The Royal Contract

Or, maybe it was his old age or probably his guilt that made him feel like a sentimental fool. But whatever it was, he was sorry to miss the growing years of his son’s life.

“Yeah, I guess it would take more than a heart attack to take me down.” Ethan expressed with a defeated smile. “But I am glad that I am still alive.”

He was since it gave him the chance to see his son. Or else his secret would be buried with him. Then, no one would have probably known the truth.

Maybe it was the reason why he was still alive. So, he could still correct his mistakes and fix what he had done in the past. If that was the case, he was thankful for the chance.

He thought that when he came today to see him and confront him about his secret. It would be easier. But it was not. Although, he felt pride for his son for doing well despite what he did. He could see that his son had made quite an accomplishment for himself.

But he also felt shame for himself for not finding a way to get to know him when he was born. He had thirty years of opportunity to search for him, but he took the coward’s way out.

.....

“Yes, Alex has been doing a tremendous job of taking over my place.” He could not deny that his son-in-law was indeed a good businessman.

He had proven time and time again why he had managed to raise himself from the ranking despite his limited resources and being an outsider.

He would do very well as his daughter’s partner in running his empire. But what about his son, who was sitting across from him. He believed this young man also deserved a part of his legacy.

“Anyway, your time is almost up. Why did you come here? If it is about your daughter’s case, I just finished discussing it with the DA’s office, and they might close the case since the accused is already dead.” He informed him, hoping that it was his purpose for visiting him.

“No, this doesn’t have anything to do with that. My reason for coming to see you is more personal. But as you said, my time is almost up.” He stood up from the chair to fix his coat and tie.

He could see that his son was waiting for him to continue.

Then this time, he extended his hand. “I hope you would not mind if I call you, Gerald.” He just wanted to try it on his lips. He had never known his name. Now that he had. He wished to keep calling him by his first name.

“I hope that you will meet with me again. I have an important matter that I want to discuss with you privately. Besides, fifteen minutes will not be enough.” He smiled at him, hoping that he perceived the urgency of his message.

He waited until his hands touched his before holding it firmly in his. He firmly believed that he was his son. He did not need DNA to prove it. He could already see it in his eyes and his stand. His face and hair were more of his mother, but the rest was identical to his. He wondered if his son did not see the resemblance as he studied him under his gaze.

He noticed it earlier, how his eyes examined him from head to toe. His son was wondering what he was doing in his presence. But this place was not the right location to reveal their secrets.

“Well, I will have to look at my calendar for an available schedule. But could you give me a hint of what this is all about?” His curiosity was noticeable on his face. He could detect in his eyes his interest in the matter. Though, his mind was probably sending him red warning bells.

“You will have to wait till we meet again. But I do hope you will give me the time of day.” He finally turned around towards the door, not saying anything else.

He hoped his son would take his bait and agree to this meeting. Otherwise, he would have no choice but to tell him along with his sister.

“Wait, when and where do you want to meet?” He heard his son ask.

He could not help the smile that graced his lips. His son was indeed just like him. They could not turn away from a good mystery.

He wondered what else he would discover if he could spend more time with him. He would love to know him more if he would only let him.

“You are the busy man, you decide. Anytime is good for me. Just inform me, and I will be there.” Ethan turned to glance at him one last time before he nodded to the younger version of him and walked out of the door.

He wished he was walking away, knowing that he would accept the truth about his identity. But he just had to be patient until that time had come.

“Ok. It was nice to meet you, Ethan.” He heard his son’s voice as he continued to walk away from his office.

He liked the timbre of his tone as he called his name. He wondered what it would be like if he would call him Dad instead of his name. But that was still wishful thinking.

He was already in the lobby on his way out of the building when he saw his daughter enter the main door. She was out when he arrived, but he thought he might have already left by the time she came back.

“Dad, what are you doing here?” Dani immediately spotted him and came to greet him, giving him a tight hug. It was a question he was not ready to answer, so he had to lie.

One thing that he had promised never to do again. But this time, he had a valid reason, and he had no plan to keep it for long. He just needed a few more days before he made his grand revelation.