Falling for Mr Caddel

All images used in this story are for illustrative purposes only, and I claim no ownership or copyright.

Nicholas Caddel

As I stepped into the grand dining hall of the Caddel mansion, the opulent room enveloped me in its luxurious atmosphere. Crystal chandeliers refracted light, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the polished marble floors. Velvet drapes adorned the walls, their soft rustle a gentle reminder of the room's history. The scent of freshly polished wood and a hint of lavender wafted through the air, transporting me back to memories I'd rather forget.

I took my seat at the table, the soft leather creaking beneath me. My father, Michael, my stepmother, Lisa, and my fiancée, Sarah, were already seated, their faces a picture of elegance and refinement. The servant poured a rich, full-bodied wine into my glass, its aroma filling the air as I took a sip.

It's been ages since I last set foot in the Caddel mansion and I made every effort to steer clear of these kinds of visits.

"Son, I’m glad you decided to join us for dinner," My father’s voice resonated through the room.”

I gave a small smile trying to shake off the exhaustion that clung to me like a shroud. The servant served me a plate of food, but I barely noticed. My mind was elsewhere, stuck on the endless meetings and negotiations that had filled my day.

As the conversation turned to my upcoming wedding to Sarah, I forced a smile.

"We're thrilled about the wedding, Nicholas," Lisa's voice brimmed with excitement. "It's a wonderful tradition, and Sarah will be a delightful addition to our family."

I glanced at Sarah, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, but I couldn't muster up the energy to return her smile.

Being in the Caddel Mansion after a long time stirred up a lot of memories that I’ve been struggling years to get over.

“You look worn out honey are you okay?” Sarah asked her face full of concern.

“Just a long day at the office” I replied feeling the need to hasten up dinner so I could be on my way.

"You should know your fiancée is a workaholic," Father chimed in.

"Well, he must have inherited it from you.

"You were a total workaholic back then; glad you've finally slowed down," Lisa said, drawing a chuckle from Father. I dismissed their banter, my gaze drifting back to my plate with a complete lack of interest in the food.

"We were discussing potential wedding dates before you arrived," Father interjected.

"What date did you settle on?" I asked.

"We haven't decided yet. I've been considering your upcoming trip to Japan to finalize the deal with Mr. Takashi," Father explained.

"Right, after my Japan meeting, we can talk about the dates.” I responded.

“By the way, I heard you’ve been facing some challenges persuading Mr. Javier to collaborate with us," My father revealed. I wasn't certain where he obtained that information, but I wasn't surprised either. Being a former CEO, he likely has a reliable employee who provided insights on my work performance.

“Guess you have ears everywhere father” I answered with a smirk on my face.

"Mr. Javier can be stubborn, but I'm confident you'll handle it Son, I trust you" Father reassured.

"Can't we talk about something other than work for once?" Lisa said, rolling her eyes causing fathers laughter to fill the room. I spotted the servants clearing the table. Glancing at my dinner, I hadn't touched a single bite. The servant gestured to clear my plates, and I nodded in agreement.

"I should head out, Dad. The penthouse is a bit far from here," I said , not amused by Lisa's jest and happy that the dinner had finally come to an end.

"I think it's about time you give up that penthouse. You're about to get married," Father suggested, taking a sip of his wine, waiting for a response from me. I got his point and wasn't feeling up to arguing with him. It wasn't the first time he attempted to persuade me to leave the penthouse for the Mansion, and every time, I turned him down.

"Maybe let me make that decision; it is my penthouse after all," I replied firmly.

"Before you go, I'd like to show Sarah the wedding dress. It's a family tradition passed down through the Caddel wives and I want her to have a look at it before I forward it to my stylist for adjustment.," Lisa said, leading Sarah away.

As they exited, Father turned to me, his expression serious. "You seem a bit off today, Nicholas."

"I've had a rough day, Dad," I responded, maintaining a serious expression as I waited for Sarah, knowing I had to drive her home.

"Sarah is truly a gem; you're lucky to have her," Father said, smiling.

"Thanks, Dad," I replied, sensing the direction of the conversation and already feeling tired of it.

Father placed his hands on my shoulder as he carried on talking,"...You must understand, choosing the right wife is crucial for your future. I made a mistake with your mother, and it nearly destroyed us," Father said, his eyes piercing mine.

"My shoulders tightened, my back straightening as I bristled at his comment. Recollections of my mom flooded back, bringing to light a memory I had long kept hidden.

The air in the room was thick with tension, serving as a stark reminder of why I stayed away from the Caddel mansion.

My mind raced back to the painful memories I'd tried to bury. The anger and resentment I'd harbored for years resurfaced, and I couldn't take it anymore.

"That's enough, Dad," I interrupted, my voice firm but controlled. "I know where you're going with this, and I’m not interested in hearing it."

With that, I turned and walked away, leaving Father's words hanging in the air. I didn't look back, didn't wait for Sarah. I just needed to escape the toxic memories that threatened to consume me.

I drove away from the mansion, the tension and anger still simmering inside me. The familiar route to my penthouse was a blur, my mind replaying the conversation with Father. I felt trapped, unable to escape the weight of my past. As I pulled into my parking spot, I realized I was running from my emotions, just like I always did."