Forsaking the Years of Longing

hadn't found time to come back.

Chapter 10 Five years ago, after a big fight with Dad, I stormed out, taking my things and leaving in a huff. We hadn't spoken since, trapped in a silent standoff. Eventually, after a few video calls, things eased between us, but I'd stayed so wrapped up with Jason that I

Standing at the front door now, a wave of nerves hit me -I nearly wanted to slap myself for not coming back sooner!

"Caroline! Is that you?"

Emma, the housekeeper, came rushing out, instantly recognizing me. She opened the door excitedly, took my luggage, and welcomed me in.

"You said you'd come back, and your father's been waiting every day. He tries to act casual, but I can tell- he really missed you.

Are you staying for good this time?"

Emma's warmth was overwhelming, and her words made me smile despite myself. "Yes, I'm staying in New York for good."

I walked quietly toward the sofa where my father was sitting.

"Well, you still know the way home?" He glanced up at me, unsurprised, and let out a cold huff. "So, you've been out all this time, too busy with your so-called 'career' to think about inheriting the family business?" "What are you talking about, Dad? That's nonsense."

"Nonsense? You don't know what's going on? The internet's buzzing with accusations of you being some kind of mistress-it's utterly humiliating!"

I sighed, finally understanding what he meant.

"It's all fake, Dad. Someone's trying to mess with me. There's a real mistress, but it's not me. Besides, I never had an official title, anyway."

He continued his sarcasm. "A secretary getting herself into such a mess-that must take some real skill."

"Dad!" I frowned, hands on my hips. "Do you have to talk to me in that tone right now?"

He scoffed, but I could see right through him. "Need any help cleaning it up?"

I wanted to laugh; my heart was warm, full of affection.

"No need. I can handle it myself. You'd better get ready to be annoyed by me every day from now on."

He didn't respond, just turned to leave. Emma chuckled from behind. "Sir, you secretly wanted Miss back all along but you just won't admit it. Every day, you'd mutter about her, and now that she's back, you're off after saying two words! I've never

seen anyone as stubborn you."

Hearing Emma's teasing, my father paused, turned back, and snapped, "Not at all!"

But when he met my gaze, full of amusement, he looked away. "I thinking of you every day. I

wasn

was cursing you, you fool!

Running off to a strange city over some man - serves you right to learn the hard way!" Before he could finish, I ran over and hugged him tightly.

In his warm embrace, my voice came out muffled, the weight of past hurts pressing down but softened by relief. "I had to try, Dad otherwise, I'd never have given up. But now, it's all over, and I've learned

my lesson. Thank you for waiting for

me. I'll never disappoint you again."

I thought I heard a soft sigh from him. Then, those large, familiar hands that once disciplined me gently patted my back.

"Keep your word, you little brat."

"In a few days, come to the company. I'll have everything arranged for you."