Page 52 of Delilah In Discretion

He was running the business, meeting with investors, traveling across oceans, enduring restless nights dealing with contracts, meetings, agreements... and then there was Archer. Essentially, he was breezing through, casually attending the academy, and living his life with everything handed to him, just as their father had intended. There was virtually no competition, but how little Archer seemed to contribute, he would stillbe in contention—still have a “fair” chance at inheriting what should’ve been Stephan’s.

He angrily walked to the door and placed his hand on the doorknob before speaking one last time. “Even if I am ahead, will I ever truly win?”

“Try not to become a man of success. Rather, become a man of value.This title should not define you. If you can’t see someone you love succeed, then you must reevaluate if you were truly meant for the position in the first place.”

Stephan chuckled, lacing it with sarcasm. “Thank you for making me believe I actually had a fucking chance.”

“You’re welcome... safe travels,” Calvin remarked, but Stephan didn’t hear a word as he’d already left, slamming the door shut.

Chapter seventeen

Archer

Is that what you think? Because for as long as I can remember, that scared, pathetic little girl was always in need of saving. Want to fight your own battles and play hero for a change, then be my fucking guest.

Sitting at my piano, I sighed and turned the page of my music sheet. My hand itched to play the keys. To make them cry and suffer in a way that would bring my mind peace, but it was useless. Placing my fingers against my temples, I internally groaned as the memory of yesterday continued to replay in my mind.

She wanted me to leave her alone. I did just that. I did what she wanted. But I hurt her in the process. I hurt my princess, and I couldn’t even look at her after I did. I wanted to make her cry. I wanted to see her tears after she pushed me away, and the moment I did, I regretted it. I knew I needed to make things right, but I felt like it was almost too late.

My bedroom door opened, and I listened as the obnoxious sounds of chewing entered my room.

“You know, maybe don’t sit at the piano for three hours straight and play love songs. It may help to forget a lot quicker.”

I sighed as I stood up and looked over at Sterling. “I don’t think you know how hard that is,” I muttered, and his eyebrows lifted almost comically.

“That’s what she—” he began, pointing a finger at me to finish, but I nodded towards the door and said, “Get out.”

He rolled his eyes. “I know you’re just upset that you didn’t catch on and say it first.”

“No, Sterling, I’m upset because you’re a fucking idiot.”

He chuckled as he took a seat at my desk. “But you’re stuck with me.”

I sighed. “Unfortunately, might I add,” I replied, and she came across my mind once again. “She practically begged me to leave her alone, Sterling, and I didn’t make things any better.”

“Her father is most likely making her life a living hell because of your dad. Don’t take this personally, but you’re most likely the last person she’d like to see now.”

“You don’t think I fucking know that?” I raised my voice, and Sterling looked at me and tilted his head.

“Let’s have a civilized conversation, Hulk. We don’t want you smashing everything.”

I closed my eyes, frustrated, and clenched my jaw.

“You’re not helping, Sterling.”

He didn’t say anything for a moment as he stared at the wall in thought.

I sighed as I ran my hand down my face. “I need to apologize.”

He pointed his spoon at me and spoke as his gaze remained fixed. “Don’t,” he muttered, and I narrowed my eyes in confusion. “What if… you listened to her?” he began, and I waited for him to elaborate. “What if you did leave her alone so she could realize she may not want that? It’s like you’re playinghard to get with someone who doesn’t know they want to ‘get’ you yet.”

“Well, then that would lead me nowhere,” I responded, and Sterling rolled his eyes.

“Of course it will. Luca obviously won’t stop bothering her, but the last thing she needs is you, the son of the person who may be currently making her life a living hell, breathing down her neck regularly. Let her come to you.”

“And you think any of that would work?”

“It probably won’t. But your toxic dynamic right now doesn’t work, yet you’ve already kissed her a handful of times. Can’t hurt to try, you know.”

---