An Agent's Love

22

22 | daddy dearest

As Asher pulled up to my father's driveway, I found the intense anxiety that creeped up inside me as I inhaled and exhaled a breath, bracing myself. I felt Asher's hand squeeze mine in reassurance, to remind me that he was there and if I needed him, I just needed to tug on his hand and we would be on our way.

Asher had changed into his suit and tie attire as if he was meeting my father for the first time. Eli had commented on it about how he should've worn a bowtie instead of a necktie.

As Asher and I both approached the front door, I knocked on it twice and was surprised to find my sister in her nightgown, a robe over her body as she greeted me with a kiss on the cheek.

"Welcome home," Everlace greeted as she invited us on, her bare face was something that was rarely seen on tabloids.

I almost gagged. "Do not say that, Eve."

Everlace let out a light chuckle. "I have some friends over but daddy's in his study. He says he's expecting you."

I thanked her as she quickly climbed back up the long staircase, smiling at me over her shoulder before disappearing around the corner. Asher, beside me, cleared his throat awkwardly as I led the way, turning around the corner as if a map was printed on the back of my hand.

I stood in front of the double doors to his study before knocking on it once, glancing up at Asher who gave me a look of confidence.

"Come in," my father's voice sounded from inside as I inhaled a sharp breath before opening the doors, walking inside. As usual, I found my father sitting behind his desk with his reading glasses resting on top of his nose and when he glanced up, his gaze was set on Asher who stood awkwardly beside me. "Evelyn."

"Daddy," I greeted softly as I approached his desk and greeted him with an awkward hug before taking a seat on the armchair. "This is Asher, my neighbour. Asher, this is Joseph Carrington."

Asher's jaw clenched as he shook my father's hand before stiffly coming to a stand behind me. He bent down and whispered in my ears, "I'm going to leave the two of you alone to talk. I'll be right outside if you need me."

I nodded as Asher excused himself, my father nodding way too fast as I watched Asher study my father's office as if he was remembering each detail before exiting the study, closing the doors behind him.

"I didn't know your type has tattoos," my father commented, taking a seat in his chair as he watched me.

I rolled my eyes. "We're just friends."

My father clicked his tongue as he picked up his pen and began to start clicking it, a habit he would do whenever he talked to me, even when I was a little girl. "Why did you come back?"

"Did you hire someone to threaten me?"

My father raised a brow at my accusation. "I would never hurt my family."

I scoffed, letting out a little laugh. "Says the one who cheated on his wife multiple times and ended up divorcing her without even talking about it in person."

My father exhaled slowly. "Your mother and I have a complicated relationship. But this isn't about your mother and I. Why have you accused me of such a thing? I would never hurt my daughters."

"Because I know," I answered sternly, narrowing my eyebrows in on him. "And you're scared I'm going to run my mouth so you decided to trash my place and threaten me by hiring your minions."

My father leaned back in his chair, shaking his head in amusement. "Evelyn, like I said, I would never hurt you. Threaten you? Maybe, but I know you will keep your mouth shut anyways."