i look at you and
i see my future
it is gorgeous and bright
- Simplygeorgy
Ivan
"I will send you a copy of the script for you to read over in the next coming weeks, before the trial. Don't worry at all, we've got this."
As I curtly nod at my last client of the day, I begin to gather all the papers that were scattered right in front of me on the table. My client greets me goodbye and then leaves while I finally relax after a very hectic day.
Today has been the worst days of all days, since it was the first week on the new job, I haven't had a second to breath. I was working on high profile cases, fraud, white collar crime and even murder and it was definitely a change. For a second, when I rest my head back, I wondered why I even began this work because this made me realise that it's nothing I wanted to do. I was reminded that this all happened because of my father, who couldn't give a shit about me.
As I dwell in my thoughts, the sun had already settled and the dark sky took over. I inhaled a breath when a knock from the other side of the door harshly pulled me back to reality, and suddenly I was urged to pack up already and leave.
"Yes, come in."
The door opened but I didn't glance at whoever entered because I was busy packing the rest of my things up. However, when I heard their voice, I dropped everything and glanced up.
"Hello son."
When I glance up, I was met with Ortega. He walked in and stood at the centre of the room while Andres stood next to the closed door. I glanced at Anders for a split second and when I did, he gave me a curt nod, as a greeting and I responded by doing the same because I still had my respect for him. Anders was more of a father to me that Ortega ever was, which was the only reason why I despised the fact that I was seeing Ortega right now.
"What are doing here?" I ask plainly as I avoid him, while I continue to pack and sigh tiredly. Ortega had not spoke a word yet which only proved to me that he was observing me intently. I could feel his eyes boring into me but that didn't effect me, not at least anymore. Before, it did. And when it did, I hated it.
"Last time I checked, it's a free world son. I can come and go as as I please." He chuckled and then sat down on my couch opposite my table. "How have you been son?"
A wry laugh escapes past my lips as I continue to pile the scattered papers, this was unbelievable. When mom died, not only did I lose a mother but I also lost a father. It was like as if when she died, he stopped becoming a father to his children and it was truly a pain to endure because now, I was living with the consequences. Ever since mom died, he had never asked me this question, in fact he had not even shot a glance at my direction. All that ever mattered to him was his work and what other people would say.
Once I gathered everything, I grab my coat and head for the door as I continue to laugh, wryly but when Ortega stood up and stopped me, I had no choice but to stop and face him once again.
"I wasn't finished Ivan." He said, "Please come and join me, take a seat."
I glare at him for a second before I move slowly towards the table and sit down, as I did, Ortega returned to his seat. When silence comforted us, Ortega severed it immediately when he cleared his throat.
"Ivan, you need to return to Los Angeles, right away."
"Why?"
"Because your life is there."
I blankly stare at him as I endeavour to understand him because at the moment, I understood nothing. My fists were clenched under the table as my anger was kept at bay, it was futile to speak to this man really, he didn't understand anything.
"Is that it? If so, goodbye-"
"Sit right back down," His voice boomed, catching me right off guard. "you're going to leave when I say so."
"Alright," I chuckle and rub my chin, "you wanna be my father now? Fine, go ahead. Let's see how good you are at this game."
Ortega glanced at me before he reached for something that Anders handed over to him. I glance at Anders but he avoids my face at all costs, based off from his behaviour, I already knew that I was going to be fucking pissed.
"What is this?" I spat as Ortega threw the paper towards me. The thick band of paper slammed on the table, right in front of me as my brows furrowed together.
"Sign it. It's an extended contract to the existing one."
As Ortega continued to speak, I clenched my jaws and glare at the paper. A sheer amount of anger filled my system, to the brim as I watch him with hatred. There was no fucking way I was going to sign anything that he told me to, I would only be getting myself into deep trouble that I'd have to face consequences to all on my own.
"It's wise for you to go ahead, considering the fact that Estella is bearing your child."
I exhaled a frustrated breath before I stood up from my chair and headed towards the door, abandoning the papers he offered. As I walk away, I could hear my father standing up on his feet.
"I'm going home. Goodbye Anders, be sure to fly his ass back to Detroit, away from me."
"Go home to what son? Your pregnant wife that you don't even acknowledge anymore, that doesn't even live with you anymore?"
My foot reached to an abrupt stop when I neared the exit door, his voice boomed throughout the office and instantly, my blood boiled in my body. I was tempted to throw a fist at his face but I restricted myself because I had control, I learned to have control over the years. I glanced over my shoulders before I turn around to face him, he was heaving as anger was present on his face.
"I'm going home to my daughter that I have to fight for, so hard, every fucking day because of you." I growl as I glare resentfully at him, "That's where I am going."
"What daughter? Don't fool yourself son, that girl isn't even your child."
I glare at him as my fists curl into a ball, I wanted to break his face. I was so angry, I couldn't think straight right now. All I wanted to do was hurt this man and I hated it. I despised this relationship I shared with my father because mom taught me to do better, and that was the only reason why I would ignore anything he said.
"You knew about my daughter and didn't have the audacity to inform me. You have no right to dictate my fucking life, especially not right now. Get out of here and don't even ever think about returning here. You're not welcome here."
Just as I turn around to leave, Ortega spoke once again.
"You're angry at the wrong person Ivan. If you really want to know the truth, ask Lana yourself. Ask her what happened on the day you both were supposed to get married."
***
As I reach my designated area, I saunter towards the door with a thought lingering in my mind. I felt bothered, only because I know I was influenced by Ortega's lies. I inhale a breath and knock on the door before I exhale out, experiencing relief settle into my system when I hear a pair of small feet smacking the laminated floor, stroming towards the door. A chuckle erupts from my lip as I wait for the door to open and once it did, I felt a wave of contentment just at the mere sight of her.
"Ivan!"
"Hey sweetie."
Amelia released the door handle as I kneeled down to reach her height and as I did, she jumped towards me. I caught her just in time and embraced her, she wrapped her arms around my neck and giggled as I kiss her cheeks. I was engulfed with her heart-warming embrace and it overwhelmed me when Amelia laughed and squealed excitedly.
"I'm so happy you came back Ivan, I was waiting for you."
"Amelia!"
Both Amelia and I were caught off guard when Lana's voice resonated through the condominium, also making Amelia flinch. Amelia shot a glance towards the direction her mother's voice had echoed from, before she clutched onto my neck. "Baby, you can't just open the door like that."
Just as she finished with her sentence, Lana appeared in the lounge. Fear flashed her eyes before they were taken by relief and surprise. My brow knit together as I glance at a tensed Lana, she stopped in her tracks and released what seemed like a breath of relief.
"I'm sorry mommy, I was waiting for Ivan and he came!" She chirped, "I won't do it again mommy, please don't be mad at us."
"Baby," she sighed and then approached us, a small frown reached her lips as she began to stroke Amelia's head once she reached us. "I'm not mad at you or Ivan, I just don't want you to do things without telling me. Okay?"
She nodded her head and then returned her attention back to me with a huge smile.
As Lana faces me, I lean closer to kiss her but she swerved her lips away, only for me to kiss her cheek. I bite my lips as I suppress a chuckle when I glance at Lana, she chews her lips for a second and blinks at me before a small smirk reached her lips.
"Missed me?" I mumble and feel a small smirk creeping up my lips, Lana shakes her head as tint of red appeared on her cheeks.
"Missed you?" She chuckled and rolled her eyes away, endeavouring so hard to conceal any evidence of the opposite. "Come on in Ivan, dinner is ready."
I continue to watch her as she walks away casually, like as if she had not just teased me. I chuckle as I clench my jaws before I crane my neck towards Amelia and smile. Amelia giggled again as she grabbed my cheek and leaned closer to my ear.
"Ivan, mommy is a naughty girl."
"Why? What has mommy done?" I laughed and pulled away as Amelia covered her mouth with her fingers and giggled,
"Mommy lied about not missing you, she misses you everyday because she sleeps with your tie."
***
Due to the events of today, I couldn't help but feel subconsciously drained. Usually, I wouldn't allow Ortega to get to my head like that but today was an exception because it involved the one person I was deeply infatuated with.
Just as I stumble deep in my thoughts, Lana appeared in the surrounding area. Since it was getting a little late, Lana went to put Amelia to bed after we all ate our dinner together. Dinner was filled with laughs and teasing, it was a good feeling and an atmosphere. Amelia is a bright child, she understood too much for her age and sometimes, it was hilarious.
As I dry the rest of the cutlery we used today, Lana saunters towards the kitchen and sighs.
"Well... she's totally knocked out."
I glance at Lana and notice how her eyes were heavily drawn with fatigue. It seemed as though she hadn't had a good nights of sleep. I abandon everything from my hands and reach for her.
"Come here." I mumble, she glanced at me for a second before she reached for my hand and held it.
Once she did, I pull her closer to me and capture her with my lips. I kiss her firmly yet gently as I caress her arms and then placed my hands on her hips. Lana wrapped her arms around my neck and kisses me back, her lips moves in sync with mine, her perfect tongue gliding all over my mouth, leaving me demanding for more. As I pick her up, I place her down on the kitchen counter and continue to kiss her, demanding more access. She wrapped her legs around my waist, locking me in, restricting me from moving away and the sensation was so stimulating. She moaned gently as she ran her hands through my hair, before she returned them on my shoulders.
She is, and always be mine.
"Ivan, let's go to bed."
I pull away from her and watch her, her eyes were stirring with desperation. She gazed at me with salacious thoughts, it was obvious the second her tongue glided across her kissable lips. Her breath was hot and heavy as her gaze turned into a glare, like she was ready to pounce me. She blinked at me while I clench my jaws as I endeavoured to control myself, or I'd really take her here, in her kitchen. Her eyes twinkled with hope as she demanded for this so I caress her arms before I take her hand in mine, once I did I kissed them and glance back at her.
"Yes, we will." I mumble as I kiss her soft skin, "But Lana, I want to ask you something."
Immediately, every single ounce of emotion she felt a second ago had disappeared. Lana watched me and for a second, concern flashed her eyes, before they were concealed with nothing. Her nose twitched for a second as she licked her lips again, it was so difficult for me to restrict myself, for now.
"What's the matter Ivan?" She asks as her hand reached my face, her thumb slowly and gently caresses my face and instantly, I fall victim to those thrilling touches. "Is something wrong?"
"I met my father today and we had a challenging conversation in which he really tried to provoke me." I say. She watched me intensely, her round eyes were still as they wondered. "What happened on the day we were supposed to get married?"
Lana gazed at me before her eyes relaxes, it seemed as though she released a breath that she was holding inside of a few minutes. However, I couldn't help but notice the slight frown that ran across her face for a second. Her eyes were sad before they returned back to normal.
"I was ready for you and you... you just left." She sighed heavily and then a deafening silences welcomed us. I felt a pool of penitence at the pit of my stomach as I had no idea what to respond to that. I didn't have nothing to say because realistically, I had no excuse to justify my actions of that day. I left Lana for my sake, I left because I was selfish and I couldn't explain it. After that, I hated the idea of my life with Lana because I needed a new start.
As I lose myself in a reverie, I felt Lana's feathering touches comfort my neck, instantly I felt goosebumps taking over my whole body. I shuddered as I glance at her, her eyes were soft as a small smile reached her perfect lips.
"Ivan, if we want to make this work, we need to move on from the past. Everyone makes mistakes and they learn from it, you can't keep dwelling on the things that have happened in the past." She explains and the more she spoke, the more I was falling for her. "I want this with you Ivan, I really do but I need you on this one with me. I need you to move on, forget what your father says. Forget what anyone says, it's just you and me."
As I gaze at Lana, I couldn't help but feel the overwhelming sensation of happiness and contentment. There were countless days where I would sulk about how much time I have lost with Lana but right now in this moment, I felt a deep ache in my chest. I wanted to turn back time to the day of our wedding just so I could marry her in the alter that day. Life would have been so different but I knew it would be for the better. I tried so hard to keep my composure together, and I did, only until I was alone I was release everything.
I was angry at myself for fucking my life up the second I decided to step on that plane and fly to California without Lana. I had no sense in me to realise that I would be missing out on something so great to have in life. However, I was using my time right now to prove it that I want her badly, and I was going to go through lengths to make her mine, again.
Lana bites her bottom lip as she gazes down at me, a sense of familiarity flashes across my eyes as I watch her face twist into a compelling emotion, one I could never resist, the same one she welcomed earlier. My hand automatically reaches for her face before it cupped one side, my laboured breath relaxed when I pull her towards me and kiss her lips possessively.
This time, Lana reacted with a stimulating response.
She began to sink her teeth into my lips as she wrapped her legs around me. I caress her back and groan as the pain was extremely satisfying.
"Let's go to bed." I groan as I whip her away from the counter table and walk towards her room, my hand steadily under her as her legs wrapped firmly around my torso.
One day, I will make her mine forever.