HIDDEN VOWS

Chapter 28

Dean frowned at the proverbial statement. "Come back when you're sober because right now, I have work to do. Leave or I will be tempted to call security," he said in unease.

Browned off by his words, Billion said, "Do me a favor and call the cops rather. I'd love to hear your explanation on how you got a minor pregnant and coaxed her to abort it without her family's consent."

Dean paled instantly as realization dawned on him. His jaws clenched while his eyes darted around the office in pure dread.

"How could you…" Billion grabbed him by the collar of his shirt and yanked him closer. "I fucking trusted you as a brother and a friend!"

"Miles, let me explain-" a blow landed on his face, cutting him off.

Not expecting such extreme violence, the punch sent Dean into a nearby visitor's chair, his white shirt tainted with the blood dripping from his broken nose. But that was the least of his worries.

"Go ahead and fucking explain how my own best friend wrecked my family!" Billion raged on.

"Miles, I know you're upset but let's talk like mature adults please," Dean implored, wiping his nose with a finger.

"You were really matured for seeking revenge after my drunk mistake when you used and dumped my sister," Billion let slip as he glowered at his friend. 

"I don't know what you've been told but I swear on my life that I didn't abandon Clarissa. I know it was stupid of me to have talked her into an abortion, but I was scared back then. By the time I reached out, your parents told me she had had an abortion, and I was served a restriction order. I stayed away because your dad threatened to have me rot in prison if I ever go anywhere near her…"

"I don't believe you! You're nothing but a fucking asshole! She took her own life because you ruined it for her!"

"I'm telling you nothing but the truth. I loved Clarissa and-"

Billion grabbed him by the collar, another blow whirling in the air. "Don't you dare take her name or I swear to God…"

"Bill?"

Dean sighed as if it was the Messiah himself who had come to his aid.

Billion on the other hand seemed to boil in rage upon seeing the girl behind his sleepless night. He had not forgotten about her rejection, and her seeing him in this state, angered him the more.

"My sister did not have an abortion, but you'll live with the pain of never knowing who your daughter is," Billion whispered to Dean.

He stormed out of the office, almost knocking over the dazed girl in his fury.

Emery took in the pale features of her boss and looked at Billion's retreating back. She rushed over to Dean, dropped the files on the desk and pulled some tissues out for him.

"I'm really sorry sir but I-" she looked back at the door in confliction.

"Go. He needs you," Dean urged.

Without delay, Emery dashed out of the office. The elevator had already closed behind Billion when she got there. Dammit. She ran into the public one, almost throwing a fit whenever the lift stopped at other floors for occupants to alight.

When the elevator came to a stop on the first floor, she wiggled her way between two gentlemen who were blocking her path and scuttled out.

Emery glanced up just in time to see him heading towards the underground parking lot. "Billion!" that earned her disapproving looks but she ignored them all.