I Swear, Let Me Love You Again

Lydia’s POV:

I so wanted to speak but my father gave me a look that he had it under control.

“My son was in an accident and he’s up and starting with physical therapy.” My father began talking slowly, clenching and unclenching his jaw.

“I appreciate the concern but you all know the company is doing well. Our restaurants all over the country are doing and with the release of Lydia’s book only available in our restaurants, that alone served as publicity. The construction of the new hotel is going smoothly so far and our partnership with the Kings is profitable. I don’t believe I am in competent and unsuitable to still run this company but if I am we can vote on it now and I would step down and appoint someone as the interim CEO until Andrew Miller is fit and ready because everyone present here knows he is more than competent for the role.”

The tension in the room was thick, I could tear it up with a knife. Everyone was silenced and looked at my father who leaned back in his seat staring at Mr Houston whose facial expression was blank.

I stared at my father with pure admiration, he spoke like a true leader and if Andrew had heard this, he wouldn’t be stressed out in the slightest about feeling incompetent and trying to appease my father knowing he had full trust in him.

“So do we cast our votes?” I said and the whole room was pin drop silent. Suddenly a clap from behind was heard and another person on the board clapped then Chief Marketing Officer until the room was filled with applause. I joined in as well, smiling brightly and the shareholders clapped as well.

“I just want it to be known that I just got tipped off that things weren’t going well in the company. I apologize for showing distrust, I hope Andrew gets well soon..” Mr Houston spoke after the applause had died down.

“Thank you and I totally understand where this is coming from. Now, if you will excuse me, we have to be at the construction site.” He shook hands with Mr Houston and others before leaving with the COO.

My father was still taking on so many responsibilities even in his early sixties and he carried it so well. Sometimes I was grateful he had Patricia with him though I still had worries. I just pray he doesn’t get sick, everything continues to go well and Andrew can get back on his feet soon.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

End Of Flashback:

“That’s it.” Andrew’s face softened and he let out a breath.

“Don’t stress out, Dad and I are working on everything you might need, just focus on getting well. You have a company to run and a family to take care of plus a sister to spoil. Just focus on your therapy please, home or here.” I encouraged taking a seat next to him and Ari sighed.

“Let me excuse you two.” She stated and left without waiting for a response.

“It’s not that easy, okay? It’s not. I love you all so much for taking care of me and Ari, protecting my name and just being so supportive but I don’t know how long I can continue feeling this way.” He spoke looking straight ahead and I held his hand.

“What?” I questioned and he shrugged tapping his feet repeatedly.

“Feeling so dependent. I keep falling during therapy and it hurts me seeing Arianna watching me be so weak, I have to use anger as some type of shield. I hate it, I just want to be fully able to walk, take care of you all and be y’all’s support system, not the other way around.” I stared at him with hurt then grabbed his hand.

“Just lean on us, we are always our support system. Let us take care of you while you still need us because I know the minute everything is fine with you, you’re going to desert us. Or don’t you think Ariana is happy to see you being vulnerable with her. I’m certain before the end of this month, you will be able to walk on your own again. Just keep being motivated and keep pushing please. We are all rooting for you.” I pleaded and he nodded, squeezing my hand while I used my thumb to rub his hand softly.

“Now enough of this mushy mushy crap. What’s going with you? I read your book, you know. I got a lot of free time being here so I read it thoroughly.” He began and I chuckled.

“It’s one of the reasons I feel like this. You have been through so much, my sister, my own little princess was once Cinderella, like it makes no sense.” He spoke playfully and I rolled my eyes in a full circle amusement written on my face.

“I wasn’t cinderella as I didn’t find any Prince charming nor did I talk to birds so yeah…but you were my Prince charming, rescuing me from that place and bringing me to my castle.” We both laughed at the last part.

“Write a book about me next time. I think I deserve one.” He suggested and the thought lingered in my mind.

I don’t think I could ever write anything that could top the CLAPBACK. It captured a lot of hurt moments, moments I wanted to forget and the pain of each experience. I poured out my heart into it, the next book I will write should be a beautiful experience. That’s if I still had another book in me.

“About you? Yeah…no. I think this is the only book I will ever write.” I said and he shook his head in disapproval.

“Nope! You’re way too talented for that, just enjoy this book and travel around. Maybe you can find some inspiration and luckily it will be about me.”

Then we went back and forth arguing on whether he deserved a book or not.

Of course he did, I loved my brother for real.