Stand By Me Darling
Chapter 331: Apology Not Needed

Chapter 331: Apology Not Needed

Talia entered the room and placed the fruit basket and the bouquet she brought with her on the table. "How are you feeling, papa?" she with no qualms, took her seat beside Gregory Sinclair. Roderick walked to the window and stood with his arms crossed over his chest.

"I’m feeling fine, Talia. You didn’t have to bring me this fruit basket. You’re family," Gregory pointed at the basket and Talia smiled.

"These are on behalf of my grandfather and great grandmother, papa."

"Fredrick didn’t come with you?" he asked.

"He’s busy with work today, papa. He said he visited you last night."

"Ah yes, he did! That boy... he always is busy these days. Busy enough not to have time to take a MRI. I had to force him to go last night and he left without even telling me the results," Gregory complained and Talia was stunned.

Why didn’t he tell me about it? Is there something seriously wrong with his health?

"Ah that idiot boy! He didn’t tell you? Don’t worry. I talked to the doctor today and he said what he has is general migraine and it would be better with drugs. He is such a..." Gregory shook his head in disapproval. He was worried seeing the child go pale out of fright.

What an idiot son I have!

Talia was relieved hearing that and sighed in relief. For a moment there she panicked.

"Were you waiting for long, dear?" Gregory held her hand and Talia shook her head with a smile.

"No, papa. I just arrived." Seeing the complex look in Gregory’s face Talia continued, "I didn’t mind the words of Mr. Samuel Clairemont, papa. And I appreciate your words of support and also the picture of mother you posted today. It means a lot to me as I’ve been accepted in your family, papa." Talia spoke from her heart.

"I have no hopes for Frederick, Talia. You on the other hand are pleasant to look at and you should visit me often, okay? Did that boy inform you about the dinner tonight?" Gregory looked at Talia.

Talia looked at him with a smile. Although he looked a little pale and tired, his spirit was up and Talia was glad for that. And she could see he was feeling very guilty for what happened during her last visit.

"Fred informed me about the dinner, but I can’t attend the dinner tonight. I have-"

"Talia, I know things weren’t... pleasant during your past visit to put it nicely. But I can promise you it won’t be the same anymore." Gregory interjected but stopped seeing Talia looking at him with no change of expression.

"My friend is admitted in a hospital and I have to make a trip to A- Country today. That is the reason I can’t attend the dinner tonight, papa. Nothing else. "

Hearing Talia politely explaining, Gregory knew she is not lying and he nodded. "In that case, it can’t be avoided. Your friend... it’s nothing serious right?"

"Yes, papa. She is out of surgery and she is fine. She is still sleeping though." Talia was happy Gregory understood her. After talking to him for a while, Talia found out that he have to make a public announcement today regarding the Northern Star after the voting is finished.

All this while Roderick never spoke a word and silently watched their conversation.

Talia really admired Gregory’s strength to be able to stand in front of the cameras and speak just a day after his surgery. Talia knew as a public figure, they are required to hide their troubles for the cameras, but still this kind of strength is admirable.

After asking him not to strain himself she stood up to leave and Roderick followed her to send her off.

"I need to talk to you alone, Roderick." Talia looked at him straight in the eye and he nodded with a sigh.

"I expected this," he mumbled. "You never disappoint."

Both of them walked to the empty reception area in that private room.

"I was going to answer your call that day, but Fred dismissed your call and deleted your number from my phone. I could have gotten your phone number, but then I thought it would be better if we talk face to face." Talia broke the silence and Roderick pointed at a chair for her to sit.

"I won’t take long," Talia took in a deep breath. "Roderick, I always had only good opinion about you. I still do. I hope you’ve known that too. My mother’s death and everything that happened around that incident is a deep scar in my heart. I don’t know why you brought up your original parentage that day, revealing you are the son of my mother’s killer, but I believe it was not for any nefarious reason. I don’t know how long you were privy to that information. But I came to know my mother and brother were murdered in cold-blood only recently. I was under the impression that my mother died in childbirth till then..."

Roderick’s eyes widened and perspiration formed on his forehead. Before he could speak, Talia continued, "I won’t lie. I was shook when you revealed the truth, but then I realised something. It changes nothing between us. You are still Fred’s elder brother and you are still the guy who saved me not minding your safety that day when I crossed the creek – the day my mother died. And even if you didn’t save me, I cannot judge you for what your biological father did. So... that’s all. That’s all I wanted to say – nothing has changed between us before and after knowing the truth. You’re family."

Roderick bowed his head holding his forehead with his hand and let out a low chuckle. "You’re... different. I can see why Artie fell for you." He lifted his head and looked at her and Talia noticed his eyes were a little red, "I only knew the fact recently when Wilma told me the truth. Guess I got muddled with the shock and did an unpleasant thing. My dad made me realise how stupid I was. I called you to apologise but I guess you don’t need an apology?" he asked and Talia nodded.

Roderick chuckled and the relief in his face was apparent. "You two are good together and I hope you have the best future. And don’t mind Artie not telling you about his scan report. He was always scared of hospitals and big machines. He was so little when our mother was sick. He used to say he was scared to visit her in the hospital as it smells weird. I thought he didn’t remember much, but guess there are some deep impressions left in his mind about hospitals. Be happy and get married soon. I want to hold my nieces and nephews sooner."

Roderick walked to her and hugged her tightly and Talia let him. It seemed like he was really stressed about this issue. She was glad she had this talk. Guess that Wilma had a hand in this too. Too bad that woman couldn’t drive a wedge between Arthur, his family, and her using this truth.

"He’s just mad at you superficially. He was hurt you said you’re not his brother. Don’t worry, he’ll come around," Talia said as they walked out.

"I... don’t think it is just that. He isn’t pleased I tried to break him and you apart. It is good you thought about this in a mature manner. Otherwise..."

"Honestly, my mind wouldn’t have changed even if it was revealed that Fred was that guy’s son... Guess I’ve fallen hard for him," Talia said and without knowing a blush had formed on her cheeks by her confession. She bowed and rubbed her cheeks that were burning. She said the same thing to Fred, but she felt embarrassed saying this to his brother.

"I’m glad." Roderick said and he found it funny to see the blushing woman beside him. That little girl he carried had grown up this amazingly. He felt proud for some reason.

"Did you know Artie met my kids in school the other day and sneaked them out to buy them ice-cream? He even told them not to tell us about it but my kids never lie and they exposed him. I know he loves me. I’m not that worried."Roderick said as she got in the car.

Talia nodded with a smile. She knew that the bond between the brothers is too strong to break apart by this issue. And she knew Fred is the most loyal when it comes to relationships. He won’t abandon his family just like that.

Talia checked the time and there was only twenty minutes to ten and she knew she had to be in the Northern Star for the voting.

As she got in, she was hurriedly led to the meeting room and the moment the clock struck ten, she stepped in the room.

All the directors sighed in relief and Talia grinned at Arthur who glared at her. It was obvious he was not pleased she was with his father and brother for more than an hour and almost jeopardise the voting.

Talia saw Jordan standing by Arthur having a very tense expression. Arthur was having his usual poker face but she could see he was worried too. Talia observed the board of directors and one of them had a grave expression.

What happened?

"Shall we start the voting?"

One of the board members broke the silence.