THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE

Life continued as usual. Despite the deep pain of betrayal inflicted by Vanessa, I was able to move past the painful phase, coming to terms with the harsh reality that at some point in life, those people you love and trust dearly may betray you. But I realised I don’t have to dwell on it, as it would serve no purpose because the weight of the sin will rest on them, not me.

For several days, I struggled with the decision of whether to confront or not. Each time I gathered the courage to place the call, it seemed to vanish at the last moment, but I eventually did. She was visibly stunned when I revealed that I knew everything about her involvement with Felix.

She pleaded for my forgiveness, claiming that it was Felix’s manipulation that got to her. Although I told her I forgave her, I couldn’t bring myself to trust her again, so I cut off the friendship. I harboured no ill feelings towards her, but I saw no reason why we should continue being friends when trust had already been shattered.

I haven’t seen Felix in months, and it was as though he disappeared completely without leaving any traces behind. Every lingering thought of reaching out to him before had vanished. The fact that he dragged Vanessa into his dirty plans made me extremely furious. I couldn’t overlook the betrayal.

From what I overheard him say to Vanessa over the phone, it was clear he hadn’t given up. But I had become resolute, ready to face him head-on and overcome any plots. I was done with feeling sorry for him and also being weak in his presence.

From what he said to Vanessa over the phone, I knew he hadn’t given up yet, but I became more resolute to face him head-on and overcome any of his tantrums. I’m done being sorry and weak towards him.

Lost in a thousand thoughts, I was alarmed by the ringing of the doorbell. I went to answer it, only to find someone entirely unexpected: a man expensively dressed, sitting in a wheelchair at my door, with two unfamiliar men in dark glasses whom I assumed were his bodyguards. They held several bags of gifts in their hands.

It was Grey Everton, Nathan’s father. He bore a striking resemblance to Nathan, and somehow, to my surprise, I noticed a slight resemblance to Oliver as well. I was shocked by the sudden visit, and I’m sure he could see the shock that was clearly deposited on my face. There was a moment of silence before I composed myself, realising that it was disrespectful to keep an elder waiting.

“Hello, sir,” I greeted him courteously.

“Oh, how are you doing? He responded, his tone soothing.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“I’m fine, sir. Please, come in,” I said, holding the door as he wheeled himself in. His bodyguards dropped the gift bags inside and went back outside to retrieve more. I dashed into the kitchen and served him a drink, which he politely declined because of his health status and requested water instead. I bought him a bottle of water, and he gulped down a little.

He enquired about the kids, and I told him they were in their rooms. He apologised for showing up unannounced, citing that he had something important to discuss.

I assured him the apology wasn’t necessary; there was nothing to be sorry about. I called the kids over to meet him, and I could see the delight on his face when they finally met him. It felt like a little family reunion. He presented the gift, and the kids instantly warmed up to him.

After playing with the kids for a while, they retreated back into their room. Grey began by appreciating the assistance I had rendered at the precinct. He then apologised for the incident and blamed himself, stating that it was his fault for not raising his son properly. I was a bit taken back when he became slightly emotional. I have never imagined a man with open emotions.

I accepted his apology and assured him I had already moved past the incident and held no grudges against Nathan. Then he continued talking, stating that he would like the kids to be part of the Everton family and that I should acknowledge Nathan as their father.

It was a bit difficult to take in. The thought of acknowledging Nathan as their father never crossed my mind. How will the kids react to it? Though they really adored Nathan, how would I explain to them that he was their father?

I never anticipated this day would ever come; I would have prepared for it. Grey Everton wasn’t really insisting on it, but the suddenness of the whole scenario dawned on me, sending cold shivers down my spine.

He noticed my reaction and said, “I just need you to prepare yourself. An Everton must always be identified as such. The kids are Everton, so they need to be introduced to the family.”

“Sir, I can’t believe you are saying this. They are my kids, and just because I’ve decided to forgive Nathan doesn’t mean he automatically qualifies to be their father,” I retorted.

“You seem to be mistaken. They are as much your kids as they are Nathan’s. And those kids shouldn’t suffer because of their father’s sins. They deserve a better standard of living,” he replied.

“A better standard of living? What’s wrong with their standard of living? There’s nothing wrong with our standard of living. We are doing very much okay, sir,” I said, my anger brewing gradually.

“I’m sorry, Judith. I’m just looking out for my grandchildren, he said.

“Your grandchildren? I believe only I have the right to decide that.” I fired back, hating the way he talked about my kids and trying to enforce his decision and opinions on me. “Did Nathan send you here?” I demanded.

He was about to speak again when one of the bodyguards walked in and whispered something in his ear.

“What?” he screamed, his voice rising in shock. I was surprised by his outburst, wondering what had happened.

“Turn on the television,” he ordered me, and I involuntarily reached for the remote and switched it.

The news flashed across the screen: “The managing director of Everton Medicals, Nathan Everton, was arrested a few hours ago for allegedly assaulting a woman, whose name was undisclosed. Concrete evidence has been gathered implying that he drugged her before assaulting her. He has been taken to the precinct, where the police will examine the evidence and determine his guilt or innocence.”

It was difficult to believe what I had just heard or seen. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen his picture in the corner of the television screen.

“Oh goodness, what did I just hear? Assault? How? When? Why?” Those questions ran through my mind as I watched Grey Everton hurriedly dash out of the apartment.