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.”
I couldn’t help the bitter smile settling on my face. Talk about a family reunion, long-lost daughter? yeah, okay, who even cares.
I sighed. He could have just left me here, where I belong.
He turned toward me with a disapproving look on his face. If even a sigh was getting on his nerves, we were in for a flipping ride.
I switched off for the rest of the journey, I couldn't care less about stock and interest rates and all the things that didn’t matter to me at all.
All I cared about was finding out the kind of life that was waiting for me in… hell, I didn’t even know where I was going. All I knew was that Luke would end up in jail for kidnapping if I didn't follow William Forbes to wherever he planned to take me.
I couldn’t help but gasp as the car stopped close to the private jet. I’d seen them on TV except this one had his name ‘Forbes’… my name… printed on the side in golden letters.
When William stepped out of the car, a man rushed down the plane’s steps.
“We’re ready to go, take her luggage, I won't be delayed more.” He turned toward me. “Close your mouth Esmeralda, it’s only our short-haul jet.”
“Short-haul jet?” I asked following him into the plane’s cabin, which was bedecked in white leather, golden embroidering and what looked like real mahogany. “As in ‘we have a long-haul jet too’?”
He sighed, gesturing me to the seat across from his. “I presume you have a lot to learn about your legacy. I’ll ask Sophia to get all the books and information in your bedroom.”
“Sophia?”
“My wife,” he stated before turning back to his phone, ignoring me again.
So I was to move in with my father and the wicked step-mother? Would she hate me? Did I have half-siblings who will hate me just for being there?
I didn’t have any more time to think as the plane started to speed along on the tarmac, causing my heart to speed up in my chest. It was the first time I was taking a plane and the fear and exhilaration were battling in my belly.
Once we took off, and I managed to calm my erratic heart rate enough, I looked out of the window and couldn't help but be in awe, seeing the view down there, everything so minuscule. It was breathtaking.
I wasn’t sure how long I’d been looking out the window but when I turned back, my father was sitting cross-legged, his forefinger against his mouth detailing me with critical eyes.
“We can’t have you dressing like this,” he affirmed with barely veiled contempt. “I’ve asked Sophia to arrange for the personal shopper to come later today to take your measurements. You’ll have your new wardrobe by the end of the week.”
“Do I have any say in this?”
“Absolutely not. The Forbes have a certain standing to uphold, and by taking the name, you are accepting the obligations and responsibilities.”
What if I don't want that name? I thought, but I knew it would be pointless to say so.
“You look a lot like your mother. You’re even more beautiful… which I didn't think was possible.”
It was weird as the statement didn’t sound slimy or complementary. It sounded like a calculation… a scientific assessment.
I knew I looked like my mother, my father – well, uncle Luke – had shown me a couple of photos of her when she was a teenager and we looked very similar, except where she was tall and willowy I was petite and, while quite thin, I had all the womanly curves which I knew were quite attractive to the opposite gender.
“Do I have siblings?” I asked secretly, hoping for a young little sister or brother who I could love and bond with. I didn’t have to lose everything.
He frowned. “What do you know about your life?”
I snorted. That was a stupid question. “Nothing, obviously.”