The CEO's Challenge

Chapter 18: Trust And Doubt

My phone buzzes on my desk, startling me out of my focused work mode. I glance down at the screen, seeing my dad's face smiling up at me from the caller ID. With a quick save of my document, I answer the call, putting on my brightest, most cheerful voice.

"Hey, Dad!" I chirp, leaning back in my chair. "What's up?"

There's a heavy pause on the other end of the line, and I feel my stomach clench with sudden anxiety. "Nova, honey," my dad says, his voice uncharacteristically serious. "I hate to ask, but... I need some help. I've run into a bit of a financial situation, and I'm short on cash for the month."

I frown, my brow furrowing with concern. "What kind of financial situation?" I ask, my voice gentle but probing. "Is everything okay?"

My dad sighs, and I can practically hear the weariness in his breath. "It's nothing major," he assures me quickly. "Just a bit of a miscalculation on my part. Some investments didn't pan out the way I thought they would, and now I'm scrambling to make ends meet until I can get back on track."

I nod, even though he can't see me. "Okay," I say, my voice calm and supportive. "How much do you need? I'll see what I can do."

There's another pause, and I can hear my dad shifting on the other end of the line. "I hate to ask for this much, Nova," he says finally, his voice heavy with guilt. "But I need $5,000. It's enough to cover my essentials for the month and give me some breathing room to sort out my finances."

I feel my heart sink, my mind already racing through my own financial situation. I know Damien pays me well, but after my rent and other monthly expenses, I don't have much left over. Still, I can't bear the thought of my dad struggling, especially knowing how hard he works to provide for himself and my mom.

"Don't worry about it, Dad," I say, my voice firm and decisive. "I'll figure something out. Is it okay if I send the money to your account by the end of the day?"

My dad lets out a relieved sigh, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Nova," he says, his words choked. "I can't tell you how much this means to me. I'll pay you back as soon as I can, I promise."

"You don't have to," I say, my voice soft but insistent. "I'm happy to help. That's what family is for, right?"

We chat for a few more minutes, my dad thanking me profusely and promising to make it up to me somehow. As we end the call, I sit back in my chair, my mind whirling with the implications of what I've just agreed to.

I know I could go to Damien, tell him about my dad's situation and ask for his help. I know he would give me the money without a second thought, no questions asked. But something holds me back, a stubborn sense of pride and independence.

I don't want to take advantage of Damien's generosity, even if he would offer it freely. I want to be able to stand on my own two feet, to take care of my own family without relying on my boyfriend's wealth.

With a determined nod, I open up my bank account online, transferring every last cent I have into my dad's account. It's not the full $5,000, but it's a start. The rest I'll have to scrape together from my next paycheck, cutting back on my own expenses as much as I can.

As I hit the confirm button, I feel a mix of emotions swirling in my chest. Relief, knowing my dad will be okay. Anxiety, wondering how I'll make it through the month on my reduced budget. But mostly, a deep sense of satisfaction and love, knowing that I'm doing right by my family.

It won't be easy, living on ramen noodles and instant coffee for the next few weeks. But it'll be worth it, knowing that I'm there for my dad when he needs me the most.