Chapter 8: Take Everything Away

Chapter 8

Natasha's POV

"Mom! I want that panda-shaped balloon!" Rose giggled as she dragged me through the crowded amusement park toward the mascot selling balloon models.

It had been a week since I had won the case and had gained full custody of my daughter. A week of signing legal papers to finalize the divorce, fighting to get my father's properties back, and steering the company back on track for growth.

A week of constant physical, mental and emotional exhaustion. However, through it all, I enjoyed the late-night peace my daughter brought, along with her bubbly personality.

I enjoyed hearing her giggles as she talked about the things she loved, and how she would emphasize them so I wouldn't get them wrong.

'It's panda, not bear,' she pointed out with a cute pout. 'I love pandas but aunt Florida always says I love bears and bunnies! Bunnies are cute but not cuddly!'

'Bears are cuddly though,' I replied, making her brow crease cutely.

'They are, but I love Pandas the most!'

'And my favourite colour is blue. The light blue-not pink. You have to remember Mom!'

I couldn't help the smile that bloomed on my face, despite my exhaustion, as she skipped towards the children's playground, holding up the first gift I'd given her since my return.

A panda shaped balloon.

"She's happier than I've ever seen her," Diamond chuckled, placing a cold bottle of water against my face.

I shuddered and playfully glared at her before taking the water away. "I would also be happy if I got a new guardian that got all my favorites right."

"Touché," she breathed out. "I tried... I tried doing more, but half the time I'm not even around."

I gave a reassuring smile as I held the cold bottle tighter between my hands, trying to dispel the heat. "I know. You did the best you can. And I appreciate you for it."

"I'm glad that amidst all that, Rose wasn't alone." I added and she nodded before taking a sip of her drink.

We fell silent as my eyes returned to Rose, who appeared to have made a friend with another child. A boy with glasses and a robot toy.

The two children squatted under the shade of the tree, whispering and giggling as they played with their toys.

It was worth it, I thought.

Every minute of signing legal documents, every minute of court hearing and every investment to get my daughter, seeing her smile so brightly made everything worth it.

"Do you want ice cream?" I asked as Rose came back after waving goodbye to her new friend who had been picked up by his father.

"I want the mint flavoured ice-cream," She replied with a smile and I noticed how forced the smile looked.

Pulling her between my legs, I checked her body, making sure nothing was amiss before caressing her face. "Did something happen?"

"No," she replied with a shake of her head, and a cute pout. "Can we get the ice-cream now?"

"Baby, you can tell Mom anything," I reassured, knowing full well something was bothering her.

I watched as her pout turned into a tight-lipped frown as she fidgeted with her small bear backpack.

"Is Dad going to jail?" Rose asked and I froze.

I had been trying to guard her against the things happening around her, making sure she remained oblivious so she wouldn't be burdened by it but seeing the dejected look on her face, I could tell I didn't do a good job.

I sighed, ruffled her hair playfully and asked. "Why did you ask?"

"Well, Zade said people who get sued for bad things go to jail and the judge said you should sue Dad. Will he go to jail?" She asked, her watery eyes meeting mine.

"Do you want him to go to jail?" I asked, making my voice as calm as possible as I felt my heart tightened at her appearance.

"No." Rose replied. "He's not a bad man."

"Even though he neglected you and lied to you?" I swallowed the lump in my throat as I watched my daughter hesitate to answer the question.

I blinked and looked away, hiding the tears that threatened to fall.

"He's busy. He needed the money to make sure I had everything I wanted. That's what he said." She muttered.

"Don't make excuses for him, flower. He is a bad person, he always has been." I corrected. "No matter how busy he is, a parent should have time for their children and definitely not lie to them."

She nodded at my reply, but I could see it only made her sadder. Letting out a deep breath, I shoved my emotions into an imaginary box and smiled.

"He's not going to jail," I reassured and she brightened up.

"At least not yet," I added to myself as I led the way to the ice cream stand.

"But just like your friend said, bad people get punished." I added and she hummed.

"That's okay, I also get punished when I do bad things." She replied, and I laughed.

Rose, Diamond and I spent the rest of the day from one ride to the other, giggling, laughing and most importantly, worry free.

***

"Wow!" Rose exclaimed as we walked into the familiar space of my family's mansion.

Her eyes sparkled as she took in the artistic details of the house.

"It's so beautiful!" She exclaimed. "More beautiful than Daddy's."

I smiled, feeling warmed at her appreciation of her late grandparent's home. I patted her back and gave an encouraging smile, knowing she was barely holding in her excitement. "Go on and have a look."

Without needing to be told a second time, her little footsteps echoed through the hallway followed by her giggles.

I paused by the door, my eyes trailing over the paintings, grand staircase, family portrait, the large hallways that smelled of detergent and fresh air.

Nothing had changed.

Well, except a few potted plants that had just been replaced by the cleaners.

The last time I had been here was about seven. years ago-right after relationships with Spencer had ended.

It held too much memory, and staying here felt suffocating.

Now, ironically, I was back - after another heartbreak.

"Mom!" Rose called out as she ran to me, her face flushed with excitement. "Can I pick my room?"

"Of course," I replied and stretched my hands out to her.

She wrapped her hand round my fingers just in time for Diamond to drag in her suitcases.

"Ugh, I really should have taken you up on that offer to the movers," she complained, setting her heavy box down by the wall. "I wouldn't be suffering now, if I had."

"You can leave them by the door," I chuckled. "The butler and the rest of the staff will be here anytime soon."

As we walked towards the living areas, I heard footsteps echoing behind us and we stopped.

"Hello ladies," Spencer greeted as he walked into the mansion, dressed in a casual vintage shirt and white trousers while carrying several plastic bags with take outs.

"Thought I might find you here." He grinned as he stopped before me. Looking around he gave an approving nod. "It's been so long and the place looks the same."

His words almost sent me down the memory lane again. Memories I'd rather have boxed forever.

Thankfully, Rose excitement brought me back in time as I felt her hand tightened around my finger.

"I'm happy it was properly maintained." I replied with a curt smile. "What are you doing here?"

"Well, I came to support," he replied and raised the take out boxes. "It's technically a new place and you probably don't have anything yet, so here I am."

"Thank you," I appreciated as I felt Rose tugging me.

Looking down I noticed her curious eyes darting between me and Spencer. "Say hello," I encouraged. "He is your uncle. Call him uncle Spencer."

"Hello, Uncle Spencer!" Rose giggled and Spencer smiled as he patted her head after dropping the bags.

"Hello bubbles, how are you?"

"I'm fine and how are you?" Rose replied, her laughs echoing through the hallway as Spencer picked her.

"I'm happy," he replied with a laugh of his own.

I picked up the discarded plastic bags and turned to Diamond who had an amusing smile plastered on her lips.

I raised a brow at her and she chuckled but said nothing. "I'll drop my bags and then join you guys for dinner." She announced and immediately disappeared to one of the many rooms in the mansion.

Dinner with the three was fun. For the most part, it was Spencer and Rose getting along, telling jokes and laughing. Diamond would occasionally join in.

And I was content just watching them while keeping my overloaded imaginary box sealed.

Diamond and I packed up the plates after dinner. After which Diamond volunteered to take Rose on a walk leaving Spencer and I along in the large living room.

"So?" I asked, breaking the silence between us.

Although, the silence was stretching out, it wasn't uncomfortable. It was never uncomfortable with Spencer.

"So?" Spencer echoed.

"You didn't just come here to bring dinner did you?" I asked and he shrugged.

"I wanted to just bring dinner." He paused, his lips curling up. "But I know you'll be suspicious so I brought along some needed information."

"Oh?" I muttered and he hummed.

"I'm going to offer my father a proposal," he began, his eyes searching mine for any reaction, but he got none, making him sigh in disappointment.

"What kind of proposal," I asked, folding my legs under my knees.

"Derrick and my father's company is in trouble right now. The investors are pulling out their funds and businesses are failing." He paused as if to find his words.

"There's no way Derrick can come back from that, not with his reputation deep in the mud. My proposal is to be made the new CEO."

"Why?" I queried, somehow feeling conflicted about our partnership. "Why is it so important for you to become the CEO?"

"Shouldn't the current situation be to our advantage?"

Hearing the doubt in my words, Spencer frowned, his eyes meeting mine. "Becoming the CEO isn't important to me. I couldn't care less."

"Then why?"

"I promised to take everything away from Derrick. And so this is the first step."