The Billionaire's maid

Chapter 41

I look at my leg. Finally, the stitches were out. "The wound has healed, but you still need to be careful though," Doc informed me as he laid down his instrument.

I nodded and rose from the bed. "Thank you, doctor." I smiled at him.

"How's your father doing, Mila?" As I pulled out my wallet to pay him, he asked.

"He's doing well, but I'm considering whether it's the right decision to bring him home with me once construction is complete," I answered, giving him a glimpse into my troubled mind. I haven't told this out loud to anybody. It makes me nauseous just thinking about it, but I'm afraid I can't take care of him anymore. He needs more care, and I'm unsure I can provide that.

"Well, I wouldn't be so sure either. He finally settled well, and I'm worried that if you replace him again, it will speed up his dementia process." Doctor Vancouver explained to me. "When I last saw him, he appeared somewhat content. I never thought he would settle so soon. At first, he only talked about going home, but lately, he has changed his mind. Maybe it's best for the both of you." He continued, but the words that came out of his mouth hurt so badly.

I knew all of this because he had told me so. "He thinks he's a burden to me." I blurted out in shame. Doc examined my face before sighing out loud.

"I know your father for years now, and is he wrong for thinking like that, Mila? He wants what's best for you, and he knows his health isn't going to get better. Is it wrong that he wants to make this decision? This is the only thing he can still decide on himself." Doc explained.

As I handed him the money, I nodded silently. "I know this must be challenging for you, Mila, but I think he's in the right place now where they can take care of him in the best way possible." Doctor Vancouver explained while he placed his old hand on my shoulder.

"Thanks, doc."

I left the building, my mind racing with what the doctor had told me. Maybe it would be cruel if I took him away without his consent. I could not do it even if I wanted it.

It's been ten days since I received stitches and caught Nick kissing his ex-girlfriend. It's also been ten days since I last saw my father. I lied to him, but I was afraid he would be concerned about my stitches, so I have been trying to avoid him since our last encounter. I felt horrible to not visit him regularly, so I called him every day. I planned on seeing him tomorrow, no matter what. I would face him and talk about staying there. His opinion mattered the most, even if it meant distancing from my own desires.

I park one of Nick's cars in front of my house. He insisted on taking his car because he thought it would be best not to use my bike for the first two weeks. He was really worried about me. He didn't want me to cook or clean, so he called my uncle to ask for a replacement. I had advised him against doing so due to the potentially disastrous outcome, knowing how he is. Chelsey couldn't do anything right, according to him. It almost felt like deja vu. Nick was harsh toward people he didn't know well enough.

The building was restored to its original glory, almost ready for me to move in. I only needed to look for new furniture. A man, busy painting the wall behind where my father's chair once stood, glances up.

"Hi, can I help you?" He asked, friendly.

"Hi, no, I'm surprised constructions are going so quickly." I smiled.

"That's a good thing, right?" He chuckled as he continued with his brush, painting a lovely soft beige color on the walls just as I requested.

"Yeah... it is..." I answered in hushed tones as I thought about moving back in, alone without my dad, without Nick... "I'm the owner," I added.

"Nice to meet you. What do you think of the color?" He asked, curiously.

"Beautiful. I wouldn't change a thing." I answered the man with an earnest smile.

The man smiled up at me as he kneeled, his brush making circles into the painting.

"Well, I'll go and let you do your work. Thank you so much; it looks very good." I truly appreciated this man's work. I've always had tremendous respect for men who work with their hands.

"You're welcome," the man waved me off, and with that, I felt compelled to leave my house as soon as possible. I almost felt like a stranger in my own home, and I couldn't comprehend why.

While driving home, I decided to try and let things go for a bit. It's not like I can change the situation. I have to live separately from my dad, and I'm not even sure where it all ends with Nick. I decided to meet up with Ellen because I hadn't seen her in a while now. I knew from dad, that she visited regularly, and I wanted to thank her for all of her efforts and unwavering support.

"Hi Ellen, how have you been?" I asked her after she picked up.

"Mila dearest, I'm great. How've you been lately? I saw construction is going well."

"Yes, indeed. I want to meet up if you'd like that. Maybe we can have lunch together? It's been a while since I've seen you." I told her.

"That would be lovely. Text me a few moments next week and I'll reach out to you, okay?" She asked as I heard children crying in the background. I knew Ellen had her hands full with her family and work, always working hard and lending a helping hand to others. At times, I wondered what it would be like to have an older sister like her. That would have been awesome, but I shake off this dream and focus on our conversation.

"That's great, Ellen. I'll see you soon!" I thanked her before I hung up the phone.

When I get to Nick's apartment, I enter the elevator, expecting to have a lengthy bath before preparing a meal for us. When I unlock the door behind me and put my white sneakers in the closet, I hear Nick yelling. Startled, I tiptoe to where his voice is coming from.

I see him sitting on his desk with his back to me. His glass workroom offered an excellent view.

"No, you're not going to do this! You are going to leave them alone; do you understand me?" He yelled again as I saw him getting up from his desk. As quickly as I could, I jumped backward so he could not see me. I knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but something caught my attention. He lacked the composure he had become accustomed to.

"Do you think you can blackmail me? I don't even care if she knows about us."

I bite my bottom lip while bracing myself against the wall. Who is he talking to?

"You know what. I don't care what you say or do. You are pathetic. Go back to Marvel; you deserve each other." He ended the call, loudly sighing as he threw his phone on his desk.

I breathe out and contemplate whether I should show myself or not. This was a conversation I needed to know about. He was referring to me; I was sure of it. I gave him time to tell me everything after the accident at the club, but he never mentioned anything. I knew in my gut that this had something to do with me. If I wouldn't stand up for myself now, I would stay silent forever.

I collected myself and moved away from the wall so he could see me.

When he looks up from his phone, he meets my gaze. His features softened, but that changed when I opened my mouth.

"We need to talk." I insisted, lowering myself into one of his chairs in front of his desk.