Chapter 210: That Stupid Money (CIELO)
“Are you sure you want to do this, sir?”
“I wouldn’t have come this far if I wasn’t sure what I was doing.”
“But all your assets?”
“Yes, all of them, without exception.”
“And if she decides to leave you forever, you’ll lose everything.”
“I’ve already lost everything. Just do it, Charles.”
The head of my legal team nodded and began to do as I asked. He typed something on his laptop, adjusted his slumped glasses, typed some more, and scanned the text on his laptop screen.
I'd never felt so tired before. My back leaned back against the sofa, my eyes closed as I waited for Charless to finish everything for me.
When I told him I'd lost everything, I meant it. I lost my life the second Talia and Zaiden left. They left me behind, grieving, while they moved on. Talia could get her life back with someone new. She was young, beautiful, and attractive. Many men wanted her. As for me, I was too tired for new adventures. Probably too old, too. I knew I'd never find a woman like Talia a second time. Call me lucky in the first place. I had the complete package, a beautiful young wife, and the most perfect son. There was nothing I wanted more than them. Then I ruined it with my stupidity.
I fell headfirst into Talia. When she confessed her feelings for me, I was completely shocked because she felt the same way as me. My love was reciprocated. And if I confessed my feelings to her, at least I wouldn't look stupid in front of her because she rejected me. But then I realized that things come with consequences. Talia and Zaiden would never be safe with me because of who I was. I was a crime lord with so many dirty deeds that I couldn't even mention them all because they were too many. I was a sinner.
Talia had already suffered the consequences of choosing to be with me. She'd witnessed atrocities she shouldn't have witnessed and experienced some truly disgusting things with Ethan. Thankfully, that motherfucker and those bikers were dead. But I knew things wouldn't stop there. My other enemies would emerge, and would try to take me down through Talia or Zaiden.
I was very vulnerable. Having a family was like a curse to me because it conflicted with my line of work. I earned a lot of money from my job, but I couldn't have love. That used to be no problem for me, before I knew true love. Then I realized that money meant nothing if I didn't have someone by my side who loved me unconditionally. That money wouldn't cry for me when I died, and it wouldn't take care of me when I was old and sick. I needed Talia like I needed air to breathe. And Zaiden was a true gift, given by God to a sinner like me.
"Done."
I opened my eyes. Charless was gathering the papers that had just come out of his printer.
"You can read them first. If there are any clauses you want to change, you—"
"No, that's final. I trust you."
Charless nodded slowly. He stacked the papers before stuffing them into a dark blue folder.
“Once she signs these documents, all your assets will automatically be transferred to her. You can’t claim your rights anymore. Not even if you file a lawsuit.”
“I never planned to. I already have enough in my account.”
Charless held out his hand, and I shook it without hesitation.
“Thanks, you did your part well. Now it’s my turn.”
I took the dark blue folder and walked out of Charless’s office. It was already very late when I left Charless’s office. I would probably arrive at Bruce’s hideout after midnight. But I couldn’t wait any longer. I’d spent almost three weeks alone at home. I’d tried to keep myself busy with all sorts of nonsense, but it still didn’t cure the loneliness I felt.
“We’re heading straight to Catskill.”
Frans nodded and then closed the door once I was comfortably seated in the car. But even though I was in a bulletproof car, one of the best in the world, sitting on expensive leather seats, eating the best food cooked by the best chef, I still felt uncomfortable. My heart felt empty. I would be the stupidest man in the world if I chose that stupid money over my little family, who clearly gave me the happiness I hadn't felt since my father abandoned me. Talia and Zaiden gave me new purpose. They gave me a new life.