Page 45

DANIEL

Anya gasps beside me. “Daniel,” she whispers as she releases her hand from my clasp, as if my words burn her skin, but I do not look at her because if I do, I am sure I will see disappointment, and I cannot handle that.

The only sound audible in the room is Mr. Henderson unzipping his briefcase. I look between Dad and Nancy. Nancy shakes her head lightly. Her brows furrow as her lips set in a thin line. Dad looks surprised, probably because he did not think I would agree so easily. I don’t know if what I am doing will hurt him more, but it’s the only way I could think of to keep both of us at peace.

“Here you go,” Mr. Henderson says, taking out the papers of transfer and handing them over to me.

“Dad.” I extend the papers to him. “You have to sign it, too.” Mr. Henderson passes a pen to Dad.

Dad eyes the papers in my hand and then he looks at me. It feels like an eternity before he speaks, his voice slightly firm. “Are you sure about this?”

I chuckle. “You’re asking me that now?” I shake my head. “I am agreeing to it in front of everyone, Dad. ”

Anya pulls on my sleeve, her grip tight, anger simmering in her voice. “Daniel, this isn’t a game. You’re throwing your future away!” I slowly turn toward her. There’s a fire in her eyes. She’s telling me, ‘You do this, and I am going to beat your ass.’ I graze her hand, but she pulls it away immediately.

“No!” she exclaims. “I am not allowing you to do this.” Anger simmers in her voice. A smile plays on my lips. I feel so grateful at this moment that I have this beautiful woman in my life. It’s not that I need someone to fight my battles for me, but knowing she cares enough to stand up for me feels incredible. There are so many times I’ve felt lost, drowning in expectations and pressure, trying to be what everyone else wants me to be. But here she is, fiercely advocating for me, reminding me that my choices matter.

Her anger isn’t just about the decision at hand; it’s a reflection of her care. It tells me she sees me— really sees me—and wants what’s best for me, even when I can’t see it for myself.

“Do you trust me?” I ask softly.

She scoffs. “I do.” She narrows her eyes at me. “But not right now.”

I snigger. “Can you give me the benefit of the doubt, please?” She opens her mouth, probably to cuss at me, but I put a finger on her lips and lean in so that only she can hear me. “Have faith in me, Anya. Please. I need your support.” I sit up. “Sign it, Dad,” I say, looking at my dad.

“No,” Nancy exclaims. “Are you two idiots?” She frowns.

“Nancy, it will be fine. I promise.” I smile at her reassuringly. Her lips turn into a thin line, but she doesn’t say anything. I look down, smiling to myself. It just feels so great to have so many people who care for me so much.

“Daniel, I, uh—” Dad rubs his nape. “I want you to know that I just want to see you happy, son. Not only now, but in the long run.” He meets my eyes, his lips curling up in a small yet sad smile. “Even when I am not there with you.”

I swallow hard, the weight of his words sinking in. “I know, Dad,” I reply, my voice trembling slightly. Mr. Henderson clears his throat, a subtle reminder of the moment pressing on us. Dad’s eyes flicker back to the papers. The pen hovering over the document, his hand shaking slightly as he signs.

Taking the pen from his hand, I hold his trembling hand firmly. I sign the document and give the papers to Mr. Henderson.

“I officially own the company, right?” I ask him. He nods assertively.

“Do you have the other paper ready? The one I talked to you about?” I ask. He nods again, handing the other set of documents to me.

I turn to face Dad. “I have an announcement to make,” I say and turn towards Anya. “I have thought a lot about it, and this is the best possible solution I could come up with.”

I take her hand in mine, my thumb gently running over the back of her palm. “You remember you told me that you wanted to gain experience; you wanted to learn how a business works.” Her eyes widen. “I want you to do it. I want you to do whatever you feel is right.” I inhale sharply and turn toward my father. “I want to convert the company into a partnership firm. I will be a sleeping partner though.”

There’s a palpable silence in the room as everyone processes what I have just proposed. I can see the look of surprise on Nancy’s face. Anya is looking at me like she can’t believe what I just said.

It’s a big step—a huge decision—but it’s one I am confident about. When it comes to her, I am always confident. I’ve taken multiple shots on the court. I’ve faced tough defenders and missed a few opportunities, but she’s my best shot, and not only from a business point of view. She is capable, a hard worker, determined, and a hustler, but for me, for my life, she is the color I was missing. She is everything I didn’t know I needed in life. And because others make her feel invisible, I want her to know I see her. I see her talent, her efforts. I know she is worth a chance. I know she is worth all the chances.

I turn to face my dad. He looks stoic. His gaze locks on mine, his expression hard to read.

“You may not know it, Dad, and I do not expect you to understand me, but Anya is brilliant. She will be perfect.” I smile. “Here you go,” I say, handing her the papers.

“Daniel,” she whispers, tilting her face. She smiles softly and shakes her head. “What made you think you could decide something like this for me?” She gets up swiftly. “I will be taking my leave.” She bows to my dad and then smiles weakly at Nancy. I get up immediately, and the smile and the confidence I had in this plan, suddenly vanishes.

“Anya—” I begin. She looks back at me, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears, and my heart falls in the pit in my stomach. No. She walks away, toward the door. This is not what I expected, not what I wanted.

“Anya—” I yell, my voice desperate, but before I can move, Dad grabs my arm, his grip firm.

“Daniel,” he mutters darkly, his tone cutting through my panic like a blade. I turn to face him, my chest heaving. “Why would you want to do that?” he asks sharply.

“What?” I snap, my patience unraveling.

“You have been dating for what? Six months? What if it doesn’t work out? What if you guys break up?” Dad’s voice is sharp, but his eyes betray a flicker of concern beneath the frustration. “I could easily transfer this business to your uncle. I did not, though, because I do not trust him enough to help you out if you ever need it. He’s my brother. I still could not do it. And you—”

“Dad,” I cut him off, my voice trembling with anger and desperation. “Just because you have trust issues doesn’t mean I should, too. I don’t care about what is going on between you and Uncle, but I will never be parting ways with her. No matter what.”

I close my eyes and take a shaky breath, trying to calm myself. “We will work through all obstacles, but we won’t leave each other.” I meet his gaze, my tone softening slightly. “And, Dad, my Anya isn’t selfish. She will never leave me alone.”

He sighs heavily, his shoulders slumping slightly. “Are you trying to run away from your responsibility? She did not know about it. What were you trying to do? Handing it over to her? You thought she would take it so easily. It isn’t a commodity, son. It’s a huge responsibility,” he says, each word landing like a hammer.

I freeze, the weight of his words sinking in. Is that what she thought? That I was trying to burden her? My chest tightens.

“I didn’t mean that at all,” I whisper, more to myself than him.

Dad studies me for a moment, his expression softening just slightly. “Did you take this decision because you truly believe in her, or are you just being selfish, Danny?”

“Selfish?” I whisper, the word hitting harder than I’d expected. My voice wavers as I try to find the right words.

“Have you thought about the pressure you’re putting on her?” he continues. “This isn’t a small gesture, son. It’s her entire future. Did you ever consider how she might feel?”

The knot in my chest tightens further. My breath hitches as guilt washes over me.

“I have to go,” I mutter abruptly, standing.

“Daniel—” Dad calls after me, but I shake my head, already heading for the door.

I have to see her. I have to fix this.

∞∞∞