Nathan

Afternoon came in an almost a blink of an eye. I'm standing in front of the trial room right now, just in time for our hearing to begin. I'm everything but happy. I don't feel the rather cheerful I so much wanted to feel. Freedom is already at hand. I ought to endure only an hour of hearing and everything will be over but why do I hesitate in getting inside? Why do I feel this soft tug in my heart to turn back and never give this hearing a second thought? I should be happy. I should rejoice.  I've waited for those emotions to settle inside me but they never came. Only the overwhelming nervousness and the hesitation.

After minutes of contemplating and stupidly hesitating, I finally had enough courage to open the door and face my fate. I kept my head bowed as I made my way towards mu reserved seat. My lawyer was already waiting for me with a big smile on his old face. There were papers neatly arranged on our tables that I guess was the papers I need to sign. I didn't know much about the proper process of divorce. My lawyer does all the work for me with the exception of this, personally appearing in front of the court for the final hearing so I had zero ideas about this. This is my first time going through divorce.

I expected the moment I settled on my seat, the judge would beckon us to rise from our seats but I was greeted by silence. There were soft murmurings coming from the bystanders but they don't really break the silence threatening to swallow me. I look around to examine the judge but he just look at me through the top of his glasses. Then my gaze landed on the other side of the court to find Yufa's seat empty. Her lawyer looked calm as she didn't really move in her seat or even try to look around. Did Yufa planned on not attending the last hearing? Or did she happen to forgot it? I quickly discarded both ideas as they all are ridiculous. Yufa wouldn't miss this for the world. She must be on her way now and just running late.

A small voice inside my head told me to run while there is time. And the stupid me wanted to obey the voice. I planted my feet firm on the ground to keep myself from bolting towards the door. Not minutes later, the door burst open and revealed Yufa.

I watched her settle on her own seat and quickly notice something was off about her. Her eyes were red and puffy as if she had been crying. She was still wiping the edge of her eyes to dry the droplets that threatened to escape. Was it bad to think that she was hesitating too? But again that thought is too good to be true. Maybe she said her goodbyes to Martha and Arriane and couldn't help but cry. They were her friends after all. Whatever the reason for her tears only herself knows about it and that leaves me no space for that reason. We are about to go about our separate ways and worrying about each other was the least thing to do.

The hearing was finished in no time. I signed the papers that will officially render our marriage null amd void. Yufa did the same. She never looked my way the whole time. She kept her head bowed law while sniffing and constantly wiping her tears. She looked very sad and weak. When I can no longer take in her pitiful sight, I quickly averted my gaze trying to cast away the guilt that gnawed at the pit of my stomach. She then hurriedly left the room without even sparing me one last glance and I think was acceptable.

I thanked my lawyer afterwards before going our separate ways. I cleared my schedule this afternoon because I wanted to spend some time alone and that includes being alone with my whiskey. I'm finally free but don't feel that way. I felt another burden was placed upon my shoulders.

Upon reaching outside, I found Reomero (my family's personal driver) waiting for me with other two men wearing the same outfit my father issued to her personal men. A frown automatically formed at my forehead. What are they doing here.

Reomero bowed his head lightly and smiled awkwardly towards me. My father must have sent them to fetch me. What does he want now.

"Señorito, your father requested an audience with you as soon as possible." He said politely.  I didn't argue with them and hoped inside the car without saying anything. Even if I wanted to run amd hide, he would never stop following me until he gets what he wants. I'm too tired to argue right now.

***

"Bastardo!" My jaw almost got dislocated when his fist connected with my face. My father maybe in his 50's but he hits like my age. He was still strong like a horse. His fist greeted me as soon as I reached the study. "Did you honestly think I wouldn't know about this divorce, you ungrateful punk?!"

He was furious. I can see it in his eyes. They were trembling with utter fury as his knuckles went white trying to prevent himself from hitting me onve more. He wanted to beat the shit out of me, so bad that his jaw twitched violently.

"I don't. I just don't know why does it concerns you very much."

"Big words for someone who doesn't know anything other than being selfish." He gave me a sharp look, his gray orbs swirling with anger.

"I don't know anything and neither do you!" I can no longer contain myself and I'm about to burst. "You did this to me, you brought all these problems into my doorsteps and expected me to just let it pass. You ruined my life, you ruined hers! If there's someone who is selfish in here then it is you!"

"You know nothing, Giuseppe." He addressed me with my second name and that indicates I earned his bad side. Things are getting worst with me. "This marriage is bigger than you."

"Well? Enlighten me!" I returned with mockery.

He kept staring at me and I wasn't going to back down. Both our silver eyes were throwing daggers towards each other.

"I'm returning the favor." He simply said almost a whipser.

"What? You went through all these troubles just to return a stupid favor?" I scoffed. "That is not likely you, father."

"If you consider your life a stupid favor than feel free stop breathing this instant." He said darkly. His eyes seemed to changed it's color as he glared at me.

"What is that suppose to mean?" I don't really get what was he trying to say.

He turned away from me and head towarda the table. He poured himself a drink.

"A long time ago, I almost lost your sister. I almost lost your mother. I almost lost you." He downed his drink and set the empty glass on the table and poured his drink again. My mouth zipped on it's own, too confused at what my father is trying to say.

"Portugal. A little family vacation." He roamed his gaze on the frames decorating his mahogany table. "Your mother labored prematurely so I had rush her to the nearest hospital in the middle of a storm. A stupid car hit us and run away leaving us on our wrecked car." I'm sure I haven't heard this story before. Even if I did, I didn't really paid attention on family story telling.

"Everyone was bleeding especially your mother. No one even bothered to stop and help us no matter how I screamed for help. All except for one car." He swirled the contents of his glass, watching the liquid spin and spin inside.

"You see, this man helped me with your mother into his car while his wife took your sister and tended to her cuts. He drived us to nearest hospital and eventually saved your mother and most especially....you." He said.

"And you know what? He was on his way to his big break as one of the most successful bankers in Asia and Europe but he chose to help us. He stayed in the hospital until your mother was stable and you are safe." He downed his drink once again. His face visibly change from angry to something soft. His features softened as he recalled that night.

"For the longest time, he didn't ask for anything. Until one day, he came knocking into my door and beg for my help. He asked me to take his daughter into safety. And yet my son here, didn't exactly take his daughter into that safety he was so desperate to give her." I stared at him, my jaw hanging low. My brain is having a very hard time processing the truth my father is telling me.

"You're right, punk! That man who saved your lives was none other than Henry Chen. And you're supposedly going to take care of his daughter, Yufa Chen, until everything is back to normal. Now tell me if that is still a stupid favor, Giuseppe."

No. That is not. The only stupid here is none other than myself.

**********************

A/n

I'm sleepy guys. I promise to edit this one in the future.

Feel free to point out the errors. Thanks.

Vote and comment. Enjoy.

---Maiah❤