Chapter 88 An innocent mistake
To Oriana, both families should have united by now, so why did Roger make it seem as if they were strangers?
They were all adults now, and it wasn’t as if Oriana wanted anything except to gain experience working in a multinational institution like RD Group.
Roger’s expression darkened instantly. “I have a family, and you have yours. That should settle it.”
Oriana was both hurt and troubled, tears formed in the corner of her eyes. “Are you ashamed of me?” she asked in a teary voice, but somehow, Roger was not moved.
The only people whose tears used to matter to him were Delanie and Lexi. Well, for Lexi, it was because he was doing Delanie a favor, and now, only two women’s tears mattered to him, and those were Karen and Delanie.
As for his mom, he knew his father was already there for her, and that man would never allow his mother to shed even a single tear.
“Ask your mother,” he responded with a tinge of pain. There were things he never wanted to remember, better leaving them buried, and that included how his heartless mother neglected him back then.
She must have changed, but of what use was it to him when he no longer needed her? “And if you want to continue staying here, then not a word about that topic to my wife,” Roger warned coldly.
People think that by claiming blood, they could reap where they hadn’t sown, but it wasn’t like that for Roger.
Family to him was those who loved him at the worst times of his life. It's an unbeatable and unmatched bond beyond blood.
“The only reason mom stayed out of your life was that she knew you were well catered for. She missed you most of the time, you know?”
Roger smiled at her, but his eyes were cold. “Is that what she told you?” He asked in a bitter tone, followed by a bitter smile. “I’m the victim here, and you are just a child. I’ll cook for my wife, and from the looks of it, you can be doing your own cooking,” he said after seeing the ingredients she had selected.
At least, Octavia did well in training her to be a woman. Oriana smiled but didn’t say anymore. There was a wall between her and her half-brother, and she didn’t know whether she would be able to cross it one day.
Though they cooked separately, she couldn’t help stealing glances Roger’s way. The guy handled everything like a pro, and for a moment, Oriana envied him for growing up with Molly.
She thought him more than her mother did. Alone at the huge luxurious dining table she was now grateful for Milo’s company, understanding why Roger recommended the parrot.
When she got tired of talking to the parrot because there were so many restrictions on the other parts of the house, she went to sleep after a long chat on the phone with her parents and siblings.
However, in the bid to make a good first impression, she woke up and got ready the next morning, making breakfast for the three of them even before Roger woke up.
Right from the top of the stairs, the aroma of pancakes and coffee wafted through his nostrils but he was still going to prepare his and Karen’s breakfast when Oriana informed him,
“Good morning, Roger, I’m sorry for yesterday and I made breakfast for all of us.”
She had spoken to her mother and though still not privy to the details of all that happened over thirty years ago, she felt strongly from her conversation with her mother that Roger was in the right.
Roger never ate anything prepared from anyone outside his family except from restaurants so he owned so he refused. “Thanks, but keep it for tomorrow,” he said nonchalantly, Oriana was saddened but a soft and yet, firm voice spoke from behind him.
“She cooked, and we are eating.”
Oriana was elated, she went and embraced Karen. “Oh my God, I missed you so much.”
Karen’s excitement blended hers and pulling away, she was slightly guilty. “I missed you too, Oriana, I’m so sorry but I had no idea he was treating you like shit. Roger is…”
“No, no, don’t worry. It was my fault for upsetting him yesterday.”
Karen was even more curious. “You mean you two had a fight?”
Oriana didn’t know how to explain it, feel speechless. “You better eat before it gets cold.”
“And you are dressed already,” Karen acknowledged, Roger smiled. “I’ll get the driver to take her.”
Karen remembered she always rod with the family when she stayed with Oriana’s parents and refused. “No, she’ll ride with us and I promise to be quick.”
It had been a romantic week end for them and as much as they both wanted more, there just wasn’t time for it.
Her words disclosed the authority of finality because Roger did not refute it to Oriana’s relief.
The journey to the office was exciting for Karen and Oriana but Roger felt like a mere driver, completely kept out of the conversation.
Arriving at RD Group, he handed Oriana over to the HR, before going to Karen’s office with her. They already had everything arranged.
“I’ll be leaving in an hour. I have some paper works to do at the Dawsons Group but I promise to be back early to take you home. I’ll also have your lunch arranged.”
Karen was both thrilled and nervous for the huge responsibility on her shoulders.
They talked about it and she was supposed to be in charge of RD Group until the Dawsons and Davises Heirs choose their partners.
“It’s alright. Dahlia would help, and you can go now, but what about the meeting with Destiny or whatever his name is?” Karen asked, Roger nodded and smiled evilly. “Yeah, I’ll make the arrangement.”
Ryan and Max had informed him about the readiness of the other parties but he wanted Karen to be there and put a hold on it.
Pulling Karen a little forcefully, she fell right onto his lap. Before she could create a distance, he was already kissing her like the first time, only pausing in between to catch their breath.
Unfortunately, a call from the intercom interrupted them, and he reluctantly answered, "Oh, send her over."
Karen took advantage of the pause and went back to her chair. As soon as Oriana walked in, she knew there was a problem. "I don’t think you want to work here," Roger said, his voice tinged with anger, but Oriana was visibly upset.
"Yes, I don’t want to work here when you are so ashamed of me. What’s wrong with being your half-sister?"
The words had left her mouth before regret began to wash over her. The situation was only worsened when they saw Delanie at the door, looking as if she had just seen a ghost.