19. Ivy
CHAPTER 19
Ivy
I t’s not until the car drives up to the front of a huge, elegant-looking mansion in upstate New York that the nerves kick in with a vengeance.
I almost snap my neck as I sit in the back, craning my neck to see the splendor in front of me.
Outside the gate, there are huge, tall trees that surround the property.
It’s so beautiful here, the early evening air blowing so gently that I’m a bit unnerved.
This is the fancy, wealthy people type of neighborhood.
The quiet kind that screams money, though that doesn’t really faze me.
I’ve been around real, silently outrageous wealth my entire life, but somehow, I feel intimidated.
Seeing this house, an image of who my father is, is starting to materialize from fantasy to reality.
“Good evening, ma’am. Are you on the list?”
At some point when I was gawking, the car stops.
The window is rolled down by the driver so when I look up, I come face to face with a frowning security guy in a suit.
“Um, what list?”
“Ma’am, all guests have to be checked in, so are you on the list or is this an impromptu visit?”
“I actually don’t know if I’m on the list…” I trail off. “I’m here to see, um, Mr. Teddy Hughes.”
The man gives me a once-over. “There is no Mr. Teddy Hughes that lives here.”
I frown. “I’m pretty sure I was given the right address,” I murmur as confusion starts clouding my mind. Hell, this car was even sent for me.
“Listen, miss, don’t try to be smart here. You have the wrong address and tonight is not the night to be trying something funny.”
Wait, what? “Do unsuspecting girls try funny things here usually?”
“Are you being a smart-ass?” he snaps, taking a step closer to the car as if he’ll hurl me out at any second.
“No, no, I’m just getting really nervous,” I rush to say. “I’m sorry, it’s just… I was told to come to this address at this specific time today.”
“By whom?”
“By Melissa. Melissa Hughes. She told me she lives here too.”
The man stops and looks at me, like really looks at me as if I just said the most unusual thing.
“Miss Melissa Hughes gave you this address and told you to come here?” he questions
“Yes.”
The man frowns slightly as he watches me for a few seconds, then he raises his left hand and speaks into his sleeve so low I don’t hear him.
“Name?” he snaps.
“Ivy Irving.”
Silence falls between us.
Then he suddenly straightens and looks at me. “My apologies for the mix-up, Miss. It seems you were invited tonight,” the super security dude says with a sheepish look on his face. “It’s just tonight, we’re all cylinders and the way you’re dressed…” he trails off.
“The way I’m dressed?” I mutter.
“If I may ask a favor of you, Miss… please don’t mention this infraction to them. You see, I really need this gig and I didn’t mean to be rude.”
Them? Who’s them?
But most importantly…
What exactly is happening here tonight beside me meeting the man who might potentially be my father?
Tonight, I decided to go for casual, so as not to give off an impression that I’m trying too hard to impress a father who never even knew I existed, so I’m wearing a simple pair of distressed jeans, combat boots, and a black tee with a black leather jacket.
“Uh, of course, but… what’s happening tonight?” I ask quickly as a flutter of nerves unfurls in my tummy. “Is there something wrong with the way I’m dressed?”
The dude looks me up and down from where he stands out the car with a look I can only liken to someone who feels sorry for me, but before he can reply, the huge gates start to slide open.
The car starts driving through and then we’re going down the driveway.
It’s then I see the mansion is big, but maybe just a third of the mansions I’ve grown up around in Westbrook Blues.
There’s a fleet of black town cars, SUVs, and fancy sports cars in front, but what makes my eyes widen are the multiple security personnel all over, but obviously strategically placed.
What is going on here?
Who is my father?
The guy at the gate denied that there’s a Teddy Hughes that lives here but looking at this…
The car I’m in doesn’t go to the huge front doors where the rest of the cars are.
Instead, we drive down another way, going away from the front, and then the car comes to a stop at the back.
Before I can process what’s happening, my door is opened and I see three men wearing suits, seemingly waiting for me.
The guy in the middle steps forward. He is way smaller than the other two.
He’s definitely not security.
He looks like he’s in his mid-thirties, with an impressively impassive expression on his face. No emotions. Carrying himself with a strict, professional air.
“Miss Irving?” he asks, looking straight at me, but the moment our eyes connects, his widen a bit as if he just witnessed a jump scare.
Then he blinks several times like a cartoon character.
“Uh, yes?” I whisper awkwardly.
“You are Miss Irving?” he questions, this time with a note of disbelief in his tone.
“Yes, that would be me,” I mutter like I’m also not sure of my own identity or what I’m really doing here, while lamely raising my hand as if this is middle school all over again and we’re doing roll call.
The man stares at me for I don’t know how long.
Several emotions flash in his eyes and as if he just got jolted by electricity, he claps his hands and perks up. “Please, this way.”
Without another word, he turns on his heel and starts walking toward the doors ahead, but just as I’m about to follow, I feel the hairs at the back of my neck start to rise.
That acute feeling…I’ve trained long enough to recognize that someone is watching me.
Feeling unnerved, I turn and discreetly look around, but I can’t see anything besides the large backyard where I can spot a swimming pool, a huge, fancy gazebo, and a pool house.
I don’t see anything out of the ordinary.
Of course, there’s nothing. I’m just out of my mind and my nerves are short today.
It’s all in my head anyway.
Shaking the feeling of being watched, I follow after the new guy.
I catch up to him just as he starts speaking.
“Your stuff will be placed in your living quarters, no need to worry about that,” he says.
“Uh, okay,” I start, my voice slightly squeaky. “By the way, is there something going on here tonight? Did I come at the wrong time?”
“No, miss. You’re right on time. This way. please,” he says as he opens the double doors ahead and then we are in what looks like a library and then he leads me out of that room, then past a huge, bustling kitchen with dozens of people going in and out.
It looks chaotic and busy and while I think I’ll go unnoticed, eyes glance at me with each step I take as I follow the guy in front of me.
My palms start getting damp, but I shake that off.
“There’s a celebration here?”
“Yes, miss.”
That’s all he says but it’s like he just opened the floodgates of hell.
We pass the foyer, then we walk through an elegantly decorated hallway, and it’s then that I start hearing the soft tones of music playing.
As we walk, I notice the crystal chandeliers every six paces.
I notice the fresh flowers on every flat surface and the expensive art hanging on the walls.
This is an intentionally designed house, with wealth and power on full display.
I spot the maids and what looks like servers moving swiftly along with trays of food, drinks, and other stuff.
Oh God, what is this?
And suddenly, I start hearing that small, almost indecipherable voice in my head telling me that I’m making a mistake.
There’s a party… could it be for me? Like a reunion party?
But no, that makes no sense.
A reunion suggests we’ve met before and got separated at some point.
This man didn’t know I existed.
By a stroke of pure and rare luck, we’re about to get introduced to each other.
So what does this party mean?
No sane person would throw a party on the same evening he will meet the daughter, right?
Something’s off here.
This party… there’s obviously more to it. Even the security guy was put off by my outfit…
“Uh, one more question,” I croak. “The dude at the gate mentioned there isn’t a Mr. Teddy that lives here. Is that true?”
As soon as I say that, the solemn-looking dude turns around so fast like he’s got wind blowing behind him.
He looks at me with disbelieving, slightly rounded wide eyes as if what I just said is beyond ridiculous.
In fact, he looks like he just took offense to my question.
“Mr. Teddy? Excuse me, do you not know…” he starts but trails off and gives me a pointed look. Finally, he clears his throat and asks, “Do you know why you were invited tonight?”
“I… ummm…I’m supposed to meet…”
The guy cuts me off, obviously fresh out of patience with my stutters and nerves.
“Miss Irving, I’d advice that while you’re here, you show respect to the governor.”
Wait, what?
“The G-governor?” I stutter.
A buzz starts between my ears.
“Yes,” the guy says pointedly. “This is the private residence of the Governor of the state of New York, Governor Theodore Phillip Hughes the Third, and tonight as he celebrates his fifty-fifth birthday, he’s making an important announcement. All invited guests are close friends and family, associates, and high-profile political guests important to the cause.”
Sirens start blaring in my head.
Turn around and leave! This isn’t a place for you. Leave, now!
If I were in my right mind, I’d listen to that voice-like hiss but all I can do is stare at the guy.
I remember the strange look he gave me before, as if he’s wondering who the fuck I am but he never asked.
I’m obviously not a high-profile person but here I am.
My father is the governor? He’s celebrating his birthday today…?
We reach the end of the hallway and come in front of elegant double doors that are quickly opened elegantly by two doormen!
They have indoor doormen!!!
The doors open, revealing a room full of impeccably dressed people all wearing evening gowns, tuxedos, and everything that makes me severely underdressed!
I hear the sound of soft laughter, the wealthy kind.
There’s an orchestra playing what I’m sure is a classic, but I can’t place it.
What I do notice is how the soft notes add a perfect balance to the atmosphere and calm, happy chatter in the large room.
And as I stand there, feeling incredibly out of place but frozen in a way that I can’t move, the guy turns to the left.
“This way, please,” he says, gesturing toward another hallway.
“Uhh…” I mumble. I thought we were going in there.
“The Governor will be with you in a moment. Please, this way.”
On wooden legs, I follow him, feeling more confused than ever.
Obviously, there’s an event going on in that large ballroom, but I’m led down the hall, then we take another turn, then up some stately stairs all the way to an office far from the ballroom, like a dirty secret.
“Please have a seat. I’ll let you know when he’s ready for you.”
With that, the guy turns and leaves where we just came from.
I look around the slightly dark room.
Fidgety and unable to stay still, I notice a door in the corner. Is that another exit?
Can I leave?
Maybe I’ll just come back another time. If that is another exit, I won’t have to bump into the guy. After all, there’s a high chance that he’s out there guarding the door.
I turn and silently sneak toward the door, only to find it slightly ajar.
“This is all so sudden,” I suddenly hear. The voice is mature, cultured, but obviously annoyed.
“I assure you, Governor Hughes, this has been a long time coming. Surely you were aware,” a dangerously calm voice responds after a while.
That’s Governor Hughes in there!
I never imagined he’d sound so…angry.
The voice that responds, however, is slightly accented, maybe Italian, I’m not sure.
“Yes, but not today of all days!”
“Governor, you can agree that we’ve shown you as much grace and support over the years. As a matter of fact, we’ve ensured your success and safety. Are you now saying we wasted our time?”
“No… I’m merely stating…”
“Your hesitation,” the Italian voice says calmly. “I’m sure that won’t fare well for you.”
“No, no, I’m very grateful for all the Outfit has done for me but now I’m no longer in a position where I can be in league with… your kind.”
The disdain in the governor’s voice is clear.
“Our kind?” the other guy says.
“Yes, your kind!”
Silence falls in the room.
“Governor, I want to help you. You signed a contract with the Outfit over twenty-seven years ago. I’m sure you already know that there are no outs, even beyond death.”
“But…”
“And look, you’ve been away from your own party for too long. Why don’t you just sign and be on your way to enjoy your party.”
“I’m not signing that!”
“Why not?”
“Because it’s not enough! My life, my future, and my endeavors will all be in your hands, but that will just mean there’s nothing for me! What do I get in return?”
“Haven’t we been good to you?”
“I am aware of how powerful your family has been in the world for generations, but your family has never been able to get someone of my standing in your palms, but here you are, dangling support in my face? I have support!”
“Then what do you want, Governor?” the Italian voice asks, still calm and poised.
“More!”
My heart jumps.
“I want more! I want a deep assurance! I want more, so unless you are prepared to offer it right here and now, then you can bugger off! I’m not scared of you! You’re not even the boss!”
“What you want…”
“If you can’t even figure that out, then you’ve severely wasted my time. I have a party to get to. Apparently, there’s a gift waiting for me tonight,” the governor says. A chair scrapes on the floor, then I hear determined footsteps. “You can show yourself out.”
Then a door is opened and shut.
What was that?
As I stand there with my mind racing, trying to piece together the meaning of what I just heard, the door I was leaning on suddenly opens.
I stumble forward and crush into a chest.
A firm chest.
“My, my, what have we here?”
Incredibly embarrassed that I just got caught, I quickly step back several steps then look up and stare into one of the most handsome faces I’ve ever seen in my life.
Well, save for one.
No one in this entire world looks like him, but this man in front of me…WOW.
He’s dressed in a tux, but the bow tie hangs over his neck, with the shirt collar open and exposing tanned flesh.
Jesus, he’s handsome. Like insanely gorgeous!
“Thank you,” he suddenly says softly, a bit amused.
“What?”
“You said I’m handsome,” he says with a smile. “Thank you.”
“I did?”
Oh great! Now I’m revealing my thoughts.
“ Sì .” His Italian accent is full-fledged now. And sexy!
“Are you Italian?”
“I am.”
“I… I wasn’t eavesdropping… I just…” I trail off, not knowing what to say. “I got lost.”
He watches me, still smiling, but his dark, intelligent eyes are tracking me, studying me, seeing more than they should, I’m sure.
I’ve felt that gaze before… but from emerald eyes so peculiar, they expose you.
“I guess I’ll just… head back to the party.”
With that, I turn on my heel and escape through the door I was led in from.
In a blind rush, I take several turns until I hear the crooning of the music.
Yes, the exit was closer to the ballroom.
I take a chance and take a corner and then I find myself smack-dab in the ballroom, just as someone clinks a glass to get everyone’s attention.
“Good evening once again, ladies and gentlemen!” a perfectly-pitched feminine voice speaks.
Her tone is cheerful, a bit coy and hitting all the right notes of someone who knows how to capture the attention of a room effortlessly.
“Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to come out tonight, looking beautiful and distinguished, might I add, all to celebrate my father. Some of you literally flew in from your vacations, some from overseas on business trips and others are longtime family friends that never miss an event. Your love and generous support is so, so appreciated and for that, I can’t thank you enough.”
An enthusiastic and appreciative round of applause erupts in the room.
The girl speaking at the front of the room stands confidently, with the limelight on her.
From where I stand at the very back, right by the elevators all alone and looking severely out of place, I see her.
Everything in me sinks to the gleaming wooden floor.
As if being reeled in, I take a subconscious step forward, my eyes glued on the girl.
Are my eyes deceiving me?
What is this?
I see how radiant and beautiful she looks in her shimmering rose-gold evening gown that hugs her body sensually.
Her hair is cut in a wavy bob that frames her foxy face and as she throws her head back laughing, I catch the twinkle in her eyes.
This is a girl Kim and Astraea would definitely say has a free aura, no trace of trauma or any hardships, and it shows.
She’s the type of girl that has no care in the world, but the world seems to adore her, judging by the full attention she has on her now.
And all I can do is stare… because the girl looks exactly like me.
“Some of you might not know me, so I’ll introduce myself,” she starts. “I’m Melissa Hughes but everyone close to me calls me Mel.”
Oh God. She’s the one…
“When I was younger, I couldn’t for the life of me pronounce my own name so it’s my dad who taught me how to say Mel.”
A few aww s and ‘ how sweet’ sound in the room but a wave of envy hits me square in my gut.
I watch as Melissa turns slightly to look to her left while still commanding the full attention of the room.
“I feel like the luckiest girl in the world because I have a father that has always been there for me. At every stage of my life, whenever I thought or believed that I couldn’t do something, he was always there, encouraging me, pushing me forward, gently nudging me to try again when I failed.”
Without realizing it, I start trembling as my chest tightens so painfully, I clutch my left side.
I follow Melissa’s gaze and I see him.
He stands there, tall, with a head of salt-and-paper hair.
From where I stand, I can’t really see him, but what I can make out is the smile on his face…which is coupled by the look of absolute adoration as he looks at the girl on the platform.
My stomach clenches viciously, and before I know it, my vision starts to blur as the not-so-familiar stirrings of a panic attack creep up on me.
“No, no, not now,” I mutter to myself.
Somehow, I start feeling weak in the knees.
I might pass out.
I need to get out of here. I can’t make a spectacle of myself.
In a haze, I start looking around and then my gaze clashes into a pair of dark eyes that stare at me curiously.
The person is standing on the other side of the room, but he looks like he’s hidden in the shadows. Not quite visible but not blending in either.
Who’s that?
I don’t have time for that because for some reason, as if I’m punishing myself, I look back to the man Melissa is looking at, then back to Melissa herself.
The smile he has for the girl is still there and suddenly the ache I’ve always felt in my soul rips all the way apart.
Everything that had been holding me together, every fantasy I’ve ever told myself, every stitch I’ve given myself to mend the hole of being abandoned, unwanted and rejected all my life…it all unravels in a split second.
Hot, furious tears fall down my cheeks, but I can still see clearly.
That man, looking up at the girl who looks exactly like me, is my father.
That man has a family.
That man loves his family.
But that’s not me.
Somehow, I didn’t qualify to be worthy of that love?
The buzzing in my ears intensifies.
I try to shake my head, and when I open my eyes, the pair of dark eyes I saw before seem to be still on me… and coming closer.
“Most of you know my father because of his public office that he holds so dearly and diligently. I’ve had to watch him work so hard to do what he does for the people. Listening to their grievances, actively pursuing justice and standing up for the voiceless,” Melissa goes on and the room erupts in cheers of agreement.
These people love and adore this man…who so happens to be a governor.
I mean, I held myself back from researching him.
I wanted to meet him face to face, to get to know him as a person without any preconceived notions inflamed by the internet, but now, I feel like an utter idiot.
“Not a day goes by that he doesn’t keep the oath of office he made when he was sworn in. But for my father, it’s not about the glitz, the glamor, and the handshaking. He goes into the trenches and does the work. He takes philanthropic work and makes it more than just charity handouts to the less privileged. And lately, as you all know, his fight against cybercrimes has taken a whole new life because he put the spotlight on that. He’s defending our elderly population that are mostly susceptible to this and fall prey to the many gangs and mob activities that are on the rise right now. My father is truly one of a kind.”
I grab onto the nearest column as I start feeling even worse.
“As this important day was creeping by, I was thinking of a way to show my gratitude to you, Daddy, to celebrate your birthday and to show the world the kind of man you are, and how you love people. It was pretty hard because, I mean, I was going to give you a new necktie to go with your very distinct shirts.”’
Laughter fills the room.
“Or a pair of socks… but then I remembered that Christmas is coming and I need that for then.”
More laughter fills the room but for me, I start feeling it… the need to run.
My fight-flight instinct kicks in but for the life of me, I just stand there at the very back of the room, feeling like I’m naked, bleeding, and disgusting.
“But all joking aside, I have to tell you all, my father is a really committed family man. Nothing matters to him more than his family and so tonight, I’m so incredibly honored to complete our family.”
Whispers and murmurs slowly begin to arise in the room but it all fades as a spotlight is put directly…on me.
OH NO.
“And there she is!” Melissa extends her gloved hand over the crowd, in my direction.
Then, as if in one accord, one tune, and one mind, everyone turns around quickly, and suddenly, all eyes are on me.
ALL. EYES. ARE. ON. ME.
Fear strikes me so hard that I become paralyzed to the spot.
The light is blinding me but I can’t blink.
My body is coiled so tight, but I don’t dare to move a muscle.
In that moment, I finally see him.
He turns around, like the rest of the upper echelon people present here, and looks at me with something like confusion on his face.
But as soon as his gaze connects with mine, the confusion morphs like an animated play of dramatic emotions into puzzlement and then… shock.
On the stage, Melissa has a small smirk on her face as she looks in my direction then back at her father who takes a step in my direction, but someone stops him.
An arm is slinked around his and he stops, but his eyes are still on me.
Everyone’s eyes are on me… and they’re all looking at me like I’m a dirty secret.
A juicy, dirty secret that no one was expecting.
A point made poignant when the whispers and stares become so loud, I feel like I’m standing here naked in front of them.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I imagine this is a big surprise but… well, as you can see, I have an identical twin sister!” Melissa squeals above the whispers.
Oh God.
“Isn’t that amazing? Daddy, come and see your long-lost prodigal daughter! She has finally come home! Now you can make your announcement. Happy Birthday!”