After Mr. L comes Mr. M

Chapter 003

Freya

“Hey Dad,” I said, my voice firm and collected as I tried to mask the rage of emotions brewing inside me as my father's voice kept echoing in my head screaming ‘I told you so’, but it turns out I wasn't so good at my job.

“Hey princess, you don't have to mask it; I saw the news,” he said, his voice almost sounding like a hammer to my chest. I couldn't hold it in any longer as the dam of emotions inside me finally burst open.

“I'm sorry, Dad, I'm so sorry, I should have listened to you,” I cried, as I thought about the several warnings Dad had given me each time I'd gone to him for money so I could support Leo's business. But I never knew I was living in a world of fantasy when I thought if he made it to the top he'd get married to me and we could handle our empire together.

Dad had always warned me about him, but I was too naive and young to see what he saw. “It's fine, princess. Are you okay? You could come home until you feel better. Your mom and I would be happy to receive you.” he said. I could almost feel his smile at the other end of the line.

“Okay, Dad,” I replied as it wasn't a bad idea. I needed to get away from all this and figure out how to get my life on track; seven years of my life had just been thrown down the drain all because of love. I hung up the call and ignited my car engine as I made my way to the McCall mansion, but not after stopping by at my place to get a few of my things.

I got to my parents' house by the evening and was welcomed by the sweet aroma of the amazing dinner Mom was preparing. I knew it was definitely her in the kitchen as only she could make such inviting steaks. I often suggested Dad expand our empire by owning a restaurant, but they often laughed about it, and Mom would always say her recipes were for her family alone.

As I stood at the entrance, I could see both my parents handling the kitchen skillfully as a team: Dad prepared the table, and Mom dished out the meal as they chattered and beamed with smiles. The weight of my failed relationship hit me again as I watched my parents in admiration.

I had always lived with the belief of creating a love story just like theirs, as Mom and Dad also met in high school and had been together to date. But it turns out Mom was better at picking the guys than I was. I sighed in frustration as I made my way to where they were.

“Hey, Mom, hey, Dad,” I greeted, making their eyes light up as they saw me.

“Freya, you're here!” Mom exclaimed in excitement. “Dinner is just about to be served. I made your favorite just to cheer you up a little,” Mom added, beaming from ear to ear.

“I noticed, Mom. The aroma had already invited me in at the entrance, but you really shouldn't have bothered, Mom,” I said calmly.

“It's our responsibility to be bothered about our princess Freya, especially when she's going through a hard time,” Dad chimed.

“Who said I was going through a hard time, Dad?” I retorted in defense. “I'm fine,” I added, failing again to mask my feelings.

“You can lie to the world, Freya, but not to us. We birthed you; remember?” Mom said with glassy eyes, and once again my tears erupted like a volcano, making Mom and Dad circle around me, pulling me into a hug.

“It's okay, my child, it's okay,” Mom reassured.

“A princess's tears are expensive, Freya; don't waste them on someone who's not worth it,” Dad said, patting my hair lightly.

And with a newfound determination, I wiped off my tears and stared at my parents, still with glassy eyes. “Okay, Dad, I won't cry anymore. I promise,” I replied reassuringly.

“Now that's my girl,” Dad said. “Now come join me at the dinner table.” He added as we all set up the table and had dinner while the maids set up my room. Soon we were done with dinner, and everyone had retired to bed. I got into my room and noticed my parents had made a few changes to it, unlike the way I remembered.

The hard rug on the floor had been replaced with a plush carpet, which felt like a warm hug beneath my feet, inviting me to linger. The minibar at the corner had been filled with my favorite drinks, each sitting as the beautiful rays of the chandelier, which hung loosely on the high ceiling, shone on them.

The scent of flowers filled the air, creating a sense of serenity, and I knew that was Mom’s doing. The large floor-to-ceiling windows gave a great view of the city skyline from where I was.

I went into the bathroom, and as expected, it wasn't left out. I freshened up, taking as much time as needed to get my mind off today's heartbreaking events, but the more I tried, the more it hurt. The promise I made to my parents made me bite my lower lip, fighting back the tears that threatened to fall.

Soon I was done in the shower, and the feeling of water surging through my skin made me feel relaxed and refreshed. I got dressed in one of my lingerie sets as I headed to the bar, my mind a jumble of different thoughts. I poured myself one of my favorite tequila shots, trying to create some sort of distraction for my mind. The first sip was like a wake-up call, a jolt of electricity that coursed through my veins.

I was about to take the fifth glass when my eyes caught the file that lay on my bedside table. I took a large gulp; the tequila's fiery spirit ignited a slow burn in my belly, radiating warmth throughout my body.

I moved closer to my bedside table as I picked up the documents lying there. To my surprise, the documents connected me as a shareholder to my father's company. He had always invited me to come work in his company, but it came with a price: I'd have to get married to whoever he chose for me.

At the time, I despised the idea because I was still fantasizing about my life with Leo, but right now, thinking about it, it didn't seem like a bad idea. After all, I had nothing to lose and a lot to gain. I had sacrificed all this because of Leo and worked a nine to five instead of accepting my birthright, and all he had to repay me was this huge betrayal.

I took up the file and headed straight to my dad's office. I met him there, going through some paperwork. His attention was fixated on his laptop, but he quickly raised his gaze the moment he saw me. His eyes darted back and forth from my eyes to the file in my hands as he smiled.

“I see you've seen my gift,” he said with a smile.

“Yes, Dad; a gift that brings back memories of my stupidity,” I replied as I smiled wryly, my gaze fixed on the file.

“My princess isn't stupid,” Dad said sarcastically, trying to deviate from the issue at hand, but I just shot him a ‘really Dad?’ look, which made him sigh in defeat.

“You know your space is still vacant in the company, and it would really be nice if we could have a full house, you know, the whole McCall family,” he said.

“And the price that comes with it?” I replied with a raised brow, but he just sighed, bowing his head as if thinking of the right words to say.

“Look, Freya, you could take your time to think about this. You do know your mom and I want the best for you, but with a great position comes great responsibility. Your mom and I were only able to get here with teamwork, and we believe we would be able to give you the best team member, if only you accept…” he explained, but before he could finish his words, I interrupted.

“I accept…” I said, determination in my voice.

“What?!” Dad asked, unsure if he had just heard me right.

“I accept, Dad, and I trust you,” I replied, my gaze fixed on his, staring deep into the familiar deep blue eyes I had taken from him.

“Are you sure about this, Freya? I don't want to make it seem like we are forcing you into something you don't want…”

“You're not, Dad,” I cut him short. “I just know you wouldn't disappoint me because apparently my relationship life sucks,” I replied, my voice calm but cold.

“Of course, princess; we would only go for the best,” he said.

“I do have one request, though, Dad,” I said in a more serious tone.

“Anything for you, princess,” he replied, excited.

“Could you make sure he's very influential and powerful? I think that would be handy for me one day,” I said, as a wicked grin curled up in my head, thinking about my next move and the brilliant idea I just had.

“That would be easy; what do you say we have a wedding to plan in three weeks?” he asked excitedly.

“That would be great,” I replied with a smile. I watched my dad walk back to his desk, excitedly as he leapt with joy and gladness in his heart, but I sure had other plans. The weight of Leo’s betrayal still hung like a billboard in my heart, and I just couldn't let him go away with it, hence the revenge plan I had formulated in my head. "Get ready for a tough comeback, Leonardo Freeman; you're sure not going to survive this,” a voice echoed in my head, making my lips curl up in a smirk.