Chapter 11 Now A CEO
Cara was filled with a sense of responsibility all of a sudden. Her father had trusted her enough to hand over his company to her and she would make sure not to let him down!
She stopped and turned around to say goodbye to her family once more.
Her step mother, Miranda took her hands in hers. “Are you sure you don't want to stay? You can live with us forever if you'd like!”
Cara smiled. “It's okay. Romeo said he has it all sorted out and besides, Joshua is enough trouble for you. More than enough even.” She turned to glare at her brother.
Joshua stood with his shoulder held up high and his chest buffed. “Hey, I can assure you, I am no trouble at all. I make a decent amount enough to take care of both of them and I have never made them feel uncomfortable before.”
“I still don't get why you haven't gotten a place of your own when you are pretty capable of doing so.” Cara's head tilted to the side as she asked him. Her hands crossed below her bosoms.
“Extra rent, feeding expenses, not to mention quietness and loneliness. A huge pass for me. I'll move out when I get married.”
She scoffed a laugh. “Anyway,” she unfolded her arms and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Take care of them. Dad, Miranda, I'll see you soon.”
Miranda cupped her cheek in her hand. “Know that we love you very much. Even your brother even though he doesn't say it.”
Cara nodded her head with a smile. “I know and I love you guys too.”
Joshua jokingly tapped her shoulder. “Are you okay though?”
“Hmph?” She widened her eyes.
“I mean… are you okay? Are you doing okay? Are you fine? Do you need anyone to rely on or something?” His voice was firm now.
Cara felt her heart sink into a depth with no bottom. The question had hit her hard, was she okay?
The man she loved had jilted her for her only friend who was now pregnant for him, that was if she was telling the truth. Either way, they were sleeping together shamelessly and now all her effort for the past two years had been put to waste.
So no, she wasn't okay. She was far from it. But she smiled and said; “Oh no, it's alright. I'm… perfect!” She chuckled wryly. “I'm fine. Yeah, I'm alright.” Her heart ached as she replied.
He nodded softly. “Well, if you ever need someone, know that I'm here for you. Or pretty boy already has that handled?” He teased her, his brow arching skyward.
She chuckled and shook her head slowly.
He opened his arms wide. “Come here.”
Cara laughed softly as she walked into his open arms and enjoyed his embrace. The warmth that traveled through their bodies healed her and she wished she could remain there for a while longer.
But he pulled away and shooed her off. “Get out of here you little rascal.”
Her lips spread into a weak and tired smile. A smile that didn't even try to reach her eyes. Thinking back on everything, seeing them that morning, it made her very angry and sad and tears threatened to fall down her face.
Clearing her throat, she turned to face her dad. “I'll make you proud, I promise.”
He patted down on her head like he used to do for her when she was just a little girl. “I know you will, so don't try too hard. Give it your best and no more.”
“Honey,” Miranda spoke up. “Are you really sure about leaving? It seemed like you wanted to stay earlier.”
Miranda was right. Cara did want to stay because she knew that living amongst her father, his wife and her brother, she would not even get the chance to think about her divorce. Living alone though, she would be granted more than needed privacy and solitude.
So she wanted to heal with her family before she found a place, but Romeo had offered to get her a place that day at a residential complex building.
She opened her mouth to speak but Romeo decided to speak for her, believing she didn't want to stay with them but have her privacy instead.
“Mrs Smith, I can assure you that the place I have in mind is the most comfortable apartment in the entire city. Plus, she doesn't have to stress to buy anything, it already has furniture, television, stove, bed, everything needed in a house. If she buys anything, it's either food or because she wants a different color of furniture.” He smiled proudly as he explained.
Miranda smiled sadly, accepting her defeat.
“See ya.” Cara smiled and turned around.
Romeo led her to his car and opened the door for her.
The drive was smooth and silent. A question popped into her head and she faced him. “Oh, how much is the apartment? I hope the rent isn't too high or–”
“Rent?” He cut her off asking.
“Yeah… you need to pay rent to live in a place remember? And from all I've heard from you, it is well furnished which means it is expensive so just to be sure I have enough for it. Not that I'm broke but you know starting from today, I am a CEO who needs funds so…” She clarified.
Turning to look at him, she noticed he had been looking quite confused with his eyes fixed on the road. She knew it wasn't the road because it was clear and bump free. “Why do you look so confused?” She asked.
“I bought the place.” He admitted.
Her eyes widened. “What?”