Chapter 105: Chapter 105

JUNE

Kristen left early because of a meeting he had with some of his employees. I remained in bed for close to an hour before I lazily rolled out, realizing I had to get ready for work. I can't afford to have my salary ducked on the first day.

I had a hurried bath and got dressed in blue leggings, pairing it off with a tank top. I didn't bother with my hair, just combed through it to get rid of the tangles, and I was good to go. I applied a chapstick on my lip and used an eyeliner for my brows.

Breakfast was the next thing. I gobbled down the macaroni and meatballs Kristen made, ignoring the crepes he left for me. The moment I put the plates on the sink, my phone started buzzing.

“That must be Mark.” Yawning, I traipsed over to the dinner table, took my phone, and answered the call without checking the caller's ID. “Good morning,” I grumbled and started for the stairs.

“June?” Mark's perplexed voice filtered in from the other end.

“Hmm?”

“Are you the one?” he asked once more, sounding confused.

“Of course. Why will you assume I'm not the one?”

I took the stairs two at a time and got to my room in a short time.

“You greeted me! You've not done that before and—”

“You know what? I think you need help.” I grabbed the purse I kept on the bed and left my room, locking the door behind me. “Are you taking me to work?”

“Well… About that, I think—”

“Don't even dream of that. Kristen said you are to be my chauffeur until everything dies down!”

“Kristen said that?” he scoffed. “Last I checked, he didn't employ me to do any work for him. I'm just—”

“Are you coming or not?” I interrupted, checking the time on my watch to be certain I still had time not to appear tardy on my first day.

“Coming,” he sighed out after a full 10 seconds of deliberations.

“Then, I will be waiting.” I disengaged from the call and stuffed my phone into my purse. Humming under my breath, I climbed down the stairs.

Mark showed up like he promised and took me to work, promising that he would be there to take me back, but I declined the offer. I received a call from Henry while I was waiting for Mark, and they asked me to meet them at the hospital.

Mark sought to know why I asked him not to pick me up, but I skidded around while trying not to raise his suspicion.

I tirelessly worked throughout the day because I was seeking to make a lasting first impression. Funny, right?

But it paid off. The librarian was so pleased with me that she bought some snacks for me during lunch hour. You see, hard work actually pays.

After work, I took a cab to the hospital they admitted me the previous day. Not that far from the library, just a 7-minute drive. Had I strolled there, it would have taken me close to an hour to get there. Henry and his wife were already waiting for me when I showed up.

In his hand was an envelope, which I knew encompassed the answer to our questions.

“June!” Favour rushed towards me the minute she saw me. “Oh my lovely girl, you look good.” She engulfed me in a hug.

“Good to see you too, Favour,” I beamed, loving how affectionate she was. I doubt I have been as close to a woman as I am to her. She just has a naturally friendly ambience; it feels like I have known her for ages.

“Come on, darling. You might stifle the poor sweetheart,” Henry chuckled.

Favour delayed a bit before she released me. She held my hand in hers and led me towards her husband.

“Hi,” Henry waved.

“Good day.”

“So…."

“He's your father!” Favour blurted before Henry could muster the tenacity to say a word. “The result confirms it!” She grinned, looking like she was barely keeping the joy to herself.

For a minute, I froze, unable to form any thoughts at all. This was something I'd been hoping for. Praying even. But at the time, I wasn't able to process it.

“What's wrong? Say something, June! Aren't you thrilled?!” She shook me.

“So… You… You…” I inhaled sharply. “You are my father?”

“Yes, darling,” Henry affirmed with a nod of his head. “You are my daughter, June. The daughter I thought... was dead.” A tear slithered down his face. It was like the start of a dam because what followed was a full-blown cry.

“Oh, my. Quit acting like a baby.” Favour left my side and went over to him to console the sobbing man.

I watched them, not knowing how to react at first. It was surreal. Something I've been yearning for is finally at my grasp.

“June,” he called out, stepping close to me with his arms spread wide.

Recognizing what he wanted, I covered the distance between us and engulfed him in a hug, giving in to the tears I never knew I was holding.

We sobbed, whispered words to each other, and relished in the embrace of our cherished ones. Favour stood next to us, smirking.

“So, Martha isn't my mum?” I managed to say when Henry eventually released me from his embrace but still held me. It was as if he were scared I might disappear should his hold falter for a moment.

“No, Mary was.” Beaming, he tucked a strand of my hair behind my left ear, staring down at me with an intensity that took my breath away.

Had Favour not interrupted us, we might have stood in each other's embrace until the end of the world.

“Will you have an early dinner with me?” He suddenly asked when we stepped out of the hospital. “Please don't say no,” he pleaded, gazing at me.

"Please darling," Favour begged.