I Swear, Let Me Love You Again

LYDIA’S POV.Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

EARLIER THAT DAY.

“Let me just finish this.” I said to myself sitting Indian style on my soft large queen sized bed tucking my hair to the back of my ear as it was getting in my face.

In order to keep my identity a secret which my father had always done since I was a child, in fact the majority of people believed Andrew was my father’s only child, I was going to work from home.

I was uncertain if my father was going to still grant me a position at the company but nonetheless, he had instructed me to know the in’s and out’s. So I was going to do just that.

I snacked on the cookies Patricia had baked, I strongly believed she was literally cooking and feeding not just because it was her job but also in order to get employed at one of our luxurious restaurants as a chef. And maybe her plans were working.

A sound of my phone ringing from the bed stand broke my attention from the pile of documents in front of me. I sighed deeply stretching to pick up my phone, the caller ID revealed it was no other than my best friend calling.

“Hey girl.” Lorena’s cheerful tone rang through my ear.

“Hey sis, you sound enthusiastic.” I pointed out and she giggled.

“Yes, I am and you would be in a few hours. But you know….” She trailed off speaking to someone in the background.

“Hold on Lydia.” I nodded like she could see me while the conversation I had with my brother last night crossed my mind, I was disappointed to say the least.

“O My Fucking Lord.” Lorena’s voice interrupted my thoughts. Her exclamation was filled with annoyance and worry at the same time.

“What? What’s wrong?” I instantly asked to move off the bed and sat at the edge in case I had to run to her.

“Oh no, no, no … . Lydia just relax okay? I will be there later tonight.” I knitted my eyebrow together in confusion and pondered what she could be talking about.

“Love, just tell me what’s going on? Why do I even need to relax?” I inquired, feeling uneasy with possible scenarios being created in my mind.

Did anything happen to my father or brother? Was something related to my family or the business exposed?

“I’m going to send an article to you.. just relax and read it. I will stay on the call with you.” I became uneasy as if I slowly opened the article she sent to me.

I tucked my bottom lip when I read the headline,

WIFE OF THE VERY OWN NATHANIEL KING, CEO OF KING INDUSTRIES SPOTTED WITH A PROMINENT MAN AT THE JENERIES BUSINESS EVENT LAST NIGHT.

ARE THEY INDEED DIVORCED? AND COULD THE RUMORS THAT HE CHEATED ON HER BE TRUE? AND NOT ONLY CHEATED BUT WAS EXTREMELY ABUSIVE.

I scrunch my face wondering where the rumor that he had been abusive even came from.

I took down a memory lane at the events that took place last night.

Flashback.

“Oh, my dear, you look absolutely stunning,” my father exclaimed as I descended the stairs. Andrew, who was previously engaged in a hushed conversation with my father, stopped and gaped at me in awe.

The dress was made of a rich navy blue fabric that flowed gracefully as I moved. The neckline was modest, with a simple jeweled brooch at the collar. The sleeves were long and fitted, and the skirt fell in soft pleats to the floor.  My makeup was light and natural, with a subtle hint of blush and a soft pink lip. She wore simple pearl earrings and a matching pearl necklace, which complemented the classic style of her dress.

“Can’t believe you’re divorced.” Those were the first words that escaped out of Andrew’s mouth and I almost threw my silver clutch bag at him.

“Thank you daddy. And this is for you.” I gave him a middle finger and he laughed.

“Can we leave now?” I asked impatiently, with a bit of excitement to leave the house. But on other hand, I just wanted the night to be over.

“Yes love, just a minute.” My father handed him a box of Cartier and he muttered a ‘thank you’. I smiled slightly watching as Andrew turned his attention back to me.

“So here.” He opened the box revealing a diamond encrusted Cartier wristwatch. It was genuinely lovely and added the right ornament to my outfit.

“Thank you, but what is this for?” I smiled brightly as he brought out the watch from the box.

“What hand do you want it on?” I replied with my left hand and just like the gentleman he was raised to be, he helped me put it on.

“I just want to get my little sister a gift, problem?” He bucked his head at me and I laughed pushing him away.

“So you loveeee me?” I sang about to pinch his cheeks with my manicured nails coated in sky blue. He looked at me from head to toe and laughed deeply.

“That’s enough now, you guys should head out before you run late.” My father literally shooed us out.

I chuckled excited for the whole lot of surprise the night had to offer.

*****

We arrived at the events and I was baffled at the amount of paparazzi all lined up and taking a bunch of people and hollering trying to get the attention of all present there.

I was reluctant to alight from the car, firstly I feared that I might run into one of the Kings again. Or Nathaniel himself not that I cared much but I wasn’t still unprepared mentally. Also I wasn’t used to crowds or attending these events, I grew up hidden and frankly I loved it that way. Attention killed me and you could say I heard social anxiety.

“Relax, I checked the guest list and none of Kings were found.” It was like he read my thoughts. I nodded collecting the Cartier dark shades from him in order to protect our eyes from the flashing lights.