Page 5 of Bittersweet Legacy

“I’ll always be your father Esme; I’ll always love you more than anything in the world. This man,” he pointed at the closed door. “He is – was – your mother's husband. His name’s William Forbes, he’s in the top 25 of America's 500 richest men. Now that he’s found you, I can’t do much.”

“Why only now? Maybe he’s not so resourceful – maybe we can run again?” I asked hopeful.

He shook his head. “No, your mother made him believe you were stillborn. It was our only saving grace. Now he’ll find you anywhere.”

“Will he hurt me?” I asked as fear of the cold man resurfaced.

He shook his head. “Not physically.”

Well that was reassuring.

“Time’s up!” The man… my biological father… banged on the door. “I have Governor James on speed dial and I swear if you’re not out in the next two minutes you’ll be in a cell before lunch.”

I didn’t need to know the man to figure he was not one to make idle threats.

“Just trust me when I say your mom did what she thought was best. I need a bit of time, but I’ll get you out, I swear – just go along for now. I failed you so many times, I failed you again when I didn’t prepare you for this, but I swear I will make it right, even if it’s the last thing I do.”

I looked at the half-filled suitcase and my appearance.

“I’ll hold him off for a few more minutes, he will enjoy abusing me.” He sighed, coming closer and kissing my forehead. “Get ready and pack, we can discuss on the phone later.”

I nodded, in a daze. I didn’t think my brain was catching up with everything I’d found out in the last 20 minutes, let alone the scores of revelations to come.

“It’s going to be fine, Esme.” He added before slipping out of the room.

I finished packing and somehow felt grateful for once that my whole wardrobe fitted into one suitcase.

A secret father, a fortune…. Seriously, it felt like one of these over-the-top Soap Operas.

I went through my getting-ready routine, not sure of what I should expect, but I wanted to trust my father… my uncle? No matter what we went through, we always shared love – so much love. And now I had to leave him behind.

You have to, Esme, if you don't, he'll end up in jail.I kept repeating myself.It’s only temporary. You’ll get your life back.

I walked into the living room with my small suitcase and backpack.

William Forbes looked at his watch before turning toward me. “Very well Esmeralda, say goodbye to your uncle, you will not see him for a while.”

I couldn't contain my tears as Luke pulled me into a fierce hug.

“I’ll find a way out,” he whispered with urgency against my ear.

I squeezed him tighter against me.If I’d known this was going to happen… then what?I sighed. Nothing could have prepared me for this.

“Let’s go –” He repeated, already walking out, expecting me to follow suit. I could already tell he was the kind of man nobody dared question – a leader, a fearless leader who crushed anybody standing in his way… Blood or not.

I gave a last look toward Luke, hoping I conveyed all the love I could despite my feeling of betrayal before following William Forbes outside.

“Give your belongings to the driver,” he said dismissively, not even glancing at the man standing by the limousine parked in front of our shabby bungalow.

I smiled at the man as warmly as I could to make up for William’s rudeness. “Thank you for your help.”

The man looked surprised but gave me a bright smile. “You’re more than welcome, Miss”

“We should be at the airfield in the next 30 minutes,” He said as I sat in the car beside him.

“Airfield?” I asked, but I realized he was talking on the phone, my presence already forgotten.

“Yes, no problem, I’ve got time. Just give me the numbers over the phone. Ask Jerry to come later today, the flight only takes two hours. I’ll be back at the office by 3pm at the latest.”

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