Scot:
Amidst the chaos and questions thrown at me, I looked down at her; she seemed scared.
I drew her closer to my chest, shielding her from the countless flashes coming from the cameras of the paparazzi.
I knew what I did was wrong, and you can't imagine how many times I'd apologised in my heart for acting like a d**k towards her the night of our wedding and leaving her to be by herself.
She didn't deserve it.
Any of it!
My father had always known I wanted to be next in line to head his company when he finally retired.
It was all I've always wanted, and because of that, he endeavoured to shape me up to meet the standard.
He thinks if I wasn't prepared and had gotten my life fixed before then, I wouldn't be able to take over because the board believes my reckless behaviour and temper would demean the image of the company.
All I'd done was contribute to the company's growth, but they all seemed to castigate me whenever a deal I handled didn't go as planned. It was the idea of my father that I marry a wife, convincing me it was a step towards persuading the board.
I didn't know how that was supposed to help convince the board, but I accepted anyway. Because why wouldn't I?
When I met with her, I couldn't wait to make her mine. Her greedy father had used her vulnerability and eagerness to save the life of her best friend's son, Elvis, as an opportunity to seal a deal with my father, all because he wanted an investor whose influence could skyrocket his stupid company, and my father was the only person that could help him do that.
She doesn't deserve a family like that. She had this demeanour that got me attached.
Her green-grey eyes captivated me.
Her soft porcelain skin was as transparent as that of a newborn.
I had to save her from her terrible family. But I screwed up. I did; I knew I did when I allowed my temper to get the best of me at the reception hall. I didn't want her to see me like this.
Now she sees me like a monster, all thanks to those thugs. I only wanted some time alone to calm my nerves after the incident with the server at the reception hall, and seeing how intoxicated I was at the bar, they tried to rob me, knowing fully well who I was.
There were three against me, and the last guy was unlucky because my emotions got the best of me when I had him in my grasp.
All thanks to Kean, the chief of police who came to his aid while he was on patrol with his men.
Though I was intoxicated, my vision was
clear. However, when a sleek black Audi halted in front of us, rolling down the window and asking us to get in, I recognised the person almost immediately, and I carried her, tossing her softly into the back seat and making my way to the front.
As our car took off, the reporters went after our car but stopped when the gap between us broadened. My father got into his car along with his guards trailing behind us.
"Thanks for getting us, man," I told Clark, who was on the steering wheel."Of course. I rushed here when I saw the news. Hope you're g—" Before he could finish, Vanessa interrupted us, yelling.
"Care to explain what's going on here?" She said, "Who the hell are you? And what the f**k did you do with Lahm?" she asked Clark, glaring at him.
"Wow, bro. Dad got the perfect match for you, huh?"
"Excuse me?" Vanessa said with a scowl. My straight face turned into a frown when I turned to look at Clark.
"Sorry. I'm Clark, his brother.
Clark gestured to me as he introduced himself.
"And Lahm is okay. He's back at the mansion.
"Wait. You two are brothers?" Her question rings a bell in my ears.
"Stepbrothers", I corrected."Oh, I see," she said, relaxing back on her seat, folding her arms and getting comfortable.
"Are you okay?" I asked her. I thought it was the nicest thing to ask after making her go through so much stress.
Her eyes widened.
She seemed surprised at my sudden act of concern.
"Ummm, yeah… I guess" she responded. Our drive continued, and after a short period, Clark cleared his throat, breaking the silence.
"So… Vanessa, right? I've heard a lot about you, Clark said, starting a conversation."Oh, really? Wish I could say the same." Clark slaps my arm.
"Come on, man, you didn't tell her you have a brother?" He asked, a hint of disappointment visible in his tone.
"It's been barely twenty-four hours since we got married.
"What do you expect?" I asked back, my voice firm as usual, and Clark shook his head dismissively.
We arrived at my father's mansion, and the housekeepers hurried to welcome us in.
Vanessa was gaping in admiration before Clark walked up to her, ushering her in.
As soon as we got inside, I heard my dad shout my name. I knew he was about to scold me."What the hell were you thinking?" he asked, tramping steadily to meet me, his eyes cold and sharp.
"That young man is fighting for his life at the hospital, and why? Because you couldn't control yourself?" he shouted disdainfully.
"There was nothing else I could do. They were trying to rob me; I had no choice but to defend myself," I countered.
I see no reason why he should be blaming me. What if I hadn't reacted and they did something bad to me? Something way worse than what I had done to them? I know he wouldn't bear to lose me. He would have made sure those people spent the rest of their lives in jail.
"Defend yourself?" He took a step closer.
"You defended yourself; now look at the outcome."I opened my mouth to speak, but every word got stuck in my throat.
"I'm disappointed in you, Scot," he said matter-of-factly.
His words shredded my heart, and with that I turned to leave the room, taking off my suit jacket and tossing it on the couch. I was halfway up the stairs when I heard him speak up.
"The only way to solve this is an open apology, Scot, and you're going to have to do it."
An open apology? Why do I have to apologise?