Book one the Bella Rosen series The billionaire playboy

Chapter 17 Father's apology

I sit there with my mouth opening and shutting like a gold fish gulping for air. In my whole life I have never heard or seen this man apologise for anything. He is genuinely remorseful and his vulnerability is tugging at my heart strings. The Bella of old would have rushed in and showered him with hugs and forgiveness. Too much has happened which has changed me. I am no longer such a push over. There is something he hasn't touched on; it isn't just about building a bridge with me. He has talked about the incident with Travis but he hasn't indicated what he is going to do to fix what he did to Travis. I find my voice.

"Father I know why you and Travis fought. I know what you did to him. Perhaps if it was just about me I could give you the forgiveness you have asked for today. But it's not just about me. What you did to Travis was unforgiveable. You can't help who you love and he has as much right to be happy as everyone else. I have always been the best choice for your succession plan but you have been too set in your ways to see that. Travis has been unhappy for a long time but you just didn't care the only thing you care about these days is the company. Instead you have put our whole family under ridiculous pressure because of you ridiculously outdated beliefs. When did you become so rigid? How on earth do you call what you are doing love? Travis just like me has the right to have a family and our children reach the time they can choose if they want to be a part of the company. Choose father, choose not dictated to. I hate to think what this is doing to mum, have you even given that any thought at all? She has been at your side through it all and now you are at the time of your lives where you can relax and enjoy the fruits of you labour you appear to be doing your damndest to blow it all apart!"

That felt good getting that off of my chest!

My father eyes fill with tears and the remorse he is feeling is etched deeply in his face. "I will do everything I can to fix this with your brother. You are right the way I treated him was unforgivable. I have lost sight of what is important but I promise you I will do everything in my power to fix this. I know my recent actions don't seem to ring true but I want us to be a family again. Losing you kids and your mother would be unbearable!"

I was confused I said he should think about mum, I never said that she was going to leave him. What on earth is he on about?

"I never said she was leaving you I said you should think more about her!"

I have been such a fool "In twenty seven years of marriage your mother has provided unconditional love and support and asked nothing in return. She has had enough of my selfishness. Your mum has told me if I didn't fix this on my own this time she would divorce me and move to Greece with Travis!"

Go mum! I am impressed I didn't know she had it in her. I'm a little shocked and a lot impressed. It's about time she stood up to father. He has always been head of this family and mum has always been left with mending the fences he had broken. She would try to convince him to change his mind and when he wouldn't budge (the norm) she would support his decision. Shit just got real and he better listen to her or he risks losing everything,

I sigh "Ok father well this is a good start you. I appreciate how hard this has been for you and I appreciate your honesty. Go to Travis and speak to him next, grovel if you have to. I know eventually I will be able to forgive you but I'm not so sure about Travis you have hurt him badly. You need to work hard."

Hope shines from his eyes. "I know sweetheart. Thank you for hearing me out and giving me a chance to make this better."

I stand up walking over to him pulling him into a hug. I know my father isn't the most affection or emotional man but he is my father and I love him flaws and all. I hope for all our sakes he can fix this with Travis not just for Travis but for the sake of the whole family. He returns my hug maybe things are going to be a lot different.