In the aftermath of her father's sudden passing, Alexandra King's life was forever altered. As the sole beneficiary of his vast fortune, she inherited not only his wealth but also his business empire, catapulting her to the position of youngest CEO and billionaire. However, Alexandra's relationship with her father was far more complex than a typical father-daughter bond. A dark secret lurked beneath the surface, one that could potentially tarnish her reputation and invite societal scorn. The truth was that Alexandra had been her father's lover, a fact that had been hidden from the world. As Alexandra navigated her new role as CEO, she found herself struggling to reconcile her professional responsibilities with the emotional turmoil that lingered within her. The weight of her secret threatened to suffocate her, making it challenging for her to form genuine connections with others, particularly when it came to intimate relationships. Haunted by the memories of her past, Alexandra found it difficult to open herself up to the possibility of love or even casual romantic encounters. The fear of being judged, of being found out, and of losing the respect of her peers and colleagues kept her locked in a prison of secrecy. As she stood at the helm of her father's business empire, Alexandra was faced with the daunting task of proving herself as a capable and shrewd leader. But beneath the surface, she was still grappling with the demons of her past, struggling to come to terms with the complex and often toxic relationship she had shared with her father. With the world watching her every move, Alexandra was forced to confront the darkest corners of her own psyche. Would she be able to find a way to heal and move forward, or would the secrets of her past continue to define her? Only time would tell.
Chapter 1 SEE YOU LATER FATHER, GOODBYE LOVER
As I stand in front of the mirror, adjusting my gorgeous Louis Vuitton dress, I'm met with a mix of emotions. The simple Cartier gold bracelet and necklace that adorn my neck and wrist are a poignant reminder of the person who gave them to me – the person I've lost.
It's hard to believe it's been a week since that fateful call. One minute, we were laughing and chatting on the phone, and the next, I received the devastating news that he had passed away from a heart attack. The pain and shock still feel like a dream, a nightmare that I wish I could wake up from.
As I prepare to attend the wake, I'm filled with anxiety. I'm worried about delivering my speech, about holding it together in front of all those people. On the outside, I look composed and put together, but on the inside, I'm a mess. Everyone keeps asking how I'm doing, but the truth is, I have no idea how to answer that question. "Fine" is the easiest response, but it's far from the truth.
I feel lost and alone, like I'm navigating a world without my anchor. He was the one person who truly knew me, who understood me in every way. His passing has left a gaping hole in my life, and I'm struggling to come to terms with the new reality.
My driver's voice breaks the silence, reminding me that the car is ready to take me to the wake. I take a deep breath, trying to steel myself for the emotional ordeal ahead. As I make my way out the door, I'm reminded that I'm not alone in my grief. There are people who care about me, who want to support me through this difficult time. And so, with a sense of determination, I step forward, ready to face whatever lies ahead.
As I stepped into the church, I was taken aback by the sheer number of people in attendance. I had known that he was a well-respected and beloved individual, but I had not anticipated this level of outpouring. The church was filled with a diverse group of people, all of whom had been touched by his life in some way.
As I made my way to the front of the church, I couldn't help but reflect on the complex person that he was. He was a man of strong principles and convictions, who always stood by what he believed in, even if it meant standing alone. He was a perfectionist, who demanded the best from himself and those around him. And yet, despite his tough exterior, he had a soft spot for those he cared about, and would go to great lengths to support and protect them.
As I joined my family members in the front row, I was struck by the sense of unity and solidarity that filled the space. Despite our differences and past conflicts, we were all brought together by our shared love and respect for him. My aunts and uncles, who had often had their disagreements with him, were visibly shaken by his passing, and it was clear that they were still grappling with the loss.
As I took my seat beside my best friend, who gave my hand a reassuring squeeze, I felt a sense of gratitude for the people who had gathered to celebrate his life. The church was filled with the beautiful sound of music and the sweet scent of flowers, and it felt like a fitting tribute to the man who had brought so much joy and love into our lives.
As I glanced around the church, I was struck by the beauty of the decorations. The white linens and gold ornaments seemed to shimmer and glow in the light, creating a sense of warmth and elegance. And at the front of the church, the gold coffin seemed to radiate a sense of peace and tranquility, as if it were a symbol of the eternal rest that he had finally found.
As the service began, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. It was as if the collective grief and sadness of the people around me had created a sense of community and solidarity, and I felt grateful to be a part of it. As I listened to the eulogies and tributes, I was reminded of the many ways in which he had touched the lives of those around him, and I felt a sense of pride and gratitude for having had him in my life.
As I stepped up to the podium, my heart racing with emotion, I took a deep breath and began to read from my iPad:
"Daddy, I'm consumed by fear and uncertainty. The thought of living without you is unbearable. I still struggle to accept that you're truly gone – that I can no longer call you whenever I want, that I won't see you walking around the manor, or be able to walk up to you whenever I please.
Who will I share movie nights with now? Who will accompany me on wine tastings or horseback rides? Our little family, just you and me, was always enough for me. But now, everything in the manor reminds me of you, and I'm torn apart by grief.
You were my rock, my guiding light, and my inspiration. You taught me valuable lessons that I promise to carry with me forever. You showed me what it means to live a life of integrity, compassion, and kindness. I aspire to make you proud, to honor your legacy, and to pass on the values you instilled in me to future generations.
As I stand here today, I'm filled with a sense of loss and longing. But I'm also determined to keep your memory alive, to celebrate your life, and to continue your work. I promise to make you proud, Daddy, even in death.
For the last time, I say... see you later, Daddy. Goodbye is too final, too permanent. I need to hold on to the hope that I'll see you again someday. So, I'll say it one more time... see you later, Daddy. I love you, now and forever."
As I finished speaking, my voice barely above a whisper, I added a final phrase, so softly that I'm sure no one else heard: "Goodbye, my lover." The words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the complex, multifaceted relationship we shared.