was stunned at Marcus behavior but decided not to protest.

“I’m sorry I should have informed you before coming but”

“We wanted to surprise you” Sarah cut in

“Marcus I didn’t know you had a hide out? At least now, Aunt Beatrice and mom won’t find us” Junior added

“Exactly my point. I wonder what they are always fighting about. That’s by the way, Marcus aren’t you going to introduce us to this pretty lady in front of us?” Sarah question with a broad smile on her face and her arms folded.

“Yes Marcus tell us?” Junior added, moving closer to his sister.

Marcus knew he had to come up with something fast but believable. Daniel stood still gazing at Eloise who was resting her head on Marcus’s shoulder, he suddenly started feeling hot

“Guys I think I left my handkerchief and water in the car, I’ll be back in a minute” he turned, not waiting for their response, he needed to get some fresh air.

John hoped she would come out, if only for a second. His heart leaped for joy on seeing the door open but his expression changed “Daniel?!” he whispered.

Daniel opened his car and sat inside, gulping from the bottle of water, he took a deep breath. He felt eyes watching him and stepped out of the car immediately, he froze at the sight before him. Both men stood staring at each other.