Chapter 2 Debts and Promises

You can't fool me, Dad, I know something is bothering you", she said, walking closer to him.

"Nothing to worry about", he reaffirmed, drifting his gaze from her.

Of course, there is everything to worry about, Dad, she said angrily, but controlled. The rumours are all over the place....I overheard someone talking about you owing so much debt and something about bankruptcy on my way home... is it true?

Noah's gaze drifted back to her, and for a moment they just stared at each other in silence, then he sighed and rubbed his temples.

"Where did you hear that"?

Abigail's eyes narrowed slightly. "Why didn't you tell me, Dad? "Why did you hide such a thing from me"? I had to hear it from strangers. Is it true?

Noah nodded, feeling a mixture of guilt and frustration. He couldn't bear the thought of Abigail being entangled in his financial woes. The weight of Andrew Williams' proposal hung over him like a dark cloud. Marrying Abigail off to his son as a settlement for his debt. His mind recoiled at the idea of his daughter's future being bartered away. He wanted to shield her from the consequences of his actions, to protect her innocence and freedom.

The pain crawled into him effortlessly; he was going to tie his daughter to a life she didn't choose, and she wasn't even aware of it. The thought was unbearable.

"How can I help?" she said, sensing that he didn't have the strength to go into details. That hurt her even more; he was going through so much alone. She wanted to help, to do something.

Noah kept mute.

Frustrated that she couldn't get into his thoughts, she held his hands reassuringly, " Look, Dad, I'm done with my diploma, I will get a job and pay every debt you owe, all of it."

"You can't, Abi. It's a lot."

"Then let me try," she yelled, bursting out in pain. "I won't let you treat me like a bystander; we are in this together."

"I want to fix this with you," she murmured, feeling exhausted.

Noah stared blankly, his eyes unfocused as his thoughts churned. He struggled to find a way out of the darkness that seemed to be closing in around him.

The knock on the door broke the tense atmosphere. Noah's eyes met Abigail's, a flicker of surprise and perhaps a hint of unease crossing his face. His expression turned questioning, his gaze piercing as he wondered who could be visiting him at such a moment. Since his business collapsed, he had been restless. The thought of those he owed coming to mess him up was a constant fear.

"Are you expecting anyone?" He whispered with so much fear.

A surge of pain ran through Abigail's chest. Seeing her dad frustrated like this was unbearable.

No, she swallowed hard. I will get the door, her voice barely above a whisper as she spoke.

She made her way to the door, her heart was a bit tense because of the confusion in her father's eyes.

She paused at the door, exhaled before opening. As she opened the door, her eyes caught sight of the familiar figure standing on the porch.

Eden.

His eyes were warm and gentle, but cringed with concern as he looked at her worried face.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his eyes searching hers.

"I didn't know you were coming. Let's talk inside," she said, gesturing for him to follow.

Eden entered the living room, sensing the tense atmosphere.

"Dad, it's Eden, Abigail announced.

Noah sighed in relief but didn't acknowledge him.

Good evening, Sir, Eden greeted, criss-crossing his hands behind his back and bowing slightly as a sign of respect.

Noah gave him a nod and remained seated. His expression was neutral.

An awkward silence filled the air, coupled with unspoken tension. Noah turned towards the window, a mix of emotions swirling beneath the surface. Eden was like a son, and he had thought one day, he would perhaps be his son-in-law. He could see how much they loved each other, and he trusted Abigail with Eden.

But not anymore... Eden being around now would complicate his daughters' lives even more.

The Williams were his antidote, the solution, his hope. They are very influential; they get whatever they want and frustrate whoever is in their way. He couldn't risk it. He couldn't risk losing everything! Not his house, the only asset he had left was inherited from his great-grandfather. That was a generational asset, one he must preserve.

Noah stood up, his movements stiff with tension, "Excuse me, guys," he muttered, leaving the living room.

As he exited the room, the silence grew thicker. Eden's eyes followed Noah, sensing the complexity of emotions that drove him away.

He turned to look at Abigail, filled with concern. "Is everything okay?" his voice was gentle.

Abigail's gaze met his, her voice barely above a whisper,

"I don't know Eden, he wouldn't talk to me, his business his struggling and it's taken a toll on him."

Eden's expression softened, and he leaned in slightly, "I'm sorry to hear that, honey, what's going on with the business?"

Abigail sighed, her shoulders sagging, "I'm not entirely sure, Eden, he wouldn't tell me the details, but I can see the weight of it all bearing down on him. She couldn't withhold the tears running down her cheeks as she spoke.

Eden immediately grabbed her and wrapped his arms around her in a gentle hug, pulling her close. "It's okay, honey, everything will be fine."

Really? How? She questioned calmly under his embrace. "Things had never gotten this bad, I had never seen my Dad broken and withdrawn...he was going through so much and I couldn't help, I didn't even know. She lost control of her emotions and allowed herself to sob quietly in Eden's arms.

Eden held her tight, trying to pacify her, " I'm in this with you, Abi."

She pulled herself from his arm and stared directly into his eyes.

"You are?"

He nodded. "Yes, baby."

Her eyes met his with gratitude in their depths. "Thank you, Eden, that means a lot to me," and she meant it. He pulled her to himself again in a warm embrace. The warmth of his body enveloped her, and she felt a sense of comfort wash over her. She hugged him too and allowed the tension in the air to dissipate, replaced by the warmth of their bodies.

Eden gently combed his fingers through her hair, sending a spark of electricity that ran through her body, directing shivers down her spine. She felt the soothing sensation, and it helped her calm her frazzled nerves.

Why don't we hang out tonight? He whispered, his voice low and hypnotic, sending a shiver down her spine.

The words hung in the air for a moment.

Abigail's heart skipped. "Now? I can't! The words slipped without her processing them.

"Baby, I know you are not in the right state, but I think it's even better for you. It will help you lighten your mood, and perhaps we could brainstorm on ways to help out repay your father's loan and secure his business," he knew the right words to say to Abigail.