Chapter 196 - Michelle's Talk With Her Father

Ch-195

"You may think that his family name itself is enough to like him. Even if a beggar comes to me and shows his love and care to me while protecting me with all he has, I would like him. But not this guy, he is asking for a chance for me. But did he show his stubborn attitude when I rejected him? Nope. Even now… in front of you, he acted like I bullied him and made him miserable. But dad… think of yourself about these things?" she said. 

"Dad… You don't know… When I was in school many people used to mock me, calling me 'garbage seller' 'scrap seller' and so on. But I never took them seriously…. When I was locked in the bathroom, some students poured sewage water on my head making me feel nauseated. But only Esther came to me and protected me at that time. She saved me from the bathroom and took care of me. Also, she made the people who bullied me suffer a hundred times. 

"I was scared to meet people from that time. When I confessed my liking to Jason Miller, I was shamed by the whole school. Only Esther was at my side. She knew I needed a family. So, she took me to her house and asked her family to treat me the same as her. I was so happy at that time. Dad… I never said these things to you as we were in our difficult times at that time. But do you know, Esther pulled the strings for us to get us out of that situation? From that day, I decided to be with her and help her in her business. I wanted to help you in our business but I felt I should repay Esther. If she knew my real thoughts, she would surely ask me to leave her. I don't want to do that. 

"I mean… I tasted how it would be to be treated as precious by her and you. I don't know why I am saying all these. Maybe I may not even say these things if I am given another chance. I want to talk with you. In the past three years, I felt very lonely dad. I left Esther in my anger, I left you. There was no one to share my problems with. I was looking for someone who supports me. But I realized that no one would come to me. My heart turned numb and cold. 

"Now… A guy approached me and said that he loves me and wants to marry me. How could you expect me to accept him? I am used to being myself. But the presence of Esther in my life again, made me yearn for her friendship. She knew what I wanted. Esther asked me to go back and do the things that I like. I wanted to say no to her, but I spilled everything in my heart to her. Like a mom, she hugged me and asked me to go to you. Also told me to work under you, while getting your guidance for at least six months before taking over the company. I want to be with you... dad, not with him. 

"You may say… he loves me and likes me. But he never showed it to me. Why do I need to be with a person, who keeps my place in a questionable place? He never assured me to be his woman. He made sex under the influence of me, he protected me under the orders of Esther. If… there was no reunion party, he might not have confessed to me. We might not have slept. I might not even know that he likes me! Dad… Am I wrong to reject him? Esther said… I am her precious and I deserved to be treated like a precious. And she said that… Just because Nicholas is a good person, I deserved to be treated like this. She even said that… A man is a pillar of a sense of security and support. If a woman can't feel that, then he is not fit for that woman. Dad…" Michelle was about to continue but was interrupted by his words. 

"Michelle.." he was about to say something but was cut off by her words. 

"Dad… I know you would say that she can't even manage her relationships. But it doesn't mean she was once in a failed relationship, where she suffered a lot. She never means bad to me, Dad," Michelle said. 

"Come beside dadda," he said as he patted the place beside him. 

Michelle went beside him and sat beside him. 

"My baby girl, I am thankful you have Esther in your life. I failed to be a good father. She is right, you deserve to be treated as precious and deserve to lead a good life. Do what your heart says to you. This book is my gift to her, no need to pay." he said to her as he hugged his daughter. 

"Dad…" she called. 

"Hmm?" he responded. 

"Will you spend your time with me from now on, will you accompany me to go outside like other fathers?" she asked. 

"I will," he said as he froze in his position. He realized that… he never spent time with his daughter properly. He remembered a little girl came running out of the house every time he reached home. But he was too tired to spend time with her. So, he would sleep without even eating. But the little girl would remove his shoes and socks which didn't even change. Tears brimmed in his eyes as he remembered how bad he was as a father. 

"I am sorry, My child," he said to her as he closed his eyes. 

"I will be a good father to you. One day, Let's visit Benjamin's family and thank them properly," he said to her as he broke the hug while ruffling her hair as looked at her with a love-filled gaze. 

"Okay," she said with a small smile. 

Nicholas, who stood not long away from the room, heard every word said by her.. He realized he was a fool to ask for her chance when he did these many things.