A Lovely Obsession ( Billionaire Romance Novel )

Chapter 13

Nora's POV:-

"Nora, we have good news!" My grandmother's grey eyes are twinkling as she opens the door for me.

"What is it?" I ask her, hoping it was something that could cheer me up.

I had just interviewed for a cashier position. The guy had sounded curt and looked like a jerk. But while working for him wasn't something I was looking forward to, I didn't have much of a choice. Job hunting was beyond stressful, and the disappointment that came every time I got rejected was taking its toll on me.

" I got a call from Carlton Hughes. He has agreed to pay us compensation. He wants an out-of-court settlement."

Carlton Hughes was the father of David Hughes, aka the drunk asshole who had nearly run me over with his car. They were pretty loaded, and I had a feeling that they were only cooperating because there was an even more powerful person breathing down their necks.

For a shameful second, I almost imagined what it would be like to have Derek take care of me like this always. Without having to constantly fear when the other shoe would drop. To have him do things for me without any strings attached. To have him be genuinely concerned about me.

I quickly put that thought out of my head. Was I so lonely that I was wishing for a monster like Derek to love me? Didn't he threaten to have me and my family killed? Didn't he keep on insulting me? Wasn't he a playboy and a criminal all at the same time? Even if he had been nice to me, he was the last person I should be thinking of that way.

God, I really am ridiculous.

" How much compensation are they offering us?" I ask.

"They are offering us several thousand dollars. It's not enough to solve all our problems but we will be able to spend the next several months without having to worry much about the expenses."

" Grandma, I know you are not going to like this, but I want to pay Derek back for the hospital bills. I know you must think I am stupid not to let this matter go, but the thought of owing him makes me queasy."

" It upsets me too, Nora. I don't know what to do either. I want you to stay away from that dreadful man, but I don't know if it's right that we should remain in his debt. I feel we are doomed either way." She settles down on the couch looking defeated.

"Then I want you to let me pay him back for the hospital expenses. Please, Grandma." I take both of her hands in mine.

" Alright, Nora. As you wish." She pats my cheek.

A few weeks later, I arrive at the headquarters of Osborne Holdings apprehension flowing through my veins as I get a flashback from the last time I was here. The receptionist seems to recognize me as this time she puts in a call to Derek's secretary without me having to convince her like last time.

She tells me that Derek has a couple of meetings scheduled today, and it might be hours before he can see me. I tell her that it's okay and I can wait. I was determined not to leave before I returned his money. However, it takes much longer than I thought. Before I know it, the sun is setting, and I wonder if he's making me wait on purpose.

Just as I am debating what to do, I see someone familiar head in the direction of the elevators. I realize it's Clara. Were she and Derek back together again? I almost follow her, but I don't want to create a scene by being kicked out by security. It's obvious that Clara is free to barge into Derek's office without having to ask, unlike me.

"I am very sorry but something urgent has come up. Mr. Osborne will not be able to see you today."

The receptionist's words don't surprise me. After seeing Clara here, I had figured as much. Derek would be too busy with the woman he was sleeping with to have time to see me. If he even intended to in the first place. I tell myself it doesn't bother me. Right now, I am more concerned with what to do with the envelope of money I am holding.