Emily was dismayed. She had always known that the question would one day come up but she hadn't expected it to be too soon. She had always dreaded the question, but now, it was right before her. She could only think of one thing. Avoid the question! She was going to give him an answer without hitting the nail on the head. If only the boy knew that she didn't know his father as well.
"Liam, your dad isn't here now. When you get older, I will tell you about him, okay?"
"Mum…"
"Don't cry, my baby. It's your birthday. We have to be happy."
"Clean your tears, son," Emily said, offering him a handkerchief.
"Go and fetch Aunty Yanxi so that we will leave. We don't have any more time left."
Benny Jones was ushered into Noah's exquisite office.
"Good afternoon, President Harper," she greeted bowing low.
Noah looked at her and studied her carefully. She was indeed a very pretty girl.
"What's your name?"
"Benny Jones, President Harper."
"And how did you get that ring on your finger?"
"I... I … I woke up one morning in bed with a man and noticed he had slid a ring on my finger."
"When was that?"
"About four years ago, President."
"Benny. That's the name, right?"
"Yes sir."
"Where have you been all these years? You have no idea of how long I searched for you but you seemed to have disappeared into thin air. Now, tell me. Where have you been?"
"I had to put away the ring and go into hiding. When I realized it was customized and it belonged to someone from the upper class, I knew I was doomed. I had to run away to avoid being caught and punished because I didn't steal it. Believe me, President Harper. I didn't steal the ring. If I knew it was yours, I could have come begging on my knees and I could have returned it long ago. President Harper, please, forgive me for anything. But I didn't steal the ring, I swear it. I didn't. I am not a thief. Believe me," Benny pleaded as tears ran down her face.
Noah thought she looked prettier when she cried.
"No, no, my dear. You do not have to cry. I have been searching for you all these years. Not because I want to punish you, but because I want to make it up to you. I had taken advantage of you that night. I am sorry. I want to marry you."
Benny's jaw dropped open. She couldn't believe her ears. Marry her?
"Yes," Noah said in answer to her unasked question. He already guessed correctly what question she had in mind.
"You pleased me that night. I searched for you those four years because I wanted you again. I also wanted to make it up to you for that night. I'm sorry."
That night four years ago, Noah, who was tipsy had entered one of the hotel rooms thinking it was his. A young and beautiful woman was lying on the bed. Her gown was provocative and showed clearly most of her feminine curves and body parts. Contrary to his expectations, he was aroused by what he saw. He went closer and touched the delicate face and moved his hands down to her breast. The woman groaned in displeasure and tried to shake him off but he persisted. He noticed she was drunk and wasn't going to resist his advances for too long if she were straight. It had been years since he last felt aroused around a woman and he didn't want to let this one slip. He touched her again and she resisted weakly. He bent down and kissed her breasts. Then, her lips. That did the magic and put her in the mood. The rest was history. During the intense moment, he slid his ring on her finger. He didn't want to mistake her for anyone later in the day. He couldn't see her face clearly in the dark night. He believed his ring would help him know it was her by morning.
But it wasn't as he thought for she was no where to be found by morning.
When he woke up that morning, he found out that he had slept in a strange room. He also felt bad for having taken advantage of the lady from the previous night. But she had given him a feeling he hadn't felt in many years. He set out to find her and never saw her till that day.
Now that he had seen her, he wasn't going to let go. He was going to seal everything, make it legal and marry her soon.
Naoh called for his secretary and asked him to usher the men who had brought Benny Jones in, to his office.
"Send her to Forte Villa," he instructed as soon as they came in.
"Yes sir."
"Benny?"
"Yes, sir."
"Make yourself comfortable, okay? Feel free to ask for anything and it will be done instantly for you."
"Thank you so much, President Harper," Benny thanked bowing low. She smiled to herself. How lucky she was.
Noah settled down to work all smiles. He was so happy to have finally found the mysterious woman after four long years.
"It's just Emily left. Just you wait! Silly thing. I will lay my hands on you and I will make you pay dearly for what you have done."
He glanced around and his eyes fell on the portrait on the wall. It was his picture with Liam. He smiled broadly. He secretely wished to see that boy again. A notification popped up on his phone, attracting his attention. He checked the time and signed in exasperation. He was going to see his father in three hours time. That was one thing he always dreaded. Their meetings seldom ended or turned out well.
Benny scrutinized the exterior and interior of the villa and a wide smile appeared on her pretty face. She felt so happy and satisfied. The house was big and top notch. She had servants at her beck and call. Naoh had already made arrangements for all assorted food and drinks to be made available in the house. That was a clear contrast to the life she had known in the past. She lay on the comfortable bed with an inscrutable expression on her face.