Deceptive purpose

Chapter One -

The sound of champagne bottles popping mixed with the cheers of celebration as a party took place in an apartment’s living room far too small. The champagne that bursts from their glass bottles like erupting volcanoes inevitably splattered on the wooden floor.

“HEY! Could you guys be a little more considerate?!” The owner of the apartment shouted in annoyance at everyone causing a ruckus.

“Sorry, Layla.” An older, tall man still in his business suit patted the young adult’s back. He then beamed a smile at the woman that was the same age as her, sitting on the sofa with an embarrassed look. “I’m just so happy that my baby girl has finally graduated college!”

“Dad…” She mumbles while rubbing the back of her neck but still smiles up at him. Nothing made her happier than her father’s praises.

“That’s a Smith for ya. She’ll be a big ole businesswoman just like her ole man.” Another man slurred, already a bit tipsy from the champagne. All of her father’s business associates had joined them for their little celebration of Abigail’s graduation.

Well, all of his associates except for one who claimed to be too busy for something so trivial. If it wasn’t for being such a successful man with a very important role in her father’s business, he would’ve fired him right on the spot for using such a word about his hard-working daughter.

“It’s too bad Benjamin didn’t think it was worth coming…” One of the other men grumbled about the co-worker that thought this was trivial.

“Mr. Anderson? Pfft. I never liked that bastard anyways. He’s always so smug. Sticks his nose up like he’s better than anyone else.” Another one muttered.

“Nobody likes him! All he has is a pretty face going for him. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s caught up in illegal shit like drugs or something!” another tipsy businessman bellowed a laugh at his own joke.

Abigail looked at the men with raised eyebrows, the woman taken aback by their sudden talk of distaste for a single man that they work with. “Goodness… surely he’s not that bad.”

James rested his hand upon his daughter’s shoulder. “In all honesty, I’m glad he declined my offer to join our celebration for you. The man is quite arrogant and would be a bad influence on you.” The wrinkles on his fore crease as he thinks out loud. “He’s an excellent worker but even I can’t stand the man.” He then looks down at his daughter and gives her a little smile. “Do Daddy a favor and stay away from him. He also has an unnervingly shady background.”

Abigail’s brows knitted together this time but she still gave a nod of her head. For her father to not like someone had to mean that there was definitely something off about the man. Other than being a total jerk by the sounds of it.

As the group continued trash-talking the man called Benjamin behind his back, Layla looked at Abigail and gave an annoyed sigh with a shake of her head. “If y'all are done gossiping, can you please leave?! Abigail had a long drive back here! Party’s over!”

James chuckles endearingly. “Yes, how could I forget? You’re probably exhausted.” He pats his daughter’s head then gives her forehead a little kiss. “I love you, my lil pumpkin-poo~ Daddy will call you soon.”

“DAD!” Abigail unintentionally raises her voice while Layla snickered with a hand to her mouth. The other men chuckled as well as they watch the cute interaction between the two. Not everyone knew that James is a widower and that he raised Abigail on his own, but even without that knowledge, it was still heartwarming watching them.

“See you, Abigail!”

“Rest up! Nice seeing you again.”