Chapter 15
Soraya-
Soraya stared at Jacob’s perfectly chiseled face, his hazel eyes fixed on her without blinking. She searched for any trace of mockery, but
there was none.
He was dead serious.
“It’s rare for Angela to make an instant connection with someone, Jacob explained. “Even her therapists struggled for months to get her to warm up to them. But with you, it’s different. At home, she’s affectionate with me, but still, she rarely speaks.”
“I was hoping you might assist me with Angela. As you know, these early years are critical to shaping her development,” he added.
“Maybe ‘teacher isn’t the right word. I can’t call you a nanny either–that’s someone else’s role. But I was hoping you could spend your free time with Angela: to encourage her to speak, eat, to give her the affection she seeks,” Jacob further explained
“Okay, but Mr. Steel, two hundred thousand dollars per weekend?” Soraya reacted. “That’s too much. Besides, I don’t have a lot of free
time
If you were in my position, desperate to improve your daughter’s way of life, would you really think two hundred thousand dollars is too much!” Jacob retorted.
“I’ve tried everything, Angela’s been through multiple therapies and has seen five developmental specialists. Maybe it’s not a conscious choice, but I think, in her own way, she’s choosing you,” He added.
“I only want what’s best for Angela. Hence, my offer,” Jacob presented.
He had a point
He had all the money, after all
Come to think of it. Soraya remembered how Jacob was far richer than Calum. This man was the CEO of a multi–billion–dollar conglomerate with companies spread across the country.
“Yes, SteelCore Industries–that’s right. That’s the company name, Soraya recalled. Under its umbrella was the largest construction company in the state, Steel Core Infrabuild, as well as the biggest malls in Belridge and Cedar Heights–Titan Plaza and Vanguard
Gallena.
Soraya was certain there were many other companies under Jacob’s management, but she wasn’t completely familiar with him or his empire. However, one thing was for sure: Jacob had the luxury of making extravagant proposals.
Think about it,” Jacob said. “Aside from that, my offer to work for my company still stands.”
“I in returning to work with my previous company,” Soraya revealed.
“Aegis Core Systems?” Jacob asked, yet again surprising Soraya.
“Just how much did you dig up on me?” Soraya inquired.
“Deep enough to know that you were the co–developer of NeuroSentinel,” Jacobs revealed “Does Calum know this about you?” Soraya shook her head. “You did a better job of getting to know me than my ex–husband. You do know we’re getting a divorce, right?” Jacob merely nodded. He drank water and resumed, “I also learned that your uncle resides here, which led me to believe that visiting Angela could reasonably fit into your schedule, especially considering the premium compensation I’ve offered.”
“1-“Suraya gulped, thinking The offer was truly tempting
| BOOM!
But before she could answer, the skies roared above. It was followed by consecutive cracks of thunder, making her skin crawl. “Oh, god”
Looks like this heavy rain has turned into a storm” Jacob remarked.
After another thunderclap
“Ah! Alle Daddy! Moinmy” Angela’s voice rang across the mansion.
Chapter 15
Soraya and Jacob became alert. Jacob used his mobile flashlight to guide them through the dark. They both rushed out of the dining hall, following Angela’s panicking voice
“Daddy! Mommy!” By the time Soraya and Jacob found Angela, she was already at the staircase.
“Do not run down the stairs!” Jacob scolded, and just as he said that Angela slipped!
Soraya’s heart raced. Angela tumbled down the stairs, but thankfully, the generator kicked in, lighting the mansion.
Jacob reacted in time.
With swift strides, he rushed upward and caught Angela mid–fall, wrapping her in his arms as they both rolled down to the floor, his body shielding her from harm
“Angela, you shouldn’t have rushed down like that,” Soraya said, kneeling beside them.
The little girl was crying. She untangled herself from Jacob and hugged Soraya. “Mommy.”
The warmth of Angela’s embrace made Soraya’s heart skip a beat. She hugged her, caressing her back. “Shh… It’s okay. It’s okay now. It was just thunder.
raya met Jacob’s gaze as he was getting up. She asked, “Are you okay?”
Soraya
“I’m fine.” He looked outside the windows and said, “The weather’s not getting any better. The forecast did indicate that it might develop into a storm. I think you should stay in tonight. It’s not safe to leave.”
-Um-”
“I’ll ask the maids to prepare the guest room. Jacob suggested
Soraya didn’t understand why this was happening to her. Of all the people in the world, she had to end up stuck in Jacob’s home. Jacob Steel–Calum’s friend. She wondered, Is this some kind of cosmic joke! Or is life playing one of its cruel tricks on her?
But given the situation, she really didn’t have a choice.
“Okay.” Soraya said. “If you don’t mind.”
Later Jacob and the maids attempted to remove Angela from Soraya. However, they failed miserably. The girl had her arms locked around Soraya’s torso with the strength of a seasoned octopus,
“No! I want Mommy!” Angela said.
Soraya was… 100% trapped.
After a beat of awkward silence and mild struggle. Jacob cleared his throat “You could just stay with Angela. Her bed is big enough.”
Soraya looked at Angela, and after the little girl smiled at her, she conceded, “I guess we are sleeping together.”
Angela nodded, and soon, they made their way back to her room.
Jacob’s daughter was, without a doubt, the happiest person on Earth at that moment. Angela beamed with so much joy it was as if she had just won the toddler lottery. The first prize? One full–sized Soraya to cuddle all night.
Soraya nearly laughed as Angela pointed to one side of the bed. “Mommy. Then, she tapped the other side. “Angel”
okay” Soraya winked at Angela “I guess you’ve got it all figured out. Don’t you?”
Angela nodded, then began arranging the pillows and her plushies
Meanwhile, Suraya stood in the middle of the room, thinking. “Now, what am I going to wear to sleep!”
Avif on cue, Jacoli knocked on the half–open door Soraya found him holding one of his undershirts. He said, “You can wear this to sleep. You can bathe in Angela’s bathroom. There are extra towels there.”
I m not wearing your shart,” Soraya said
Jatul frowned. He leaned against the doorframe, one brow raising “What’s wrong with my sh
“Can’t I just borrow from the mauls!” Soraya asked
355 PM P P
Chapter 15
“I’m not letting you wear the maid’s clothes,” Jacob objected.
“What’s wrong with the maid’s clothes?” Soraya demanded.
“What’s wrong with my clothes?” Jacob shot back.
Sensing an unnecessary argument about to unfold, Soraya accepted the shirt, saying, “But what do I wear underneath?”
“I figured you could wear it like a–like a conservative nightgown,” Jacob suggested.
When Soraya didn’t answer, he pointed behind him and proposed, “Or you can use my swim trunks. That might fit you.
“No, thank you.” Soraya said. “I’ll just lock the door.”
Jacob stood by the door for a few more seconds, observing the glee on Angela’s face. Soon, he said, “Goodnight, Princess.”
“Night, Daddy,” Angela said, beaming.
“Goodnight, Soraya,” Jacob said.
Soraya turned to him awkwardly. “Goodnight, Mr. Steel.”
“Call me Jacob,” he said. “I think we can skip the formalities.”
“Okay Jacob, Goodnight,” Soraya said.
That night, amidst the heavy rain, Angela clung to her as she slept, and somehow, Soraya didn’t mind. The ache she often carried.. dulled for a while.
In the stillness of her dream, she asked herself the one thing she didn’t want to answer. ‘Why did this feel so right?”
