What do you mean?
Dora’s POV:
I told you she’s not what she pretends to be. Stop defending her, Austin. Denying the truth won’t change anything. You love her, but does she love you? I want her to be happy, even if it means I have to stay away from her. Even if it breaks my heart.
Austin drove back to his apartment, his mind racing. “Why did you have to come back into my life, Dora?” he muttered under his breath. “Wasn’t it enough that I let you go once? Why are you making this so hard for me?” His thoughts were interrupted by a song playing on the radio. It was the same song he’d sung and dedicated to me when he proposed. The memory hit him like a punch to the gut.
Meanwhile, I stepped into my house, exhausted. My father was waiting for me, sitting on the couch with a cup of tea in his hands. “Dad, why aren’t you asleep?” I asked, surprised to see him up so late.
“Ah, nothing. I thought I’d have a warm cup of tea with my daughter. It’s been a while since we’ve spent time together,” he said, smiling softly.
“You made tea for me? You didn’t have to. I could’ve made it for you,” I replied, touched by his gesture. It was one of the little things he used to do for me, and I’d missed it. Ever since the divorce proceedings started, life had been chaotic. My parents had chosen to stay with me during this difficult time, even though I have a sibling. They’ve always been my rock.
“Now, now, can’t I make tea for my favorite daughter?” he teased.
“Don’t say that in front of Fiona. She’ll explode,” I joked, trying to lighten the mood.
But then my dad’s eyes narrowed as he noticed the change in my clothes. I was wearing something a little more revealing than usual, and I could see the concern in his eyes. My dad’s always been liberal, but when it comes to modesty, he’s old-school.
“Dad, I’ll go change first,” I said quickly, trying to escape.
“Dora, is there something you want to tell me?” he asked, his voice firm. His eyes landed on my bandaged wrist, and I froze.
“No, nothing, Dad. Why do you ask?” I stammered, my heart racing.
“Look at me, Dora, and say that again,” he said, his tone leaving no room for lies.
I hesitated, knowing he could always tell when I was hiding something. His gaze fell on my wrist again, and I could see the worry in his eyes. The gauze wrapped around it was hard to miss.
“Dad, it’s just a small scratch. Nothing serious,” I said, forcing a smile.
He stared at me for what felt like forever before finally nodding. “Okay, go change. I’ll warm the tea.”
As I walked away, I could feel his eyes on me. He knew I was lying, but he didn’t push. Just like my mom, I thought. She never shared her pain either.
I changed into a loose, full-sleeve t-shirt and pajamas, making sure my wrist was covered. When I returned, my dad was lost in thought, staring into his tea.
“Dad, are you okay? You seem distracted,” I said, breaking the silence.
“Dora, you know you’re our favorite child. You’ve never said no to us, not even when we arranged your marriage. Unlike your sister, who chose love over everything else.”
“Yes, I know. You’ve always loved me more,” I said, smiling faintly.
“Fiona’s expecting,” he announced suddenly.
My eyes widened. Fiona, my younger sister, had gotten married last year and lived in a different city. She was always the rebellious one, never taking no for an answer.
“Oh my God, that’s amazing! I’m so happy for her!” I squealed, genuinely excited.
“You won’t be too happy when you hear the rest,” he said, his expression serious.
“What do you mean?”
“She wants us to stay with her during her pregnancy. It’s her first delivery, and she’s nervous.”
“Oh,” was all I could say.
My dad watched me carefully, waiting for my reaction. I knew he was torn. Both his daughters were going through tough times, and he didn’t want to choose between us.
“It’s okay, Dad,” I said finally. “You’ve stayed with me for two years. You even missed Fiona’s wedding preparations because of me. I can’t keep you here knowing she needs you. Go to her. It’s just for a few months. I’ll be fine on my own.”
When he saw the genuine smile on my face, he relaxed a little. But then his eyes fell on my wrist again, and his smile faded.
“Dad, you always told me we fall so we can rise again. I’ve had my share of falls. Now it’s time for me to rise. I won’t disappoint you,” I said, trying to reassure him.
He beamed at me. “That’s my baby girl. We’re always here for you.”
“I know,” I said, hugging him tightly. I held on a little longer, knowing it would be a while before I could hug him again.
A week later, I helped my parents pack and drop them off at Fiona’s place. She’d insisted I come along, but I knew it was better to let them have this time together.
“You’ve changed,” Fiona said, walking into the kitchen where I was busy preparing tea.
“What? Do I look fat?” I joked, trying to lighten the mood.
“You wish. Even if you ate a whole turkey, you wouldn’t gain an ounce,” she teased.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay alone? You’ve never been away from Mom and Dad, except for your…” She stopped herself, realizing she’d brought up a sore topic.
“You know, Fiona, Dad loves me more than you,” I said, deflecting the conversation.
“What? Did he actually say that?” she shrieked, her face turning red.
“Why don’t you ask him yourself?” I grinned, enjoying her reaction. She started throwing a fit, and I couldn’t help but laugh at my dad’s pitiful expression.
When I returned to work, Sienna, my colleague, greeted me with a smirk. “Well, well, look who’s back. Someone was restless in your absence.”
“Who?” I asked, confused.
Before she could answer, I was called into Austin’s office. “Think of the devil,” Sienna muttered.
“Mr. Jess, you wanted to see me?” I said as I walked into his cabin.
He looked up, and for a moment, his eyes lingered on me. My maroon top and black pants seemed to catch his attention, but he quickly masked his emotions.
“Ms. Nur, good morning,” he said, his tone formal.
“Good morning, Mr. Jess. Do you have something for me, or can I leave?” I replied, keeping my voice neutral.
“You seem to be in a hurry. Did I interrupt a meeting with someone special?” he asked, smirking.
I clenched my fists, trying to stay calm. “No, Sir. Unless you want to chit-chat, I can stay here all day.”
“Even if I wanted to, I wouldn’t waste my time chit-chatting with you. Now, get your laptop and finish the report you were supposed to do before your unplanned leave.”
“Excuse me? Which report?” I asked, frowning.
“The one you were supposed to create before you disappeared for a week. I must say, I’m disappointed with your commitment,” he said, stressing the last word.
“Mr. Jess, as far as I remember, you told me to get out of your cabin. How does that make me responsible for unfinished work?” I shot back.
He smiled, his dimples deepening, and for a moment, I forgot to breathe. Focus, Dora. Focus.
“You were supposed to inform us before taking leave. Is that my problem?” he replied, his smirk widening.
“Asshole,” I muttered under my breath.
“You should learn a new curse word. Don’t you get bored of using the same one?” he said, catching me off guard.
I ignored him and said, “I was on leave, but the rest of the team wasn’t. You could’ve asked someone else to do the report. And as far as I remember, you said it was urgent.”
“Looks like Ms. Nur thinks she’s the boss,” he said, his composure slipping.
“I’ll email you the report before lunch,” I said, cutting the conversation short. It was going nowhere, and I just wanted to get out of there.
“Ms. Nur, this is the first and last time I’m telling you, follow orders. You’ll be working with me in the cabin from now on,” he said, waving me off.
As I walked out, I could feel his eyes on me. He was fuming, and so was I. Why did he have to make everything so difficult?
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