The Billionaire's secret Love by Manogyna Marthi (readnow .txt) 📕

Chapter 16

Angelica

Today is the last day of my college and is also the day of my graduating ceremony. Till date dad has been with me in all my endeavours, be it a success or a failure in my life. When I won my first trophy in singing his joy knew no bounds and we celebrated it – my first success in an island park. My dad stayed with me in my murk too, whether it was the time when I lost my most favourite Barbie doll or losing my grade in maths when I fell sick with fever. He was my strength, the backbone of my existence always comforting me with words of encouragement and boosting morale. He was my father the biggest gift from God.

But today everything felt different. I had no one with me to share the glee. I look around with empty eyes, all my friends were busy taking pictures with their parents and loved ones while some were sharing sweets celebrating their success. My eyes were almost in tears when I see the most unexpected person walking towards me.

Trudging in long confident strides he felt like a marching Adonis in his turquoise suit and matching pants. "What are you doing here?" I ask Mr Augustus Martin trying to block my tears and speak confidently to him. "I am here to celebrate the success of one of my friends who is graduating today." He answers with a smile and drags me out of the crowd.

"Where are you taking me and where is your friend?" I ask while moving along trying to match his face. He glances at me for a moment and smirks. "You are one curious little thing. Aren't you?" He teases pulling my nose while I glare at him. After driving for around 20 minutes, we stop in front of a fancy restaurant. The exterior looked exquisite and opulent. The receptionist greets Augustus and me and brings us to one of the secluded corner tables which had a beautiful sea view.

A waitress comes to us immediately and he nods looking at her. She greets both of us and comes back within a few seconds with a mouth watering chocolate cake in her hands. "My love cut the cake." He gently instructs me. "Let us celebrate your graduation success." Saying those words he lights the candles. Putting a piece of cake in my mouth, he kisses my forehead holding my face in his big warm hands. "My Little cupcake I wish you all happiness in this world, success and fulfilment in life."  He whispers in his husky voice while he continues his hold on bringing in me the awakening of chivalrous thoughts I never thought I had.

I look at him incomprehensible. Something told me that he knew everything about my family.

*******

My dad is the hero of my life and my best friend. Since past few months he had been avoiding me and to say the truth it is tearing me to bits. He secluded himself always in his study drinking and smoking. I know his business is suffering great loss. But tribulation is the time when we have to stay strong. He was always there with me in my strong and weak times and now it was my time to repay. I have never seen my dad so broken and defeated all my life. He does now neither join me for dinner nor discusses about my future plans and college like the old times that we cherished together. I miss my dad.

It was almost eight in the night when I went home after having a graduation celebration party with my friends. As usual I miss the smiling face of my dad greeting me at the entrance. I was moving to the stairs to reach my bedroom when I hear the breaking of glass a few feet behind me followed by a series of curses.

Turning back I was left in shock as I absorb the breaking form of my dad. He felt completely drunk and wasted. With an empty bottle of scotch in his hands which now rested on the floor he looks at me in thunder bolted. "You are home princess, I did not expect you this early." He tells me with a soft smile. "I am sorry I couldn't make for your graduation ceremony. I was a bit busy." I meet his eyes and then at the shattered bottle on the floor. "I know with what you are busy dad." I rather murmur to myself. He looks at me defeated which gave me an impression that he heard what I just spoke. With tearing eyes he was about to drop to the floor when I reach him in time to hold.

"Dad let's get you to bed." I whisper laying his hand on my shoulder and help him to climb the stairs of the bedroom. I ease him on the bed and cover him with a comforter. Switching off the lights of the bedroom, I rush to my bed and breakdown to a yowl. I have no one in this world. I am alone once again.

After silently sobbing for I don't know how long, I hear my phone beep beside me. Taking a look at the caller-id, I understand it was from an unrecognised number. I try to ignore the call but it kept on ringing. Frustrated and with no option left, I pick my phone and say 'hello' to a stranger least mindful about the whimpering state I was in.

For a few minutes there was a silence adding to my irritation and weakness. I was about to cut the call when I hear him speak. Augustus Martin, the sweet alien in my life about who I have feelings unfathomable.

With no greeting and introduction he starts with his interrogation "Were you crying?" His voice was hoarser than usual. It is quite late in the night. Doesn't he go to sleep? "What's with your business? Don't you have any work except to keep a track of an unbounded deranged girl like me?" I counter him.

I hear a deep intake of breath on the other side of the phone and I hear him speak once again. "Are you okay?" I narrow my eyes unable to comprehend at his accurate but vexatious questions. "Why do you bother? Any how it's none of your business." I was about to cut the call but he retorts back in his business tone the next second. "Wait, don't put down the receiver and it is my damn business to speak to you and know how you are dealing with your alcoholic bankrupt dad. Besides I am here to offer you a deal."