THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE

The worry and confusion engraved on my face became more intense as I stared at the file in front of me. I was still in a state of shock, trying to process the implications, when the detective snatched the file from me and stormed out of the room. Left alone in the room, I began wondering what went wrong and why Catherine would falsely accuse me of assault, knowing fully well that I was innocent.

“Oh, God. Please help me out of this predicament I got into,” I prayed silently, rubbing my trembling and sweaty palm together in a futile attempt to calm my nerves.

After what felt like an eternity, Father and my team of lawyers came in. Father’s angry shouts as he walked in drew me out of my troubled thoughts. He had a frown on his face, which signified that he wasn’t pleased with the actions of the police.

“I’ll make sure those detectives face the consequences of their actions. How dare they arrest my son like a criminal and have the effrontery to inform the press? What insolent?” Father roared as he took the seat across from me. The lawyers stood behind him, bowing politely to acknowledge me. I couldn’t bear to stare at them, as I was ashamed at the thoughts of the numerous times they had to come to my defense. I believed they too, must have doubted my innocence since I have been arrested for the second time on the account of the same crime.

“How did this happen?” my father inquired, his voice authoritative, compelling me to be truthful.

“I don’t know, father. I was just in the office when the detectives barged and arrested me on charges of assault.” I replied in a sad and frustrated voice. Actually, frustration was already brewing inside me. I hadn’t expected that in a thousand years I would come back to the precinct for a crime I didn’t commit.

“I believe you, son, but you need to be completely honest with us so that we can know how to help you effectively. Did you do it?” Father asked in a low tone barely above a whisper as he leaned closer to me, his concern evident.

“No, father. I swear, I know nothing about this,” I replied in a loud and resolute tone, although the look on the lawyers face indicates that they were unfazed by my claims.

“I contacted the chief of police immediately I heard about it, and he told me that he won’t be able to help you. He claims that they have strong evidence against you to prove the allegations unlike the previous time,” Father said, his voice calm, as though reassured by my resolute denial of the charges.

“I think someone is setting me up,” I said and began narrating everything about my entanglement with Catherine to my father, explaining that we were just sexually acquainted and how I had completely forgotten about her since Judith came into my life. I didn’t mention John’s involvement, as I have no evidence to prove it, and I trust John to meticulously cover his tracks.

**Flashback**

Last week, while still working, my phone started beeping, and it was Catherine. I answered, and I heard her voice thick with tears; she was sobbing uncontrollably, and when I inquired what happened, she kept on weeping and was unable to say anything amid her tears.

Sensing her turmoil, I opted to meet her at the hotel where we frequently meet, so I could know the cause of her anguish and possibly console her, since she was someone I cared about in the past despite that our relationship was strictly professional.

When I got there, I found her utterly devastated, mourning the loss of her beloved mother, and was lamenting on how unlucky she was and how everyone chose to abandon her, including me.

Her words triggered me, and I became emotional towards her as I realized that I haven’t really been nice towards her. I have been so self centered that I never gave any explanation why I severed our relationship, I just stopped calling her and totally forgot about her.

I consoled her and apologized for my neglect. Then she insisted that the only way she would forgive me and find any semblance of happiness was if I shared a drink with her, as she needed a drinking companion and I was the only person who came to mind. I was skeptical about it at first, but seeing how heavyhearted she was, I obliged, and she served the drinks.

After some time with her, I suddenly became sexually aroused, unable to control myself, and eventually had sex with her. When I woke up later inside the room, I found out that she had already left, and all attempts to reach her afterwards proved abortive as she never responded to my calls or the apology message I sent.

Then today, the policemen suddenly barged in and claimed that I assaulted her.

**End of flashback**

“Father, please, you must believe me. I didn’t do it,” I pleaded desperately as I took his hands and held them tightly. The thought that I had always been a constant worry to my father since I arrived in London and he isn’t always tired of helping me filled me with immense sorrow. The man in front of me has proven his unwavering love and care for me beyond any reasonable doubts.

“I will, son. No Everton will ever be imprisoned,” he said, his voice laced with pride, and he gently patted my slumped back as my head rested on the hands.

“Mr. Nathan, is there anyone you suspected to have set you up?” One of the lawyers asked in a sharp tone.

“No. I don’t suspect anyone,” I replied, lifting my gaze at him.

“Anyone at your place of work or residence? Anyone at all? No matter how insignificant.” He pressed again in a firm tone.

“No one,” I replied. I couldn’t tell him. I suspected John because I knew it wouldn’t make any difference and would sound unbelievable to many, and it will equally make Father sad for the seed of discord among his children.

He was about to ask another question when Father interjected authoritatively, “Can you secure his bail?”

“Not certain, sir,” the lawyer replied, and I could see my father frown. “But I will speak to the detective in charge and see what could be done,” he added quickly before my father unleashes his fury on him.

“The bail shouldn’t be a hassle, since the results for the drug test will come out negative,” another lawyer said. “You are clean of drugs, right?” He asked.

“Yes, I am,” I replied confidently, and he merely nodded in acknowledgement.All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

The lawyers, along with my father, left the room with the hope of getting my bail. I became optimistic that I wouldn’t spend the night in this dreadful place. I waited for hours, and darkness enveloped the room, indicating that it was late.

I became worried and started praying silently when the detectives barged in. “You can’t be granted bail because you are tested positive for drugs, and moreover, we found some grams of narcotics in your residence,” he said, showing the results to my face, and also emptied a small bag filled with drugs on the table.

“You are hereby officially detained for being in possession of illegal drugs and assault.”