The sun shone brightly the next day. Too brightly because the sun is already high and mighty while the lovers are still embraced together under the sheets.
Callum felt the burning sensation in his arms from the windows. He also felt Nyla's warm body embracing him, his right arm holding her close to his chest.
"Hey baby, wake up." He gently nudged Nyla.
Nyla slowly opened her eyes but hugged Callum tighter.
"Is our baby Nyla still sleepy? Hmm?"
Nyla lay on top of Callum. Skin to skin, Nyla started to ignite Callum's desire this early in the morning. She kissed him passionately urging his tongue to explore her.
After a while, Callum broke the kiss.
"Nyla baby, we should have breakfast at least since we had an early dinner last night." Callum is trying to urge Nyla to focus on what he was saying. But Nyla stared at him and sincerely asked with utmost uncertainty.
"Callum... you love me right? You won't abandon me?"
"Yes baby I love you and no I won't abandon you. Now please get off me before my behemoth fully wakes up and impales you.
"Oh hahaha!" She slid off and they went off to shower together. They went downstairs at 8. Their fathers, one came from the study and the other from the guest room, came to the dining area 10 minutes after.
Menandro was very happy having four people to serve breakfast for. They have a light chat about business, the stock market, partners, politics, etc... Nyla chips in from time to time.
When they were done, Nyla's father requested to talk to Nyla in the gardens to continue their conversation. The Humphreys also had a separate meeting in the study.
Nyla sat at the rattan chair, her father across from her.
"Sir, I do not know what else to talk about."
"Nyla, please stop calling me Sir."
Nyla did not respond.
"When you texted me about the divorce 2 years ago, I only read it in the morning. I called Richard about it and waited for him to call me back after he talked to James. After 3 days he told me he cannot do anything about it since James already kept his end of the bargain of marrying you... Richard was very apologetic but we cannot do anything at that point.
I tried calling you, believe me. But your number is no longer active. Your previous workplace told me you resigned. There was nobody who could give me an idea where you were."
"Tell me, Sir, why would you look for a trash who willingly left to give you more space? Why would you want to get back the nuisance you have always wanted out of your life?"
"Nyla, I'm so sorry. Please stop calling me sir. I'm sorry for being angry at you when I should have been a father to you."
"Right... one thing you forgot was when mom left you, she abandoned me too. But you chose to project your anger onto me. You even expected me to be like her. Just because we looked alike. Was that my fault? When I was young I thought if you loved mom, why didn't you love me if I reminded you of her? I'm the best memory, right?"
"I'm sorry Nyla, please forgive me... I have no excuse...". His voice broke.
"2 years... I loved James for almost two years. You thought we were fine, no? During our dinners, we looked okay." Nyla looked at the skies, trying to keep her tears from falling.
But the tears fell when she blinked and she wiped her face carelessly in anger. She glared at her father.
"Yes. You've always acted your best behavior and James has always been a bit cold, so I thought everything was normal." He said.
"You mean I behaved exactly how you trained me to." Nyla sighed and looked away from her father's pleading gaze. She looked instead at the row of flowers swaying on a gentle breeze.
"You know…", she continued. "I loved you so much despite that. Despite only receiving hate from you. I still hoped to feel your love and favor when I was growing up." Her tears began to fall uncontrollably.
William held her hand.
"Lala, please don't say 'loved'. Please love your father again. Call me your father again. Let me make it up to you..."
'Lala, you used to call me that when mom was still with us. I never thought I'd hear it again.'
They were silent for a while letting their emotions flow. When they have calmed down and only sniffles can be heard, Nyla spoke.
"O—- okay father. Let's see how we can make it work. Just letting you know. Callum trumps everyone else in my book. I love him so much. He gets all my trust and loyalty before anyone else including you."
"I understand Lala..."
"I'm staying here. I am happy here. I'm just thinking. Please do me a favor and check the status of our divorce. It should have been finalized a year ago. That's typically the case if there's no case involved. But I'm sure James' lawyer took care of it. I just wanna make sure."
"Okay... can I have your new number Lala?"
They exchanged numbers. Nyla promised to give him a chance.
William said his goodbyes to the Humphreys and once again thanked them for their hospitality towards his child.