An Unusual Affair

Chapter 13

'I think Peter has returned. I'll go get the door.' Mrs. Swan said Putting her plate down.

'I'll go and see. You continue with your food.' Emily said standing up again and walking towards the door. 

Emily opened the door to see Richard standing there with his back towards her. Her heart skipped a beat. She felt surprised at the smile that naturally appeared on her face. 

Richard turned around and upon seeing Emily's happy face a small smile appeared on his own. He wanted to keep on looking at her but composed himself and said, 'Shouldn't you be asking who was at the door before opening it, Mrs. Morgan? What if it had been a thief  waiting for you to open the door, and not me?'

'Well, thieves don't usually knock and wait for you to open the door.' Emily chuckled.

'Fair enough.' Richard said smiling broadly now. 'May I come in? I presume my family is here already.' 

'Yes, please.  We planned to have dinner together today. Hayden said you would be coming back tomorrow.' Emily said as she stepped aside to let him in. 

'I got free early so I thought I should give Hayden a surprise.' Richard said passing her and entering the house. 

Hayden saw his dad and came running towards him. 'Dad, when did you come back?' Hayden shouted as he leaped in Richard's arms. Emily took the chocolate boxes from Richard's hand just in time before they fell to the floor. 

'Thank you.' Richard said gently, holding Hayden comfortably in his arms. Emily just smiled and left the room to give them some privacy. 

'Someone seems to have missed me.' Richard said ruffling Hayden's hair.

'You know I don't like staying back when you go abroad and this time you left for more than two weeks, Dad. Next time I am coming with you whether Ms. Ava allows it or not.' Hayden said in one go. 

Richard smiled, 'Okay okay I know I have been gone a long time this time. I am sorry.' he said walking towards the dining area. 

'Good Evening Master Richard.' Mrs. Swan said standing up. 

'Hello, Mr. Sterling. Welcome back.' Lily chimed in with a smile, from her seat, though her expression was sad. 'Hayden is so lucky to have a Dad like him who loves him so much.' She thought to herself.

Emily was also looking at Lily and she understood the sadness behind her smile. But she was not the only one who understood; Richard saw through her smile as well.

'Good Evening Mrs. Swan.' Richard said putting Hayden down. 'How are you doing?' He asked and then turned towards Emily to look where she had put the chocolate boxes. They were right in front of him at the corner of the table. Picking them up he said, 'Hello, Lily. I got these chocolates for you. I hope you will like them.' Giving one of the boxes to Lily, he handed the other box to Hayden. 'And this is for you.'

A big smile appeared on Lily's face as she accepted the chocolates. She came down from her seat, walked towards Richard, and said, 'Thank you, Mr. Sterling. I love chocolates.'

'I am glad you like them,' Richard replied sitting down in front of her and ruffling her hair as well. A warm smile appeared on Lily's face and seeing that smile Emily's heart ached for the void that her father had left in her life. 

'Mr. Sterling you want to join us for dinner?' Emily asked. 

'Yes please if it will not be an inconvenience.' Richard said standing up. 

'No, it won't be any inconvenience, Mr. Sterling. Come, I'll take you to your seat.' Lily responded. Holding Richard's hand she guided him to a seat next to Emily.