Billionaire’s Unlikely Bride - Chapter 39: Chapter 39

Charles chuckled softly. "I knew you've been wanting to ask that for a long time. It's something our families have wanted for generations. The Prescotts and the Barretts have been friends since I can remember. I can't remember a time when there ever was a Barrett without a Prescott."
Charles continued. "But neither of us had daughters for the longest time, but when your father told me that his wife was having a girl, we saw it as an opportunity to unite our families. Your father wanted to ensure your safety and happiness, Raven. He wanted to secure your future. And he trusted me to keep you safe."
"I think you mean Blair’s happiness and future," Raven said, smiling sadly.
"There were complications that even I don't understand," Charles replied. "But that’s a story for another time." Raven listened quietly, trying to process his words.
"What if I don't want this alliance, and I just want to be free?" Raven said, her heart ached in her chest.
Charles furrowed his brow. "Free? What do you mean?"
"I want a divorce," Raven said firmly. "I want to leave New York and start over somewhere else."
Charles’s eyes softened. "Are you sure that's what you want, Raven? I know my son has hurt you, but running away won’t heal those wounds."
"There's nothing left of my marriage to Mason," she said, her voice trembling. "Candice is already having his child. I love him but I don't think I'll ever be happy with him when she and her baby will always be a part of his life."
Charles sighed, nodding his head. "I understand how you feel. And I won’t try to change your mind. But promise me you’ll think about this carefully. Don’t act rashly."
Raven shook her head, looking determined. "I've already thought about it. I’m done."
Charles studied her for a long time before nodding. "Very well. If that’s what you want, I’ll help you. What do you plan on doing when you leave?"
"I'll work hard, and focus on creating my brand."
"I have a few contacts in Australia, fashion designers who could use someone like you. I can help you partner with them, and they'd be more than happy to work with you." Charles informed her.
Raven's eyes widened. "Really? You'd do that for me?"
"Of course," he said with a soft smile. "It's my way of making up for the way my son hurt you. I promised to take care of you and keep you happy. If this would ensure your happiness, then I'm willing to help you."
Raven couldn’t explain how grateful she was. She finally got the chance she needed to focus on her life and dreams.
"When would you like to leave?" Charles asked.
"As soon as possible," Raven replied without hesitation. "I don't want to stay here any longer."
Charles nodded. "I'll get the plane ready for you by tomorrow."
"Can I ask you for one more thing?"
"You don't want me to inform anyone about your whereabouts?" Charles asked the question that was on her mind. Raven nodded. "I won't, but you should leave a message for Julie before you go, or else she'll go crazy searching for you."
"Thank you for everything. It means a lot to me." Raven felt a weight being lifted from her shoulders.
"One more thing, I have a house in Australia. You'll have to promise me you’ll stay there. That way I can be assured that you're comfortable, and if you ever want to come back, you're always welcome to my home. You'll still be my daughter no matter what." Charles said and Raven quickly hugged him.
"Thank you, Dad."
That evening, Raven returned to Kyle’s house. Julie rushed over to her with a concerned look as she stepped through the door.
"You were gone the whole day, I was starting to get worried. What happened?" Julie asked.
"I went out with Dad," Raven said, shrugging casually.
"Dad? When did that happen? Tell me, tell me. What happened?"
"Nothing, I just needed to clear my head. He told me some things about my dad that I didn’t know."
"Well, whatever you two talked about," Julie smiled, relieved to see her friend in a better mood. "I'm glad you look better. I was already thinking of dancing, so you could feel better."
"Oh please, no. I'm good now, thanks." Raven laughed. Julie has always been a terrible dancer. But Raven's smile slowly faded when she remembered that Julie didn't know that she was leaving tomorrow. She hoped Julie would forgive her for not telling her about her decision sooner.
Charles’s POV
I stormed into the living room, worry evident on my face. "What the hell happened?"
Mason stood a few feet away. "Dad, there’s been an accident," he began, his voice low. "They found Margaret’s car on the side of the road... it was off a bridge. But they couldn't find her body."
I dropped into the nearest seat, I found it hard to believe. Margaret, despite everything she had done, I could never wish for her death. Even though she was the same woman who had manipulated me into thinking I was a rapist, I couldn’t help but feel like I was to blame. If I had brought her back home and listened to everything she had to say, maybe she'd still be alive.
My phone rang, snapping me out of my thoughts. I answered without looking. "Hello?"
"Dad," Raven's voice came through. "I just saw the news... are you alright, do you want me to come back?"
I glanced at Mason, who was watching me with a pained expression. "No, dear, I’m fine," I said into the phone. "You don't have to come back. Just take good care of yourself."
Mason stepped closer to me.
"is that Raven?" he asked, desperation clear in his voice. "is she okay? Where is she?"
I hung up the phone and shook my head, sadly.
"That's not your business anymore, is it?"