Chapter 4 5 Years Ago (The Offer)

Having done with the long and tiring graduation ceremony, the proud father and the excellent daughter duo finally decided to take their leave and have a little and simple celebration as an appreciation for his princess’ efforts. 

The two walked towards the parking lot leisurely and hopped in the car in a casual way.

"Let's go..." 

Mr. Smith urged his personal driver to drove away as he could sense his daughter's sadness and sorrows resurfacing again while watching the other students laughing with their complete family members. His daughter felt envy while looking at them and it triggered her hidden feelings again.

"Yes sir!" Was the driver's short reply as he was sensible enough about their next location.

Leaving the alma matter which was leading happy and joyful atmosphere, they headed straight towards the fine restaurant with their advanced reservation.

Both entered the luxurious dining area in a gracefull manner. Once seated in a private room, Mr. Smith summoned the waiter in their room for their immediate orders. And the waiter immediately responded as he had already known the man's respectful identity and he was also a shareholder himself of the restaurant.

For some reason, the loving father was totally bothered by his daughter’s enexplicable silence. He had noticed that she’s just starring far away blankly. He couldn’t help but feel worried. He coughed a little louder to get his daughter’s missing attention.

“Ahem! Is there something bothering you, baby? Care to share it to your old daddy?” He asked worriedly.

Meanwhile, Izzabelle was a bit startled to hear her father’s sudden coughing.

“Nothing dad.., I’m just thinking of... mom and Inzo. If they are still alive right now, maybe... maybe our little celebration would get more happier  than ever. I missed them so much dad..!”

Her voice came as a whisper which laced with so much sadness. Her heart also felt sad and heavy for the other person in her life that seems to vanished into thin air like a ghost to her. She had loved him so much in such a short time, but he chose to leave her behind without looking back. Not even bothering about how would she feel.

“Come on princess, I know your still sad  about it but can’t you even give a little smile for your daddy? Please baby..!”

Her father pleaded for her smile desperately. She literally knows her daddy too, he loved her mom and brother so much just like her. So she decided not to make things difficult for him anymore. 

She released a short sigh and determinedly gathered up all her courage then she lifted up her lips into a sweet smile looking happy like a spoiled child. 

Her daddy’s face momentarily lit up while looking at her lovingly. He loves his only heiress so much. He would do anything for her. 

In a very short while, their orders were delivered and arranged deliciously on their table and both decided to focus on their own plates.

30 minutes had already passed and they both fully stuffed their hungry stomachs to their limits. Izzabelle is now thinking about the ‘offer’ that her father told her earlier at the campus. She began to panic as different weird thoughts and worst scenarios kept on appearing on her calculative mind. 

‘What if my father set me up for a business marriage? No! no! No! This can’t be..! I still have plans!' 

She thought of it inwardly while frowning deeply.

“Princess, why are you frowning? Look at me... tell me about your worries... I’m always here for you, remember? We have each other’s back okay? You know, I would always support you, right?”

Her dad even tried his best to convince her to spill her inner thoughts that was undoubtfully bothering her.

“I... uhmm..." Izzabelle began to stutter with her words as she took a deep breath and continued, "Dad, would you mind telling me about this 'offer’ of yours? Cause you’re really are scarring me already... and please... don’t tell me that you’re setting me up on a marriage..?”

She questioned in one breath almost pleadingly. If ever, she would just apologize to her father sincerly because she’s not going to full fill his request no matter what. Not this time!

“Hahaa!”

Her father burst out laughing finding her thoughts really amusing.

“Dad, come on.. this isn’t funny! Just tell me already. Don’t make me freak out!”

She blurted out  immediately trying to be stern and serious. But she sighed in relief knowing that her father didn’t take her words seriously.

“Don’t be ridiculous princess! That’s not what I’m talking about. But I’ll give it a carefull thought next time.”

Her dad replied in astonishment and bewilderment.

“If its not... what is it then? Tell me now dad or I can’t sleep peacefully tonight.”

She inquired nervously, as she pursed her lips while clasping her hands together waiting for her father to speak. 

The older Smith cleared his throat then he began..

“I would like to send you abroad princess, for further education. There is an international training organization somewhere that suits your abilities and skills. I need you to go, to develop, sharpen, and maximize those talents of yours. Can you do that for me?”

Mr. Smith explained carefully hoping his daughter would come to understand his deep concerns and worries for her future. He starred at his daughter’s eyes intently waiting for the right answers he expected.