Chapter 12: Do You Know My Father?

Andrea continued speaking, her voice filled with pain and longing. "When I was just three years old, my father left us, and he never returned. I doubt I would even recognize him if he showed up now. Every evening, my mom would stand by the door, hoping against hope that he would come back, but he never did."

The expression on Mr. Singer's face changed dramatically, a mix of guilt, sorrow, and regret washing over him.

"My mom always believed that my dad would return one day, but he never did, not even when she fell ill. I was in 6th grade at that time, juggling two jobs after school to try to pay her hospital bills..." Andrea's voice broke, tears streaming down her face.

Mr. Singer's eyes were red and his fists clenched tightly, mirroring Andrea's pain.

Wiping away her tears, Andrea turned away from the window to face Mr. Singer. "During her funeral, he was nowhere to be found. I envied those who had fathers, who could take them to school, spend time with them, and create memories together. His absence at her funeral shattered any hope I had left of ever having a father."

Turning back to the window, Andrea composed herself, then turned to Mr. Singer with a sad smile. "I'm sorry for burdening you with my past. I couldn't help it after seeing those flowers."

Mr. Singer managed a strained smile and asked hesitantly, "Should I remove the flowers?"

Shaking her head, Andrea replied softly, "No, they're beautiful. They remind me of my mother."

A heavy silence fell between them, neither speaking for what felt like an eternity. Mr. Singer struggled to find the right words, his inner turmoil evident.

"Um... Get ready, we're going shopping," Mr. Singer finally said, before leaving the room abruptly.

As he exited, the tears he had been holding back finally spilled over, and he hurriedly retreated to another room, locking the door behind him. Sinking to the floor, he pulled out a photo from his pocket, tears streaming down his face.

"Gwen, I'm so sorry. I failed you and our daughter. I wish I could undo my mistakes, I wish I never left," Mr. Singer whispered, his voice filled with remorse as he tried to wipe away the tears.

The elites of Sunshine City would be astounded if they witnessed the scene: the most influential man in the city overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face as he gazed at a photograph. The idea of such vulnerability from him would be unimaginable to them.

A sudden knock on the door startled Mr. Singers, prompting him to hastily compose himself and answer it. Agatha stood there, looking grave as she delivered the message.

"Mr. Singers, the Chairman of Power Group wishes to see you urgently," she informed him.

"Clear my schedule for today. I cannot meet anyone. If it's crucial, send someone in my place," Mr. Singers instructed, his face impassive.

Agatha's expression darkened as she protested, "But sir, the meeting with Power Group is of utmost importance. It concerns the-"

"Agatha, who is in charge here? You or me?" Mr. Singers interjected sharply, silencing her.

Agatha hesitated, then fell silent, understanding his resolve. "I will make sure no one disturbs you today," she finally conceded.

"I will not be seeing anyone today," Mr. Singers declared coldly before striding away.

He promptly left the mansion with Andrea once she was ready.

Agatha watched them leave the mansion, her expression filled with anger. The Mr. Singers she knew was a man consumed by his work, often foregoing meals to complete his tasks.

However, since his return from Vegas, he had transformed into a different person, caring only about a woman he had brought back with him, who paled in comparison to Agatha's own beauty.

A glint of determination shone in Agatha's eyes as she turned to Housekeeper Win and inquired, "Win, do you have any idea where they are headed?"

"I'm afraid I don't, Miss Agatha," Housekeeper Win replied.

Agatha couldn't shake off her surprise that Mr. Singers had failed to involve them in the report on the mansion's activities during his absence, a practice he usually followed.

"Housekeeper Win, do you believe this woman is a positive influence on Mr. Singers? Consider this - since his return, he has neglected his work for her. If this continues, we stand to lose numerous deals we've worked tirelessly to secure over the years," Agatha remarked before swiftly leaving the room, dialling a number on her phone as she went.

Housekeeper Win's expression turned grave. While Mr. Singers was her employer, he was also like family to them all, treating his employees with kindness and respect.

Unaware of the concerns of those around him, Mr. Singers escorted Andrea to the city's premier shopping mall, housing the world's top brands.

"Choose whatever you like without hesitation," Mr. Singers urged Andrea.

Feeling overwhelmed by the lavish treatment, Andrea, who deemed herself unattractive and overweight compared to Mr. Singers, questioned his motives.

"Why are you being so kind to me, Mr. Singers?" Andrea, whose perception of human nature was based on self-interest, asked.

"Because you are a Singers, you deserve the best life has to offer. Let's find you the most exquisite gowns in the store," Mr. Singers replied with a warm smile.

Puzzled, Andrea furrowed her brow before inquiring, "Do you know my father?"

Mr. Singers could discern Andrea's thoughts with a single glance. He gently cradled her face in his hands and spoke softly, "Andrea, not everyone who shows kindness to you has ulterior motives. You deserve genuine happiness."

Andrea nodded instinctively, feeling a sense of trust in Mr. Singers that she had never experienced with the Andersons, who had exploited her and abandoned her once she no longer served their purposes.

Hand in hand, they entered the bustling shopping mall, drawing surprised looks from onlookers. It was rare to see Mr. Singers publicly displaying affection, let alone holding a woman's hand. Rumors had circulated about his sexuality, but in that moment, it was clear that his connection with Andrea was something special.

A voice of disapproval interrupted their moment, "I had imagined the type of woman who could capture your attention, but seeing this thing, I must say I am disappointed in you."