The Billionaire Who Saved Me

Allowing the tears to flow freely down her relaxed cheeks, Daphne fought with all her might to stop the sobs. But with each passing second, the opposite seemed to be happening. The cries and the pain sank deeper into her heart.

“Forgive me. Forgive me, Allan.”

The remorse grew rapidly, spreading to every corner of Daphne’s heart. It made her realize the promise she had been forced to break. By revealing everything that had happened to Garrett, her long-held fears would finally come true. Garrett would feel compelled to peel away the layers covering the truth. He would embark on a journey of revenge. And that would lead to one of Daphne’s fears. Garrett would be threatened. Just like Allan had experienced.

But Daphne felt she was at the same crossroads, each option carrying its own risks. Dishonesty would leave Garrett unaware of who he was really dealing with. On the other hand, honesty would make Garrett feel the pressure of accountability.

All this time, Daphne had only been able to close her eyes and ears to Garrett’s actions, hoping that it would calm the situation. But in reality, things would never be calm again. All that existed was a slow camouflage. Hidden. And it came with imminent danger.

In the end, Daphne took the second risk. And it turned out that Garrett was not the only one under pressure. Just as Daphne had feared, Garrett was injured.

“Oh God, Garrett. Forgive me.”

Daphne could not imagine how hurt Garrett must be right now. Knowing that the man he thought of as a heartless father was actually the one standing on the front lines protecting him. The man who was willing to die just to make sure his wife and child could live a peaceful life as they should.

At that moment, Allan’s words echoed in Daphne’s mind. When he made the choice that was poison to himself.

“I shouldn’t have married Norah in the first place. And this is the only way. They have to leave this life so they can be happy.”Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Daphne tried to push the memory from her mind. But when she tried, the opposite happened. The days when she saw her son living as if he were lifeless flashed before her.

Allan was suffering. Living alone with no family. And he had to pretend to be strong.

“You did the right thing, Allan,” Daphne whispered. “You can see that, can’t you? Your sacrifice was not in vain. Norah raised Garrett well. And Garrett is happy with the woman of his choice. All because of you.”

In the remaining night, with tears as a lullaby, Daphne could see it. How up there Allan would smile with happiness. Seeing the woman he loved survive and raise their child as best she could. To see the son he cherished grow into a strong and responsible man.

“Be happy, Allan,” Daphne murmured as she embraced the pain in her heart. “Give Allan happiness, God.”

*

Arriving at Daphne’s room that morning, Carolus was surprised to find not only Daphne but also Garrett there. Taking a moment to look at Garrett before turning to Daphne, Carolus found Daphne speaking directly to him.

“It’s okay, Carolus. Garrett already knows everything.”

Carolus remained silent. Unspoken, it was clear in his mind that he was asking: How much does Garrett know?

Daphne, as if she could sense Carolus’ hesitation, answered without waiting for her personal assistant to ask.

“About the death of my late husband and my son,” Daphne whispered. “Garrett already knows everything.”

Carolus nodded weakly. And he wasn’t surprised to see the shadow of grief clearly visible on Garrett’s face. It hinted at endless wounds, pain and suffering.

“Very well then, madam,” Carolus said, understanding. For now, he could explain all the research he had done without having to hide it from Garrett. “As you may have guessed, madam. Yocelyn works for Mrs. Farrah.”

Daphne let out a long sigh. She had not been surprised when she had ordered Carolus and his men to interrogate Yocelyn last night. She could already guess and just needed proof. That her suspicions were not wrong.

“She’s never been satisfied,” Daphne grumbled, clenching her fists.

Garrett listened to the conversation between Daphne and Carolus with unbearable confusion.

“If you have known about this for a long time,” Garrett said. “Why didn’t you act right away?”

Carolus understood Garrett’s curiosity. He had questioned Daphne in the past.

“It’s not that simple, Garrett. There are many considerations why I closed this case. One of them is for your sake.”

Daphne’s long sigh brought back memories of her past. When her husband died and there were disturbing rumors surrounding it, it was not just the wife and family that suffered. Not just the family that needed to be strengthened.

It was a business that needed to be maintained. A company that was the lifeline for many people. Not just hundreds, but thousands.

“I tried to do it all without any outside interference. Notwithstanding the fact that Farrah is my daughter, this incident was a real blow to the family, Garrett. And if I hadn’t shut it down first, you might not be here now.”

Looking back, Daphne wouldn’t forget her consideration. As a parent, she knew Farrah’s nature. And if she reported the incident to the police, how long would Farrah be in jail? With the possibility that it would only fuel the woman’s revenge.

“If there’s anyone who wants to retaliate for Farrah’s actions all this time, it’s definitely me, Garrett. But it’s not that simple.”

Beginning with Harlan’s death in 1997. Coinciding with the economic downturn that affected almost all of Asia and Oceania.

“The paralyzed economy and national disasters caused more and more businesses to close. Family riots and disturbances were additional problems that I didn’t expect, Garrett. And that’s why I had to suppress her ego to keep the company going.”

Daphne simply did not want the family turmoil to worsen the company’s situation at that time. She was forced to set aside her personal desires in order to preserve the last asset she had.

No, it was not that Daphne was obsessed with wealth or money. But the business would never be just a business. There were hopes, dreams, and a legacy of struggle that her family had built long ago. Preserving the company meant preserving the last legacy of her late husband.

“There are many things that I had to consider. I also tried to rebuild it with your late father.”

*