Cruel twist of fate

CHAPTER 2

            RICHARD'S POV

I sat in my office drooling at the smell of espresso that emanated from the coffee machine at the corner, I wanted to have another cup of coffee but I had already reached my limit for the day.

" you should learn to reply to your messages, "  A soft masculine voice said, distracting me from my thoughts of coffee.

I turned around to face him, it was my Assistant, David.

" none of those messages made sense to me, what did you mean by I have to see a therapist? I yelled at him.

He didn't seem startled by my reaction, almost like he anticipated it.

" It is what your father wants, and this might be the only way to earn his trust and secure your position in the company". He responded calmly intending to relieve me.

" damn! why is the old man doing all this? Do I look crazy to you David?  I asked, looking at him with puppy eyes but not expecting an answer.

"C'mon buddy, you have to do this, let's not make a big deal out of it okay ?" he said, dropping the formalities a little.

He has been my best friend and assistant, his father used to be my father's assistant.
Just like his dad, he was protective of not just me but the company and my position as well.
I trusted his judgment and believed he deserved a better position in the company other than assisting someone like me., I tried a couple of times to transfer him to a different department but he wouldn't budge, and having him by my side made me feel safe.
He was family and the only person I trusted.

" fine! But you don't expect me to go see a therapist, I don't want any rumors about me being crazy." I replied reluctantly, still shaking my head in disbelief.

Earning my father's trust was a grand idea,  I knew it wasn't going to be easy, I had lived my entire life trying to please him, I studied harder than other students and had perfect results, yet he never acknowledged me.

My flaws seemed more visible the more I tried.
I rebelled a couple of times to get him to pay more attention to me yet nothing changed.
I couldn't get past the title of an illegitimate son.

" I already spoke with someone who seems to know a really good therapist, but we have to draw up a contract first ". He said pulling me out of my thoughts.

"I'll pay double, the terms will be quite good, as long as my privacy is protected, pick someone gullible". I said.

"I'll work it out, just relax and trust me on this," He said in a reassuring tone.

"Alright, buddy! Help me review this contract" I said handing him a large file.

" by the way I'm meeting with Penelope tonight, want to join us, "  I asked

" I thought you broke it off after she rejected your proposal,"   He said.

" it was never a serious proposal anyways, I'm glad she turned it down, I get to do whatever I want". I replied.

"Whatever man! You have to be careful, your father might be watching out for mistakes " he said calmly

"So annoying " I murmured.

David shook his head and walked away.

I slumped into my desk chair, hoping to get a little nap before leaving for lunch.

                    SOPHIA'S POV
  
The drive back with Lorna from Lilly's school the next day after the incident with Chris was quiet and awkward, and I avoided eye contact with her.