We stare at each other in silence for a while. Finally, he begins speaking.
“I have many, many flaws. Among them is a difficulty to commit to relationships. I could bore you with details of a broken childhood, but I don’t think either of us have interest inthatconversation, so let’s leave it at the obvious—I have a knack for infidelity.”
“It wouldn’t be infidelity if you didn’t marry every woman you knock up.” I don’t bother masking the reproach in my tone, uncaring if it’s inappropriate.
“Yes, well.” He smiles softly. “We all have our demons. Mine are too many to number. In any case, my habit of marrying is seldom for the sake of my ex-wives. It’s always for the regard of my children. That is one area where I will not accept any blame; my love for my offspring. Forallof them,” he says meaningfully. “It is significant, and one of the reasons I’ve built the empire I have. I’ve never been adept with emotions, but I see it as my duty to provide, and I have lived up to that standard. With all but one.”
I polish off my first glass of wine and reach for the second. “I don’t require anyone to provide for me.”
“No, you do not,” he agrees. “A point that brings me great pride.” After a pause, he goes on. “Your mother was the only woman I can truly say I ever loved. You must understand; I was always upfront with my partners that monogamy was not for me. I was happy to marry, but very clear on that point, which led to divorces.”
“You could’ve stayed single,” I point out flatly.
“I could’ve, yes. But I wanted to give my children some stability in their formative years. Perhaps that was a mistake; perhaps not.” He shrugs. “I’m not here to belabor that point.”
“Then whyareyou here?” I ask wearily. “Why amIhere?”
“To listen, for just a bit longer. Back to your mother. If I can point to a single great love in my life, it would be her. Hunter was born of love, not passion like most of my other children. I like to think that’s why he’s so successful.”
“He’s also less emotional than marble statues.”
“I disagree. He’s just extremely adept at masking what he feels. Like me, he has his own demons.” Reynard sips his drink. “After I left your mother and remarried, I remained very fond of her. So much so that I couldn’t stay away for long. By my third marriage, I’d already admitted to myself the error of my ways, and Kendra and I ran into each other at an art gallery. This was the starting point of our relationship, which led to your conception.”
“A relationship you had while married to yourthirdwife.”
“Yes.” Reynard nods. “I was quite straightforward with Maya that our union likely would not be permanent, and it would certainly not be monogamous. She didn’t seem to mind… until she found out that Kendra was pregnant again. At the same time thatMayawas pregnant. That’s when a great deal changed.” He sighs, reaching up to rub his eyebrows. “I believe she worried that I’d give more attention to you, the product of love, than to her child—the product of lust. She threatened to publicly accuse me of abuse and take away my children if I didn’t denounce and disinherit you, and keep our contact minimal. After a legal battle, we signed a contract; she ceases with her threats and bullshit, which could’ve ruined my life. And I keep my distance from you.”
My lips part as I stare at him. Is he saying that his cold shoulder, his disregard, his lack of investment in my life… was because he wasblackmailed?By hiswife, no less?
Ialmostwant to laugh, because that’s an excellent case of karma biting him in the ass. Only his karma also took a great toll on me.
“But…” I frown, giving my head a shake. “There were Christmas parties. Holidays that I got an invite to—”
“Yes, that was allowed for the sake of publicity, but that wasallthat was allowed. I could not pay a dime for your life, and I could not form a personal connection with you.”
What. The.Fuck?My headspinswith millions of questions, each of them compounding until I think I might explode.
I drink my second glass of wine instead, barely tasting it. I amfartoo sober for this shit.
“Okay.” I let out a shrill laugh. “One of your wives gets vindictive when you cheat, even though you said you would.” Another, more hysterical laugh. “Why reach out to me now? I’m twenty-four. I’m reasonably successful. And, forgive me, I’m the most well-rounded adult of your children, aside from Hunter.”
“Yes, you are,” Reynard agrees wearily. “I didn’t learn of your mother’s illness until about a year ago. When I found out, I fired my legal team, hired a new one, and had them comb through the contract Maya forced me to sign. I also had them look into the prenupIhad her sign, and hired a few private investigators to dig into her. The lawyers found an obscure loophole we could exploit in her contract, and the investigators…” he releases a derisive laugh. “Found that she was cheating on me as well, with multiple men. It took time, but eventually, I got out of the contract, and ensured she lost her leverage. Even had her sign an affidavit admitting to her blackmailing me with false accusations, which I can release at any time.” He smooths a hand down his tie. “My fiancée actually helped me quite a lot in this endeavor. She’s a lawyer herself, and was quite sympathetic to my cause, not that I deserved it.”
“I… see,” I say with a frown.
Idon’tsee. This is going to take mountains of therapy to unwind. My brain is so fucked right now, I’m surprised I haven’t keeled over.
Instead of facing this newfound information and taking it like an adult, I sip more wine. Reynard doesn’t comment.
“I’m not going to ask for your forgiveness or even understanding. That’s far too premature, and I’m self-aware enough to know I don’t deserve it.”
“Then what do you want?”
“An opportunity,” he responds simply. “Time to get to know you. I’ve looked after you from afar, of course, but that’s like watching an actor on screen. I’d like to know you as my daughter.”
I rub my temples. “I’m not sure if that’s a good idea. Even if it is, I need time to process.”
“Take all the time you need.” He smiles. “I can finally offer that freely. I won’t pressure you. I won’t hold money or prestige over your head. I won’t bargain with you. I’ve told you what I want, and if you never want that, I understand. But, if you find it in yourself to, give me a call.”
