The Royal Contract

On the other hand, she also willed herself to live, considering the child growing inside her. She could not let any harm near their child. She must protect her baby at all costs.

Therefore, even if the last thing she wanted to do was to go out of her room. She did. She went to work as if nothing had happened and worked like any other day.

Nobody knew she was suffering from a loss since only a few knew she was in a relationship with him. Only her family and close friends had been aware of their love affair.

“I am going home.” She finally told her secretary, signing off the last paper on her desk.

She packed her things, not wanting to stay a minute longer. Usually, she would not mind spending a few more hours at the office if there were tons of work left for her to finish, but not today.

She just wanted this day to be over with and go home. She intended to work again tomorrow but only until she finished her task. Her mind worked like clockwork, on the dot, not a minute longer, while her body operated on automatic.

“Yes, Ms. Haley. But your father wants me to remind you about the meeting with the board in the morning.” She informed her.

But she already knew about it since her father had mentioned it today, at least a couple of times when she spoke with him. Of course, she would attend since her father needed her vote on a merger he wanted to be approved.

.....

“Thanks.” She told her assistant as she grabbed her things and walked out of that place.

Suddenly, the place she had devoted her entire life to had finally lost its meaning to her. She thought that this company was her life. But now, she could not feel anything about it. Her father’s legacy could burn to the ground, and she would not care about it.

She finally learned that having a family to love was the most important thing. She had dreamt of marrying Gerald for the right reasons. Not because her father wanted her to for political connections.

She did not want to force Gerald to marry her because she was pregnant. She hoped he would declare his undying love for her and tell her that he could not live without her. But that was not the case. He never did tell her that he loved her. He died not saying anything about love.

“Good evening, Ms. Haley.” One of the maids greeted her as soon as she entered their mansion.

“Good evening, Zeny,” Haley responded, always liking the middle-aged woman who smiled a lot. “Would you know where my father is?” She asked, hoping to have a word with him before she retired for the night.

She could always ask one of the maids to bring her food to her room so she would not bother to come to the dining hall for dinner. She did not feel like having other company while she ate. She believed her child was all she needed.

“He went straight to his office with a guest.” The woman told her. “But he said not to disturb them.” She warned her, stopping her from going to his office.

“I am sure that he would not mind if I join them.” She told Zeny, who looked worried.

“But, he would be mad at us.” The woman seemed scared as she blocked her way. “No one could come near his office when he is in a meeting.” The woman reiterated.

She abruptly stopped in her tracks, seeing that she was not going to pass her without using force. She was indeed a slightly bigger woman than her. She might get hurt if she insisted.

But she was curious as to what the meeting was all about. Why the secrecy? “Does my father always have this kind of meeting?” She curiously asked, assuming this was not the first.

The woman seemed hesitant to answer, but after some more persuasion, she finally said yes. “They usually have one or two meetings like this within a month.” She confided with her in a whisper as if afraid someone would hear her.

“Who is with him in the meeting? Do you know?” She asked the older lady as her interest grew.

She was rarely home early, so this was the first time she heard about this meeting. If the forum had anything to do with the company, her father would have put her in the loop.

Besides, he should be conducting the meeting at the office and not at home. Therefore, what was this meeting about, and who was there with him?

“I don’t want to get in trouble, Ms. Haley.” The woman said.

She hastily pulled the woman to the other side of the mansion, away from the prying eyes of anyone who would suddenly pass by. Then, she looked her in the eyes and assured her that she would not get in trouble.

“I will not tell anyone that you told me. I promise. Or else, I will go in there and check for myself.” She threatened her instead, forcing her to speak.

“I don’t know their names since I did not receive them. But I once heard the name...” She paused as if trying to recall. “...Don. I don’t know what the rest of his name was.”

“I am sorry, Miss, but that is all I know.” She added. “Please, don’t come near his office because we don’t want to get fired.” The woman begged her.

“Ok. I am going to my room.” She finally said after contemplating what she said. She turned to the stairs, seeing the relief on the other woman’s face.

But she could not stop thinking of the name Zeny said. “Don.” She believed she had heard that name before, but where?

She moved toward her room, still rummaging through her brain for more information about the man. If she could recall where she had heard or met the man, maybe she could determine what the meeting was all about.

“Don.” She repeated. But she still came blank.

What was her father doing? What was the purpose of the secret meeting?