18

Morgan's POV:

"Dad, you're being unreasonable."

My father stared at me, an unamused look on his face. He leaned forward, his chin propped on his palms as he rested his elbows on my desk.

"Why don't you sit down?" He said and gestured to the seat opposite him.

"I don't need to," I said with a sigh. "I know why you're here, and I won't do it."

"Morgan my dear child," he got to his feet and walked over to me. "I understand how you feel, believe me I do."

"Dad, I'm tired. And right now all I want to do is go back home and rest."

The kids were probably in bed by now. The birthday party had long ended. I received an information from Nora that my father was still at work. According to him, he refused to leave until I arrived.

"You entrusted this company to me, don't you trust my choices?" I asked.

"I do, but this is beyond personal reasons."

"Working with Dante Fontaine? Dad you know it's impossible. I can't do it. You of all people know why I didn't reveal my identity when I was getting married to him."

"Don't you think that was a mistake?"

I stared at him blankly. "If that was a joke, it wasn't very funny."

"It wasn't. Just think about it, the kind of empire we'd build if we partnered with Fontaine. Of course, strictly business."

I laughed bitterly. "And what would I have to pay for that? My sanity?"

"Just think about it, okay?" He placed a warm reassuring hand on my shoulder. "I'm sure you'll come to see it from my perspective. Think with your head and it your heart."

"That's what I'm doing." I grumbled.

He pulled me into a bear hug so tight that I couldn't breath. "You have cake bits in your hair."

"Urgh..." I groaned, but I circled my arms around him and hugged him back.

"We should start looking for another investor." I whispered sweetly to him.

"I'm sure you'll change your mind." He whispered back.

I won't. But I'm tired of arguing with him, it's like arguing with myself. I guess I know where I got my stubbornness from.

****

The digital clock on my desk read 9:02 pm. I sipped some of the coffee I had prepared as I flipped through my emails. Since dad won't look for investors, I'll take matters into my hands and send out the invitations myself.

My eyes felt droopy, and I was starting to make errors as I typed. I sure looked out of place, dressed in a fancy gown and pearls to the office. Dad had left a while ago, and it was just me and my computer.

My phone vibrated with a text. I picked it up and went through it. The first text was from Winston asking if I remembered to get some rest. Guilt settled in my heart, I was to rest under doctor's orders. But alas here I was, working late into the night.

"Not exactly," I typed back a reply and put my phone down.

Minutes later there was a reply. "Should I write a leave of absence for you?" Winston asked.

"You can, but I don't promise to adhere to it." I replied.

"I'll have the hospital mail it over tomorrow morning."

I found myself smiling. "That's okay by me."

"I found a Molly."

I paused, confused for a moment. Ah, Molly. Our imaginary not so imaginary dog.

"That's cute." I typed.

"I'd send you a picture, but I'm about to enter the OR. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Have a good night."

"Rest, please."

He's so cute, really. I glanced at the clock, it's soft blue glow. I should really rest now.

I turned back to my computer and sent the last emails. Once I was done I got to my feet and did a small stretch. Tomorrow, I'm going to make up for the wasted day today.

I took my bag and phone and turned to leave the office. Just then my phone started to ring. I stared at the screen the number unfamiliar to me. I was a bit skeptical, but I picked up the call.

"Hello?"

"Morgan,"

My expression turned sour as I heard his voice. I brought the phone down and ended the call. Wasting no time, I blocked his number. Not today.

I left the office and drove back home. I stopped by the store to get some ice cream and snacks. By the time I drove into our courtyard, it was ten pm.

Carrying the shopping bags and all, I made my way to the front door. I noticed a strange car parked haphazardly so close to the rose bushes that grew around the house.

A pink Porsche embedded with sparkling stones that I prayed to the heavens weren't diamonds.

Was dad expecting a visitor? Because I wasn't.

I walked into the house. I noticed it instantly, strange perfume in the house. I made my way from the foyer to the living room. Dad was there, talking and laughing excitedly with a woman. Her back was turned to me, and all I could see was long blond hair. Dad spotted me and turned around, a broad smile on his face.

"Morgan." He said. Slowly, his smile fell. "Come in, don't just stand there."

I took cautious steps froward. The first thing that crossed my mind was -- he has a girlfriend. But then the woman turned, and she looked too young for my dad. She rose to her feet. The next thing I knew she had reached over to me and tackled me into a hug.

"Hey!" She said excitedly. "I'm so happy to finally meet you!"

I caught myself before I could fall, my eyes wide with surprise. I grabbed her shoulders and shoved her off. The shopping bags fell to the ground. "Who are you?" I asked, unable to hide my grimace.

Dad walked up to us, a grave look on his face. "She is...." Dad strated to say but she chirped in.

"I'm your sister!"