Tender Hearts

01. chapter one

Marlon Maxwell

Six Months Later

I'm a businessman and I handle my business very well, there's only a couple of times that I mix business and pleasure but I had my reasons. Still after fifteen years of that reason, I'm still paying for it.

"Daddy, I need you to make my wedding budget a little higher."

A grumble escapes me as I removed my reading glasses, looking up at my daughter. She silently pleaded with her deep, honey brown eyes that she was blessed with from her mother. How could I say no?

"No."

Ah, that's how.

She pouted, folding her arms over her chest. I was ready for a tantrum, I've practiced for years while married to her mother. It was never an easy battle but as long as I won the war, that's all that mattered.

"Torryn, let me be clear that I don't approve of this wedding. Therefore, you will have to move some things around so that you can work with the budget that you have." I concluded.

She clicked her tongue settled herself in the chair across from me. Now here's come the negotiation. It was all the same, I raised her well.

"Half a million, and I leave him before the ink dries on the marriage license." She nodded.

"No."

The screech that left her mouth could burst an eardrum, thankfully I was used to it from her preteen and teenage years. She left my office easier than she would had which only led me to believe that she wasn't done. Before I could complain about my office door being left open, my assistant was already on it pulling it shut.

God may have blessed me with three gorgeous children but he cursed me when he allowed their mother and I to cross paths. It was a cruel joke but he must've had the last laugh. But even though, that chapter ended not too long ago.

A knock at the door interrupted my thoughts, before I could even turn my head the door bounced open, banging against the wall. All I could see were long legs and bundles of black hair that flew across the room. I sat there amused at the entrance, she turned towards me, fierce as ever.

"I'm so sorry! She refused to leave." Twayla, my assistant, explained frantically.

"It's fine, leave us." I shooed her out.

As soon as the door closed, she turned to me with a heated stare that caused me to smile. It was cute when she tried to be mad, it never lasted long as soon as she opened her mouth. That was her only downfall.

"Treasure." I drawled.

"Don't 'treasure' me, you left me!" She snapped.

"You made the decision to not accept my help. I've told you countless times, I don't beg and I don't chase." I recalled.

It's not a rule but it just that those things don't suit me very well. I don't kneel before anyone but the man upstairs and even then I'm still hesitant. It was simple, I offered and she declined.

Taking in her appearance, her usual straight hair was just a curly fluff that stood around her head. It was a becoming look that matched her small, plump lips and her button nose. The champagne brown of her eyes were brighter than usual, she looked in good health.

"What do you want?" I questioned.

I watched her shoulders drop as she looked to me almost defeated before dropping her head.

"I need a place to stay, my friends..." She trailed off, "I've overstayed my welcome." She spoke quietly, refusing to look at me again.

Opening my desk drawer, I retrieved keys and tossed them on top towards her. She reached for them and I held her wrist, pulling her slightly over the desk.

"And what was the reason of your...friends, evicting you?" I hummed.

She huffed, "Too much time together." She muttered.

"How did you get here?"

"Why are you f*****g interrogating me? I took a cab!" She shouted.

My head tilted to the side, "Who are you yelling at? I asked a simple question. You're gonna fix your tone before you open your mouth again." I told her.

Harlow was a perfect cut to the world but they didn't see her rough edges, the brattiness, and the smart ass mouth.

Snatching up the keys with her other hand, she tried to pull out of my grasp but I easily pulled her on top and across the desk. She stared up at me with a glare that didn't faze me.

"The fridge isn't stocked, so I'll have some things delivered for you. Did you bring your things or--"

"Marlon, I don't have anything, I have absolutely nothing but these clothes that I had to beg to borrow." She whimpered as her eyes glossed over.

"Buy whatever you need or want." I muttered opening my wallet.

I slid my card into her hand.

A smile crept across her face as she accepted the card, "I'll buy something especially for you." She grinned, tilting her head to the side.

"No need, I got something especially for me." I shrugged.

Her smile widened.

"I'll have a car pick you up, I have a prior engagement to attend to." I grabbed my jacket.

A knock came to the door and I walked over to answer it, I smiled as a pair of dainty arms wrapped around my waist.

"I'm early, I know. I had to sneak away."

Looking down I cupped her cheek with my free hand, "The sooner the better, I made reservations yesterday so let's get going." I held the small of her back as I closed the door behind us.

Just five steps away from my office door and I could hear a loud crash from behind the door. Tantrums, I'm use to them. I handle them just fine.

"Business?"

"Mhmm, handled." I assured her.

We rode the elevator down to the lobby in silence, it was a comfortable silence. She and I, we're mutuals. We climbed our way up the ladder of success, though we had different mentors. Mine was locked up, almost dimming all the success I've worked for. People aren't looking at me the same, if anything it's worse than before.

I was the man who made nothing into something by working with the best amongst all. I was the man who was promiscuous, who messed around with his assistant, got her pregnant and then married her. I was the man who would go out every night and spend thousands on women and alcohol.

I was more than just that man, I was a successful, brilliant man who is still standing after being dragged down by association. Yet, I've made through all of it.

"You ready?"

I hummed, stepping off the elevator and into the bright lights of the lobby. It was no brighter than the sunny sky itself. Everything, all of it, I made. With help no less doesn't mean it isn't mine.