His Perfect Temptation

Give or take……

Maliya’s pov

“GET out of my house! You are not welcome here” Father's voice thundered in the once quiet room.

The glass of wine I was holding to serve Ferd slipped from my hands as I trembled at the loud crash on the floor.

Tears clouded my eyes, blurring my vision instantly.

“Papa... What…” I stuttered, unable to contain the pain I was feeling. I had so many questions but the words stuck in my throat.

I glanced from him to Ferd, still tongue-tied.

Even when Ferd stood up and walked away I still couldn't utter a word.

Dad left the dining room but I stood there, frozen as I stared into space, the now quiet room, filling me with discomfort.

“MALIYA!”

I glared at my father as he yelled my name, ignoring the tone of his voice, even though a part of me was a bit sad cause he had never spoken to me that way before.

But I couldn't care less. I demanded answers and I won’t leave this office until I get any.

“Sweetheart…..,” he continued, now calmer as if he had read through my glare. “Listen… That man is not good for you!”

“Really? And who’s good for me, papa? The sons of your business partners who don’t even know how to hold exciting conversations with me? The ones who are there clearly for the benefits that come with marrying the almighty billionaire Alvarez’s daughter?” I sighed briefly, my defiant glare still fixed.

“I love him, papa. I've tried to make you accept him, but all my attempts failed! I'm done trying, papa. I'm going to be with him, no matter what anyone says.” I continued, still adamant.

“Maliya…honey, you should listen to your father. He’s right, we want only the best for you.” Carmen’s voice came from behind me as she catwalks into the room to my father's side, placing a hand on his shoulder.

I shook my head and chuckled, tears welling up in my eyes.

Turning to him, while my hand stretched towards Carmen, I said, “You know, it's just funny. It's really funny how you think you can choose for me simply because you don't like him, forgetting you practically shoved this one down my throat, forcing me to accept a total stranger I know nothing about as my mo…”

“Watch your mouth, young woman!…Do not speak about your mother like that! Enough of all this nonsense! I won’t give my blessings to you and that man, you would have to come back to your senses, or else, I will cut you off!”

He barked, all traces of the once calm demeanor gone.

The tears that had welled up in my eyes began to stream down my face.

“Then you leave me with no other choice papa,” I responded breathlessly as I tried to wipe off the tears.

Suddenly, it was almost like he realized what he had done.

I could tell from his expression that he wished he could take back his last statement.

His frown was completely gone, he stood up from behind his desk to reach out to me.

“Sweetheart…” He paused as I moved back, avoiding his touch. “Maliya, I’m sorry I ye….”

“No! You don't get to do that. You’ve said all you need to say. You clearly do not love or care about my feelings. Do not touch me, don't come close to me.”

I said as the tears kept trying to break free, and I immediately turned to leave the office.

“Maliya….”

I heard him call out my name, but it was too late already, I couldn’t spend even a second with him and that lady again.

“Roberto…relax. I will go talk to her.” I heard Carmen say behind me as I walked out of his office, I hated her even more.

Hastening my steps, and ignoring her calls before she could get any inch closer to me, I headed into my car and ordered my chauffeur, Manuel, to drive off immediately.

As Manuel drove into the bustling streets of New York City, the lump in my throat gave way to the tears that had been fighting their way out.

I let it all out, sniffing in between each drop.

I’m done, I’m done trying to get his attention or get him to at least care about my feelings even once.

It didn’t help that he denied me the motherly care I deserved, he went ahead to marry a gold-digger a few years above my age, against my wish and pleas.

And now, he’s asking me to give up on the one person who has showered me with so much love and affection, the one person who has stood by me even in his absence.

By the time Miguel pulled up in front of Ferdinand’s place, I was done crying and feeling sorry for myself.

I found him pacing impatiently on his front porch and when he saw me get out of the vehicle, he hurried towards me.

“Babe…oh my goodness, I’ve been worried sick, calling you every second. How did it go with your Dad?” He asked, reaching out to hug me but pursed as his eyes caught sight of mine.

“What happened? you don’t look happy, what’s wrong cupcake?” He reached out and cupped my face into his large hands which gave me the most comfort.

My God!

How could anyone not love this man for me?

He is so sweet!

He didn't even hold a grudge about how Dad treated him earlier today.

As I stared into his hazel eyes, he looked so concerned for me instead, his curly brown hair making him look even younger with his cute boyish face.

He is perfection to me.

Staring deep into his eyes as another tear streamed down my face, I reached out and kissed him.

My decisions became clearer now.

No one can separate me from what matters to me. Not even my father.

I knew it was time to make my choice.

And with that, I hurried back home, this decision would either break me or make me but it was either this or remain unhappy.

An hour later, I stood in my room, glancing from my luggage to the piece of paper before me, the boldly written two words burning through my chest.

They were simple words but they carried the weight of my entire existence.

“GOODBYE PAPA” With trembling hands, I grabbed my luggage, my heart racing as I walked into the quiet night.

Fear gripped me, but I didn't look back. Not now, not ever.