My Baby's Billionaire Father

Elena

Newport hadn't changed, and I could feel the weight of every ghost the moment I crossed the city line.

Dark clouds littered the sky, announcing the emergence of a heavy downpour. I prayed silently that I would get home before it starts to rain.

"Mummy, are we there yet?"

"No baby, we're almost," I replied reassuringly to my five year old daughter Sophie, strapped in her sitter.

I checked on her from the front mirror, and her eyes were drifting closed. My child, the one good thing that has happened to me in the five years I have been away.

Bringing her back here was something I'd dreaded the most, but my return couldn't be delayed as it was a matter of life.

My grip on the steering wheel tightened as the estate which we lived in came into view, the high stone walls a blatant reminder that I had never truly left.

Sophie was already fast asleep, curled under her little blanket. I felt guilty for dragging my daughter into a mess I already knew was waiting.

The gates opened without hesitation, Liam must have informed the staff that I was arriving. My chest tightened as I drove closer to the main building.

The memories of being here as a young girl came flooding back, memories I had long buried the night I left.

Inside, the house was quiet. Too quiet. Liam must have let go of a lot of the older staff. Everything pretty much looked the same, save for some furniture that was well-worn in age.

"Welcome home, Miss Whitmore," the housekeeper murmured from the doorway.

"Mrs Keller, so lovely to see you" I replied with a small smile. She was one of the oldest staff, sure that's why Liam hadn't let go of her.

"And who do we have here," she leaned down and smiled warmly at Sophie.

Sophie instinctively gripped my hand, shy of the stranger she had never met.

"This is Sophie, my daughter." I was pretty sure the staff already knew about her.

"Oh, she's so beautiful. Just like her mother."

I smiled warmly. "Is my mother asleep?"

"She has been in bed all day, these past few days have been rather worse"

"Oh, I didn't know it had gotten that bad. Let me go and see her."

"Will have your bags in your respective rooms then"

"We'll both be staying in my room, Mrs Keller."

She looked surprised but didn't object. "In that case, I'd have all your bags in your room then."

"Thank you, Mrs Keller."

I walked towards the grand staircase, my heart heavy with guilt for having to face my Mum after all these years of being away.

"Mommy? Can you carry me up the stairs, please?" She said, her arms already lifted.

"Ok baby, I'll carry you up."

She giggled happily as I lifted her into my arms. Seeing her happy has always been an antidote to how guilty I've felt these past years.

"Want to come down now?" I asked as we got to the top of the stairs.

"Yes, yes." She exclaimed happily.

Guess she was more excited about being here than I was.

I got to my mother's room and knocked carefully at the door; she would be fast asleep, so I wasn't expecting a response.

"Come in" she called out from inside.

Thought she would be asleep. I pushed open the door and stepped in, the familiar smell of lilac clinging to the air. She was seated in her armchair facing the window.

She smiled as soon as she saw me, arms wide open. I went immediately to her, with tears in my eyes, and hugged her, careful not to squeeze her too tightly.

"Oh my child, I've missed you." She said softly, her voice laced with unshed tears.

Sophie came up to us then. "Hi, I'm Sophie," she said, smiling.

"Is this my granddaughter?" My mother asked weakly.

I nodded, I didn't trust myself to speak without breaking down in tears.

"Oh she's lovely, come and give Grandma a hug darling"

Sophie rushed into her arms and snuggled in, like always when she feels safe with someone unfamiliar.

They stayed like that for a few seconds and I could already tell from her posture that my mother was tired.

"Alright, Mum, let me help you get into bed."

After carrying a reluctant Sophie out of my mother's room, we went into mine to freshen up. Still no sight of Liam, I wondered where he had gone.

Sophie was snuggled in bed and fast asleep after her bath and dinner. And I also decided to rest before my brother comes, at least I'll be mentally prepared to meet him.

The sun had gone down when I awoke. Sophie was still asleep, so I climbed out of bed and put on a robe.

Mrs Keller was fussing over a kettle of tea when I stepped into the kitchen.

"You're up, thought you would still be resting after the long ride"

"Yeah, don't really sleep for many hours"

"Me too, guess it comes with the age" she replied over a yawn.

"You should get some rest"

"Oh I will dear, just tidying up"

"Is Liam back?" I asked, even though I was pretty sure he wasn't.

"No, he isn't. He is usually always out late"

"In that case, I'll go check on my Mum."

She was done tidying, and I didn't want to tire her further with many questions.

Mum was asleep when I peered in her room, so I decided to visit the garden, which had always been my favorite spot in the house.

The air was cold when I stepped out the back door, and my robe didn't stand a chance of keeping me warm. I walked further down to the garden.

I sat on the old rusty bench, the cold seeping through my robe. Thoughts of him came crawling back, no matter how hard I try to push them away they always come.

Sometimes I wondered if only he knew he had a daughter, would that have made him come back for me, or even look for me when he would have found out I was gone?

"No, he never loved me, and he never would have stayed," I wondered out loud.

It was getting dark, and I decided to go into the house. Sophie might even be awake.

"Miss Elena?" Mrs Keller called out, just as I was about to climb the stairs.

I went to meet her at the Grand foyer.

"You called?"

"Yes, there's something for you," she said handing me an envelope"

The envelope was a heavy cream paper, thick, expensive, the kind you don't waste on casual invitations. My name is written in gold on it. This definitely wasn't casual, and there was just one event that came to mind.

I walked to the foot of the stairs and broke open the seal. The invitation was simple and in a few words: Newport Foundation Annual Gala. Date. Location. Dress code.

It wasn't just any charity gala. It was the talk of the town event that every old-money family in Newport showed up for, smiling for the camera while writing fat checks big enough to make headlines.

And the Hales had been on the donor list for as long as I could remember. I knew he was in town, his expansion to Newport had made the headlines. Which meant there was a chance... a dangerous chance.

Oh no, this isn't happening.

And just then a rippling scream tore through the silence.

Sophie...

Elena

I ran up the stairs, my heart pounding. The sound of Sophie's scream tore through me. For a moment I just couldn't breathe.

I threw open the door and there she was, tangled in her sheets, whispering through tears. "it's the monsters mummy."

I pulled her into my arms, and rocked her gently. "Shh. It's okay baby. Mummy's here."

Her little arms held onto me tightly until her breathing steadied, the nightmare faded into the shadows.

After some minutes she was fast asleep. I kissed her hair even as my own pulse refused to calm because deep down I knew some monsters existed in real life.

The smell of chamomile drifted through the room as I brought in my mother's herbal tea. She looked so small in the queen sized bed, lost in the blankets.

"Sit with me," she murmured, patting the bed.

I must have woken her.

"Did you settle in well?"

"Yes mum, I did."

"And how's Sophie settling in?"

"Very well I think," I didn't want to worry her about the nightmare.

"That's good. Mrs Keller told me about the ball."

"Oh did she"

"Yeah, and I want you to grant their invitation."

"But mum..."

She held my hand. "I know you don't want to, but you need to."

I shot her a glance. "What do you mean i need to?"

She threw a fitful cough, so I quickly passed her some water.

"Thank you. Your brother would tell you all you need to know."

Breakfast looked delicious and it seemed like Mrs Keller hadn't lost her touch. She made the best bacon and eggs.

"It's so delicious mummy." She said with a mouthful of toast.

"Yes it is. Mrs Keller is an incredible cook."

She has always been so picky with her food but for some reason already on her second plate.

The rest of the morning went in a blur as I was still unsettled about the discussion with my mum earlier.

What was she so anxious to tell me about?.

It was noon, and the sunlight was pouring in from the windows. I had spent all morning in my room as the weather was not so pleasant to be out.

Liam had arrived shortly before noon as I had heard him come in. I had gone down to welcome him and he looked pleased to see me, at least that was what I choose to think.

"Miss Elena?" Came Mrs Keller's voice muffled by the door.

"Come in." I called out.

"Mr Liam wants to see you in his study."

"I'll be down shortly."

Guess this is the part where he tells me what my mum was so anxious about.

Liam's study smelled of whiskey and smoke, papers littered around the desk like a storm had passed through.

"Elena. Pls sit," he gestured towards the seat opposite his.

"Would you like a drink?" He offered.

"No thanks"

He started to pile up the papers scattered across the desk. Guess he saw my look of disapproval when I came in.

"You wanted to speak with me?"

He looked up, jaw tight. "Yeah I was getting to that."

I crossedy arms and braced my self for whatever bombshell he was about to drop.

"I didn't want to tell you all these while we've been in contact. But not that you're here it's best you know."

"Know what?"

He leaned back, eyes cold. "The company's drowning Elena."

My heart dropped. "What do you mean drowning."

"Stocks has gone down and the company has gone bankrupt. We've had to let go a few staff."

"Why did you never tell me."

"I didn't want to bother you as I thought I had it under control, and moreover there was nothing you could have done."

I shot him a look.

"Until now." He said thickly.

"What do you mean?"

"Julian Marks has agreed to keep us afloat. But on one condition."

I know I wasn't going to like this. "What condition?"

Liam's silence was louder than words.

And then flatly like it was a business and not my life, he replied flatly. "He wants you."

The floor shifted beneath me. "You must be joking."

"I'm trying to protect this family," he snapped. "And if this is how you'll contribute so be it."

My voice shook. "You're selling me off like property."

His expression didn't falter. "I'm trying to save this family Elena. Don't make this harder than it already is."

I didn't want us to get into a heavy argument and say things we'll both regret after. So I went outside to the gardens, dark clouds had appeared in the sky and the air already smelled like it was about to rain. My life and the weather can pass for twins.

How did I get here? Why had Liam never mentioned anything about the company going down? How would he take care of mum and keep things running?

So many questions were running through my mind and I didn't realized it had already started to rain. But still, I sat there. If only the rain could wash all my problems away.

"Mummy?"

I heard Sophie calling out from the back entrance, I quickly swipe my tears which was irrelevant as i was already soaking wet.

"I'm coming baby."

She was standing by the entrance door when I stepped in, she looked worried seeing me all wet.

"Why were you in the rain mummy?"

"Mummy was just having some alone time."

"But you'll catch a cold."

"I won't baby, who wants a hot bath?" I teased.

She jumps excitedly "I do!!!"

"I know you do" I said with a grin. The stress of the day disappearing into the rain as she runs excitedly to the room.

I ran my fingers through the dress hanging in my dresser, the silk and lace spilling over my hands. It was smooth, flawless, perfect, everything I wasn't.

Liam thought he was clever, sending it here before I could object. He wants to package me up like a gift and deliver me to Julian Marks with a ribbon on top.

My stomach twisted.

For years I'd fought to build a life away from all these, away from all the bargains and debt that had nothing to do with me. And now Liam had dragged me right back into the cage I had tried do hard to escape.

I clutched the dress tighter, my knuckles white.

The last time I'd worn a dress like this it had cost me so much, my heart, my innocence, my future.

And this time?

I wasn't sure I'd survive what it would cost me.

1202

Grayson

The city stretched beneath the floor-to-ceiling windows in a sea of glass and light, but I barely noticed. My tie hung loosely around my neck after an afternoon Zoom meeting with my top admins.

Three weeks since I arrived in Newport and two weeks to the opening of the Newport branch office.

"Mr Hale?"

I glanced up to see Bridget, poking her head in my office.

"Yes, Bridget,

"The furniture company just called, something came up and the furniture will be delayed by three days"

"Oh perfect, just the delay we need" I replied sar castically

"Trust me to tell them we'll be leaving a bad review after this." She added

"And the lighting guys, are they done?"

"Yeah all done, they just finished the last office"

"Good, that's progress at least"

"Indeed. I'm done for the day, would you be needing anything else"

"No, about to head out"

"See you tomorrow then" she responded and shut the door.

I leaned back in my chair and shot my eyes, the fatigue was starting to get to me.

Then Adrian sauntered into my office, hands in pockets, casual as ever.

"You look like shit" he teased

"Yeah, I feel like shit too"

"Seriously, you should get some rest. You've been working non-stop since you arrived" he stated,

"Have to, the opening is in two weeks. And things wouldn't get themselves done."

"You'll work yourself to death at this point."

He went over to my empty bar, save for one bottle of spirits, and poured himself a glass.

Adrian had been my partner in the startup of my business, till he sold his shares to me and went into the hospitality industry. His family's legacy chain. And we've been almost like brothers since then, no secrets kept from each other.

"So, have you heard?" He said

I looked up. "Heard what?"

"Seems you've not. Well, Elena Whitmore's back."

"Like hell."

The name hit harder than I expected. Guess no matter how much I lied to myself, I never got over her.

Five years, and she still had an effect on me.

After Adrian left I tried to get a bit of work done before heading home, but I just couldn't. The numbers on the screen kept getting blurred the more I stared at them.

My mind dragged me back to that night. Her soft smile, the curves of her petite form, the way she'd looked at me like I was worth more than the world.

And I left. Left to escape the monster my father wanted to make of me, but ultimately I'd left her without even saying goodbye. I was a fool.

Every day away from Newport had felt like I was being stabbed in my heart, over and over again. Guess I deserved the pain.

I grabbed my jacket and headed out of the office, my thoughts were driving me crazy with guilt.

The evening air was chill, as I drove around the city. Going home early would be another round of torture that I just didn't want to go through.

And just then I drove past the cafe shop. Yeah her favourite coffee shop, the one she dragged me into on a rainy afternoon.

I ended up parked by the waterfront, leaned against the railings watching the waves move calmly. A complete contrast to how I felt.

My phone rings

Bridget

"Hey, so an invitation just came through for you." She chirps

"What invitation?"

"Think it's about a charity gala, already mailed it to your home"

"Ok thanks"

"Guess you aren't home yet then, also remember to go over the final draft of designs I sent to your email."

"Got it"

I hung up the phone before she gave out further tasks I wasn't interested in tending to.

My phone rings again

"Oh, you gotta be kidding me..."

I pulled it out of my pants and Adrian flashed across the screen.

"Hey man, you home yet?"

"Nah, just left the office"

"Oh good, come over to Nadi's let's have drinks"

I ran a hand through my hair.

"You know I still got work..."

"You've been back in Newport for a week and stuck in your office. Come on, it's just a couple of drinks. You might even remember how to smile again."

"I smile."

"Yeah. Only when you close a deal. Also, it's my treat"

"Fine," I said, more to shut him up than anything else. "And I'm not staying late."

"We'll see about that."

He hung up before I could change my mind.

The drive to Nadi's took about ten minutes. It was one of the numerous old stores that have stood in business over time in Newport.

Nadi's was warm and low-lit, the kind of place where furniture had been worn out by decades of bad decisions and whispered deals.

Andrian was at the bar and already had a glass in front of him when I slid into the next stool.

I clasped his shoulder. "You couldn't even wait for me to get here"

"You were taking too long"

"Tell that to Newport's traffic"

He signaled to the barman. "He'll have what I'm having. Oh, and add ice matches his heart"

The barman smiled.

"Very funny" I replied sarcastically.

He smirks.

"How's the hotel doing, got a new manager yet?"

Since his last manager quit it had been a trouble getting another as qualified

"Still searching, but a few applications have come in."

"That's good."

After a few rounds, it had gotten late and I decided to call it a night, duty calls.

I straightened and Adrian shot me a knowing look.

"I know you aren't trying to bail on me"

"You already know I am, long day at the office. I still have some work to go over."

"Ok fine, I get it"

"Are you coming by the office tomorrow?"

"Maybe, the physical interview for the new manager position is tomorrow. So we'll see."

I clasped his shoulder as I stood up. "Don't stay too long."

He smirks. "You know I've always been able to hold down my liquor."

"We'll see tomorrow." I didn't want to go on bickering with him on who holds down their liquor better.

The drive back to my apartment was a blur of headlights and winter haze. Newport somehow felt smaller at night like the streets were closing in, pulling me into a place I had left behind.

I loosened my tie with one hand and pulled down the window, the cold air brought a little ease.

I dialed Bridget. She picked on the second ring.

"Hey boss, are you still out?"

"Yeah," I muttered. "Listen, I need a favor. The Newport Foundation Gala get me the guest list."

There was a pause. "That's not public, Greyson. We're not the host"

"That hasn't ever stopped you before." My voice was sharper than I had intended.

She signed. "Fine, give me fifteen minutes."

By the time I got home, the PDF attachment was already sitting in my email labeled simply "CONFIDENTIAL."

I poured myself a drink before opening it. I skimmed through the roles of names, investors, donors, and most families I had grown up resenting.

And then I saw it.

Whitmore, Elena.

Five years of silence, five years of wondering, and now her name was staring back at me. I let myself whisper her name out loud.

"Elena..."

It tasted the same, hurt the same.

And God help me, I knew if she was walking into that gala, no force on earth could keep me from her.