Chapter 43: A Present for her Papa
The Ceo’s Ex-Wife Can’t Escape
Chapter 43: A Present for her Papa Airina hurriedly turned her head to the back, exasperatedly staring in disbelief. She scoffed at Jackson’s assistant who followed his order. No one had been more shameless than Jackson, who had the nerve to kiss her two times that night. How could he act so nonchalant now?
She pursed her lips, turning around with a huff.
The driver gulped his saliva, inquiring carefully, “Madame, do we…”
“Enough. Resume driving!”
The driver nodded his head lightly. They were going to Balkan City for the second time as Airina had to visit how is her father doing. She felt uneasy that he was alone in that desolated-like house therefore no one was alerted enough if he ever fainted or broke his back. She had no time to get mad at Jackson since there was another issue at hand.
She was yet to take revenge on Nicole, who was silent for a while now that she doubted Nicole would do that. The best conjuncture to think was something was preventing Nicole from attacking her. It may be because of her agency or the consequences it would have on her in return.
They occasionally stopped for gas or when Airina felt hungry, and Jackson didn’t leave her. He even gave her a burger and drink which she rejected and went on in scurry.
Upon reaching their destination, Airina stared at the house for a meaningful time. Jackson, on the other hand, opened the door, gentlemanly extending his hand to her with a sweet smile.
Airina clicked her tongue, shoving his hand away and supporting her balance herself. This time around, Kevin was feeding his beloved two chickens.
“Dad is…”
“Don’t you dare call him dad again.” Airina warned in a sharp tone.
“Father it is, then.”
Airina rolled her eyes, “You’re bold.”
“Being meek would do no good. The first step to pursuing a woman is being straightforward and expressive,” he nodded at his wise words.
She neglected him, approaching her father.
“Pa.” She softly called out, “Why don’t you have a jacket, hm?”
Airina draped her suit on Kevin’s shoulder warmly. Kevin glanced at Jackson who politely bowed his head, then turned to his daughter with a sigh. From the looks of it, she didn’t seem pleased having Jackson around, either.
However, he heeded no mind, cracking his lips into a grin.
“Rina, you’ve come. Let’s go inside, I’ve cooked you some dishes you might like.”
Her eyes sparkled in delight, and helping her father to go inside while Jackson was left behind.
“Ooh, Pa, you still have the skills of cooking.”
Her father beamed in happiness, “Of course, I do. How about having a taste of the fish broth?”
Airina shook her head after tasting, savoring the addicting yet sour taste of the broth. She presented a thumbs up and exclaimed.
“Ah! I can promote you to being Master Chef, Pa.”
Kevin laughed, “I can,” he then urged, “Let’s eat.”
“Mhm, thank you for the food!”
Kevin looked outside, pondering, “Uhm, why don’t you invite the people who accompanied you here?”
Airina bit her lower lip, not wanting to agree. “…. They’ve eaten on the way, so we don’t…”
Kevin touched her hand as if assuring her, “It’s just a meal. It’s a sign to express your gratitude. Jackson drove a lot coming here.”
Airina sighed and rose.
“Fine. Please wait for a while, Pa.”
Kevin simply smiled. Airina folded her arms and when she got out, she tilted her head in confusion. She couldn’t find where Jackson was since the only left people were Jena and the driver. She faced them.
“What about Jackson?”
Jena awkwardly smiled, “He… said he has other matters to attend to. Oh, and he gave this.”
Airina accepted the box. “What’s in it?”
Jena shrugged her shoulders, “CEO said it was for your father, Madame.”
Airina didn’t seek him anymore, inviting the other two to have a meal with them.
*
Airina stared at the complete setup of what was in the box and released a soft laugh. It was a customized cane, and the name ‘Sir Kevin’ was engraved in calligraphy over the wooden shaft. The handle was tended with hefty efforts – couldn’t be said it was made within a short span of time. Considering the deep meaning of the design and its handmade engravement, Airina lifted it.
She gave it to her father.
“… Jackson gave this to you. Do you want to use it?”
Kevin slowly reached out to the cane, softly touching it with care.
He looked at Airina, “Do you want me to?”
Airina arched her lips, “It’s your choice, Pa.”
Kevin then placed it beneath his bed, tapping Airina gently.
“Rest assured, I won’t use it.”
Airina giggled, “I’ll buy you one, Pa. You don’t need to use that.”
Kevin stroked her head, “You’re right. I don’t use someone from outside our family. Thank you, Rina.”