The CEO I Left Behind

Chapter 12: The Man I Could Never Hate

Kathy's POV

The warmth from the sandwich stayed with me long after lunch.

I still couldn't figure out who had left it on my desk.

Emily insisted it wasn't her.

Daniel denied knowing anything.

Even the receptionist shrugged when I asked.

The small note rested inside my handbag.

"Don't skip meals."

I read it again before putting it away.

For some reason, those words reminded me of someone.

Someone who used to nag me every time I skipped breakfast during high school.

"Luther..."

I quickly shook my head.

"No."

There was no way he would do something like that.

Not after everything I had done to him.

The man I knew now was cold, distant, and impossible to read.

He wouldn't secretly buy me food.

...Would he?

The rest of the afternoon passed in silence.

When the clock finally struck five, I organized the last of the documents on Luther's desk.

"I'm leaving now, Mr. Ashford."

Without looking up from his laptop, he replied,

"Your work for today is finished."

"Good night."

He gave a small nod.

I quietly left the office.

---

Outside, the evening sky was painted orange as the sun slowly disappeared behind the city skyline.

Instead of heading home, I boarded a taxi.

"St. Mary's Hospital, please."

The driver nodded and pulled into traffic.

During the ride, I stared out the window.

The city hadn't changed much.

The same cafés.

The same streets.

The same park where Luther and I used to spend hours after school.

A bitter smile crossed my lips.

Some memories refused to fade.

---

The hospital was quieter than usual.

I greeted the nurses before making my way to my mother's room.

She was asleep.

Her breathing was steady, but her face looked thinner than it had only a few weeks ago.

I gently brushed a strand of hair away from her forehead.

"I got the job, Mom," I whispered.

"I'll work hard."

"I promise I'll take care of you."

A soft knock interrupted me.

The doctor stepped inside.

"Miss Morgan, may I speak with you?"

I nodded.

We walked into the hallway.

"I've reviewed your mother's latest test results."

My heart immediately became heavy.

"Has something changed?"

He sighed.

"There has been a slight decline."

I lowered my head.

"But don't lose hope. We still have treatment options."

"I'll find the money."

"I know you will."

The doctor gave my shoulder a reassuring pat before walking away.

I stood alone in the hallway, trying to gather my thoughts.

"Kathy..."

A familiar voice froze me in place.

Slowly...

Very slowly...

I turned around.

Standing a few steps away was a man in a charcoal-gray suit.

His once-black hair was streaked with silver.

His shoulders looked heavier than I remembered.

But I would recognize those eyes anywhere.

"Dad..."

The word escaped before I could stop it.

For several seconds, neither of us moved.

He gave me a sad smile.

"You've grown up."

I looked away.

"So have you."

He let out a quiet laugh that quickly faded.

"I've been wanting to see you."

"You've had seven years."

Every word carried pain I had tried to bury.

He accepted them without arguing.

"I know."

Silence settled between us again.

Finally, he spoke.

"I heard about your mother's condition."

I stiffened.

"Who told you?"

"I've been keeping in touch with the hospital."

My eyes widened.

"You've... known?"

He nodded slowly.

"I've known for a long time."

A thousand emotions crashed inside me.

Confusion.

Anger.

Relief.

Hurt.

"If you knew..."

My voice trembled.

"...why didn't you come?"

His expression filled with regret.

"I wanted to."

"So why didn't you?"

He looked down at the floor.

"Because I wasn't brave enough to face the daughter I failed."

Tears stung my eyes.

For years, I had imagined this conversation.

I thought I would shout.

I thought I would blame him for everything.

But standing in front of him now...

All I could see was an exhausted father carrying his own regrets.

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a business card.

"If you ever need anything..."

He held it out.

"Call me."

I stared at it.

Then slowly shook my head.

"I don't want your money."

"Kathy—"

"I'll save my mother."

"I'll do it myself."

His hand slowly fell to his side.

"I never doubted that you could."

Before either of us could say another word, a woman's voice echoed down the hallway.

"There you are."

Kathy turned.

A stylish woman approached, dressed elegantly from head to toe.

She slipped her arm through her father's.

"There you are, dear. The board meeting is about to begin."

The woman's eyes landed on Kathy.

For a brief second...

A smile appeared on her lips.

But it never reached her eyes.

"So..."

She said smoothly.

"This must be Kathy."

Kathy felt a chill run through her body.

She didn't know why.

But something about that smile felt... dangerous.

Farther down the hallway, hidden from view after visiting his grandfather's room, Luther stepped out just in time to see Kathy standing with the city's famous businessman... and his elegant wife.

His brows furrowed.

"Why is Kathy with the Morgan family?"

For the first time, another piece of the puzzle fell into place.

But instead of answering his questions...

It only created more.