Chapter Five - Truths and Doubts
HAILEY'S POV
"Yay!" Kathryn clap's and cheers in celebration as Mr. Knox claps with the biggest grin.
She brought out cups, saucers, a knife and forks, cutting slices, filling our cups and serving us. Her boss raised his eyebrows at her when she handed him a cup of champagne. Ignoring him, she raised her cup, "you are only twenty one, once" snickering at her boss, as we softly knocked cups.
I chugged mines, holding out my cup for more, wanting to feel lightheaded. Happy because the only times I've celebrated a birthday is with Kathryn and Mrs. Pierce.
Cleaning my saucer, declining a second piece because I'm more in the mood for a drink.
Kathryn clears up as Mr. Knox returned to his desk. I picked up my cup and the bottle, sitting on the chair I previously occupied. By my calculations I still have an extra cup left.
Smiling, seeing my hold on the bottle, "what do you like most about turning twenty one?" Mr. Knox asks.
"Alcohol" I said, lifting my cup.
He chuckles, lifting his empty cup to me, a cup I had no desire to full, because it's my birthday and the balance is all mines.
Frowning, "although it's embarrassing being asked for my ID at the supermarkets, which by the way is the only place I've bought it so far" I explains starting to feel tipsy.
Laughing at my predicament, brings tears to Mr. Knox's eyes.
"I've never been to a bar or a club though" I informed him.
Still chuckling, "don't worry, you will, one of these days" he says.
Refilling my cup, smiling as I realize there is still some left.
"So my mom wanted me to marry someone of her choice?" I questioned him, twirling the drink in my cup.
"Yes, it was her desire" he confirms.
"Did she personally say that to you?" I continued with my interrogation.
Not expecting this type of question, he pauses as he tries to read me.
"Well?" I sat back, trying to read him.
Sitting forward, placing his hands on the desk as he fiddles with the documents on top.
"It was written in her last will and testament" he informed me.
Studying his profile as I was taught to do, I continued to question him.
"Does her bestfriend and son agree to this arrangement?" I asked.
Smiling, "Yes, Amelia is excited to welcome you into her family" he says.
Amelia? Frowning, "Have I met this Amelia?" I asked confused, because the name sounds like something I should know.
Gazing down to the documents on his desk, "I believe that she was a regular visitor at your parents home before they died" he shares reluctantly.
Not understanding, but I have an uneasy feeling, now and it's not the alcohol. Emptying the bottle in my cup, sighing because it's only half full and somehow, I think I need more.
"Do you know them personally" I wondered.
"Yes, yes I do. I presentably handle some of their personal accounts and their son frequently involves me in his business endeavors, bringing more clients to my firm" he answers.
"Is he handsome" I asked as he looks shocked. Definitely wasn't expecting that, I thought.
Chuckling, "from a man's prospective?, Yes. very. He's also kind, brilliant and very hardworking" he endorses, the stranger.
"You're a good salesman" I complemented him.
Staring seriously, without blinking, "Hailey, I would never put you in danger or chose wrong for you. In fact he is not chosen by me but by your mother. I'm here to ensure that her wishes are fulfilled and her wishes are only about her daughter's happiness." he explains.
"I heard that she died at twenty seven, why would she leave a will that young?" I asked confused.
Looking down again. "Your father was an extremely successful businessman. Even though I kept using the words , your mother, what I should have been saying, is that it's your parents" he clarifies.
"Was my dad involved in my life?" I asked, graving a knowledge of my mom and dad.
With a small smile he answers. "Yes he's was. You are his weakness and his strength. Even though he was busy with his job, you and your mom were his first priority. Even if he failed sometimes, you constantly give him motivation." He smiles with a distant look.
Chuckling softly, "I remember, him leaving meetings incomplete, because it was nearing your bedtime. He were there for most of your bedtimes and bathtimes " he remembers.
Frowning, "you knew him personally?" I question, wanting more.
Nodding, "I was or should I say still am his lawyer." he admits.
"Still?" I asked
A guilty expression cross his face, before he caught himself. "Well, uh, em, uh, I am handling your inheritance" he stammers, appearing flustered. "So basically, I'm still working for him or should I now say, you" he points to me chuckling nervously.
Something is not adding up here, I try reflecting on the dreams or nightmares I still have, but I keep it hidden from everyone because if they knew, they would pump me with pills again.
Looking at my fingers clasping the cup, "did I ever tell you that in all my nightmares, I never saw my dad died" I shared lifting my eyes to see shock and fear in his eyes.
"Chuckling, "but what do I know, I was just five" I said, hoping for more information but feeling that I'm threading on forbidden territory.
Mr. Knox looks uneasy and I'm the cause, but I know that I'm in the dark about my parents and I'm determined to find out.
"When would the monies my parents left me run out" I ask curious.
Chuckling, "wow, I honestly have no idea became this is not your last inheritance, you still have properties to receive and more monies" he paused as he seems to be considering what or if he should say anything else to me.
"There is something else though, regarding your career."