Chapter 3 3
Maisie's Pov
I walked into Xavier's office with my head held high even though my heart was breaking.
Both him and Gavin fell silent the moment I walked in. I could see the look of worry on Gavin's face but Xavier's held the same look of disgust he'd always given me.
Xavier stood behind his desk looking very much like the commanding Aloha he was.
Even while standing, he towered over me. His broad shoulders and chiseled physique were honed from years of training and leading the BlackRock Pack. His brown hair was neatly trimmed, framing his sharp jawline. His tailored black suit accentuated his powerful build, a crisp white shirt and necktie completing his elegant look. He stole my heart without even trying.
I used to look at that face and feel butterflies. I used to crave his attention. Now, none of that mattered.
Aria's life was more important than the man who didn't care about any of us. It hurt me but it was a truth I had to live with. What matters right now was the fact that Xavier promised to fulfill my last wish for Aria.
My eyes fell to the document lying on his polished desk and I wasted no time in picking it up.
“This must be the divorce papers.” I asked.
“Yes.” Xavier replied.
After going through the papers, I nodded. “Everything looks like it's in order.” Then I looked at him. “Aria is waiting for you at home. From now on, you'll begin your responsibility as her father. After her birthday, I will sign the papers and make the divorce official.”
Then without sparing a glance, I turned to leave.
I didn't give him a chance to let him speak or give him the satisfaction of seeing me bothered. I'd barely gotten to the door when the doors flew open and Kylie entered like she owned the place.
“Hey, love,” Xavier greeted warmly.
I couldn't help but turn to look at him. Every trace of the man who'd rebuked me rudely was home and replaced with a man lost in love. Xavier looked genuinely happy with her.
Kylie flipped her blonde hair, her blue eyes dimming with jealousy as she looked at me. “Oh, I'm sorry. I wasn't aware you were with your mate. I'll come back some other time.”
Xavier's tone turned dark. “Darling, I've told you that she's not my mate and you weren't intruding, she was just leaving.”
A look of triumph shone on Kylie’s eyes as she grinned. I knew Xavier would always back her up. He always did. My cheeks heated with embarrassment as I clenched the divorce papers in my right hand.
Xavier turned to me, rage flashing in his eyes. “Go home. I'll join you soon.”
I nodded slowly and turned to leave, pretending as though Kylie's giggles and Xavier's murmurs didn't rip through me like a blade.
However, the shame and disappointment disappeared the second I got home to share the news with Aria.
Aria jumped with glee. “Daddy's really coming back? He's joining us for dinner?”
I couldn't help but smile at her excitement. “Yup. Daddy's joining us for dinner tonight.”
“I'm going to wear my beautiful dress. The one you got me for my birthday last year.” She smiled then raced to her room to get dressed.
My heart ached as I watched her run happily. I wasn't one to get my hopes up but I hoped for Aria's sake that Xavier would be joining us for dinner tonight.
That night, I dismissed the maids and made dinner myself. It was Xavier's favourite — Fried rice and Fish Palokas. Aria helped me set the table, frowning when the silverware and cups were not aligned. According to her, she wanted everything to be perfect when “daddy comes home”.
Every few minutes, she would run to the window, screaming, “Is he here yet?”
Finally, we heard a car drive into the compound and my beating heart steadied. He was here.
“Daddy!” Aria screamed.
I reached for the front door and held it open to a cold expression on Xavier's face.
I said nothing to him but Aria ran into his arms.
“Welcome home, daddy!” She screamed happily.
He looked stunned for a moment but Aria didn't notice him stiffening. She was busy hugging his waist. His hand hesitated in midair for a moment before it gently fell on her head.
“Hello Aria.” He mumbled.
It wasn't much but it was everything to Aria and it made her beam with joy.
She even beamed at him during dinner but that still didn't stop the awkwardness at dinner.
Xavier didn't touch his food. He barely spoke while I watched him and Aria occasionally. She rambled about the new friends she made at school and her favourite teachers. It was practically a one-sided conversation with Xavier.
At one point, she put her little hand on Xavier's and smiled. “You're really here, daddy.” then she whispered as if she didn't want me to hear them speak. “Please, can you come tomorrow?”
Xavier stiffened before he finally nodded. “We'll see.”
After dinner, I went to clear the dishes while Aria spent time with Xavier, holding his hand. “Daddy, will you tuck me in tonight?”
Xavier stiffened for the third time that night.
“Please?” Aria pleaded with a pout. “Mommy does it all the time but I want you to tuck me in. Pleaseeeeeee.”
I froze in the kitchen knowing what he would say next but I didn't turn around. I wanted to hear him say it. But the next words I heard shocked me.
“I'll tuck you in tonight.” he said.
I turned around to make sure this wasn't a dream. But it wasn't. It was real.
I watched in stunned silence as Aria pulled him to her room and showed him her drawings and paintings. Exhausted from all the fun she had, she slid under the covers and looked at him with sleepy eyes.
“Daddy, will you stay with me till I fall asleep?” She whispered.
Xavier nodded silently and moved to sit on the edge of her bed.
“Will you give me a goodnight kiss, daddy?”
I wanted to move it when she said that but Xavier gave a faint nod and leaned in to kiss her forehead, then whispered, “Goodnight, Aria.”
“Goodnight, daddy.” Aria turned on her side with a small smile on her lips.
Xavier stayed for a few minutes until she fell asleep. He must've seen their resemblance. Aria had his striking blue eyes and brown hair. She was no doubt his carbon copy.
He reached forward to tuck a start hair behind her ear when his phone buzzed.
He whipped out the phone from his pocket. It looked like a message and an urgent one because he sprang from the bed and brushed past me like I was nothing.
The mere action made me stunned. “Where are you going?”
“Somewhere important.” He said as he made his way to the door.
“Aria will be sad when she wakes up and you're not there.” I added. “You promised to be a responsible father to her.”
“I’ll be here to take her to school tomorrow.” He said then walked out of the room.