Chapter 94 Independent Vera
Maverick walked out of a hospital miles away from Heavens clutching a file tightly in his hand.
The DNA test result was clear. It read 99.9% match.Biological Father.
That child that came running to get was his.
Even though he had known it already from the boy’s age, his eyes, the familiarity that had hit him like a blow he had needed certainty.
He walked to his car, mind racing.
The way she had looked at him earlier… like she had never seen him before.
Did she lose her memories? That was the only explanation that made sense.
Where had she been for seven years? There’s no part of ivory city and beyond he hasn’t searched.
What had happened to her?
And who was the man who had brought flowers for his woman?
The thought burned. He wanted her desperately but he wouldn’t repeat the mistakes of the past. If he had told her the truth, what they were, that he was her brother-in-law, that their last moments together had been filled with mistrust, betrayal and abuse it would destroy everything.
Heaven didn’t recognize him so he would use that to his advantage. He pulled out his phone.
“You called back. You didn’t let me finish…” the voice began.
“I want you to…”
The call dropped. Before he could drop his phone, another call came through.
He hesitated, then answered.
“Maverick…” Eva’s voice was frantic, shaking. “Avi is sick. She won’t wake up. Please come home. I need you right now I don’t know how to handle this…” She broke into sobs.
Maverick ended the call without a word, started the car, and sped off.
Havilah.
His daughter the one he had neglected.
When Eva had told him she was pregnant, he had been stunned beyond reason. Sleeping with her had been a mistake one he barely remembered. He had woken up naked beside her, with no memory of the night before.
He had wanted a divorce that was no longer possible not when she was carrying his child. Even if she wasn’t carrying the child there was a blood oath binding both families.
Everything had been too tangled.
Fifteen minutes later, Maverick arrived at the Richard Estate. He moved quickly towards one of the buildings within the Estate. He had left the main mansion after Havilah was born. He had a family and they needed space all thanks to his mother.
When he opened the door to the shared room, Eva sat on the couch, calmly sipping champagne nothing in her demeanor matched the panic he had heard over the phone.
“You came faster than I expected,” she said smoothly. “At least you love the child we made together.”
His eyes darkened. “Where is Havilah? You said she was sick.”
Eva rolled her eyes.
“She’s at my parents’ place. I lied. That was the only way to get you here.”
“You used my daughter as a pawn in your game?” His voice dropped dangerously.
She stood. “Don’t act righteous. Don’t act like you care about her all of a sudden.When was the last time you saw her? When was the last time you came home? We went on vacation. I promised her you’d pick us up. I sent you countless messages begging you to please not hurt her feelings. You never came.”
She laughed bitterly. “Look at you. A shadow of the man I fell in love with. All because of your brother’s widow…”
“Don’t ever pull a stunt like that again,” Maverick snapped. “Not with my child. I don’t care who you think you love. If you’re uncomfortable, leave.”
“Leave?” Eva scoffed, brushing her fingers through her blonde hair, she was now tipsy from the alcohol. “You think she will come back and take my place?”
She stepped closer, pointing at his chest.
“We signed forever at the altar. Only death parts us, Maverick.”
She sighed. “You keep going to that little house at the Avalon estate, hoping she’ll return. Fix yourself. She’s never coming back.”
Maverick lost it. He grabbed her jaw. You are pretty damn sure she aint coming back why?” His eyes searched her as his grip tightened.
“She left with another man, probably. Why would she stay with someone who never trusted her? I heard her beg you and plead with you, that she wasn’t the girl in that video seven years ago. And you still punished her, from all three holes.” She laughed like a maniac.
His eyes turned red as his actions towards her came flooding.
“You’re the reason she ran away,” he growled.
Eva smiled even as his grip tightened around her throat, her face reddening.
“Don’t put that on me,” she gasped. “I only sent a video. I never told you not to verify it. Your obsession drove you mad. You hurt her until she left. That’s on you, Maverick.”
His grip tightened.
“Dad…”
The small voice shattered the moment.
He released Eva immediately.
She collapsed, coughing violently.
Maverick turned away. He didn’t want his daughter to see him like that. Guilt and regret crushed his chest.
Eva scrambled up and rushed after him.
“I’m sorry,” she cried. “I didn’t mean it. I missed you. You never answered my calls. It’s been seven years, please forgive me and give us a chance.”
Maverick pulled his hand from hers and walked away.
Eva fell to her knees, sobbing.
Havilah stood frozen, visibly shaken. Then the little girl burst into tears, seeing her parents fight.
Heaven got down from the bus and pulled her coat tighter around herself, the weather was cold.
To get home faster she had to cut through the alleyways.Her phone vibrated in her hand.
She smiled when she saw the name.
“Mama,” Liam’s voice came through the line, faintly dramatic. “When are you getting home? I miss you so much.”
“I’m close, baby,” Heaven replied softly. “You’ll see me soon, okay?”
“Okay.”
The call ended.
The smile lingered on her lips for only a second when she heard the sound of footsteps behind her.
She turned quickly.
A man dressed in black stood a few paces away.
Panic crawled up her spine.
She quickened her steps, breath turning shallow, pulse loud in her ears. The footsteps followed then passed her.
The man walked by without a glance.
Heaven released the breath she’d been holding, pressing a hand to her chest.
You’re safe, she told herself.
You’re just remembering things that aren’t happening anymore.
She continued walking, she sighed in relief when she saw her house.
Suddenly a hand shot out from the shadows covering her nose and mouth yanking her backward into the next alley.