Page 221 of Vexatious Queen

Ren

My head felt like it was spinning in a different universe as I walked toward my father’s office. The door was open, and he was at the window, motionless, a silhouette carved from pain that even I couldn’t comprehend.

“Dad?”

He startled, but recovered quickly, turning with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Lilya. I didn’t hear you come in.”

“You don’t have to be strong for me,” I said.

He let out a soft chuckle.

“Seeing your beautiful face always makes me smile,” he said, making me blush. He pointed to his new espresso machine. “Would you like one? I think I’ve finally got a handle on how to use this thing.”

“No, thank you. If I have any more coffee this morning, I’m going to start vibrating. I wanted to tell you that I’m going back to Wayward.”

“Oh?” He tilted his head, examining me.

“I spoke to Mum, and I need some space for a few days to think. Did she tell you what set all of this in motion? All she told me was that there was nothing she could say to excuse what she did to me.”

He sucked in a deep breath and crossed his arms, which made him look larger and more imposing than usual.

“She did.”

I took a step toward him, but he shook his head at me.

“I’m not going to tell you,” he said, gently but firmly. “It’s not my story to tell. And if she isn’t ready for you to know all the details, then that choice is hers and between the two of you.”

I hated how much that made sense.

“Was it something terrible,” I asked. “Something with Lawrence. Or Christov.”

He didn’t answer. It wasn’t necessary. His eyes were sympathetic.

“I know you want answers. You’ve always had an inquisitive mind. All I will say is that it changed her. But it’s up to you and you alone to decide if you want to have a relationship with her, whether she tells you or not.”

“What about you? Are you going to forgive her and get back together,” I asked. The child in me wanted them together. What kid didn’t want to see their parents happy? But there was so much damage done.

Dad was quiet for a long time.

“That is not a question I can answer yet,” he finally said.

He opened his arms for a hug, and I wrapped myself around him. Knowing Eddie, he was weighing more than just his own feelings. He was including mine as well. I decided to remove myself from the equation.

“Dad, don’t worry about what I’ll think if you choose to forgive her.”

Pulling back, he looked down into my eyes.

“That is a very bold statement, considering that if we got back together, she’d be around all the time. I don’t want to do anything to ruin what we are building as a family.”

I smiled.

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned,” I said, looking around his office. “It’s that happiness doesn’t wait for perfect timing. Love can disappear in a blink. And if you still love her…don’t let me be the reason you walk away. I’d never forgive myself for that.”

He studied me for a long moment before cupping my cheek.

“Never let this world harden you,” he said softly. “Your heart is made of pure gold.”