Monday, 17th June
The journey back felt like it was never going to end. I sat on the plane, wide awake though exhaustion tugged at every fibre of me, the adrenaline just wouldnt let me drift off. Three months had slipped away, ninety long days spent wrestling through contracts, meetings, and mammoth decisions that swelled my fortune but robbed me of what I valued most: time with my little girl.
I barely cared about the business, or the news articles heralding yet another triumph for Michael Reynolds. All I could imagine was Bethany. I pictured her running towards me across the marble entrance hall, arms wide, her laughter echoing. At Heathrow, I spotted a ridiculously large teddy bear and grabbed it on impulse, just to see her face light up when I handed it over.
Mr Reynolds, were here, the chauffeur murmured.
The gates swung open and something felt utterly wrong. Instead of the usual scattering of toys and the sound of giggles, there was only stillness. No sign of Bethany.
Inside, it felt almost chilly. That old family portrait gone from the wall, now replaced by an imposing painting of Olivia. My heart sank.
Isabelle? I called out.
Our housekeeper came into view, her eyes red as if shed been crying. Shes in the garden, sir.
My heart raced as I rushed to the glass doors and flung them open. My world collapsed.
Under the blazing afternoon sun, in the middle of the lawn, Bethany was dragging a black rubbish sack nearly twice her size. Her hands shook, her dress was filthy, and she looked exhausted.
Off to the side, Olivia sat sipping an iced latte, utterly indifferent.
Bethany! I cried out.
She dropped to her knees, startled. When she saw me, she looked terrified: Daddy Im sorry Im nearly done Please dont be angry
I knelt and wrapped her in my arms, my heart breaking. Whats happened to you, my darling?
Her answer destroyed me; I could hardly catch my breath.
Bethany clung to my shirt as if terrified Id vanish again, her voice trembling.
Olivia told me I have to help around the house that spoilt children dont deserve to live here. She said if I work hard, maybe youd be proud of me
I felt my chest tighten. Work? Since when does a child have to earn her fathers love?
Bethany lowered her gaze. She also said you dont come back because of me. That Im a burden. So I tried to be useful so youd come home.
Nothing in my career had ever hit me harder. I lifted her up, just like when she was a baby.
Youre my life, Bethany. Nothing you hear me nothing matters more than you.
I marched inside, my face set in stone. Olivia stood, startled by the barely contained fury behind my eyes.
Pack your things. Youre leaving. Now.
There was no room for negotiation in my voice. Then I turned to Isabelle: She is never to cross the threshold of this house again.
That evening, I cancelled all my upcoming trips. Sitting on Bethanys bed, holding her close, I finally realised true wealth isnt measured in pounds its measured in moments just like these.
