Marrying my high school bully

Melissa

“Your dad is coming to get you, alright?” I said softly to the little girl who looked like she was about to burst into tears at any moment.

She babbled incessantly, her words unclear, but I didn’t want to see her cry so we got into the car, and I drove off to an ice cream shop.

My mind reverted to the first time Dexter and I went to an ice cream parlor. My lips stretched into a smile as I remembered how we sang carefreely like we had no problem.

Lilly’s little fingers grazed my chin and I peered down at her with a reassuring smile, but my heart ached for what could have been.

If not for the poison, I’d have had a beautiful daughter like Lilly with Dexter. I was already looking for solutions, but I haven’t gotten any good feedback from my doctor.

We stopped by the counter and immediately she pointed at a strawberry-flavored ice cream, clapping in excitement and flashing her little set of teeth.

“Do you want that?” I chuckled.

She nodded with a giggle, and then I paid for two plates and went back to the car. I opened our plates of ice cream and fed her and myself at the same time while waiting for Dexter to show up.

I’d long sent him the address and I was beginning to wonder what kept him back. Dexter was prompt and disliked delays, except Emilia decided to make a fuss and keep him from getting his daughter.

A Cadillac drove towards the shop and then parked behind my car. I didn’t need a soothsayer to tell me who it was.

Simultaneously, Lilly’s ice cream had just finished. “Daddy is here,” I announced and she leaped for joy.

The happiness on her face couldn’t be described as I heard a knock on the window. I opened the car door and Dexter took his daughter into his arms.

Lilly’s laughter was melodic, charming and exhilarating in every way. There was no way anyone could have such a beautiful child and not want to keep her happy.

After having some quiet time with his daughter, he turned his attention to me. “Melissa, I don’t know how to thank you for saving my Lilly. I almost had a heart attack, thinking of where to find her.” He spoke from his heart, his eyes turning misty.

I almost gasped as I’d never seen Dexter being so emotional. It felt so strange but I couldn’t understand where he came from.

“It’s fine, Dexter, I didn’t do what every other person would have done,” I replied modestly, but he shook his head in disagreement.

“Not everyone would have been kind enough to keep her safe. As time goes by, my enemies increase, including the ones I had to ruthlessly push out of business and they are all looking for ways to hurt me. They know my wife is nowhere to be found and Lilly is their only shot at revenge.” He explained.

“It’s fine, Dexter. You have to stop thanking me or I’ll drive off. Besides, where’s Emilia?” I asked.

His eyes darkened in anger as expected, but he motioned for her to come over. She strolled towards my car, only covered in a bathrobe. Her eyes were red, same as her face and by merely looking at her, I knew she had been crying.

She fiddled with the seam of her robe, unable to look at me and that was what I wanted. I wanted her to be overwhelmed by the shame of her irresponsibility, her wickedness and her crimes.

When she finally drew her gaze to me, she muttered, “Thank you.” Her voice was shrill and emotionless.

“You’re welcome, but please be careful with Lilly and always watch over her. These kids tend to go wild when no one watches over them.”

She nodded and took Lilly from Dexter, hugging her tightly. Pity swelled in my chest because I knew that the little girl wouldn’t be having such closeness with her mother soon.

I was too tired to watch them bond like a real family, so I started the car, waved at them and drove off.

*********

My fingers ached from having to type the lengthy presentation, but I reveled in the satisfaction that came with being extra prepared. I’d done some market surveys and I was already searching for companies that Hills Jewelry could partner with once I became CEO.

I yawned tiredly and my stomach grumbled, reminding me that I hadn’t eaten anything tangible aside from the quick toast I had in the morning and the ice cream I had with Lilly.

My eyes darted to the clock on the wall and a horrified gasp escaped my lips. It was past 7 pm and I was still caged in between my work desk and my chair.

I had to get something to eat so I picked up my purse and trotted towards the door. I’d barely opened it when a knock resonated. Curiosity lurked around and quickly I checked through the peephole to see who could be visiting me at such a time.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw Dexter, waiting patiently for a response, and it skipped two beats when he knocked again. My palms became clammy with sweat, my breathing hitched as I tried to maintain a relaxed pose.

I opened the door and met the most mesmerizing smile from the man whom my heart constantly beat for. “You’re here, Dexter…” I nearly chewed my lips at the sound of my fretty voice. “How did you know where I live?” I sounded more confident with this question.

He shrugged, propping one of his arms against the wall, then looked down at me. “I’m a billionaire, Melissa. Don’t you think it will be weird if I can’t find the woman I’m interested in with my resources?”

The part of being interested got to me, but I hid it behind my usual serious mask that was already beginning to crack. “Are you always this cocky?” I asked with fake irritation like I didn’t know.

He smiled lazily. “Can I come in?” He ignored my question and strolled in without getting my permission.NôvelDrama.Org exclusive content.

His eyes did a quick scan around my apartment with approval etched in his expression. “You’ve got a nice crib.” He said, then handed a paper gift bag to me. “Since it’s late already, I decided to get us some pizza and a bottle of wine.”

I collected it from him and dropped it on the table. “That’s thoughtful of you because I was actually on my way to get something for dinner. I’ve been working since I got back from work and I can’t prepare anything right now.”

He crashed into one of my armchairs and folded his leg. “Then I came at the right time because you won’t work while I’m here and I’ll be able to feed you.” He smirked, his eyes blazing with untamed desire.