Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

Sean sat in his office, his eyes fixed on Nora, his secretary, as she offered him advice. He knew it was a bad idea to ask for her opinion, but she was a lady and he thought she would at least understand a bit.

“This shouldn’t be a hard fit for someone like you who has everything” She teased.

Sean usually didn’t talk to her much in a bid to maintain a professional relationship. 

This conversation ensued as a result of his worry. He had yet another trivial moment with his grandma over something that wasn’t so important and because he had grown tired of giving her fake promises, he decided to just get her something nice this time around but the question was what?

He asked Nora, his secretary, about this but she took the wrong initiative and instead thought he was referring to gift ideas for his girlfriend; a very non-existent one at that. Sean’s frustration mounted as she suggested he purchase a make-up brand or perfumes for the female in question.

He didn’t know what he expected from someone who applied so much makeup that nobody even knew what she looked like without all that artificial product. 

“Make sure you go through those documents and approve them before tomorrow,” he said to Nora and she nodded her head at him firmly to which he duly acknowledged.

Sean decided he would be going home early today as there was no need to be in the office till late at night. He had done all his work at home yesterday desperate to escape from the tense atmosphere that hung heavy at home after yet another argument with his grandma. There was no end to it. 

He sighed. Up until last year, she didn’t seem to have a problem with anything he did. Then suddenly the topic of marriage made an unnecessary entrance into his life and since then, it’s been one argument to another.

It wasn’t that serious to make them give each other the silent treatment and if he was being honest he couldn’t even ignore his grandma for a long time.

He’d always go back to mend things with her and yet again give her fake promises that he had a girl in mind and would soon introduce her to the family.

Even at that, the random arguments were frustrating each time and Sean did not like the aftermath it left.

His phone rang out, bringing him out of his thoughts. He frowned but changed his expression when he saw the owner of the number.

“When are you coming home, Sean?”

“Grandma, are you fine?” He asked.

“Don’t tell me you are crying again?”

“Why won’t I cry?!” She snapped making Sean groan. “Do you know what day it is today?”

He sighed. This was the main reason why he didn’t want to go home. “Grandma, I…I do”

“And you want to leave me alone in this house? Do you want me to die out of depression?” She managed to say as she sniffed in the air again.

He buried his head on the table and gritted his teeth. He knew what his grandma was trying to do, she also knew he couldn’t bear it when she started to cry.

“Grandma, please-“

“Last five years. Your parents-my son-died on this same day….and you still plan on missing dinner?” She asked with an unsteady voice.

“Ok. Ok. Grandma, I’m coming home. You will see me soon.” He said frowning. 

“Oh!” Her voice changed instantly. “I’ll tell the maids to prepare something for you. I’m expecting you soon.” She said and hung up the call.

After the call, Sean paused and took deep breaths, grabbed his car keys, and took long strides until he reached the company’s garage.

***

Sean swerved the car around the compound and turned off the engine at the gate of the garage.

“Master, welcome.” A young guard ran towards him. 

He threw the car keys at him. “Pack the car and return the keys to my room.” He gruntly said ignoring the greetings.  

Silence swam through the mansion as he strolled inside with authority. The maids muttered greetings as they passed him, bending their heads down. 

He made it to the alley that led to the dining room- a place his grandma had taken time to decorate with rather odd flowers on the table and artifacts from different places hanging on the wall.

Her ears perked up when she heard Sean’s footsteps. 

“Oh son, welcome home.” She stood up with a smile plastered on her face.

“Grandma.” He hugged her. Her wrinkled fingers held his palm leading him to the dining table as if she was scared he would refuse to eat with her. He secretly smiled at how his grandma showed how she cared for him. 

"The maids prepared your favorite.” She chirped almost singing.

“I can see that, Grandma. Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me! I’m happy that you are home, Go on…eat.” She rested her chin on her palm.

Sean scanned the table and realized the food was only served to one person. He dragged his eyes back to his grandma who was smiling rather oddly. 

 “Don’t worry, I have eaten already.” She said reading his mind.

“Alright. Is everything okay now? You were not happy over the phone.”

“Oh, that.” She scratched behind her ears. “That was just….I wanted you home, Sean.”

“And?”

“You know me too well, Sean." Remember Mr. Maxwell?”

He wondered where his grandma was going. “Yes, I do.”

“Remember their daughter that left for Singapore?”

He sighed, he didn’t like this. His grandma knew he didn’t like this, he felt his anger building up as he squeezed the fork he held.

“Grandma-“

“Answer my question first.”

“I do not like this, grandma-“

“And why is that? By the way, I’m only asking questions.” She shrugged.

He dropped the fork and grunted. “Why should I remember Mr. Maxwell’s daughter? Have I ever forgotten anything as petty as that?!”

“Sean, you are shouting.” She frowned immediately.

“Why won’t I shout?!” He couldn’t control his anger anymore. He didn’t realize he was already standing.

“I’m only trying to help, Sean. You are not getting younger and she’s a good perfect match for you!” she begged.

Sean paused and widened his eyes at the last sentence his grandma said. He cleaned the bridge of his nose. “And how are you so sure…this girl-“

“Her name is Racheal, Sean.” She disrupted him.

He laughed mockingly and nodded. “Ok. Rachael, you say. What makes you think this Racheal is perfect for me?”

“Because I know-“

“What is best for me? That’s what you want to say right?” He said.

She widened her eyes in shock, she wanted to say something but ate her words when she realized Sean was trying to hold himself from saying things they would both regret. 

He took deep breaths, grabbed his phone, and stared at his grandma.

“Goodnight, Grandma.” Was all he said as he turned his back to his room without sparing a glance.

He stormed off to his room, got his car keys and drove away in frustration, tired of her constant meddling in his love life.