A Nobody

Hudson's anger began to dissipate, replaced by the calm realisation that his daughter was no longer left to deal with that stigma. He never expected to see Selina there and would have left the party without meeting her if not for the commotion that had happened.

"If Selina hadn't shown up today, she wouldn't be in this mess. Honestly, I don't get why Mr. Zane made those girls apologize. What's his deal with her anyway?" Leah said nonchalantly, while Clarissa just shook her head.

Hudson shot Leah a disapproving glare before walking away to find Selina.

Clarissa attempted to follow her father, but Leah grabbed her arm, pulling her back.

"Don't even think about going after her," Leah scolded, her frown deepening on Clarissa. "She's an outcast, and we're not supposed to associate with her. Not even in public."

"Selina might be hurting. I just want to know if she's okay," Clarissa whispered, recalling the troublesome nature of those girls and imagining the hurtful things they must've said to her sister.

"If you're tired, we can go home," Leah uttered dismissively, releasing Clarissa's arm. "Let's find your father and return."

In the restroom, Selina scrubbed at the stain with a napkin, but it wouldn't come off despite her repeated efforts. Frustrated, she tossed the napkin aside and checked her reflection in the wall mirror.

Her weary eyes fixed on her reflection, recalling her life without a true identity. Ever since she was accepted into the Everett family after her biological mother's death, she had never been in the spotlight. She was given a chance to prove her worth, but her opportunities were derailed by an incident during her high school years.

The tears that have been prickling in the corner of her eyes, streamed down her cheeks as she remembered how exhausting it had been to struggle through those trouble times, which felt like they still lingered.

Just then, she heard Hudson's voice outside the restroom. "Selina, are you still there?"

His words broke her from her unpleasant memories. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her purse and stepped out of the restroom.

Upon exiting, she found her father waiting in the corridor, concern etched on his face.

"Selina, dear," Hudson whispered.

Without hesitation, Selina walked into his arms, embracing him tightly as her head rested on his broad shoulder. His warmth enveloped her like a comforting blanket, soothing the emotions brewing inside her.

"Father, is it wrong to feel ugly? They mocked me because I feel like a nobody," she murmured, sniffling on his shoulder.

"Dear, don't forget you inherited your mother's beauty, which every woman envies. You're not a nobody," Hudson replied, his fatherly voice sincere as he rubbed her back.

Selina shook her head vigorously. "But how long can I live like this? I don't want to be taunted and picked on." Her voice cracked with emotion as she sobbed.

"I'm sorry you have to bear this. I'm sorry for failing to protect you as a father. However, I'm keeping my promise to convince your grandfather that you have great potential and you are not a disgrace to our family," Hudson said, his voice heavy with regret.

"Please hang in there for a while," he added in a gentle tone.

His heart ached at his past hesitation to boldly claim Selina as his daughter. It hurt him that he had to meet her secretly after she was outcast at the age of fifteen.

"I'm really trying to make you proud. I won't do anything to embarrass you." Selina whispered.

It's never too late.

She wouldn't stop striving to achieve a prestigious identity that would prevent society from seeing her as a nobody. By doing so, she hoped to regain the acceptance, validation, and identity she felt she had lost, along with her rightful place in the Everett family.

They were her only true family.

"That's my girl. I believe you, and I will always be on your side," Hudson said, forcing a smile to remain positive about his daughter's situation.

"Thanks, Father," Selina replied gratefully, appreciating that he hadn't left her side.

She only had him and Clarissa.

Gently breaking the embrace, Selina locked eyes with Hudson. She understood that his apology came from a place of helplessness.

Reminded of the complicated nature of their relationship, Selina glanced around and noticed they were alone. "You can't be with me when Madam Leah is around. She might report it to Grandfather," she said, her voice filled with concern.

Hudson waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. I'll handle that with him, because I can't pretend I didn't see my precious, beautiful daughter tonight," he said with a smile.

Selina beamed at her stubborn father. "Fine then."

As a brief silence fell between them, Hudson noticed an expensive–branded necklace around Selina's neck, which he had given her.

His eyes widened in surprise. "Have you finally found a boyfriend? Did you have a date tonight? Who is he?"

Selina chuckled softly at her father's sudden rush of question as it lightened the gloomy atmosphere between them.

She timidly lifted her hand to caress the necklace. "I don't have a boyfriend yet," she confessed, a flush spreading across her cheeks as Hudson nearly choked on his saliva.

"Why are you wearing the necklace then? I bought it for your first date with your boyfriend—because a girl needs to look her best!" Hudson said, though his voice tinged with mild disappointment.

"I know, Father," Selina mumbled.

Hudson straightened his expression. "You're twenty-four, and Clarissa is already taken. Do you wish to die single? I was hoping for a son-in-law soon," he teased with a melodramatic sigh, feigning disappointed expression.

Selina squirmed, feeling shy. "It's not that I'm single... It's more complicated. Well, I have a crush on someone," she stammered, trying to explain.

She lowered her gaze as her mind drifted to Mr. Zane.

Hudson adjusted his medicated glasses. "Really?" His curiosity piqued, and his eyes sparkled with interest. "Who is he?"

Selina bit on her bottom lips, looking around the corridor as if checking for someone. She couldn't tell her father; he might ridicule her for liking someone so cold and indifferent.

Sensing her romantic turmoil, Hudson asked, "Does he know how you feel?"

"He doesn't know," Selina admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I haven't had a chance to tell him. I'm scared he might reject me,"

"It's a gradual process—don't rush it," Hudson advised, his tone calm and reassuring. "If he's a handsome, good man, don't hesitate to introduce him to me once he accepts you. I can't wait to be a grandfather," he teased once again, and Selina shyly nodded in agreement, feeling a flicker of hope kindle within her.

"Okay, Father," she said.

Just then, Hudson's stomach rumbled in the brief silence, causing both father and daughter to smile at each other.

"I guess your fat stomach never gets full," Selina teased, giving him a playful glare.

Hudson chuckled at her banter, adjusting his glasses again. "Of course! It never gets full because I missed your cooking, but, sadly, I can't have it tonight," he remarked, hinting at her mother.

"Then let's eat here. I heard Cassius's hotel cuisine is delicious," Selina suggested, her stomach rumbling at the thought of the anticipated meal.

"Let's eat as much as we can. The bill is on me," Hudson replied.

Selina interlocked her arm with his, nodding. "Okay, sir."

As they walked through the hallway toward the elevator, their lighthearted chats and laughter almost caught the attention of others around them, but they didn't seem to care.

They chose to indulge in their fleeting moment together, knowing it would be a long time before they could enjoy such time again. She was like the dark sky, and her father was the moon, always appearing at his appointed time.