MY FATHER'S WIFE

CHAPTER ONE CLARISSA

As I packed my things for Harvard, I heard the sound of my parent’s arguments echoed through the house. My mother’s calm voice was sharp and loud with anger.

“I want to come with you, Reginald. I am tired of you being gone all the time. I don’t want to be all alone and die of loneliness. This time, wherever you go, I must go.” She shouted. My father’s response was very cold and dismissive.

“My business affairs are mine alone and not your concern, Eleanor. I will not mix business with family” he responded.

Standing in the doorway, I felt a pain of sadness. My mother, despite her love for my father, was often left feeling neglected. She had complained several times but my father never bulged. Now that I was about to leave for school, I could only imagine how lonely she would feel. She would be too alone for my liking. Well, only her dear pet, Nancy, would keep her company. I was her companion when my father was absent. But now, I must leave for my future. The sound of the phone’s vibration distracted my thoughts. It was my father’s phone vibrating on the sofa in our living room. Just as I picked up the phone in attempt to rush into my parent’s room to hand my father his phone, I accidentally picked up the call. A masculine voice came through the phone. “Has she resumed? I have been trying to reach you online, Mr. Reginald” the voice spoke. I immediately ended the call, afraid that my father might walk in on me. Still with the phone in my hand, a what’s app notification pulped up on the screen. It was from a certain MR. Gentleman, the same person who had just called his line. The message read: “My guys are fully on the ground now. He has resumed, and we have been able to track his location. Please send me her pictures too. We are ready to begin our work.”

I froze for a moment. “Who the hell is this guy and whose picture is he asking for? What the hell is going on here?” I thought. I wondered if my father was safe, most especially amidst his employees. I could hear footsteps coming my way, and so I drifted quickly from my thoughts and focused on the present, dropping the phone hastily on the sofa.

It was a remarkable day in my life. A day I had long dreamed of since childhood. Harvard medical school had offered me admission. From my childhood days, I had developed a passion for caring for the sick, a desire that earned me the esteemed role of a health prefect during my high school days. My father, the billionaire Reginald Walton, had always supported my aspirations, albeit with some conditions. The deal was simple but binding. No romantic relationship until graduation. In return, he promised to set up my own prestigious hospital for me. I had reluctantly agreed to focus on the bigger picture.

I had always dreamed of the possibility of bagging a medical degree from the prestigious Harvard medical school. And now, the opportunity was here. The aspiration to become a medical doctor, to walk the hallowed halls of Harvard was now here. Living at home was bitter-sweet. I hugged my mother so tightly. With a teary eye and a kiss, I bid her goodbye.

My mother’s eyes were teary but proud. “Be good, Clarissa”, my mother said as I let her go and went out of the doorway. I followed Mr. John, our trusted driver, to the waiting car and embarked on the journey to the airport.

I was so excited about getting into Harvard. The bustling campus was very welcoming. Navigating through the many complicated new faces and buildings, I felt a sense of excitement and apprehension. Fortunately for me, the transition into medical school life was a lot easier than I had expected.

Among the lots of students, one face stood out. Her name was Victoria Davis. She was affectionately known as Vicky. Her warm personality and genuine smile made her an instant friend. We navigated the bustling campus together, and she quickly became my confidante.

Days at Harvard were busy. My schedule was filled with both physical and virtual classes. One evening, while I was in deep reflection about my new life, my phone rang.

From the sound of the ringtone, I could immediately tell who it was. It was my father.

The tone was specially assigned to him. That was how close we were.

"Hello, damsel," his familiar voice came through the line.

"Good morning, Dad," I replied warmly. He rarely called me by my name, preferring endearing terms like "damsel" or "angel."

"How is Clarissa Ray-Walton settling in at Harvard?" he asked.

"Remarkably well, Dad. I appreciate everything you’ve done," I said, genuinely grateful.

"Your happiness is my priority. What use is all my wealth if not to ensure your prosperity?" he chuckled. I seized the opportunity to tell him about my new environment, my classmates and, more importantly, my newfound friend Vicky. My father was surprised. He and my mother had thought that it would be difficult for me to adapt to my new environment. He was, however, glad that the reverse was the case. "Remember our deal, Clarissa," he said.

"Of course, Dad. I’m focused on my studies," I assured him.

As I hung up, a mix of gratitude and pressure settled over me. My father had high expectations, and I was determined to meet them.

The next morning, I met Victoria for breakfast. As we chatted over food, a handsome looking gentleman approached our table. "Good morning, ladies," he greeted us with a smile.

"Good morning," we replied in unison, surprised.

We wondered why he had come to join our table. Why couldn’t he sit elsewhere? There were so many empty tables lying around the dining room. Well, I guess he didn’t want to be all by himself. But damn it! The guy was attractive with a dazzling smile. Vicky immediately gave him a reassuring look just to make him comfortable.

"I’m Christopher Walton," he introduced himself, joining us. He was also a “’Vardian”, studying Business Administration. We quickly exchanged introductions and chatted over breakfast.

"We have to go, Chris," I said, glancing at my watch. "We have a virtual class in fifteen minutes."

"Nice meeting you," he said, offering a dazzling smile. "Can I have your number?"

I hesitated but then nodded, giving him my number. There was something about him that intrigued me, a feeling I hadn’t expected to have so soon after arriving at Harvard.

As Victoria and I rushed to our class, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my time at Harvard was about to get even more complicated.

Just then, my phone vibrated. As I picked up my phone to check, I saw a message notification pulped up on my screen. It was from an unknown number.

“Stay away from that guy, he is not the type for you” the message read.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. “Who the hell is this?” I said loudly.