THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE

I felt a surge of relief when I finally secured the bank job I had applied for. The path to getting this position was not smooth, but my previous relevant work experience made me the top candidate. After days of waiting, I finally received the email from the HR manager.

“Congratulations, Ms. Summers, you got the job. We are glad to have you on our team. You are to resume work on Monday,” the HR manager’s email read.

“Thank goodness!” I screamed, jumping with joy.

The bills were piling up, and my savings were nearly exhausted. Securing a job was essential, as I didn’t want my kids to lack any basic needs.

The first day at work went well, despite the gossip and whispers from some colleagues who recognized me as Nathan Everton’s ex-fiancee. But I didn’t care. I stood tall and did my job well. Providing for my kids was my primary focus, even if it meant enduring some gossip.

After work, I picked up my kids from school. I had made it clear to the school management that I was the only one allowed to pick them up, given that the nanny from Nathan’s mansion used to do it before our breakup.

I needed to protect my kids from Nathan. He didn’t deserve to be their father. His influence could corrupt their upbringing and morals.

As we got out of the car, I saw a familiar figure waiting by the door. It was Nathan. Anger surged through me, but I had to hide my emotions for the kids’ sake. His presence alone brought back hurtful memories. I thought I was moving on, but seeing him made me realize I still loved and missed him.

“Judith, why is your heart still racing towards him? You still love him despite all the pain he caused you? You must be stupid to still love him,” I rebuked myself as I helped the kids out of the car.

“Hey, Mr. Nathan,” the kids ran towards him happily.

He caught them in his arms and kissed their foreheads. “How are you doing, guys?”

“We are fine, but we missed you so much,” Olivia said, pouting. “Thank God you’re finally here.”

“Yes, I traveled, but I’m back now,” he said, carrying them in his arms.

As I approached him, my heart raced and hurt simultaneously. He looked different-slimmer, with unkempt hair and beard. He had a sad, unexplainable look.

I felt a pang of pity for him, even though I knew I shouldn’t. He seemed depressed.

“Hi, Judith,” he said with a sad face.

“Hi, Nathan,” I replied, walking past him to unlock the door, avoiding his piercing gaze. Staring at him too long might make me want to hug and kiss him.

Inside, the kids were all over him. He handed them the gifts he bought and helped them with their assignments while I microwaved some leftover pizza for dinner.

During dinner, I stole glances at him, noticing he looked better. Afterward, I sent the kids to their room.

“Oliver, Olivia, go to your room. I need to talk to Mr. Nathan,” I said.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“But Mommy, we’re still playing with him,” Oliver protested.

“Go to your rooms now,” I screamed angrily.

“Let’s go, Oli,” Olivia said, and they hurried to their room, likely shocked and scared. I rarely shouted at them.

“Why are you here?” I asked Nathan once the kids were gone. “You seem to forget that we are done.”

“Judith, please forgive me,” he said, kneeling. I was taken aback. I never expected him to kneel.

“Please forgive me. I don’t care about any punishment, but please don’t push me away from the kids,” he pleaded, holding my legs. “I’ve been miserable this past month. I should have apologized sooner but wanted to give you space. Please let me help raise them. I promise to do my best.”

“I don’t want you near them. I want you far away so you don’t corrupt them with your behavior,” I said, pulling away from him.

“I know I’ve behaved poorly, but I’m a changed man. You and the kids gave my life purpose,” he said, tearing up. “Aside from my mom, no one has ever cared for me like you do. Please forgive me.”

His words made me tear up. My heart wanted to forgive him, but my brain reminded me of all the pain he caused.

“Can I ever forgive him? Can I forget the past and be with him again? My kids need a father, but can I let him be that? How can love be so painful?”

These questions raced through my mind as we both wept silently in the living room, wanting to love and hold each other but unable to.