THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE

Nathan’s POV

The week had been draining mentally and physically. Fuelled by a hint of hope that Judith was finally reaching out to me, I hurried over there just to encounter the most shocking revelation ever: Felix intended to drag me to court unless Judith marries him.

At first, it was difficult to wrap my head around the whole scenario, but I was able to formulate a decision-not exactly a good one, though. Well aware that I shouldn’t complain, considering the fact that I put her in such predicaments, I braced myself up for the consequences.

I had forewarned my father about the unfolding drama, but he remained steadfast in his resolve, vowing that he would not stand idly by while his beloved son faced ruin. He swore to take any measures necessary to keep me out of harm’s way. Despite my protestations that I ought to atone for my sins, he remained resolute. I suggested explaining the situation to the authorities myself, but he vehemently opposed the idea, threatening to disown me if I dared to proceed.Belongs to (N)ôvel/Drama.Org.

As I pondered my father’s potential method of saving me, I began wondering if I actually needed saving. I have lived a reckless and sinful life, so it’s only just that I get a taste of my own medicine.

The slow passage of time only increased my being nervous, scared, and more miserable than ever. Constantly, my heart pondered incessantly, but I struggled to maintain my composure.

Judith and I constantly talked over the phone, and I think it was this gesture that kept me sane; maybe without it, I might have succumbed to the pressure and committed suicide. At least she was reaching out to me now, and for that, I’m immensely grateful.

As for John, he seems to have this wide grin on his face anytime we cross paths at work. The smile seems to convey that he knew about my troubles, or perhaps he was even the orchestrator. I lacked the courage to confront him, so I continuously walked past him without acknowledging his attempts at friendliness.

One evening, I was exhausted and frustrated. I sank onto my bed, hoping to take my mind off my troubles for a while by watching television. After flipping through several channels without finding anything interesting, I gave up and decided to take a nap. My phone began to ring, displaying an unfamiliar number.

Picking up the call, I heard an unfamiliar voice over the phone. “Is this Nathan Everton?” the voice demanded in a soft tone.

“Yes, it is,” I replied, and I felt a sting of fear. It seems what I dreaded the most was already here. It was already a week before the before the deadline that Felix gave, and despite my preparedness, it was still difficult to accept.

“This is the police. We would like you to come in for a brief question. As Mr. Felix made some allegations against you,

Parting my mouth to give an answer but nothing came out. “Are you there?” The voice prompted calmness.

“Oh I will. I definitely will,” I replied, stammering, and he eventually ended the call.

I immediately called my father and informed him of the situation. He advised me not to panic and to remain calm, as he had everything under absolute control. Unaware of his countermeasures, I hurriedly took a shower, dressed up, and drove to the police station.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by three lawyers my father had already designated. We exchanged pleasantries and introduced ourselves. These were the best lawyers in the country, and I marvelled at the lengths my father would go to protect a wayward son like me.

We all walked into the precinct, and I saw Felix, who welcomed me with a fake smile. For some reason, I could read mockery and satisfaction on his face. Ignoring him, I walked over to a detective, who informed me that I had been summoned over for some questioning.

Acknowledging my presence, he stood up and gave me a handshake. He offered me a seat directly opposite him, apologised for any inconvenience, and also explained how they must perform their duties and confirm allegations regardless of whether they were true or not.

He spoke to someone on the phone for a while; I guessed it was his superior, given his deferential and respectful tone.

He hung up and said, “The chief said I should escort you to his office. Shall we? He asked respectfully. Who wouldn’t respect the name Everton? If not for the fact that it would look suspicious, my father was capable of dealing with the situation without me having to come over to the precinct.

We all proceeded to the chief office alongside Felix and his young, timid lawyer. The presence of his superior in the field must have killed his confidence.

Inside the office, we exchanged greetings with the chief and took our seats. “It’s good that you are here, Mr. Nathan. We tried reaching you at your office today but were unable to get through. I understand, given your busy schedule,” he said with a chuckle and a smile. “It’s getting late, so we’ll be brief with the questioning.”

I nodded affirmatively.

“Mr. Nathan, this young man, Mr. Felix, made some allegations against you,” he said as he gestured towards Felix. He then began narrating the allegations with a tone that suggested scepticism and asked for my own explanation.

At that moment, I was lost for words. I don’t know if I should go with my plans of pleading guilty or my father’s suggestion to deny it vehemently. Once I denied it, Felix’s plan was to use the kids as evidence. I wouldn’t let that happen.

Fortunately, one of the lawyers gave me a timely cue to remain silent. He turned to Felix and queried, “Mr. Felix. Do you have any concrete evidence to prove your claims?”

“Prove my claims,” he repeated. “Yes, I do have evidence,” he added boastfully. His lawyer remained silent, like he were an inconsequential presence.

At this juncture, I was already getting scared because I knew he’d mention the kids. I began trembling internally.

“Where is the evidence?” another lawyer demanded, seemingly impatient. I already expected my father to explain the situation to the lawyers. “So are they being dumb or what? I cursed internally. “They shouldn’t have asked for evidence. I thought. “As this could potentially precipitate a calamity,” As I felt my hands grow increasingly sweaty, I knew I had to intervene. I was aware that Judith would never forgive me if the children’s identities were exposed.

Just as he was about to say something, we heard a sudden knock on the door that broke the silence. The chief notified the visitor to enter, and the door swung open, revealing someone I would have never expected to see. My gaze fell on a very familiar face that strolled confidently in towards us. Her heels echoed, and her cologne filled the silent office.

“Hello, darling,” she said, halting in front of me. Her soothing voice brought me back from my trance-like state. She bent down and gave me a kiss, leaving me utterly astonished.