"You're going. Period." He turns away from me, apparently unable to look at me any longer. "You can't stay here. I don't tolerate scandals atTouch av lyx,and you…" He looks at me, disillusioned. "You're the epitome of a scandal."
I should defend myself, but I can't. Because it's true. I've destroyed everything today. It becomes clearer with every passing second. What could I possibly say in my defense?
That I'm in love? No, was in love! So much so that I apparently forgot what's most important in my life?
Dammit, how could I be so foolish?
"It will cost us a fortune, but we'll handle it. With the employees and the press. The truth about what happened today will never come to light," his voice trembles.
I nod and lower my gaze. The haze in my head hasn't completely lifted yet, but I understand the sacrifice he's making for me. "Thank you." I promise, "When I return from England, I'll work harder than ever before."
Mother's tired sigh reaches my ears. I look at her for help, but she immediately looks away.
Father's attention, on the other hand, is solely on me. He sadly shakes his head.Heaven, why are you doing this to me?he silently asks. "I should kick you out and leave you to your fate. Yes, I should." I can see in his face how much these words pain him. How he's trying to face the situation with the same strength he displays in the business world. "You're of legal age, capable of standing on your own."
Please, no! I cover my mouth with my hands, pleading with my expression for him not to do it.
He turns away and walks to the window, where a strangely distorted skyline looms. All I see of him is his broad back and trembling shoulders. The silence in this room is almost unbearable.
"You're going to England. And then somewhere else. No one must ever know who you are. Everything else is completely irrelevant to me." He pauses for a moment, swallowing hard.
His words pierce right into my heart.
Yes, I made a mistake—a terrible mistake. But we have a shared plan that we must continue at all costs. No, it's more than a plan, much more.
It's my big dream!
"What aboutTouch av lyx? Who will succeed you when you retire?" I dare to ask, even though I feel like collapsing on the spot. I can hardly bear the situation, especially as I become sober with each passing minute, and this darkness takes hold of me. It's as if it's pulling me underwater, deep down to where it's pitch black and cold.
"I'll figure that out without you," he dismisses. "The driver will be here in ten minutes."
Mother turns away as if none of this concerns her. She doesn't even consider helping me or giving me her attention.
Of course not. Why would she start today of all days?
Father marches to the desk in front of the cream-colored wall. There, he sits down on the dark green leather chair and opens his laptop. "We'll make sure your account is always filled. In return, I expect only one thing from you: that you disappear forever. No one must ever know who you are and what you've done today."
A deep sense of shame washes over me. "Thank you," I whisper tonelessly.
"Go now." A brief nod and a worried glance, that's all I get from him.
I hesitate, shifting from one foot to the other. Neither of them looks like they want a hug from me as a farewell. So I briefly raise my hand, blink away the tears, and leave the room. Before I close the door behind me, Father sighs wearily.
"This is entirely your fault, Ida," he accuses Mother. "You spoiled her."
"What?" Mother's voice sounds hoarse. "I never... "
No. Not this too.
My shoulders weigh heavy, as do my eyelids. Yet I flee into my hotel room at lightning speed because I've heard them throw these accusations at each other countless times in the past few weeks.
It hurts. Everywhere. But I have no choice. My big dream lies shattered, my parents are profoundly disappointed in me—just like I am in myself.
I have to go, and it's entirely my fault because I was the one who maneuvered myself into this debacle.
How could I have allowed my feelings to make me so blind and foolish?
