Chapter 152 Forgive Me, If You Can
The next morning came too quickly for Derek who had barely slept.
He had laid on his bed the whole night, staring at the ceiling, his mind going over everything that happened the previous day again and again.
Everytime he thought about what Mr Lawson had said, he just couldn't help how much his curiosity would piqued and he'd find himself asking what it was his grandfather had left.
It had to be a letter or maybe a record or something. Whatever it was, he could no longer hold his curiosity and just needed to find out immediately.
By the time the sun came up, he was already awake. Not because he wanted to be, but because his mind refused to rest.
He sat on the edge of his bed for a while. His hands rested on his knees, his head slightly lowered.
What am I about to find out…?
The thought came slowly and it made his chest feel tight. He didn’t know why. But something told him that whatever it was he was going to see, it was going to change something or maybe everything he'd come to know of.
He stood up slowly. Got ready without thinking too much.
He just wanted to get it over with, because the longer he waited, the worse it felt.
Not long after, Derek was in his car and on his way to Mr. Lawson’s office. The drive was quiet since he needed to think.
He didn’t turn on the radio neither did he bother to check his phone. He didn’t do anything other than just to drive and think.
Soon, the building came into view. He had been there many times before with his grandfather. Back when things were… simpler.
Derek parked the car, sat there for a second just looking at the building. This place again… he thought as a small memory flashed.
His grandfather walking beside him. Talking, advising and correcting him. Derek swallowed slightly then pushed the thought away.
He stepped out of the car and walked in. The receptionist greeted him politely.
He gave a small nod. “Mr. Lawson is expecting you,” she said.
Of course he is.
Derek nodded again and walked straight to the office. He didn’t hesitate this time. As soon as he got to the office, he knocked once.
“Come in,” came the familiar voice.
Derek opened the door and stepped in. Mr. Lawson looked up from his desk.
A small smile formed on his face. “Derek,” he said warmly.
Derek gave a polite nod. “Good morning, sir.”
They shook hands and all but Derek didn’t sit immediately. He just stood there for a second. His mind already focused on one thing.
The very reason he was there.
“Sit,” Mr Lawson said gently and Derek sat but he didn’t relax. Not even a little.
There was a small pause. Then Derek spoke. Straight to the point.
“You said my grandfather left something for me,” he said, his voice coming out calmer than he expected. But inside, he was not calm at all.
Mr. Lawson nodded slowly. “Yes.”
He opened a drawer. Took out a sealed envelope that looked really old but well kept.
Derek’s eyes stayed on it. That’s it… His chest tightened again.
Mr. Lawson placed it on the table. Then pushed it toward him. “This is for you,” he said.
Derek looked at it for a second. He just looked at it without making an attempt to touch it yet.
Why does this feel so heavy…?
He mused, his heart beating fast and loudly.
Slowly… he reached for it. His fingers brushing against the paper. Then he picked it up.
Turned it slightly. His name was written on it. In his grandfather’s handwriting. That alone touched something in him.
Derek swallowed. His throat suddenly feeling dry. He opened it carefully.
Took out the letter and began to read. As his eyes moved across the words, his expression slowly changed.
At first, it was just focus.Mz to read what his grandfather had left him. But then it turned into confusion and then shock.
And then, something deeper and something heavy.
“Derek,”
“If you are reading this, then it means Celia has come back.”
Derek’s grip on the paper tightened slightly but he still kept reading.
“I know you may be angry with me. I know you may not understand why I did what I did. But I need you to listen carefully.”
His jaw tightened but he still continued.
“Celia never loved you the way you thought she did.”
Reading that, Derek froze. What did that mean?
He stopped to think for a moment but then continued.
“She came to you because of what you have. Because of your name. Your wealth.”
Derek’s chest felt tight.
No…
“The man she truly loved was sick. She needed money to take care of him.”
His eyes moved faster now as he tried reading everything all at once, trying to understand.
“So she chose you. Not for love. But for what you could give her.”
Derek’s hand tightened around the paper. His breathing changed slightly.
“I found out before it was too late. And I could not let her deceive you that way.”
His eyes burned slightly as he continued reading, trying not to think about how rudely he'd confronted his grandfather.
“So I made a decision. One you may hate me for.”
Derek swallowed, his throat feeling tight.
“I gave her the money she needed. And I asked her to leave you alone. I did it to protect you. I couldn't tell her about her betrayal so I made the decision for you.”
Derek’s vision blurred slightly.
“I am sorry I did not tell you the truth then. I was afraid of how you would react. Afraid you would not believe me or find it too hard to love again. I know this would hurt you too but I could not watch you give your heart to someone wh
o was only using you.”
Derek closed his eyes for a second. Just one second.
“If she comes back after I'm gone, please, be careful. And please, forgive me… if you can.”