The next day, I woke up with a headache, but what Hiro told me never left my mind. But I act as if I don't remember anything because he might find it awkward, so I don't annoy him anymore.
"I have a walk today." I bid farewell to them. I'm too haggard looking at myself in the mirror, this isn't me, and I need time, and I'll meet the lawyer for my father. "Tomorrow we will go for a walk to the islands, babies," I told them when they poured their lips.
"When will I go back home, mom?" Rayden asked, then chewed.
"I need to fix everything about your grandpa first before we leave."
"Okay, Mom."
"These two's birthdays are coming up; where will they celebrate their birthday?" Hiro groaned. Red's eyes suddenly flashed when he heard it, like it was the first time.
"We're close to being adults, Rayden, you heard it?" He excitedly notified Rayden, who was busy eating and just nodded.
"Probably, I can't wait." They both clap their hands to one another, so I smile while seeing both of them.
"I need to go now, okay? Be a good boy to your uncle, kids." I reminded them both and then kissed their cheeks one by one. Hiro smiled at me, which was a bit awkward, so I just grinned in my mind.
After I got out, I immediately called our attorney to ask where we would meet. It's good that he lives here but was assigned to Manhattan; that's why I'm happy, and I don't need to be back at that place. I will go back there to visit my father's grave, but not now when it's still fresh. The three of them are still there. I heard that those two have recovered, so the law has also condemned them. They were about to run away, so the police tightened their grip on them. Well, I don't care what they end up with; as long as they rot inside the jail, everything is fine with me.
"Yes, thank you," I told the waitress when I asked for water first because I was waiting for my companion. "Just come here when my dad's attorney goes here."
"Yes, ma'am, I will." I smiled at her, then just waited for the attorney to come. But after a while of waiting, my jaw dropped seeing who was with him.
"Good morning, ma'am. I'm sorry if I'm a bit late since there's traffic on the road." He held out his hand. He was not too late, but I was very surprised because he was with Raven.
"Why is he here?" I accepted his hand as a sign of respect, and we both sat down along with the man. "Why are you here?" I silently asked the man at his side.
"Your father's attorney will reply about that." He made it difficult for me to understand that I ended up asking the attorney.
"What is that man doing here?" I ask slowly because I can never accept that he is with us, like, is he for real?
"He's the one your daddy trusts with everyone."
"What?"
"He knew what would happen; that's why he invested in Mr. Raven a huge amount of money. And because he's gone, your dad told me that you're the one to make a business partner with Mr. Smith." Everything seemed to get more and more messed up; I didn't even try to blink even once. "He signed it." I looked and searched in case there was a mistake, but everything was clear.
"Can I pull it out?" I looked up the attorney pertaining to the statement.
"Unfortunately, there is a contract between Mr. Smith and Mr. Ashton." Raven pulled a paper and handed it over to me, as I did with the other one. I carefully checked if everything was correct, but it was also clean and really authentic.
"Even if you rip that, I have a copy in case it gets lost." He already preceded me because I was about to tear up the contract. I don't know, but I can't really accept the fact; everything's feel so absurd.
"Fine," I blurted out. "So now what?"
"Since your father has a big share with us, you have to come to the company when we need you. We really need your father as the highest investor as a board member, and since he is not here, you will be the one to replace him." My mind could not register his statements, as if the world suddenly stopped and I could not speak as he taught.
"But I declined that offer."
"It is Mr. Ashton's decision, your father," the man replied. To be honest, I could barely hear what he said, and it was like a nightmare to me. Me? Working with Smith and Raven? And with the permission of my father? How fvcking hell was it? I want to laugh because it seems like this is a joke, isn't it?
"Can you do something about this, attorney?"
"I'm sorry, Ms. Cbiara, but the fact that it was your father's decision I can't do anything about it because it's already in the contract and your father has signed it." I shut my eyes. How can I make these things up now? I was only more depressed, given how the attorney was fvcking serious about his statement right now.
I sighed heavily. Just thinking about being with Raven makes me feel terrified.
"Can't I really decline it?"
"You can, but would you let slip your father's sacrifices just for your pride?" I suddenly winced when the attorney asked me. I arced my brow to convey to him that I did not like his given words. "I'm sorry, but...will you let all the suffering of Mr. Ashton? Can't you just be professional?"
"Fine." I close my eyes and think carefully. The attorney was right; should I let it happen? Knowing my father, he won't trust someone that much if they are not trustworthy. And now that he has given his trust to Raven, I might have to go with him. But isn't that how Raven gains my trust? But let's just hope since he didn't hide about it. "I'll accept it," I answered reluctantly.
How about my company in Chicago? My cosmetics? It's crazy, to be honest, but I have to think that everything will be fine. I have to put it in my heart that everything has a purpose; that's why this happens. That's it.
All I need is to try firmly not to let Raven and my children meet.