The Billionaire’s Hidden Heiress
Chapter 145

Johnathon POV

It's over. It's finally over. I put weight on my bad leg, wincing as the aching pain continues to bother me, and glance around the house one last time, the For Sale sign finally exhibiting a Sold sign. It had taken longer than I had liked to sell but I had time and patience. I had even offered Flair the house, but she had politely declined the offer. She was living with John Deluca now and the old man seemed a bit happier now. Grayson and Flair were a good influence on the old man and they kept him company now that Charlotte was safely locked away in a mental institution or psychiatric hospital.

She still refuses to sign the divorce papers. I don't know what her game is and I don't care. She continues to get her lawyer to hound me for a visit, but I can't do it. I can't stare her in the face and pretend to have an ounce of sympathy towards her. I wake up covered in sweat, reliving being run over, over and over again in my dreams, my mouth open in a silent scream. It's a good thing that the only people in the house with me are my aides and even then, I've managed to resign them all but one, an assistant, bodyguard, and caretaker rolled into one. Darius has become something of a friend and I watch as he inspects each room, determined to make sure that nothing important has been left behind or anything sentimental.

"I have everything," I say tiredly, shifting on my feet.

He rolls his eyes and continues the inspection. I glance out the window. I had hopes I would get to see her, one last time before I left but it wasn't looking as though she was about to make it. I feel a slight tinge of disappointment as my chest tightens but I know she's busy and I don't blame her. Just as I'm about to give up, the car drives into the driveway, and my eyes light up for the briefest moment.

Regret fills me, even as Darius calmly walks towards the door and lets the two of them in. Grayson's expression is solemn as he reaches out and shakes my hand.

"Is there anything you need?"

I feel my lips curve into a small smile. Despite our differences, Grayson is a good man and he doesn't hold a grudge. The man should hate me, or despise me even but if anything he's almost civil.

I shake my head "Thanks to your Grandfather I have everything I could possibly need."

"You're really going then?" Flair's voice, a little shaky comes from behind Grayson as he moves to let her embrace me. Her belly is huge now, causing the hug to be a little awkward. I feel a little envious as I stare at her swollen stomach.

"I have to" I answer simply, glancing meaningfully around the fully furnished room "There's too many memories here and I need a chance to start over, away from Charlotte and the scandal."

"But Johnathon, to leave town and completely uproot yourself," Flair said sadly "Are you sure? We could help you replace another job. Grayson is willing to hire you" she also added and I tried not to wince at how condescending that sounded. "Thank you but I'm not certain I want to continue being a lawyer at the moment," I said honestly "I wasn't a very honest one and I think I need to be a better person this time around if I'm going to make a new go of it."

Flair nodded thoughtfully. Grayson's eyes narrowed "If you should ever replace yourself in trouble though....”

"I have your number" I finished "Have either of you gone to visit Charlotte?"

The question hangs in the air. I know I'm not the only one being pestered to go and see the disgraced heiress. Flair's lips tighten and her face drains of color. Grayson quickly moves to hold her upright. She leans heavily into his embrace. "Her lawyer keeps insisting," Grayson says sharply "but I'm not going to subject Flair to that. I'm considering it," he says "if only to see what she has to say. I doubt it will be anything worthwhile listening to."

"I would rather you didn't," Flair says softly "but as her brother, I understand if you want to."

"I want the divorce finalized," I tell Grayson softly and he nods.

He and another lawyer are working on it for me. I want my freedom back. I want to be single again, as sad and lonely as that sounds. I don't think I'll ever get married again. I'm slowly coming to terms with that realization. Part of me is still saddened by the fact I'm infertile and I doubt any woman would be willing to accept me if I can't give them children.

Darius listens with his arms folded across his chest. "I'll send you the address when we get there" he informs Grayson tightly "All communication will go through me so that nobody knows where he is. I intend on keeping Johnathon's whereabouts as hidden as possible from the media."

"They are still trying to snap pictures and get statements from you?" Flair's voice is soft and sympathetic.

"Naturally," I said sourly "the husband of a killer is hot news, didn't you know that? Not to mention the ongoing story of his painful recovery from his near-death experience at the hands of his own wife" My tone is bitter "they won't stop until they get an exclusive from me."

"Johnathon I'm sorry that things didn't work out for you" Flair's voice is soft and sweet.

Flair is sweet. It's taken me a long time to realize she deserved a man like Grayson who was able to appreciate her for the woman she was. I took too much for granted and I wasn't the nicest guy during our marriage. In fact, I was a bastard. Now she is happy and that makes things easier when it comes to leaving. Flair is the only one I care about when it comes to leaving my old life behind. I can rest easy knowing that Grayson will continue to love and look after her, and their child. Not to mention that dog Roscoe who continues to follow Flair around like a lost puppy.

"Don't be, I brought it on myself."

My tone is harsh, causing Flair to blink in surprise. I don't want her pity. I don't want her forgiveness. She should be angry at me. But as usual, she is her forgiving self. I never deserved her. Grayson at least appreciates her for the treasure she really is. "We should get on the road boss. We don't want to hit peak hour traffic. It's going to be hard enough to lose the media as we make our way" Darius's voice is calm, despite his concerns and his pointed look at his watch.

He's not the most sentimental guy, Darius, but he works hard and he's friendly towards me. He also doesn't let me slack on my physical therapy, unlike the others who went easy on me.

"I'm going to miss you, Johnathon. Make sure you take care of yourself" Flair says softly, her hair cascading loosely down her shoulders.

I always loved her hair. I swallow past a lump in my throat. I give her another hug, feeling the baby bump against me, the softness of her skin, and the silkiness of her hair. She lets go and I shake Grayson's hand again. "I'm going to miss you both" I admit "and I owe Knox a bigger debt than I can ever repay."

I owed Knox my life. Ian too. Flair smiles but it doesn't reach her eyes. She looks anxious. "Tell your Grandfather thank you for everything," I tell Grayson as he nods "and that I decided to make good use of the cheque."

John would understand. Grayson and Flair nod and I swear I see a tear trail down Flair's cheek as Grayson tenderly takes her hand and leads her back out to their car. I watch in silence as they both get inside and the car takes off, leaving Darius and me alone. "Any other goodbyes to make before we leave?" Darius's voice is curious.

He knows Grayson and Flair but nobody else besides the various people I've had assist me before we whittled it down to just him.

I shake my head feeling my chest tighten. "No," I say with a pause, as he eyes me consideringly "there's no one else. That's it."

"Then let's get on the road," he says nonchalantly.

Thank god there's no pity on his face.

I sense he had more to say but is keeping it back. I grab my briefcase with all my stuff in it and step outside the front door. Darius locks it carefully behind him. I take the time to look up at the house one last time. So many memories, some good, some bad. They would live in my mind forever, but I would never be coming back here again. I sigh as Darius goes and opens the passenger seat to the large SUV he's hired. Another way to try and put off the media. "Here," he says and I walk over, gingerly hopping in while trying not to hurt my leg.

"Are you ready?" he asks as he climbs into the driver's seat and glances at me expectantly, his sunglasses on and his hand resting on the gearbox.

Was I ready? It was a loaded question. I was leaving one town for another that I'd never heard of until Knox mentioned it to me. I was never planning on coming back here again. I was never planning on being Johnathon Deluca again, but Johnathon Rourke from this time on. I didn't have time to hesitate or to regret my choice. My future was no longer here. There was nothing left for me here except bad memories and regrets. I take a deep breath and look at Darius. It's time for a new beginning and a new destination. "Yes," I say as he starts the engine "I'm ready, let's go."

I didn't know what the future held, but it had to be better than this. I looked forward and made sure never to glance back.