Chapter Ten: The lady in red

Lucious POV

“Why’re there still so many papers to sign?”. I asked to no one seeing I was alone in my now dark office as time was far spent.

Soon the door opened and my assistant Dylan approached me. “Sir, you still have one more agenda scheduled for this evening”.

Hearing this I furrowed my brows, as if today’s arrangements for the new movie shooting wasn’t enough, there was more to add?. “Which is?”. I asked irritably.

“Your mother’s invitation to a family dinner which I believe to be a disguise for an engagement between your brother Nicklaus and his fiancée”.

He responded earning a raised brow from me, “you mean the bride in the photo with the ginger colored hair you sent to me just yesterday?”.

This is just hilarious, why was he in such a hurry? He couldn’t be thinking I’ll fight to be Adam’s successor, could he?. Anyways that’s none of my concern.

“No, it seems your mother has arranged someone else for Nicklaus. I believe her name was Veronica Lucas”. Dylan revealed and I couldn’t help but let out a chuckle. “That’ll be interesting to watch. Unfortunately I’m way too exhausted to be an audience”.

“Should I call to cancel sir?”. Dylan asked getting a head nod as a response while I suddenly remembered. “Oh right, what about the selection? How’d it go?”.

“Sorry sir, Pearl didn’t like any of the ladies selected for the nanny role”. Dylan responded but I wasn’t surprised, that little girl definitely takes after me, she was extremely picky especially when it came to people, a trait she definitely takes from me.

“Here’s the document contract. It wasn’t signed as no one was selected”. Dylan stated passing it on to me while I brush through my hair in frustration, she needs a nanny if she’s to live with me and not a second later my phone rang which deepened my contorted brows seeing the caller ID was Alison. I rushed to reject but hesitated for it could be relating to our daughter so I reluctantly accepted.

“Yes?” I asked with a tone of urgency but what I got as a response was “how are you doing?”. I checked to be sure I was talking with the right person and not some other girls I’ve been with recently but it really was Alison.

“If you have nothing to say, I’m hanging up-” I retorted annoyed by the mere sound of her voice. “Wait! Pearl’s in the hospital. There was an accident”. She interjects with trembling voice while my heart sank in a heartbeat not because she was almost in tears but because pearl was hospitalized, that’s all it took to get my butt off work.

Standing up abruptly and flying my coat over my shoulders I dashed off to the parking lot and soon got in my car headed for the hospital.

The drive was chaotic as you’ve guessed, I couldn’t stop thinking about pearl all the way. Although I hated when Alison faked Pearl’s illness to get my attention but right now I really hoped that was the case. Pearl has been the only light in my life and the major reason I don’t wanna get involved with the family business, I just can’t risk her getting caught up in a fight.

Although she was conceived from Alison’s concise devious schemes and desperate attempt to become a top actress insomuch that she drugged and seduced me just to get a shot to debut but pearl is innocent, she’s got my blood running in her veins so I’ve sworn to protect her at all costs.

It’s been four years now and all her constant attempts to get my attention has been proving futile, I really can’t stand her, the very thought of her enrages me. Pearl is our only link and she’s determined to keep using her as a leach to get me.

I rushed in trying to contact Alison but she wasn’t taking my calls which got my heart racing, I turned to the receptionist to confirm if Pearl’s was checked in her designated VIP room as the hospital was owned my Harrington clan. Getting a positive response from the receptionist who was smiling uncontrollably, I headed straight for the elevator while praying to God the whole time.

“Ding”. I here the bell say while I took long strides to her room but to my greatest dismay it was empty. I felt my knees shaking as a scary thought flash through my mind, it couldn’t be that she’s in the emergency ward right?.

I reached out for my phone in panic to get a hold of Alison but all to no avail to make things worse her ringtone echoed throughout the room. At that moment I deeply regretted allowing Alison pick Pearl from school today, I made a mental note to take her home with or without a nanny.

I got out the room confused at what direction to take but I suddenly heard a familiar voice. “Pearl” I called out but no response. “Just great, I’m now hearing things”. Taking another step but halted as I heard a giggle. “That’s definitely Pearl”. I said as I followed the sound of the voice at the other side of the hallway but was stunned at the sight before me.

A young lady was holding Pearl up in her arms and she was having a blast all cheerful and excited. It’s been a while since I’ve seen her so happy.

They bursted into another laughing fit and that’s when I realized I’ve been staring for a while.

I really couldn’t decipher the reason why I stared on in awe, was it because of the shock seeing Pearl get along with a total stranger or because of the mesmerizing beauty of the lady holding her.

“Daddy!” I heard Pearl exclaim and I found my way back to reality. “Oh hey, darling”.

Walking towards my darling but I see a figure come to view from the other side of the hall while I struggled to get a hold of my raging emotions. Alison has really crossed the line this time and I wasn’t gonna let it slide. Her obsession over me and obnoxious behavior will sooner or later put Pearl’s life at risk and I’ll be damned if I’ll let that happen. This madness ends now.

“Lucious you’re here”. Alison stated whilst avoiding eye contact and shame evident in her tone. Seeing my silent reaction she adds “I can..explain..”

“No need”. I refuted infuriated by her stutters which were only adding fuel to fire. “Pearl will live with me for the main time. I want no more of this drama”. I announced hoping that was clear enough but who am I kidding?.

“Why?...Why? Do you hate me that much...huh?”. She spat almost in tears but that only made me feel nothing but disgust. I remained silent and soon realization dawned on her as she knew I was dead serious. “Fine, if that’s what you want”. She muttered as she walked passed me deliberately brushing my shoulders but I didn’t mind, I’m glad she’s gone.

Turning to face the two spectators but I couldn’t deny the dazzling beauty of the lady in red standing right front of me was indeed tempting and not to mention the way Pearl cleaved to her like she was hanging for dear life. I was right we’ve got the same taste, what a smart girl.

“I’m very sorry about that”. I professed my apology with a dashing smile that made the ladies tremble and blush uncontrollably but I didn’t get any of that instead she looked away casually and stated “No need to apologize, it’s not my business to meddle in”. With an angelic voice to match her unparalleled beauty. At this moment it became obvious that I was the one blushing uncontrollably but before I could kick off where I left off I heard her say

“little one your dad’s here now, go to him”. But my Angel was really reading my mind as she tightened her grip and refused to let go. “Come on little one, I have somewhere to be”. She declared again but Pearl was determined to stay glued to her. It’s really strange seeing her so clingy, she isn’t even this clingy with me, I thought as I felt a pang of jealousy hit my chest.

Observing the distressed expression on her face I decided to help her out. “Pearl, it’s okay now. Come to dada”. I said with my arms outstretched but my hopes were dashed the moment Pearl screamed “No, I want to stay with fine aunty” and that’s when I realized this was more serious than I thought but then it hit me, I’ll just employ her as Pearl’s nanny that solves all the problem. Although from the way she’s dressed it doesn’t seem like she’s searching for such a job. Gosh I’m gonna have an headache, nevertheless there’s no harm in trying so I threw the offer. “Miss, will you be willing to become Pearl’s nanny?”.