Wealthy entrepreneur Alexander willfully dismisses his biological daughter Clara’s attempts to strike up a relationship with him. He changes his tune when she saves the life of a potential investor in his business and, in so doing, exposes his true, deplorable character in public. Clara stood before the towering, ornate door of the sprawling mansion, her heart pounding like a drum.
She raised her hand, hesitating for a moment before letting it fall against the wood with a series of firm knocks. A man, about forty, opened the door. “Yes?” he asked, sounding unwelcoming.
“Alexander? I’m Clara,” Clara replied nervously. “Your daughter.”
Alexander looked at her with disbelief.
“My daughter? I don’t have a daughter.” “My mom told me you’re my dad. She’s gone now, and I… wanted to meet you.” “And you just believed her?
Came here expecting what? Open arms? A happy reunion?”
“I just want some answers.
Don’t you want to know about my mom?”
Alexander laughed mockingly. “People don’t just show up and become family!” At that point, Clara showed him an old photo of her mom, and Alexander’s tough look softened for a moment. “Linda,” he said quietly.
“Yes, Linda, my mom. Do you remember her? Clara asked.
Alexander’s tone turned harsh again. “Remember her? Yes, of course.
But let’s not romanticize the past. Your mother was a hippie layabout, a mistake, a regrettable chapter in my life.”
Clara felt a pang of hurt, not just for herself but for the memory of her mother. “A mistake?
Is that all she was to you? And what does that make me?”
“Yes, she was a mistake,” Alexander said coldly. “You’re just a consequence of a mistake and hence another mistake.
There’s nothing for you here.” “Can’t we just talk, get to know each other?” she asked hopefully. “No chance. I don’t want another daughter.
It’s best you leave,” Alexander said firmly. Clara knew she was helpless at this point. This man would never accept her.
Disheartened, she turned to leave, when a soft voice called out from behind. A young woman, perhaps in her late twenties, stood at the threshold of an adjacent room, having caught the tail end of their conversation. “Dad, who was that?” “Nobody, just a mistake,” Alexander replied coldly.
Clara walked away, feeling rejected, the word “mistake” echoing in her ears. So, he has a daughter, but he lied. A few weeks later, she took a job at a fancy restaurant, not expecting to ever meet her father.
She had no clue he often dined there. The restaurant was famous for its elite guests, Alexander being one of them. One night, Alexander visited the restaurant and chose a table with a good view.
Clara felt both excited and nervous to see him. Another waiter served him, treating him like any other rich guest. She watched him while pretending to work and noticed he seemed busy and worried.
Then, she overheard him talking on the phone about business troubles and possibly illegal activities. Clara was shocked and sad, realizing her father was involved in shady dealings. Suddenly, Alexander noticed her staring.
“What are YOU doing here?” he asked angrily, approaching her. “Are you stalking me now, hoping to latch onto our so-called relationship for your benefit?” Clara was taken aback. “What?
No! I work here. Part-time.
To support myself through school.”
Alexander scoffed. “Work here? I think that’s a convenient excuse to be near me.
You know I’m a regular here, don’t you? You think because you have some claim to being my daughter, you can take advantage of me?” “What? Take advantage of you?” she retorted.
“I want nothing from you! I didn’t even know you frequented this restaurant. I’ve managed just fine on my own, and I’ll continue to do so.” Alexander glared at her.
“Are you also going to deny you weren’t eavesdropping on my conversation and prying into my affairs? Listen, girl! Stay away from me.
Got it?” “I wasn’t spying. I just—” Before she could finish, Alexander cut her off. “You just what?
Thought you’d find some dirt on me? You’re nothing, understand? Just a lowly waitress.
It’s laughable to think you could be of any relation to me.”
His words stung Clara deeply. But Alexander didn’t care. He went on to ridicule not just her background but also her hard work.
“Understood? You have no ambition. No drive.
You are not of my DNA!” Clara had had enough. Yes, she wasn’t as rich and famous as him, but that didn’t give him the right to insult her like that. “Ambition isn’t about money or titles, SIR!” she retorted confidently.
“It’s about fighting for what you believe in, no matter your job!” Alexander laughed at her. “What do you know about ambition, serving tables?” “I’m studying for a degree while working here. That’s my ambition,” Clara stated firmly.
“And you think that makes you equal to me?” Alexander mocked. “It’s not about equality. It’s about striving to improve.
That’s more valuable than any title,” Clara responded. Alexander dismissed her. “You’ll always be just a waitress to me.” “Maybe in your eyes, but not in mine!” she said, looking into his eyes.
“I know my worth, and I don’t need your acknowledgment to validate it. And whether or not I’m ‘of your DNA’ doesn’t change the fact that I will achieve my ambitions, with or without your approval.” With that, she turned and left to continue her work. Alexander marched to his table, rolling his eyes.
The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page.
Tap READ MORE to discover the rest 🔎👇
