Morning sunlight crept through the curtains, turning the dust in the studio to gold. I sat at her desk, hands clasped around a mug gone cold. Beneath the sketchbooks, the folder waited like a pulse that i could feel through the paper.
I hadn't slept. Every time i closed my eyes i saw the photograph—my father's handshake with Damien's—and the single line that ruined my breath: "Ensure she never learns the truth"
Footsteps echoed below, steady and deliberate. Then his voice—low, business-like, muffled by distance.
"Tell them the acquisition terms stand. I don't care what he thinks, the Blackwell name stays clean."
My throat tightened. Acquisition. Blackwell. The same words written across the hidden file.
Without thinking, i rose quickly, the mug clattering against the table. The door creaked as i stepped into the hallway. Each step toward his office felt like trespass.
At the landing, I froze. Through the gap in the half-closed door, Damien's silhouette leaned over his desk.
"…she can't know yet," he said quietly. "Not until it's done."
My breath caught.
He turned suddenly, eyes flicking toward the door.
I stumbled back carefully, heart racing. Making sure I made no noise nor leave any trace that will make him more suspicious than he already is.
—
I snicked into my room and lay down, my brain starts doing it's work, thinking of ways and things to do that I wouldn't end up in regret.
After what seemed like hours I got out of bed and headed into my bathroom to take a shower, I staggered into the bathroom almost falling but I held the door for balance. My tired self sat down on the bath tub took out my shower gel and started caressing my skin carefully but weakly. The worms in my stomach did well in passing the message that I haven't had any proper meal but coffe today.
After shower, I wore something comfy enough for walk.
I have decided to go see my dad. At least I should let him know that I now know.I now know about his little secret.
I took a cab, not really in the mood for any Damien personal driver
I alight and walked down into the streets, same streets I grew up loving.
I walked into my dads room and there he was, lying peacefully.
He saw me and smiled , I faked it back before I'll go into details of why I am here.
My little princess, how are you is everything okay? Mr Monroe voice called out.
Damien kept his word… the deal saved us, though it cost me everything." He's recovering, frail but lucid enough to mention,
I'm fine dad it's being a lot going on right now but I will be fine. I answered
Oh dear, his face turned sour. You can talk to me about anything you know?
Really? I asked. Off course, don't be like that, he replied.
Okay dad, let's go. I began trying to keep my emotions together.
You love me right? I asked. The question hit him and he looked at me straight In the eyes.
Yes I do and where is this coming from? He replied.
You know dad, I began I have been thinking how a father will somehow trade their child for business transactions.
He looked at me at and I could see the guilt that began building up, it's not what you think Eva, it's not as easy as you think it, it's also hard for me to do you know he answered.
No dad, I don't think you it is hard for you. You didn't think of my choices what I'll want before you did this dad.
Eva listen, "It wasn't supposed to reach you. Promise me you'll leave it alone."
It wasn't supposed to reach me its that all you can tell me right now? I said as tears welled up my eyes
Eva listen, His hand trembles; As he mentions an old partner—someone called Mr. Hale, who vanished after the sale.
I realizes "Hale" was the name on one of the memos in the hidden file.
—-
I returned home late and was determined to get answer from Damien.
He was sitter in the living room reading some documents, the only person I've seen that reads more that one book at a time.
The atmosphere was calm and quiet as I could only here the flipping of the pages of his book.
I walked toward him but he didn't look my way, I wasn't expecting him to though.
I begin calmly: "You owned my father's company."
He looks up, mask in place. "And if I did?"
i push further; anger mixes with disbelief. "Why didn't you tell me?"
He replies coldly, "Because it would've changed nothing."
Underneath his calm, guilt flickers.
I told you not to dig into things you don't fully understand but you wouldn't listen he said while flipping through his documents.
I turn to leave, saying, "Maybe you're right—but I already started."
—-
I walked into my room, exhausted from everything that had happened today, I think it's enough for one day. My heart won't be able to take any more hurt.
I ran a warm bath and sat closed to my sketchbook, same sketchbook that exposed all their secrets.
—-
How did she find out this soon?
I poured myself a cup of drink and took all in at one gulp.
"Hale… why now?" Just why this soon?
Arhhhh!!! I really don't have energy for little miss smart mouth. And I hope she doesn't come downstairs now.
I know we are all wrong, I and her dad but I didn't have a choice
—
Upstairs i open my sketchbook; tucked inside, the confidential memo catches her eye again.
I read the last line i missed the night before:
"Final payment due upon the girl's consent to the contract."
I laughed, things keep coming out
So the "The contract wasn't just business—it was the payment."
And downstairs, the door slams—someone else has arrived, who could that be?