CHAPTER 3
1317 Words
Tricia had gone with the mysterious men to see for herself. Ever since her mother died, Tricia had felt a void in her heart. George Smith, her father, felt distant. It almost felt like they were strangers and Tricia couldn't understand why. Even when Grace fled the country, George never paid attention to Tricia. He was only concerned about Grace and how to connect with her. George would watch Tricia suffer in her marriage and not defend her.
He leached off Ethan. How could he defend his daughter when he wanted his company badly?
Along the driveway, Tricia leaned on her seat, letting out a deep sigh that echoed through the car.
Maybe I should call my father to confirm, she thought, looking at the driver's seat.
It all felt unreal to her.
What if they are bad people?
Tricia slid out her cell phone, placing it close to her ears. She had dialed her father's number and, luckily for her, the call went through on the first ring.
Her sigh broke through the speaker as she whispered into it, “Hey! Dad, I was hoping to ask you something.”
“Whatever you want, you won't get it, Tricia,” George's harsh tone echoed through the speaker, making her flinch. “I have gotten my company back all thanks to my daughter, Grace. It's high time we went our separate ways, Tricia.”
“What the hell, Dad?”! She snapped, “Did you ever love me? Am I even your daughter?! I f*****g lost my baby and all you can say to me is this?”
“I don't have to pretend anymore, Tricia. The only reason I have held onto you is that I promised your mother, but now that she's gone, I don't have to do that anymore. Goodbye, Tricia.”
“What are you talking about? I'm your daughter,” Tricia yelled to the speaker.
“I have just one daughter and that is Grace,” George intoned, his voice sharp. “You are not my daughter, Tricia. You never were. I have kept this for too long and no more.”
“What?! You can't be serious.”
“Don't ever call this number again,” he warned before disconnecting the phone.
Tricia scoffed, leaning against the car seat with tears streaming down her cheeks. “So it's all true,” she sniffled. “He's not my Dad. How could you be so cruel to accept me when you know you're not going to care for me?” She sobbed, holding her chest. “You're so evil…”
The driver glanced at the young mistress, shaking his head in pity.
Tricia looked through the window pane, wiping the tears from her eyes. I'll make you pay, all of you. She clenched her fist.
An hour passed, and the vehicles arrived at a grand mansion right in the heart of the city. The afternoon breeze flushed her cheek as she alighted from the lead car.
Her jaw dropped, and her eyes flickered around the luxurious building. Tricia couldn't take her eyes off the fountain. She looked around in amazement.
“Wow!!! Is this real?” She asked, scratching her head. “Are you sure you're not pranking me?” She asked one of the security guards.
“Welcome, Miss Tricia,” Edward said, his smile warm. “This is your father's house. By the way, you can call me Edward. We didn't have much time to exchange names earlier. This way, ma'am. Your father awaits your return.”
Tricia nodded, obediently following in Edwards's tracks. Her smile broadened as she walked around the mansion.
When they got to the door, it opened without any help and Tricia’s jaw dropped.
“What just happened?” She asked.
“Welcome, Miss Tricia. This will be your new home,” Edward announced, his hands spread.
Tricia could see a convoy of housekeepers and domestic staff lined up with a smile on their faces. They bowed to her arrival and welcomed her in grand style.
“Welcome young mistress,” they said in unison.
Tricia bowed in reply, rubbing her knuckles.
Tricia and Edward walked past the workers and down to Mr. Griffin’s study.
He sat majestically in his seat, full of charisma. The moment his eyes fell on Tricia, his smile broadened, and his eyes welled up with tears.
“You're finally here,” he said with a soft tone.
Tricia gulped down her saliva, staring deep into his eyes.
Whoa!!! Why on earth does he look like me? Could this all be true? She wondered.
Anyone who saw them could tell they were related.
“My child,” he sobbed, moving close to Tricia. “I have failed you, please forgive me.”
“Are you my father?” She asked, trembling in her position.
“Yes dear,” Mr. Griffin held her cheeks softly. “I am your father, dear.”
“Then why did you leave me?” Her tears fell freely. “Why did you allow me to suffer?”
“It's a long story, dear. When Elsa was pregnant with you, I had nothing. We were young, and I wanted something better for her and you. I had to let her go to be with George. He loved her and could provide for you both. I had to do what I thought was right,” he leaned against her shoulders, sobbing deeply. “I hope you can forgive me.”
Tricia sniffled, patting Griffin on his shoulder.
“You shouldn't have let her go, but it's all in the past now.”
Edward watched the father and daughter moment with teary eyes. Mr. Griffin felt a void in his heart ever since he made his way to the top. The only thing that could bring him joy was his lost daughter and there they were, leaning on each other's shoulders.
The last two weeks were blissful for Tricia. She couldn't imagine that one day her life would be this much better.
Tricia jumped on her comfy bed, exhaling into the air.
“This is the best life ever,” she screamed into the pillows.
A knock on the door suddenly caught her attention and she stood up from the bed, pacing towards the door.
“Who is it?” She asked.
“It is I Edwards, the family assistant. Your father requests your presence.”
“Alright, I'll be down in a second,” she replied behind the door.
Tricia quickly paced to her wardrobe and tucked into her best outfits. She sprinted outside her bedroom to the living room.
Tricia’s jaw clenched seeing a stranger with her father, gazing at her with so much seriousness.
“Thank you, attorney, that'll be all for now,” Mr. Griffin said, making his way back to his study as the attorney made his way out.
Tricia ran after her father with a worried expression on her face.
“Dad, what's the problem? Who was that?” She asked.
When they got to the study, Mr. Griffin held her shoulders with both hands.
“Tricia, I need you now more than ever.”
“Okay,” she replied, gulping down her saliva.
“I need you to take over my company as the rightful heiress. Something is going on in my company that must be handled else my brother will be successful. They want to vote me out. So, you're going to take my place.” Mr. Griffin said.
“What?! I'm not sure if I can do that.”
“You can and we need to go now. I'll get Edward to prepare the car. Remember, you're good enough and don't let their judgment get to you. Show them who's the boss and you're good to go.”
Her eyes went wide open and beads of sweat formed on her forehead.
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