THE REMORSEFUL BILLIONAIRE

Judith POV

When I heard of the assault case, a wave of fear and confusion washed up on me. Then I wondered why Nathan would be involved in such a crime once more. Is it like he derived some pleasures from the act? Or was it something deeper at play, an urge he couldn’t resist? He claimed that whatever happened between us was because he was broken beyond repair. Then what about this time? Was he still the same broken man? Those questions run through my mind, leaving me without any answers.

The whole of London was in uproar, and the news keeps making sensational headlines, which left me stunned at how quickly public opinion could change overnight. The same man in which all of London adores was now the target of their hatred, but I made sure to switch the channel anytime the kids are present, I don’t want them to learn about it, as I’m well aware of the negative impact it will have on them.

All efforts to focus on my work proved abortive as the thoughts of his wellbeing and disturbing situations preoccupied my mind. Even at work, my coworkers made it a topic of discussion during leisure periods, and some even speculated that perhaps it was because of these acts that I called off the engagement. I pretended like I didn’t hear them, forcing myself to concentrate on my tasks even when it was difficult.

As the day came to a close, I left work and went to pick up the kids at school. I was parking in the garage when I caught sight of a familiar figure from behind, and it was Felix.

“Felix. What are you doing here?” I demanded as I got out of the car and approached.

“Oh Judith. You look absolutely stunning,” he replied with a smirk on his lips and a lustful stare that made my skin crawl. He tried touching my hair, but I slapped his hand away.

“Oh, shut up. Why did you drag Vanessa down with you? I snapped, determined to confront him about Vanessa, whose betrayal still hurts.

“Vanessa? Very sweet girl.” He sneered and licked his lips. “I fucked her well, and she fell for me. Common on we are both adults, Judith. Why do you even care?

His word left me speechless. He was right; they were both consenting adults. But the bitterness and hurt still loom within me. “And then, why are you here? I asked again.

“The love of your life is in prison. The man you love is going to rot behind bars. And it is so good to know,” he tainted, laughing out loud.

“And why should that concern you?” I fired back immediately, growing impatient. I wanted him to just leave; I had a long day at work. I needed to rest, and I still have kids waiting for me in the car.

“You should try saving him this time again. If he doesn’t get punishment for what he is guilty of, then he will get punishment for what he is innocent of,” he said arrogantly, his tone laced with malice.

“What!” I exclaimed, unsure I had heard him correctly. “What do you mean,” I asked, confusion etched on my face.

“You heard me right. You should figure it out, but I’m certain he can’t be saved this time,” he added with a sinister laugh before walking out of the garage.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

I stood there stunned and perplexed, with chaotic thoughts running through my mind, and Felix’s words kept replaying in my mind, trying to make sense of what he had implied.

I was jolted out of my thoughts by Felix’s voice. “Goodbye, Judith,” he said, waving mockingly and driving out into the street.

Finally, I composed myself and returned to the car and led the kids inside the house. Even while doing my evening tasks, my mind constantly reminded me of Felix’s words, unable to forget his expression; it was a satisfied and mocking one.

Unable to take it off my mind, I decided to call the number Nathan’s father had used in reaching me before, but the call didn’t go through. Still overwhelmed by worry, I decided to head to his mansion with the hope of speaking with his father.

I knew it was going to be difficult to get through to his father, considering the fact that it was already too late and the heavy traffic I would likely encounter on the road would delay me further, but I was willing to try. Any delay might make the situation get worse. I dropped the kids off at Granny Theresa’s home and drove off to Nathan’s father’s mansion.

Fortunately, the traffic wasn’t as heavy, and I arrived within 30 minutes. The mansion was an exquisite structure I’d never fail to admire, no matter how many times I visited. Getting through to Grey went smoothly because the gateman recognised me right away as Nathan’s fiancee, since I had visited the house in the past.

The house was oddly silent as I went in, with only Grey, Nathan’s father, in the living room.

“Good evening, sir,” I greeted respectfully.

“Hi, Judith,” he responded, less cheerful than his usual self. I expected it to be that way; his beloved son is in prison, and the weight of such reality was evident in his expression.

“How is Nathan, sir?” I inquired.

“Holding up pretty well, just as expected,” he replied, his tension was evident.

“I know this may be a bit out of place, but could you please tell me more about the case? Perhaps I might be able to help,” I said with a sympathetic face.

He looked at me and smiled faintly. “I know you care about my son, and you are just trying to help, but this is totally different from the last time. This is more serious, and even my team of lawyers has been unable to make any headway,” he said dismissively, clearly unconvinced that I could render any assistance.

“I understand, sir, but please, let me try,” I pressed again. I didn’t want to tell him about Felix, as I was still unsure of his involvement.

After a moment of hesitation, he agreed reluctantly and began narrating the allegations against Nathan, emphasising how Nathan vehemently denied the charges, stating that he was innocent and framed. He also mentioned video, which was the key evidence.

I knew it had to be Felix doing the moment he made mention of the video. “How can I get in contact with the victim?” I asked.

“That bitch,” he cursed angrily. “I don’t know, and frankly, I don’t care about her,” he responded, fuming with fury.

I pleaded with him to help me retrieve any information about the lady, especially the hospital where she was reportedly recuperating. He finally agreed after much persuasion and promised to get back to me the next day.

I left the mansion, a bit relieved. At least I’m certain that Nathan was innocent and hopeful to proceed with my plans the next day, even though I was still confused on how to help. I was determined to make sure he doesn’t rot in prison for what he knew nothing about.

“I will figure something out and help him no matter what,” I muttered to myself as I drove through the now congested traffic back home.