FLASH MARRIAGE; CHARMED BY THE RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE CEO - Chapter 34

Chapter 34: Unburdened

Pascal smiled inwardly impressed by Amelia’s response.

“Ouch! That stings. But, as long as you’re safe, I’m good.” Lin’s smile didn’t get to her eyes, as she clenched her fist behind her back. “Please, come with me. Your father is waiting.”

“Kindly lead the way.” Amelia gestured forward.

“Sure.” Lin turned around, the plastered smile on her face vanishing like it was never there.

“Hello, Amelia.”

“It’s good to see you, Amelia.”

“You look awesome, Amelia.”

Some of her father’s subordinates greeted her warmly as she made her way towards her father’s office.

“Boys, this is as far as you go. You are not allowed to enter the senator’s office unless you’re one of us.” Lin pointed at the couch inside the senator’s secretary’s office, a hint of mockery lacing her tone.

Amelia turned to Pascal and Clay who looked like they were about to punch their fist into Lin’s face.

“I can take it from here guys. I won’t be long.”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Ma’am..pff…” Lin scoffed under her breath as she led Amelia into her father’s massive and well-furnished office.

Senator Gregory was busy signing some documents on his desk when Amelia walked in.

“Hello, Dad,” Amelia forced a smile on her face even though she was deeply hurt by her father’s betrayal.

“Amelia….” Senator Gregory dropped his pen on the table and took off his reading glasses. “…you came.” He stood up and hurried around the table to go receive his daughter.

“Dad…” Amelia’s words caught in her throat as her father pulled her into his arms for a warm embrace.

“Thank you for honouring my call.”

“It’s fine, Dad.” Amelia pulled free from her father’s squishy hug.

“Sir, I will be waiting outside in case you need anything,” Lin said in a monotonic voice.

“That’s fine, Lin. Inform my secretary to get my daughter some blueberry muffins and some pineapple juice.”

“There’s no need for that, Dad. I won’t be staying for long. Thank you, Lin.” Amelia said, signalling her to leave.

‘Insufferable b*tch.’ Lin smiled through her teeth and left the office, shutting the door behind her.

Let’s sit down.” Senator Gregory led his daughter to the white double-seater sofa in his office and they both sat down.

“Amelia…”

“Dad….”

Both of them said at the same time and chuckled.

“You go first.” Senator Gregory said as he took both of his daughter’s hands into his, stroking them tenderly.

“Dad, I have decided to end things with Jerry.”

“So I have heard.” A crease appeared on the senator’s face. “I was informed by Regina that he stopped by the house earlier today claiming that you divorced him. Don’t you think you are being irrational? There are better ways to settle this instead of opting for divorce.”

“I’m not being irrational, Dad” Amelia’s brows furrowed, clearly disgusted at the mention of Regina’s name and her dad’s choice of words.

“You don’t expect me to remain married to Jerry after he cheated on me not once, twice or three times with my stepsister. This thing between them didn’t just start overnight. After speaking with Gwen at the office today, I’m convinced that she is in love with him and I’m just doing her a favor to step out of the picture. Or would you have me stay in an unloved marriage and a dysfunctional home?”

“No…but…”

“There is no but dad.” Amelia cut her dad off pulling her hands away from him. “Jerry and I are history. I’m moving on with my life. He can marry Gwen for all I care. I just want to be happy or don’t you want me to be happy after everything that has happened?”

“Of course I want you to be happy darling.”

“Then it is settled.” Amelia’s eyes were filled with determination breaking her father’s initial resolve. “I just need you to support me in this Dad. At least you owe me this much for what happened two weeks ago.”

“What about your grandma? What about the rest of the family? They all think you’re making a huge mistake?”

A deep crease lined Amelia’s forehead. “It’s my life, Dad, not theirs and I’m not making any mistakes, leaving a man who clearly doesn’t respect me as his wife. I’m freeing myself from a possible toxic relationship.”

“Hmmmm…” The senator released a long and defeated sigh. “Alright, I will stand by you if this is what you truly want.”

A smile replaced the frown on Amelia’s face as she involuntarily launched herself into her father’s arms. “Thank you, dad.”

“Does that mean you have forgiven me for my past mistake?” The senator pressed a kiss on the centre of her head, beaming.

“Maybe…” Amelia pulled away from him, her cheeks glowing. “…maybe not. Just know you owe me.”

The senator laughed heartily. “Alright, my love.”

“So what were you going to ask me?”

“Umm…” The senator hesitated before saying. “It’s about your sister and you firing her from your company because of her affair with your husband.”

“Ex-husband, Dad.” Amelia corrected. “Remember we already divorced.”

“Yeah… I’ll try and get used to that.”

“Well, the truth is that Gwen made a lot of bad decisions that placed the company at risk of bankruptcy. And breaking my trust in her isn’t something that can be overlooked. As a businesswoman, I can’t afford to run my company based on empathy.”

“That is a solid point.” Her father nodded his head.

“I’m sure with her vast knowledge in marketing, you could help her secure a job in other companies.” Amelia’s voice was laced with a hint of mockery.

“Sure, I’ll speak to some of my friends.”

“Then it is settled.” Amelia picked up her back, standing up.

“Are you sure you will not join me for…” The senator checked the time on his phone, “…an early dinner at your favourite restaurant?” He asked rising up to his feet.

“Some other time, Dad.” Amelia leaned closer and pecked him on the cheek. “I have to run along.”

“Alright, my sweetie. Stay safe and call on me if you ever need anything.”

“Sure thing, Dad.” Amelia kissed him as she left his office unburdened.