Page 106 of Until You Came Along
“I’m not going to do that. Speak at once.”
“I’ve come to get you because you’re going to marry the son of a great friend, an oil tycoon. That will facilitate my business dealings with him. The marriage is already arranged, and the young man has seen you in photos and is delighted with you. He wants to marry as soon as possible. You’re going to marry into a powerful family that will also make you a millionaire.”
Was he serious? Although I doubted that man had a sense of humor. I looked at him trying to process what I had heard because I still couldn't believe such nonsense. He had truly gone mad if he thought I was going to do what he was ordering. Fury was boiling inside me and I had to make a great effort to appear calm.
“Is that the important thing you had to inform me about?” I asked, looking at him seriously, and he nodded without taking his eyes off me. “My answer is no, and I regret to inform you that your time is up, so you can leave the way you came.”
“Delfina, I didn't ask you any question, therefore I don't require an answer. Mine was simply to inform you of something that is a fact.”
“Is that what you think? Well, know that you cannot force me to do anything, you have no rights over me, you never did. What you just said is so ridiculous that I feel like laughing, but nothing about you surprises me anymore.”
“You should feel proud that a family like your future husband's has chosen you.”
“I already have a partner so...”
“That Darwich fellow doesn't even come close to your future husband. Forget about him, you won't see him anymore.”
At that moment I began to get upset. How did he know about Hermes? I was clear that Malek Naik had a lot of power and I began to have a strange feeling that made me shudder.
“How do you know my boyfriend's last name?”
“I know everything about you and your brother. Just because I don't see you doesn't mean I don't know your every move. Believe it or not, I've always looked after you. I even know what you have for breakfast; nothing escapes me. I let you have some fun with Mr. Darwich, but that's enough now. In two days we leave for Dubai. And you'd better do as I say because if not, Hermes Darwich will pay the consequences of your actions.”
“If I find out you harm Hermes in any way, I assure you that you'll regret it!” I shouted.
“I'm not a thug, I assure you, but I can make his business face serious difficulties,” he stated with a terrifying smile.
“I don't doubt you can do what you say, but I assure you that Hermes will be a formidable opponent and won't be intimidated by you.”
The laugh he let out froze the blood in my entire body.
“Do you really believe your boyfriend can do anything that could harm me? I assure you he can't, but I can ensure his company never gets another deal. It depends on you. And stop using your mother's last name, you are Delfina Naik.”
“I will never carry that last name, I will never be your daughter, and I will never obey a single order given by you. Leave my office right now.”
“Whether you like it or not, I am your father,” he stated.
“My father? My father? That word is too big for you. Being a father isn't just about conceiving children; being a father involves more important things that you never gave us. The only thing you provoke in me is disappointment and shame. On top ofthat, after many years, you have the nerve to show up before me to ruin my life. If you have any shame at all, leave right now and forget I exist.”
He stood up calmly and looked at me with a serious expression.
“I'm staying at this hotel,” he said, placing a card on my desk. “I expect you this afternoon to finalize the details of our trip. Don't arrive after five because I have another meeting. See you, dear daughter.”
He turned and left my office with firm steps, leaving the door open and my heart shattered. How could I get out of this situation? I wasn't going to let him harm Hermes, because I knew that Malek Naik was capable of that and much more. I went to the armchair and collapsed, grabbing my head and crying heartbrokenly. I cried from anger, I cried from indignation and helplessness, because I wasn't sure how to confront this man without anyone getting hurt.
I felt a hand caressing my hair and raised my head. Julia was beside me and was looking at me with compassion. I hadn't heard her come in, but since the door was open, it wasn't surprising.
“Excuse me, Delfina, but you were talking so loudly that I could hear the conversation you had with your father. Tell me how I can help you. You know you can count on me.”
“Thank you, Julia,” I said, sobbing. “I don't know if anyone can help me. I'm facing a powerful man who can destroy anyone who stands between him and his plans. And I can't allow him to harm my loved ones. I won't allow it,” my voice broke and I continued crying uncontrollably.
“Call your brother, he knows him and maybe he can make him see reason. Call him as soon as possible,” she advised.
“Tom is very far away, I'll worry him and...”
“He's your brother, your only family. He needs to know what you're going through. Unite against that man, there must be something that can be done.”
“You might be right, I'll call him. But I don't think Tom can do anything.”
