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I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “I’ve been busy. Renovations at the Lakeside Riviera are all-consuming right now.”
He raises an eyebrow, looking unconvinced. “Sure. Because that’s definitely what’s been keeping you occupied.”
It’s only been a minute, and he’s already calling me out. I force a tight smile, realizing he sees right through me. Honestly, I’ve barely been functioning, if I’m being real with myself. Work is just an excuse.
Mom gestures towards the couch. “Sit down. We haven’t seen much of you.”
I sink into my favorite armchair. “Where’s Dad?”
“Finishing up some work,” Mom says, rolling her eyes. “On a Sunday. I can’t wait for him to retire.”
“Good luck with that,” I retort and she merely smiles back, as if she knows something that I don’t.
Her features grow solemn, glancing at Daniel before looking back at me. “You know, I’ve been thinking a lot lately, Andrew. About how your father and I almost didn’t get married.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, wondering where that came from.
She chuckles softly, though her eyes are serious. “We had a misunderstanding. A big one. I was so convinced he didn’t care about what I wanted. But, well, things were complicated, and I almost left. It took us a while to really talk it out. Almost didn’t happen, you know.”
I nod, understanding dawning. She’s referring to me and Emily. “It’s different for us. Emily lied to me. You don’t lie about something so monumental.” My words don’t have as much conviction as they did in the weeks following a separation.
She nods. “Maybe. But sometimes, when emotions are high, it’s hard to see the bigger picture. I just don’t want you to give up on something that might be worth holding onto.”
Her words settle in and stir up emotions I thought I had a handle on.
Just then, my father enters the room, breaking the tension. “Alright, enough lingering in here. Let’s get to the dining room before the food gets cold.”
We troop out and settle around the dining table. Just as we’re about to start, Dad clears his throat, a serious expression on his face.
“I wanted to talk to you both,” he begins, his gaze moving between Daniel and me. “Your mother and I have made a decision.”
Mom looks at him, and I catch the slightest nod of encouragement from her.
“It’s time I start stepping back,” he continues, his tone steady. “Your mother’s been more than patient all these years, with all my long hours and missed dinners. She deserves more of my time now, and I’m ready to give it to her. So, I’ll be retiring at the end of the year.”
I stare at him, processing his words, while my mother’s face glows with pride. After all these years, I’d always seen him as someone who’d never step down.
“Andrew,” he says, turning to me. “I want you to take over. To be the CEO of Bennett Developers. You’ve earned it. I know the company will be in good hands with you.”
A flood of emotions surges through me. I’ve wanted this but never thought it would actually happen.
Daniel claps me on the back with a grin. “Congrats, man. You’re going to do great.”
Mom reaches across the table, squeezing my hand with a proud smile. “We’re so happy for you, Andrew. You deserve this.”
I find myself smiling back, trying to express the gratitude I know they expect. “Thank you. It means a lot to me.”
Mom stands, her eyes shining. “Well, I think this calls for some champagne.”
“Shouldn’t we eat first?” Daniel says. “What’s happening to my family?”
We all laugh and Mom heads to the kitchen, returning with a bottle and glasses. She pours for each of us, and we clink glasses, and everyone around me is grinning, laughing, celebrating.
But as I take a sip, the fleeting joy I felt evaporates.
I should be ecstatic. This is what I’ve worked so hard for, the dream I’ve chased for as long as I can remember. I’ve finally proven myself, shown my family that I’m capable of leadership, of taking on this role.
Yet, all I feel is a dull ache, a hollow emptiness that I can’t shake.