Ready to Collect the Debt

Heath's POV

I'm not a heartless human being; I just don't show emotion. I mastered it for ten years. But I could sense how people feel. And I could tell how she laughed at the mention of her father's name. It's full of bitterness. But why? As far as I know, her father sent her to Paris for a better future. Well, that's what parents should do.

After I put down her luggage, I entered my room to get changed. I will take a shower as well. She cannot escape from this house any way he thought. The doors and windows are equipped with alarms. I will get her first before she can ever step out of the house.

I grabbed a towel and went to the bathroom to take a shower. I have been outside for long hours. I used to be out but not in the city. I drove nine hours going to Brisbane, plus nine hours back.

After I was done showering and changed into my clean clothes, I went downstairs. I try to find something to eat and scan the fridge to see what they can have for dinner. I already packed the fridge and freezer. I even bought more dried foods. The moment I learned that Shiloh was coming to Australia, I ran to the nearest supermarket and bought everything we needed. I had been ready even before so that when chances came, I was fully equipped.

I took out four medium potatoes and two pieces of pork chops. I will just make a simple dish tonight. After I washed, I patted dry the pork chops, and I sprinkled them with salt and black pepper.

I peel the potatoes, then bring a pot of salted water to a boil. When it is boiling, I add the potatoes and cook until they become tender but still firm, at least fifteen minutes. I set a timer so it won't overcook. When it's ready, I drain it. I take out a small saucepan and turn it on fire. I put some butter and milk over low heat until the butter is melted. Using a potato masher, I slowly blend the milk mixture into the potatoes until smooth and creamy.

I will set the table first before I cook the pork chops. I take out a two-dinner plate. Bring out two goblets for water and two wine glasses in case she wants some but I probably need it. That's in my diet. Then I place the knife and fork on the sides of the plate; I also put a spoon.

Time to cook the pork chops. I heat the medium-sized nonstick frying pan and put in a little oil. When it's hot, I put the pork chops on and cook them for five minutes on each side. While frying the pork chops, I put two cups of green peas in the microwave oven and set it for two minutes. After the pork chops are done, I put one on each plate, and then I scoop the mashed potatoes and put them on the side of the pork chops. I drain the green peas and put them also on each plate. Dinner is ready.

When the dinner is all set, I go up to call her. It's an early dinner because it's only six, but I am very hungry. I only had a sandwich and soda on their way back.

I knock at the door when I reach her room. She didn't respond. I knock one more time. 

"Dinner is ready. Come down now and eat if you don't want me to open this door and drag you down to eat," I said. 

I will never do that, but if this will make her come out and eat, then so be it; let her think that I am capable of doing that.

I heard a bathroom door open. She is in the bathroom in that case. But she didn't open the door. After a few more minutes, the door opens, and she walks past me. Never said anything. I followed her. 

I could see from behind that she had just taken a shower, and her hair, pulled up in a messy bun, was still wet. Her clothes also have some drops of water.

"Sit," I ordered when we reached the dining. 

She glared at me, yet she sat down but still never said anything.

 

"Eat." She just picked up the spoon and scooped a mashed potato.

I also started to eat.

I observe her. She's a poised woman. Controlled. But there was sadness in her eyes when she glared at him. I noticed that she'd been crying because her eyes were red; even her nose and cheeks were pinkish. Yes, there is anger but that is only a blink. How could the wealthy woman be sad? She has everything. She has a powerful father.

We both eat in silence. She finished the potatoes and beans, but she hadn't touched the meat.

"You don't like meat?" I asked, but she only nodded no. I fork it from her plate and put it in mine.

 

"Wine?" She nodded, then she stood up and left the dining.

I just watched her as she left.

She is wrong about me that I kidnapped her for ransom. She is a payment of her dad's debt to me. Though nothing could ever pay his debt. Not even his wealth. What he has stolen from me cannot be retrieved. I just want to make sure that he will feel what I felt for those ten long years. This is just the beginning.

I wondered how it feels when your only child is captive of the ex-convict. Convicted for the crime I never did. 

'We will see each other face to face, Mr. Hansen, soon. I don't need your money, not even a cent of it. I'll ruin your daughter's life the way you ruined mine. Just wait. 

I eat Shiloh's pork chop, and when I finish eating, I put the dirty dishes in the sink, wipe the table, and wash the dishes after. After washing, I sit back at the table and poured some more wine. I think I'll finish this whole bottle. It will help me sleep well. 

After finishing the bottle of wine, I washed the wine glass and put it back in the wine glass rack and went upstairs. Tomorrow will be a new start.