Single Daddy's Obsession

Chapter 4

Maxine Martin's POV

"Hon, you're here." The grumpy woman immediately approached— her boyfriend?

Earlier, she had an angry tone, but now she turned sweet. However, my attention shifted from the woman to the man she greeted.

The man was so handsome. Our eyes hadn't even met yet, but I felt like I was melting just from staring at him. He looked like an actor from foreign series I've watched, with a Turkish or Greek vibe.

Even from a distance, I could see his charisma. From his posture that could make any woman do a double-take. Even in a light blue long-sleeved polo, I could tell he had a great physique, with his chest and biceps showing through the fabric. He even left a few buttons undone, adding to his s*x appeal.

He had a very manly face. Perfect jawline, pointed nose, and the little mustache and beard suited him. He looks seductive... well, those are the looks that I usually have a crush on and find attractive in the series I watch. He had a strong presence, and even his lips seemed like they would be nice to kiss.

Kiss? Oh my god, why did that thought come to mind!

"Dad?" I heard Ethan say. But my eyes were still fixed on the man who was approaching Ethan.

Daddy?

Wait... this is Ethan's dad? The one who had many children with his mom? I couldn't believe it. Judging by his looks, he seemed to be only in his mid-thirties. It's impossible for him to be that young. He's around the same age as Ethan. He must have gotten married early.

He's such a good-looking man with a strong s*x appeal, which explains why his children are all good-looking. And the woman with the large chest is his girlfriend. The one his kids call a witch. I heard yesterday that she was sick, which is why their dad came to visit. Now she looks completely put-together. People really recover quickly when someone's taking care of them.

But I must admit, this Glaiza is full of s*x appeal. They suit each other... quite well. She's just really stern and grumpy.

"Ethan?" His dad said, sounding almost puzzled. Even his voice is manly.

"Uhh, Dad..." Ethan suddenly turned to look at me.

His dad's attention was now on me. Our eyes met. It felt like I was melting under his gaze. His look was so intense. I tried my best not to show that I found Ethan's dad attractive. I made sure my face showed no emotion. But I couldn't help but swallow nervously as our eyes briefly met. It felt like I was caught off guard.

"She's my friend," I heard Ethan say, now looking at his dad. "I would like you to meet her, dad, but you left yesterday—"

"Hon," his girlfriend suddenly interrupted, sounding dizzy. I saw Ethan's dad put his arm around her waist, and Miss Glaiza's hand landed on the man's solid chest.

"Hon, are you okay?" His dad's face showed obvious concern.

I looked away from the couple. The restaurant almost felt like it needed a bucket because of how sweet the two were. It seemed like they were the only ones there.

"I just felt a bit dizzy, hon," the woman weakly said.

"I told you not to go to work yet... you just recovered from being sick. I'll take you back to your apartment, hon." Ethan's dad was so sweet to his girlfriend. I could see the worry in his voice, as if Ethan and I had become invisible to him.

"Uh, dad," Ethan interjected, and I saw his dad suddenly turn to him.

"Ethan, I'm sorry. We need to go before your aunt Glaiza feels worse."

Ethan's dad then glanced at me and gave a slight nod. He was about to lead his girlfriend away.

"Wait, hon, I'll get my phone." Miss Glaiza suddenly looked down at the floor where her broken phone was. She picked it up and returned to her boyfriend.

"What happened to your phone?" Ethan's dad asked calmly.

"Uh, hon, I accidentally got bumped by Ethan's friend." Glaiza glanced at me. I couldn't read her emotions right now.

I let out a slight gasp.

'Wow! Best actress.' I thought to myself. Just earlier she called me 'stupid,' and now she's so kind, maybe because she's in front of her boyfriend and future son-in-law.

I suddenly shifted my gaze to Ethan's dad, fearing he might get mad at me and make me pay for his girlfriend's phone. When I looked at Ethan's dad, I saw him scanning me from head to toe. I was wearing a pencil skirt that reached my knees and a blouse, so he could see my legs. I couldn't understand why I suddenly felt self-conscious. I started to wonder if I looked presentable.

When our eyes met, he quickly shifted his gaze towards his girlfriend.

"Hon, let's just buy you a new phone," Ethan's dad said. He glanced at Ethan again. "Son, see you at the house later."

Since Ethan was close to me, I heard him sigh. "Yes, dad. Take care."

Ethan's dad looked at me again. "Nice meeting you." I was surprised by what he said, but I quickly recovered from my shock and just nodded at him.

They didn't stay long. I couldn't take my eyes off them, especially Ethan's handsome dad. I even saw Miss Glaiza lean into Ethan's dad.

As they took a few steps away, I was startled when Ethan's dad looked back. His gaze met mine directly. I quickly averted my eyes and just looked down.

I realized I didn't even ask for Ethan's dad's name. It would be embarrassing to stay at their mansion without knowing what to call the owner. Well, he probably doesn't know that his son allowed me to stay there. He might be surprised later when he sees me again at the house.

"Max." I heard Ethan call my name, and when I looked at him, I saw his furrowed brow. "You're blushing. Do you have a crush on my dad?"

I widened my eyes at Ethan. No wonder my face felt warm, I was blushing. Maybe that's why his dad glanced at me.

"N-no, I'm just shy around your dad. I don't think he knows yet that I'm staying at your mansion. And I don't even know his name. I don't know how to approach him," I explained.

My answer seemed convincing to Ethan.

"Anyway, Max, I'll go back to our table. I got worried earlier. I thought you and Aunt Glaiza had an argument... turns out you bumped into each other."

I just nodded at Ethan. So he disintegrated heard when his dad's girlfriend scolded me.

"I'll just go to the restroom," I said to Ethan and headed there.

I felt a sense of relief once I entered the restroom. I checked my face in the mirror before using the facilities. Luckily, I didn't look too disheveled.

I didn't stay long in the restroom. After I came out, I went back to our table and Ethan smiled at me. Our orders hadn't arrived yet.

"By the way, what's your dad's name, Ethan?" I asked.

"It's Lorenzo, Max," he answered.

Lorenzo Taylor. Even his name is handsome!

"Your dad looks really young. Seems like he got married early, huh," I commented.

"Yeah, actually, he got married right after graduating from college. Mommy didn't finish her studies either. She became a plain housewife..."

I noticed Ethan's mood shift as he remembered his mom. His eyes suddenly looked sad. I understood him. Losing a loved one will always bring sadness no matter how many years have passed because of the memories they left behind.

"I'm sorry," I softly said. "I hope I didn't make you sad by asking about your mom."

"It's okay. You know... I've come to terms with my mom's passing, even though it was really painful. When my mom passed away, my dad stepped up to both roles for us. I really admire him. Despite being very busy with our businesses, he makes sure to spend quality time with me and my siblings."

Ethan's story made me feel even more somber, reminding me of my mom and how she took on both roles for my sister Margaux and me.

"It's been more than six years since my mom passed away. Our youngest, Layla, was less than a year old when it happened. Since then, Dad has been dedicated to work and taking care of us, his children. He never entertained other women. He truly loved our mom. So it was a surprise for us when he introduced Aunt Glaiza to us three months ago."

"So, your dad and Aunt Glaiza are new?" I asked.

"Yeah... Aunt Glaiza is kind."

I couldn't help but cough at Ethan's statement. Kind? If it weren't for the arrival of Ethan and his dad, that woman would have probably slapped me for breaking her phone.

"But my other sibling doesn't like her," Ethan continued. "It's because Dad's attention is divided among us now. He still manages a company. I think my siblings aren't used to sharing Dad's attention."

"But are you okay with your dad getting married again?" I asked reluctantly.

"Actually, I don't know. I'm not used to having another mom. But as long as Dad is happy... I'm okay with it. Most of my siblings are against Dad remarrying. Aunt Glaiza might have a hard time winning them over."

Just then, the waiter arrived and served our breakfast, interrupting our conversation. Nonetheless, we had plenty of time to get to know each other. I admired Ethan for being a kind son and a good brother. Margaux would have been lucky to have him. What a shame.

Ethan and I quickly finished our meal. I was so satisfied with the delicious food. Soon after, Ethan dropped me off at school.

"Hi, Max. How are you?" Klea greeted me with a smile as I sat down next to her.

I forced a smile. Klea had been checking up on me almost every day last week, asking about how I was feeling. I really appreciate her, as well as my classmates who offered their condolences. It's been over two weeks since my mom and Margaux passed away. At least I've moved past the acceptance stage, but I still find myself crying every night. I don't know how long this grieving process will last. It still hurts so much.

Klea and I talked about our lessons before the dismissal bell rang. I was still catching up on my studies due to the days I missed when I was at the wake for my mom.

As it was time to go home, I wasn't sure if I should wait for Ethan to offer me a ride. He didn't mention anything before we parted ways earlier. Since it was still early, I decided to head to the library first. I wanted to review notes from different authors for my subjects.

It seemed like a better idea, and Ethan might text me to catch a ride later. Although I knew their mansion was located in an exclusive village where only cars were allowed to enter, and I might not be allowed in by the guards if I took a taxi.

Then, I received a text from Ethan.

From Ethan:

Hi Max, I'm sorry I can't give you a ride home. I have something important to work on right now. Just take a cab, sis. I'll inform the guard to let you in.

I let out a sigh upon receiving the text. Honestly, I didn't want to go home without Ethan. It would be awkward. I wasn't even familiar with the other household staff at the mansion. And I wasn't close to Ethan's siblings. I would feel out of place there. What would I do when I got home? Go straight to my room and isolate myself? Even food would be a problem. What if Ethan came home very late, and I was already hungry? It would be embarrassing to just go to the kitchen and ask for food. My situation was really difficult. It's hard to blend in. Unlike when I'm at home with my family.

I didn't have a choice but to head home. I didn't want to stay longer at the library and arrive at the mansion late. After leaving school, I had a meal at a nearby eatery.

After eating, I hailed a cab and got in right away. I told the driver where to drop me off. There wasn't much traffic. I asked to be dropped off at the subdivision gate. I knew the Taylor mansion wasn't far from there. It was within walking distance, so I could save on fare since the cab was on meter. It was already six in the evening, so it was starting to get dark.

The guard stopped me as he saw me about to enter the gate.

"Where are you headed, miss?" The guard asked, scanning my body. He seemed to be around fifty years old.

"To the Taylor mansion, sir," I politely replied.

"I haven't seen you before, miss. Are you here for a visit?" he inquired.

"No, sir. I live there. Mr. Ethan Taylor already informed the guard on duty to let me in."

"Ah, I see. Let me check the logbook in case there's a note from the guard I relieved. What's your name, miss?"

"Maxine. Maxine Martin, sir," I answered.

"Alright, just wait—"

The guard stopped speaking as we heard a car horn, so I turned to look. It was a luxurious car.

"Mr. Taylor," I heard the guard mention hurriedly as he almost rushed back to the guardhouse. I froze in place, and the barrier quickly lifted to allow the car to enter the village.

The guard returned swiftly to my side. I stood frozen in place upon hearing the Taylor surname from the guard.

I stiffened even more when I noticed that the fancy car wasn't moving. Instead, the window rolled down, and I locked eyes with the handsome and hot dad of Ethan, Lorenzo Taylor.