Chapter Four

I had stayed up all night, staring intensely at the clock as I waited. But Alessia still didn't come back with Ruby.

I didn't think she was such a reckless mother.

Who knew where she had slept last night?

From what Theresa Dale told me when she called, Jessica was kicked out of the Dale mansion late at night.

I let out a sigh as I headed for the bathroom for a shower.

The last thing I wanted to think about was Alessia's drama.

When I was done, I put on my clothes and headed downstairs.

"Daddy! Daddy!" Russ yelled the moment he saw me, jumping into my arms.

"Guess who stayed the whole night and didn't leave my side, and is now making breakfast," He said.

I felt my heartbeat fasten.

Without giving him an answer, I headed for the kitchen.

A smile arched my lips as I realized what had happened.

So she had come back, just that she didn't head for her room, instead she stayed in Russ's room.

Walking into the kitchen, my brows furrowed as I saw who it was.

"You're finally awake!" Elora squealed as she walked towards me, taking Russ out of my hands.

"Why didn't you go home last night?" I asked.

"Because it was already late," She muttered before pouting her lips like a kid.

"Besides, Rowan, you, of all people, should know how scared I am of the dark."

Russ's face lit up.

"Don't worry Aunt Elora, I'm going to protect you from the monsters lurking around in the dark," He declared.

I couldn't help but smile.

For some reason, he was always happy around Elora. That was one of the reasons I let her stay close.

"So what are we having for breakfast," A voice rang through, grabbing our attention.

And here I was thinking that everything couldn't get worse.

"Grandpa!" Russ yelled as he got down from Elora and ran towards my Dad.

Dad swiped him up with one move, spinning him lightly.

"If it isn't my favorite Grandson," He praised chuckling.

"But I'm your only, Grandson, Grandpa," Russ declared, folding his arms in front of him.

"That's true, son," Dad added, pinching the little guy's face.

He then looked around the kitchen. He frowned the moment he locked eyes with Elora.

He turned to me. "Where is Alessia, your wife?"

I walked towards the dining table and sat down.

"We were about to have breakfast, Dad, so you either sit and eat or leave."

He sat down, slowly watching Elora as she arranged the table.

Elora couldn't stop trembling, just like Dad couldn't stop staring at her.

He was making her uncomfortable, and he knew it.

Soon, breakfast was served—spaghetti and meatballs.

"This is an interesting choice for breakfast," Dad muttered, glancing at me.

Elora let out an awkward chuckle.

"I'm sorry Mr. Black, I'm not used to cooking. I only know how to make a few things."

Dad nodded as he took a spoon of the meal.

He froze, before chewing it up completely.

I did the same, freezing as I got a taste of the food.

"Amanda!" I called out to the help of the house before Russ dug into his food.

"Yes, Mr. Black," She answered, moving towards me.

"Please, can you take away Russ's food and make scrambled eggs for him," I instructed.

"Okay, Sir," She nodded as she did it.

"But Dad! I want to have Aunt Elora's food!" He declared, his eyes getting teary.

"It is spicy, and would make your tummy upset," I explained.

He shook his head, tears rolling down his eyes.

"But I want to eat the food of my new Mommy!"

Those words caught me off guard, the same goes for Dad. He had to drink water to stop himself from coughing to death.

"What about your Mommy, Russ?" He asked.

A huge smile tugged on his lips as he raised his hands triumphantly.

"Mommy is finally leaving! She said wants to get a divorce so that I will get a new Mommy."

Dad looked from Russ to me.

"And is that new Mom of yours your Aunt...Elora?" He asked.

"Yes Grandpa, she is. I'm tired of having a Mommy who dresses like an old woman and who likes to boss me around. Soon I'll be the man of the house, and no woman is expected to undermine me."

I was speechless. His words reminded me of Dad's training when I was a kid.

"Never let a woman talk down on you. Never let her try to tell you what to do. You are the heir to the Black empire, so never let yourself fall for any woman."

I grew up with those words engraved in my heart.

Anytime I did something otherwise, Dad would get his men to punish me.

Hearing those words from him made me smile.

"Rowan, can we talk privately," Dad said.

He didn't give me a chance to say anything, he just stood up and left the kitchen.

I followed him quietly, until we got to the study.

Dad sat down in a chair. He was silent for a while, before looking at me.

"Are you really going to divorce, Alessia Dale and marry her sister?" He asked.

I sighed, rubbing my forehead.

"You shouldn't pay attention to Russ's words Dad. He is just a kid," I replied, leaning on the mahogany table.

"I have learned never to underestimate kids, Rowan. They see, they hear, they think, they learn, and they know. Some of them even scare me," Dad muttered.

He was referring to a kid he met years ago in Las Vegas. After that encounter, Dad started acting weird and distant.

He never told us the full story, just started acting differently.

"Then where is your wife and daughter now?" He asked in a firm tone.

"Trying to act stubborn. Alessia's just looking for attention. But you don't have to worry. She'll be crawling back soon, begging me for forgiveness."

Dad let out a chuckle. He stood up, heading for the door, but stopped halfway.

"Rowan," He called out to me. "I know I was never really a good father to you. I did terrible things that I'll never be able to forgive myself for. But a word of advice son..."

He tilted his head slightly towards me.

"Never underestimate a woman."