After My Death, My Husband Who Threw Me Into the Hunting Grounds Went Insane novel Chapter 124

AUDREY

I phoned Charles's number immediately as I meant to speak to him anyway about the house—to tell him I would finally pay the debt. However, I couldn't believe the most ludicrous scenario I couldn't quite imagine.

"Listen, Audrey. I didn't know what to do." He sighed in frustration and spoke as if he was hissing. "He came to my uncle's office in person. I didn't know they were that close. He found out I was going to New York, and my uncle told your father we met recently, so…"

"So you brought him here. God, Charles!" I shoved my hands in my hair. "You know I ran away from him."

"I know, but he just won't leave me alone," he said tightly and exhaled again. "Come on, Audrey. You've just got to talk to him, okay?"

"What does he want from me?"

"He didn't say."

"Look. Tell him I don't give a damn of what he wants from me because the last time I came home, he called my mother a whore," I ranted angrily, and the pain he caused me I was trying to heal was fresh again. 

"Don't you want to know at least? He came to Manhattan to see you. Aren't you curious what he wants—hey!" Suddenly, a screeching sound from the other line shattered my ears.

"Audrey?" It was my father's voice.

I pressed a hard line on my lips. "What do you want from me?" 

"Listen, Audrey. I know I've done bad things in the past, so I want to make it up to you. I'm here to ask for your forgiveness, my daughter."

My heart clenched. "There's nothing you could do for me to forgive you."

"I know, but…" He sighed. "I need to tell you something very important. It's the truth about your mother," he said in the sincerest voice like the best actor he always was.

I shut my eyes briefly and gritted my teeth in much more anger. He did sound like the father I used to look up to—my hero, but right now, I couldn't get myself to believe in him. I was so angry; I didn't want to see his face. He had hurt a lot of people, including his own family. 

"I wouldn't believe it's the only reason you are here. Why do I feel you need something from me?"

"Because I need you. You're my daughter, Audrey. I need you by my side to support me. I'm running for public office, and it would be nice if you were there."

"See? You need me because you want to use me! Is this how you said you want to make it up to me?" I exclaimed. "No, thank you. If that's what your fatherly affection means, I don't want it!"

"Whether we like it or not, we are family, Audrey."

"Family?" I sneered. How dare he talk about a word he doesn't even know the meaning of? "You destroyed my life! Accused and tortured a person just because you enjoyed screwing people! You sold me to marry an old man, and you called my mother a… never mind!"

"Honey…" He cleared his throat. "I'm truly sorry for everything I've ever done. I know it might be hard for you to forgive me, but I've changed, and I want to prove it to you. Remember your mother's house? I made a deal with Charles's uncle here to extend our deadline, and he agreed to an installment payment."

I rolled my eyes. "If that's what you're worried about, I'll pay the debt you and your mistress' scammed. And you don't have to call me because I don't have anything to do with you anymore."

"Audrey, why would I hate you, Audrey? I hate myself because I was a bad father to you and your brothers," he said that he sounded so sincere—as if I would believe. "How did you get the money to pay for it?" he added.

"That's not your business to know," I snapped.

"Your mother cheated on me!" he thundered. "There. I said it now, and yes, that's the truth you wanted to know. I made a mistake, Audrey, but your mother wasn't who you thought she was."

My muscles agitated. "Why would I freaking believe that?"

"Because you are the living evidence of her adultery!" he pressed. "Now, I don't want to tell this to you over the phone because it's not what you deserve, but you are still my daughter—"

"I'll be there. Text me the place."

I wanted to know the truth coming from his own mouth. I wanted to hear from him the truth about Samuel and me. He wasn't our father, just like what Gabriel said, because it all added up. I needed to hear it from his own mouth and hear his side, even if I was already expecting another lie.

I had to face him and get this over with. 

Hastily, I picked up my clothes and got dressed. Gabriel was still in the restroom, but I didn't want him to know that my father was here, let alone see his face and find out that Liam was still alive. They would clash, and I wanted to avoid that as much as possible.

I knew what I was about to do was wrong, but I grabbed a pen and paper and wrote a note from the drawer. 

I'll be back and explain later. I love you. Yours, Audrey.

I rushed outside Gabriel's penthouse and called for a cab, then I received a message from Charles about the address, and they met in a French restaurant at East 61st Street. 

"Don't touch me!" I finally cried. "And how about those old habits and vices of yours? You made my mother's house a gambling place!" 

"I'm done with that part of my life, Audrey, believe me. That's why I'm running for public office—to redeem myself. To make it up to you and Samuel."

"So, you want my vote?" I smirked. "I can't believe you. Fine, I'll vote for you if that's what you want. I'm guessing that's the only vote you might get anyway, and that'd be less embarrassing."

"I don't want your vote." He sighed sharply. "I want you back home to Phoenix and be with my side and help me find justice for your brother's death. Look, I'm convincing Anton to come back home with his wife and—"

"You don't get to use Samuel's death here for your own gain, Dad! Anton has a new life now and is finally away from you, so please… just leave us alone. I don't want to see you ever again. Let's end this here now that I heard what I wanted to hear from you, and I have no father anymore."

I stood up, but he harshly caught my hand and tugged me back. "You insolent child! How dare you—"

Dad stopped as another man was taller than he appeared and caught his arm as well. I gasped to see the angry face of Gabriel. I could almost hear the grinding of his teeth.

"Well, well. Isn't this a déjà vu?" Gabriel cocked his head, picked up his hand, and shoved him away. "Get your fucking hands off her."

"Gabriel!" I clasped my mouth.

My father's face went pale, and he slumped back to the chair as if strength was shattered out of his body, but his gaze didn't leave Gabriel.

I held on to his arm. "How did you find me?"

He responded with a dangerous glare but didn't speak and shifted his eyes back at my so-called father. 

"C-Cross?" he stuttered nervously. "Is that you?"

"Definitely a déjà vu," he said. Gabriel was probably talking about his first encounter with Anton.

"No. It can't be…"

"Yes, Hopkins. It's me." Gabriel flashed a devilishly derisive grin, enough for someone to crumble in fear. "In the flesh."