The Return Of His Ex Wife
Chapter 22: Richard’s Dad

Chapter 22: Richard’s Dad

Derek’s POV

This was my time to threaten him to take down the case and speak to his stupid mother. "You’re one of them. I don’t understand you people at all, so proud and full of yourselves."

He studied me carefully with...were those green eyes? I admired his fancy dressing style and got mad I was observing him that much. Tara had always said she loved when a man dressed lovely and she corrected me all while we were married, trying to change my outfit when I was heading to an event.

And here was this fine man talking about her like he was her lover?? Wait, was he sleeping with Tara??

"Well if you’re done staring like some sort of maniac, I’ll leave you to yourself."

"No. Wait!" I felt embarrassed staring at him like that. But I summoned my confidence again, standing tall. "I am Derek Marisol. CEO of--"

"Oh," he blinked.

My brows shot upwards, "Oh? What is that supposed to mean?"

"No, this is why you’re being sued in the first place. Your bad attitude will get you into trouble soon. Heck, you’re already in one."

"I will get out of this mess. You know, it’s even a good thing I’m meeting you here now. Tell your mother to stop this trashing and drop the case. If it’s compensation she wants, I’ll give it to her, you understand me?"

He stared like he didn’t. I had to be strong not to show any fear. No matter how powerful he was, I was great in the industry too. "Did you not understand me?"

"Derek Marisol, you need serious help. Do you think threatening me will do you any good at all? What is wrong with you anyway? Look, I don’t have time for this."

I was boiling on the inside now. Who does this man think he was? But I quickly stopped him. "What is this I’m hearing about you mentioning Tara’s name? Huh?"

"Excuse you?" He said to me, such nerves!

"Yes. I have every right to bring up her name here. Aside from the fact that we’re partners in business, she used to be my wife. For three goddamn years you know." I said proudly, who would have thought I would have felt so proud talking about Tara like that? For three years when we were married, I never found any pleasure in introducing her as my wife. But now, here I was.

This man looked shocked, like he was not happy finding out. I smiled, "what is it with that look? Is there something going on with you and Tara? Listen, big shame on you because I never heard that the two of you were dating in any way. She must really be happy to keep you a secret, wow."

I waited for his response, but instead he just started to laugh. What was wrong with this man, seriously!

Arlo’s POV

I couldn’t believe my ears, or eyes. How have I been this stupid not to realize he was Tara’s husband! And Richard’s dad...Tara was right. This man was a dick.

"Well, are you going to share what is seriously funny to you?" He said, irritation etched on his face.

"Yes, actually. You know nothing of Tara, because here you are snooping around when you should be minding your business. Who told you she was hiding me?" I knew I was spewing nonsense, but he didn’t deserve that much joy on his face now.

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

"I’m here because she wants me to be here. Taking care of our son, Richard. You must know about the lovely kid, right?" Our son? What kind of a fool am I! But truly, I was even surprised when Tara had called me today to pass that information to Richard’s school teacher, when she could have done it herself. Did that mean she was starting to trust me?

His expression was soured, a displeasing frown stretched up on his face. "Son?? Wait, you’re the...father of the child!"

"Did I say that? What, do you think you are the father?"

He looked confused now. "What’s that supposed to even mean? Are you the father or not!"

This brought another smile to my face. "Like I said earlier, Tara’s business is not of your concern. But half of what you know is a lie. Tara is happy, with Richard, and me. You are out of the picture, you have been since."

"But that...that’s--" He blinked, surprised by his stuttering. He instantly cleared his throat and towered tall again. He seemed to be doing that a lot, nearly standing at the tip of his feet to meet my height, but he always looked ridiculous. "So you’re telling me that you and Tara are a thing? And I’m supposed to believe you??"

Tara was really right. I already dislike this man, and it is such a shame that he had to be Richard’s father.

"Believe whatever you want to. I am not so satisfied seeing you here by the way. What are you doing here anyway?"

"I’ll just believe everything you’re saying is a lie. Tara wouldn’t stoop so low to be with a man like you, she still loves me. You see," he advanced closer, his face filling with pride. "I know that. And that kid, he looks nothing like you. He must be mine."

"Keep dreaming on. Delusion seems to feel fine on your face, you know? I’ll be keeping an eye on you," I threatened. Deep down, I was laughing at myself for acting so defensive of Tara and Richard like I was actually her husband! Ha! I must be such a fool. But there was this shocking look that resembled fear in his eyes, and I was satisfied just watching him get all confused.

"You really think mighty of yourself. You got Tara into trouble at work, you made her life a living hell all through your marriage and even divorced her after cheating on her. And now you think you’re worthy to be the father of her child? Just because you think he looks like you? Grow up."

I had to spew all of that to destroy his ego. Even though he truly was Richard’s dad...I was so upset about that! What am I doing now? I knew I was about to make things worse, and I did promise Richard not to mess with his family! Truly, I felt a bit terrified at the mess I might have caused, but I had to stand up to this man.

I turned to leave, and I still couldn’t believe what had just happened. Oh Tara would be so mad at me when she finds out. But still, I had to stand up to this man.