I Swear, Let Me Love You Again

LYDIA’S POV.

THE SAME DAY AS NATHAN’S INTERVIEW.

“Good morning daddy. ” I greeted my father whose eyes were focused on his iPad as I took a seat at the dining table. I was dressed in a pair of sleek black pants, paired with a crisp white shirt and a black blazer. I paired the look with classic black heels and minimal jewelry, wanting to appear professional and polished.

“Good morning princess. You look beautiful. ” He complimented me with a smile, bringing out his aged handsome features. I thanked him for letting out a breath. I picked up a fork dishing five pancakes on my plate and I watched Patricia approach the table with a cup of coffee in her hands.

“Good morning Miss Lydia, I made it just how you like it. I hope you have a nice day at work today.” She smiled, setting the cup of coffee next to me.

“Thank you.” I observed her and my father made eye contact, she simply gave a head nod and turned on her heels. I didn’t want to give a thought adding to the stress of what was currently on my mind, so I simply drank out of my cup of coffee.

“How do you feel about today? There’s going to be a board meeting today to introduce you to the board members after which some time next week, the official introduction to the shareholders.” He explained and I nodded slightly slowly chewing my food.

“But not as your daughter right? Because people are going to question who I am, they are going to want to know where I have come from. I don’t want the media to assume I slept with—”

“Nobody is going to know anything which is why I was thinking, if you want to, you can move into a luxurious penthouse in one of the hotels. The media is already on your neck because of your ex-husband and as soon as they find out you are the new Chief Executive Officer they might even follow you around. Also, I don’t want to hear anything about what the media says about you, I just might sue them if they keep tarnishing your image.” He cut me off, I sighed deeply at his words.

Though I understood his reason for keeping my identity was for my protection, now I couldn’t comprehend why he still did when with just a single press conference announcing me as his child and due respect will be accorded to me. He failed to and deep down in my soul, I preferred it that way. People could say horrible things about me as the ex-wife of Nathaniel King but if they knew I was the only precious daughter of The Millers, I could be harmed or held hostage. So I just need to woman up and handle it.

“Do you understand Princess? You have all the qualifications to get into this position and don’t ever doubt that.” I stared at my father with a pout and he pinched my cheeks bringing a smile to my face.

“Yes father.” I picked up a cup and drank it all savoring the sweet milky taste.

“Now, let’s get going.” He rose to his feet and I grabbed my black Hermes bag. We walked out the house, while he entered into the Bentley with the driver already starting up the car.

“I will see you there?” My father asked right before the door was shut by the driver.

“Yes daddy, I’m not about to back down from something I have been hoping for all my life.” It was simply amusing that he assumed I might run back into the house after he left.

“Good, and I’m a very proud father.” It warmed my heart hearing that, and just after we bid each other goodbye. The driver shut the door and gave me a thumbs up, hurriedly starting up the car and driving out of the mansion.

I let out a nervous and slight excited breath hopping into my new car. I started the car and cruises out of the mansion taking in the beauty of nature blasting a song that often times gets me energized for the day, All The Way Up.

*******

After packing my car in the parking lot, a space reserved just for me, I stared at the skyscraper of the offices in astonishment. I had only seen this in pictures and maybe twice while growing up but now seeing it up this close was simply amazing.

“Good morning.” The receptionist at the front desk greeted me as soon as I came in. My ID card, keys to my office and letter of appointment had been sent out to me so I knew where I was headed.

“Oh Welcome Miss Lydia Taylor. ” She gave a warm smile calling me by my mother’s name I had used as my surname all my life.

I thanked her and got into the elevator, I pressed the 30th floor in which my office was. A bunch of staff rushed into the elevator talking amongst themselves, while I stayed behind adjusting my dark shades on my face listening to them.

“I heard there’s a press conference going on at King’s Industries.” That caught my attention but I already knew they were going to do just that as Mrs King did not play about their image nor their money.

“For real? I hope he slips up and we truly know if our handsome CEO is indeed a wife beater or not.” The other girl hummed in agreement.

“That’s by the way. Who knows, his wife might just be working in this company.” The other looked at each other with wide eyes and just like that the elevator dinged, indicating they had arrived at their floor. They instantly hopped out and continued gossiping amongst themselves.

How the hell did people know that piece of information?

Finally, I arrived at the floor and got off staring in awe at the interior designs and the luxurious surroundings. Everywhere was simply beautiful, as I continued staring about to end up in my office my phone dinged. I smiled reading the message from Lorena.

Have a lovely first day.

You got this❤️

I shot her a short ‘Thank you boo❤️’ and locked my phone. The front desk where I assumed my secretary would be was rather empty much to my dismay. I knew my assistant’s name was Roseline, she had emailed me the documents and the list of meetings I had to attend today.

As I step into my office, I am struck by the air of calm and order that greets me. The space is light and bright, with large windows that offer sweeping views of the city skyline. My desk is impeccably organized, with not a speck of dust in sight. The shelves are filled with books on finance and strategy, and a sleek laptop rests on the desk. My eyes caught a pink white mug with a red ribbon on it, I smiled when I read from Andrew just telling me I shouldn’t trip over anything at the board meeting.

I took a seat on my Steelcase Leap Chain enjoying how comfortable and soft the chair was. Turning around, I smiled taking in the beautiful scenery outside and a knock came through the door.

“Good morning Mrs Lydia, I’m so sorry I’m late. Here is your cup of coffee and the documents on the last compilation of the financial report. Also your meeting with the board is in the next five minutes.” My eyes bulged out of my socket hearing the last part. I glanced at my cartier wristwatch realizing it was indeed five minutes to eight and I was so caught up with the new office, I had totally forgotten.

“Where is the board room?” I asked in urgence jerking up from my seat and she decided to just lead the way. As we headed towards the board room, I couldn’t help but notice the stares and murmuring and I could have sworn I saw someone take a picture of me. But I didn’t pay them any mind, nothing was going to bring me down.

*

“You must be the new CFO, I’m the vice Harry Fletcher.” We shook hands right before the entrance of the board room.

“Lydia Taylor.” I gave a polite smile, shaking his hand firmly. He looked like we were in the same age bracket, tall, cute man who seemed like he was in tech with his nerdy look.

“Let’s go. We were all awaiting your presence.” I took a deep breath and remained my composure as we walked into the board room where various directors discussed among each other. There were two seats left which were reserved for Harry and I.

While strolling to my seat, I noticed all eyes were fixated on me. Andrew and I made eye contact and I made sure to not trip.

A minute later, the meeting began with my father as the active CEO speaking. I couldn’t help but wonder what Andrew’s duty was when my father was letting up on his role as CEO. Even after promising Andrew some time ago.

“Let’s Welcome our new CFO, Miss Lydia Taylor.” They all rounded into applause and members next to me shook hands with me, saying welcome. Just like in every organization, there were some who weren’t pleased and did not fail to hide it.

But look at me, Lydia Miller Taylor, Chief Financial Officer of one of the biggest organizations though influenced by my father. But yayyy.

**********

I had just concluded a meeting with the marketing team to discuss budgets, when I arrived back in my office. Lunch was already seated on my table so I headed straight to the office of the person I know who would spoil me like this.

“You just love me uhn?” I barged into his office after making sure he was alone. He looked from the files in front of him and smiled. I let out a breath of relief meeting him like that, at least he was neither smoking nor with a woman.

“You’re no longer my little girl at this point. You’re all grown up and I just want to cry.” Andrew faked tears and I giggled while sitting on his couch while opening my food.

“Thank you for this.” He hummed just staring at me.

“What?”

“Nothing.” I didn’t say anything knowing he would spill it in 3, 2, 1.

“I was just watching your ex-husband’s press conference before you got here. And wow, they were on his neck. Do you want to watch it?” I shook my hand, ‘No’ taking a full spoon out of the pasta in front of me.

“Okay.” He opened his device and continued watching it, increasing the volume.

“….. We separated for personal reasons, reasons any woman who isn’t too happy with the patterns of her husband leaves. A reason in which a woman who feels empty and alone in a marriage could possibly understand. I take full accountability as my wife was perfect but I had issues to deal with.”

The words coming out from Nathaniel and the way he sounded was almost like he regretted his actions. But I knew better, I knew he was just trying to get the pity of the media and masses. As long as they didn’t make me the bad guy. I was totally fine.

“I’m just imagining if he told the media it was just a contract. The whole nation would be on his tail.” Andrew joked and I laughed small.

What if he indeed regretted how he treated me in our marriage?

******

After a long day, I arrived back in my father’s house reflecting on my day.

Should I move into a penthouse? Did I do well today?

A thought on how Nathaniel crossed my mind because later on, I joined Andrew to watch the entire thing. I don’t care about him though because he and his entire household are liars.

I sat at the edge of my bed and my phone’s screen lit up. I scrunched up my face reading the content of the message.

This is Mrs King’s assistant.

She would like to invite you to a charity ball the company is having and she demands your presence there. No room for Yes or No.

Have a nice night. Details of the event will be sent to you.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

I laughed humorlessly and shut my phone.

Tsk, tsk, Mrs King.