Chapter 18 What is it now?
Chapter 18 What is it now?
VICTORIA’S POV
Three years ago, I didn’t meet my parents; now, they are right before my eyes.
I was selfish. I was too wilful and blinded by love. And that’s what I have been punished for; I was hurt
by the man I loved the most, and that made me realize nothing comes first than family.
I had no choice but to get down on my knees. At the moment, I don’t care about my surroundings; I
only know that I am before the people I have missed so much!
Even before this day, I didn’t realize I had missed them this much.
I felt mama’s touch on my arms as she stood me up. I looked at her, and the tears in her eyes broke
me out more.
I am trembling, and all energy is drowned away. I would have fallen on the road once more if papa
hadn’t been there to save me.
“HShh, love, don’t cry.” Papa caressed my head while mama tried to calm me down.
But I couldn’t stop myself. It was out of my control. I don’t know how to stop myself. In the span of a few
minutes, I went from being a strong, capable lady to a blubbering wreck.
****
I stood before the billion-dollar mansion where I grew up like a princess, with people loving and spoiling
me.
All the memories from the past were floating in my mind.
“Come on, let’s get inside,” Papa said, holding my hand.
We stepped inside. Every step I took was an emotional ride, pinching every second of what I had
missed for three long years.
“Welcome back, doll,” James and Maria Dawson greeted me. Even Maria hugged me with emotional
tears, and I hugged her back too. They are the butlers of the mansion and second parents to Antonio
and me.
I took a look at the whole mansion, reliving the best and happiest memories of my life. Everything is the
same as I left three years ago. Nothing changed except the features of the people who lived here.
Time and age have caught up with everyone, and I have aged alongside them. Everything is so
wholesome. Even though I have never appreciated luxury before, I am enjoying it immensely at the
moment.
This will be the safest and sweetest place for my little sweetheart to grow up; I mean the one inside me.
Thinking I should tell mama and papa about the pregnancy, I watched my parents from the corner of
my eyes; they seemed very happy, but the worry was also not hidden much. I could sense it. I guess I
should inform them of my pregnancy, but not just now; that will be after things have settled down a bit...
Emotionally.
****
My parents are now aware that I am no longer married to Antonio, they found out this during their long
vacation in Hawaii, and after hearing this news, they immediately returned from there.
I could not thank them for this. Each time I needed my loved ones beside me, I found them no matter
what.
They never complained about my decision. They trusted me and let me do my mind; somewhere, I am
grateful for that because their support allowed me to explore the people of this world and made me
mature with time.
Yet, for the first time, my family was dissatisfied with my decision to live a simple life for Alessandro.
Especially Papa...
When I decided to change my surname in order to marry Alessandro, he was very angry. He tried to
stop me, but I didn’t listen because of my blind foolishness.
And when I left home, he didn’t even bother to look at me. I was hurt that time without realizing how
wrong I was. He warned me about the money-minded attitude of people, but I ignored his experience,
drowning in my idiotic thoughts of fairy tale love. And I was hit back for that.
My parent didn’t contact me for three years, nor did I try. Now, looking back at the time, I realize my
mistakes. I realized how lucky I am to have such parents.
I did make a mistake; I should have contacted them a long ago, but I didn’t. Now that I’m back, they’ve
completely forgotten the past and welcomed me with open arms.
Parents are parents, right? No one can beat their love.
At dinner time, I sat in the huge dining hall with my parents while the servants started serving food.
The dining area is huge, and in my point of view, this is a waste. Well, I know I am a billionaire heiress,
but I never believed in wasting money on unnecessary lavish products.
I always wanted a convenient home filled with family, love, and adoration, but unfortunately, this world
only values money and fame.
Looking at the food, I smiled. Maria, of course, made the food of my wish. I can’t blame her. This lady is
always after spoiling us with her cooking skills. Even I and Antonio learned cooking from her.
I also made them sit with us for dinner. I was missing Antonio, but he has to attend back-to-back
meetings—my poor brother. So much has to sacrifice to be a director of a huge corporation.
We were eating while mama and papa described Hawaii. Mom even started planning a family vacation
for us.
One thing I am grateful for is that none of them once brought up the topic of my divorce.
I was jerked out of my thoughts when Papa’s phone started ringing. He received it and put it on a
loudspeaker.
“Hello,” Papa spoke with his business tone. Cold and firm. Immediately, I felt Antonio over there. They
say it right, like father, like son.
“Congratulations, Mr. Edwards.” The opposite person said. “You have taken a 10% equity stake in CM
for $2.8 billion. You are now the largest shareholder of the whole fashion market!”
Papa’s face brightened, and I smiled at his happiness. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.
“Thank you for the information, Mr. Austin,” Papa replied, hiding his emotion.
“No problem, sir.” So Papa hung up.
“Congratulations, papa bear!” I held his hand over the table, and he dropped a kiss on the back of my
hand. “Thank you, sweetheart. Your presence always brings fortune to this family, my doll.”
I was about to reply, but a sudden bang on the table startled us. It was mama. She was glaring at her
husband fiercely.
Uh-oh. This look is always to run for; Papa is in trouble.
“Wh...what happened, darling?” Papa asked with a hint of fear and confusion in his eyes, and mama
only rolled her eyes at him.
“Are you for real, Vincent? Your daughter is finally back, and you’re still talking business on the
phone?!”
“Oh, no-no-no! I am not! I swear.” He quickly apologized and turned to me, kissing my hand once
again. “Forgive Papa, will you?”
I smiled at the cutest couple. I so admire these two.
“It’s alright, Papa.” I winked at him, and he laughed.
“Come home and stay with us this time. No one will dare to bully you anymore.” Suddenly Papa said,
stopping his laugh.
Mama nodded in agreement. “Your Papa is right. Come home, baby; we missed you.” She sobbed,
shaking her head. “My Poor baby girl, you have been in sensitive health since you were a child; we
brought you up with so much care and love.” She sniffed, breaking my heart into pieces.
“You grew up and fell in love. You even changed your last name to marry that scum!” Mama’s words
were like sharp stabs in my heart.
It ached so bad that how careless I was to hurt them! Fuck!
Instantly, I rushed beside her and held her hands.
“I am back now, aren’t I? I will never leave you again.” I wiped her tears and kissed her hands. “I just
hope you can forgive me for what I did before?”
I looked at papa with pure regret, and he held my hands. His eyes turned teary, making me gasp out
loud. I’ve never seen him emotional!
“Papa...”
He shook his head. “I am sorry, Princess. I should have called you a long ago. I can’t believe you
suffered this much. If I didn’t hold my anger... That worthless idiot could never bully you!” He turned
angry with his last sentence and then sighed. “I am sorry, my child.”
I stood up and went beside papa and hugged him, fully crying. I can’t stop my tears anymore.
“Don’t say that, papa. I am at fault, not you. You have warned me before, but I was too stupid to listen.”
I sobbed. “I promise I won’t leave you again. I will listen to your words.”
Let it be known this time; I truly mean what I say.
That was a very emotional moment for us. Both mama and papa were beside me. Oh, how I wish
Antonio was here too.
Mama wiped my tears when my phone started ringing. A little annoying to be the truth for the
disturbance.
Maybe, it could be Antonio. But, the moment my eyes fell on the screen, my mood turned off.
It is none other than my ex-husband! What the fuck he wants now?
I excused myself from there. I don’t want my parents to see his call, not after this moment.
I wouldn’t have picked up this call. But just because it was me for whom he ended up in the hospital, I
am receiving his call. Let’s see what he has to say.
“What is it now?” I asked in a duh and a little irritated.
I was taken aback by how distant and unfeeling my voice sounded.
And his reply stunned me with a need to pinch his handsome sorry face!
“I miss you, Victoria. Can you come to the hospital and bring me some food? Please...”
Yeah, that’s what this shameless man said!