Vanessa
With my father telling everyone else I'm only left with Mia to tell. Even though I only tell her on the phone, it's more difficult than I thought it would be.
"I'm so sorry about this," she says. "I just want to hug you right now, but I'm out of the country."
I chuckle painfully. "You can always hug me when you come back."
"How's Dominic taking all this?"
As I respond, I instantly think about the kiss right before he left. I still can't stop thinking about the possibility that he did it out of pity and it makes me a little sad.
"And you know what?" she says, "I was going to ask you about how it went with Patrick yesterday, but now obviously isn't the time. It'll be up to you to tell me all about it when you're ready."
"Thanks for understanding."
"How could I not understand when I'm your best friend?"
I chuckle softly.
Hearing footsteps from the staircase, I look up and notice my father in a different suit, which instantly makes me narrow my eyes.
"Can I call you back?" I say to Mia.
"Of course. Take all the time you need."
Right after the call, I approach the stairs and wait until he gets to the bottom step.
"Dad, what's going on? Why do you look like you're going out?"
"I am," he says, fixing his collar.
"But where are you going?"
"I know I said I was going to tell everyone over the phone, but I think it's better to do it in person. Do you want to come with me?"
"No. I'll stay right here and wait for you."
He holds my hand. "You don't even have to tell me the reason behind it. I can already see it."
I press my lips together with a nod. The last thing I want is to relive that moment from yesterday when he broke the news to Dominic and me.
"I'm so glad you're staying here for a few days, but this only means Dominic will be here so many times to check on his lovely wife."
"Dad, stop." I smile, feeling a little embarrassed.
"But that's the truth. You won't be home for a few days and-"
Suddenly, he looks to the side and coughs painfully, twisting his face in discomfort. I get closer, my heart instantly racing in panic.
"Dad? Are you okay?"
He coughs once again, then relaxes his facial muscles and sighs with relief.
"I'm alright," he assures me.
"I don't believe you." I shake my head.
"I'm used to this by now." He smiles, still trying to ease my concern. "It'll only happen more frequently. Please don't worry about me too much because I'm already worried about you."
l sigh in defeat, still not satisfied with the way things are going.
While my father is away, I constantly take strolls around the yard and in most of the rooms, trying to relive all the memories that I hold dear to me and those that have to do with my father.
With no one to see me, I break down again for a few minutes, then compose myself and proceed to look for a distraction. I put on a show but barely watch it as I not only think about what it's going to be like as the months go by, but also hoping to see my father holding his grandchild with joy.
Suddenly, my phone rings, making me flinch a little. The caller ID makes me purse my lips for a moment. I haven't spoken to Patrick since I left his apartment yesterday and he hasn't been in touch with me either.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Daring Billionaire’s Wife novel (Vanessa and Dominic)
Is 170 the last chapter??...
Thanks so much for the wonderful book. Congratulations!!...
Thanks for continuous updades of this wonderful novel. A great lesson learnt....
Sympathize with Dominic and hope he will survive this. Thanks for timely updates....
Thanks for timely updates...
Dominic seems to have matured. Let the elders give him another chance....
Thanks for updates....
Dominic!!!...
Delighted with your timely updates. Thanks...
Just hoping Venessa makes the rightdescision...