Chapter 98- The Price to pay
“ What are you talking about son?" She asked in fear. I didn't want her to feel that way but I didn't have a choice. I couldn't let my father take away the one thing that makes me happy just because of his company. If that's the case, I'll start life afresh, I already have a project that I'll start on my own and make a name for myself without his help. He can take his company and everything as long as I have Anna, that's all that matters.
“ Son, you're making a rash decision, you're not thinking straight right now," she said as I heard shuffling in the background.
“ We've talked about this and he wouldn't listen, what else do you want me to do? Marry that woman? That's not going to happen Mom, I can't let that happen, so if it's his company, he can take it but as for me I'm done with the drama,"
The company has never been meant for me after all, it was all meant for William but as death took him and there was no other option, my father painfully pushed the company to me. Although I wasn't trained for it, I managed just fine. But now he can take it back. I didn't really care.
“ Cole, please think about it, you're the only son I have, just think about this,” she said as I heard her voice crack.
" Mom, please don't cry, okay, you know what? I'll talk to my father for the last time, whatever he says is what would determine if I'll stay or go, you've talked to him he didn't listen, I doubt he'll listen to me,” I said with a sigh.
" Just try,” she encouraged,
" Okay, I'll try. You know I love you Mom, please don't cry,” I said as she sniffed,
" I love you too son, take care,” she said before she ended the call as I dropped my phone on the table and placed my head in my hands.
I was tired and frustrated by the situation. Everything was just coming at me all at once.
“ This is crazy, so crazy,"
I knew I wouldn't be able to concentrate so I stood up and took my phone as I walked out of my office.
I needed all the strength there was to face my father so I don't do something stupid so I made my way to Anna's office and she was busy with work. I coughed to get her attention.
“ I'm going out to meet someone," I said,
“ Okay, who?" she asked, I couldn't tell her it was my Dad because that would make her worried,
“ A friend of mine who just returned to the country, he asked to meet,” I said,
" That means I'll have to cancel the meeting you have in about thirty minutes,” she said,
" Please do,” I said as I walked to where she was seated and bent to her as I kissed her soft lips.
" This should last me till I come back,” I said and she smiled,
" Okay, take care, tell the women you have a beautiful fiancee,” she said and I couldn't help but laugh.
" I'll do that,”
***
The drive to my father's office was like driving myself to fire because I knew the conversation we were going to have was going to end bad or very bad. I was just doing this for my mother. If my mother couldn't convince him, I don't think I can. So it still stands, I'll give up everything, he should put whoever he feels is competent enough to sit there.
My father was the President of our company while I was the CEO. He still works sometimes when he wants to although he's retired.
I stopped in front of the building as I stepped out of the car. I just stood there looking at the building, the building where a certain man was that thinks he could rule over my life and I wouldn't be able to do anything about it.
I walked inside as the staff greeted me and I gave them a simple nod.
I got into the elevator as I pressed the button for his floor.
“ Hello Mr Leonard," his secretary greeted me and I nodded before walking to my father's door and knocking.
“ Come in," I heard his voice say from inside before I opened the door and walked in.
“ I knew you would come to your senses," he said as he looked at me with a satisfied smirk and I looked at him in confusion, what was he driving at?
“ I'm not here to play your little marriage game, I'm just here to tell you that I'm not marrying that woman, I'm sure I've said it before but you've refused to listen, just stop all this already.” I said but he just watched me.
My father was way too calm for my liking, whatever was going through his mind I knew that I wouldn't like it.
I watched as he calmly rested his hands on his table as he looked at me.
" You'll be marrying Mirabel, her family is happy about it, you should be happy too. All that's left now is for you and your bride to pick the date for your wedding and that's all,” he said and I narrowed my eyes on him.
“ Are you even listening to what I'm saying?" I asked him and he shrugged,
“ You said you won't marry that woman and I know you're talking about that secretary of yours because that's the only woman you won't be marrying," he said confidently and I laughed.
“ You've got to be kidding me,” I said. I knew old age came with some hearing issues but I didn't know it was this bad.
“ Dad, there's nothing you or anyone can do to make me marry Mirabel," I said and he chuckled, there was just something about the sound that sent shivers down my spine. It was like he was telling me he had won this one.
“ Oh son, there's definitely something I can do,”
“ What are you talking about?"