Chapter three Erin Charlton

Chapter three  Erin Charlton.

"You can't pay with this card ma'am. The account has been frozen." The receptionist told Erin and her jaw dropped. Frozen? The Hughes were not satisfied with kicking her out and now they freeze her own bank account?

She clenched her fists in resentment. They would hear from her very soon. She vowed and left the hotel.

Few months later. CITY B. TONY'S CAFÉ.

"Erin, you're gonna be alright? I feel bad about leaving you here alone. You're heavy also." Darcy whined.

Erin flashed a smile. "I'll be alright. Your date is important also. Go and have fun darling."

Darcy pouted. "You can go on your maternity leave, sister. I'll just hire a part-timer."

"I want to do this." Erin insisted, leaving Darcy with no choice. Darcy planted a kiss on her cheek before kissing her baby bump. "Be good to mummy, Moon."

The bells at the entrance glass doors jingled, announcing that someone was around, most probably, a customer.

  "Welcome to Tony's café." Erin said as she raised her head to see the customer. It was a man who was possibly in his late twenties. 

"Thank..." His voice trailed off when he noticed her big baby bump.

 "Surprised to see a café attendant with a baby bump?" Erin helped him voice out his thoughts. That same thought every single person that came there for the first time had, whenever they set eyes on her.

"Uhmm..yeah." The man admitted with a slight chuckle. 

"Can I take your order?" She requested. Still dazed, he nodded absent mindedly. 

"What's his name?" He demanded.

"Moon." Erin replied with a broad smile that faded the next minute. "How did you know?"

The man smiled gently. "Baby bumps are smaller whenever it's a boy." He explained and she let out an 'oh.'

"So, how did you come about becoming a café attendant with Moon?" He questioned. One would think he was an old pal, judging by the casual tone he used.

"We don't sell personal informations here." Erin countered wittily and he recomposed himself.

 "I'm sorry. I'll have a cup of hot latte and sugared doughnuts."

"Please take a seat. I'll place your order right away." She said in an assuring tone.

"Take your time." 

It took some minutes before she got his order ready and she placed all on a wooden tray then lifted it unto her left arm. And placed her right hand on her tummy as she felt slight pains.

She dragged her legs 'cause they seemed extra heavy to move. She managed to get out of the counter area but then the tray fell off her hand and she fell. She groaned in discomfort. The man stood up and sprinted over to her.

"Are you okay?"

"Ah..ah...no. I..i...think...my water...br..broke." She stuttered and cried out of agony.

"Calm down. Take a deep breath. You'll be alright."

Five years later. CHARLTON'S SUNSET LODGE.

"You'll trip, Dylan." A young, pretty man cautioned.

"I can't. Mummy said I'm a big boy now." The cute, young boy with a black, silky hair wittily snapped with pride as he ran continuously.

Unexpectedly, he looped his legs against each other and then lost his balance. He almost hit the ground when a powerful arm gripped him and hauled him back on his feet gently. It was his assigned bodyguard, Luca.

"And if I fall, Uncle Luca will haul me back to my feet." The young boy added, in an attempt to shake off embarrassment and succeeded.

As he walked through the ground floor of his mother's hotel, the employees passing by kept curtsying by nodding their heads at him.

"Uncle Blain. Why do mummy's employees keep bowing to me each time they pass?" Dylan asked, with so much curiosity in his voice. 

"That's because they must accord you the respect being bestowed on your mum." Blain explained.

  "But, they are much older than I am." Dylan countered.

"Yes, but it's only right they do that."

As soon as the elevator doors opened when it arrives at the 22nd floor. Dylan ran out of the elevator rapidly and sprinted towards her office. The others tried to catch up with him but it was late.

"He runs as if he got tyres in those legs." Blain remarked tiredly as they all stopped and watched the little boy run away.

 But, instead of going straight to his mum's office, he turned to the left hand side and pushed the huge door to the glass walled room with all his strength.

"Shit!" Blain cursed as he realised Dylan had just entered the conference room where his boss was having a crucial interaction with her business partners.

"Mum, I'm back!" He hollered happily and ran to his mum. 

 "Darling, you shouldn't be here." His mum stated and that was then the little boy took notice of the big men and women.  

   "You won't blame a five year old for barging in to meet the mum he hasn't seen in eight hours." The little one said to his mum's partners.

"No one will blame you sweetie. Just go out and give mummy some few minutes to wrap up things here." Erin instructed and as the boy turned around to leave, he stopped abruptly and turned back to the business people.

"My mum must come out of here with a pretty smile on her face." He verbalised with so much confidence.

  "Miss. Charlton, your son is very adorable, smart and cute."  Someone commented as soon as Dylan walked out.

"He sure is. Thank you." Erin muttered.

"Mum, you are back."

"Yeah. I got work finished up nicely so we could have lunch together.

"Judging by the look on your face, you signed the deal with them."

 "Yes son." Erin admitted immediately. "How were your tests?"

 "The tests were really awesome. I did well."

"Oh! I'm so proud you honey." She blurted with a smile and drew him closer to her for a hug.

 Reciprocating the hug, Dylan replied. "I'm proud of you too mummy."

"Start eating. There's just little time for lunch." Erin announced as she unzipped one of the lunch boxes on the table.

  "Why? You got much work to do?" Dylan enquired.

"No. You're the one I watch out for. I met with your coach earlier and he said the competition is in a few weeks so you have to train more hard than you've always done." 

"That's it?"

"Yes. You don't want to participate in the competition?" Erin turned to her son and asked.

"There's no reason for me not to. You've done so much to support me." The young said with so much sobriety. Erin smiled. She was pleased to hear that but she continued. "Listen baby, if you don't want to do it anymore, tell me and I'll help you quit. Alright?"

Dylan grinned and nodded. As they ate and chatted happily, Blain walked in.

 "Ma'am, Mr Kian is here." He announced and a man walked in after him. He left immediately the man, said to be Kian walked in.

"It's Uncle Kian!" Dylan hollered and ran over to him. Kian bent down to ground level. "Hey boy. How are you?" He demanded with a smile.

  "Dylan's a big boy so he's doing fine." Dylan replied him with a grin and Kian and Erin laughed.

Kian rose up and walked over to where Erin was sitting with Dylan. "Hi Kian." Erin welcomed.

  "Hey. What's up?" 

"I'm good. You just got back? What was the outcome?"

Kian stared at her for several seconds, keeping her in suspense and making her want to guess what his answer was going to be.

  "We won!!!" He declared and Erin placed a hand on her chest. "You got me scared for a minute. I knew you could do it. Congratulations." 

Kian suddenly wore a frown. "You didn't come."

"I'm sorry, I was busy. Just finished a meeting with my partners and here I am." 

Kian let out a laugh. "I was teasing you. I got good news by the way." 

Erin dropped the cutlery in her hands and wiped her lips with some paper tissue.

 "Really? What's it?"

"It's for Dylan actually."

It was then Dylan looked up to Kian's face. "Let me guess. You got me a martial arts teacher?" He blurted out with widened eyes and hoped that was the good news.

Kian was astounded at the boy's bluntness and ability. "How did you know? True, I found someone that can teach you martial arts." He confirmed with a proud look on.

"Yippee!" Dylan exclaimed gaily and sprang on his feet then bowed to a ninety degree angle. "Thank you sir!" 

 He left Kian and Erin snickering for quite a long time. Few minutes later, Blain walked in.

  "It's time to go for lessons, Dylan." He declared openly. With so much excitement, then boy cleaned himself up and grabbed his bag. "Mummy, I gotta go." She said and pecked her cheek.

"Bye, Uncle Kian." He flashed a smile at the man that sat opposite his mum and followed Blain out.

Erin's gaze was fixated on him as he walked away and her eyes shimmered with worry and concern.

"He's very ambitious." Kian remarked.

"I know right. I'm supposed to be happy about it but I'm worried for him." Erin said, with bits of melancholy in her eyes.

"He'll be fine. Don't worry." 

CITY A. RN GROUP.

He sat there on his big, dark brown leather chair with a big ceramic slab that carried a glassed name and post indicator, documents, two monitors and stationeries. The desk was neat and arranged unlike five years ago.

He was obviously working off his ass. He didn't care about any other thing but work. 'Jayden Reynolds, Vice President.' 

  He heard a knock on the door and seeing it was Theodore, he pressed an round, invincible button on his desk and the door opened.

"Keep it short. I'm busy." Jayden said immediately Theodore walked in without sparing a glance.

 "You have a date with Lexi Hughes by 4pm."

"You know what the answer is." 

"This is a different one. Boss, your wedding has been decided." Theodore disclosed.

Jayden's pen halted. He looked up slowly to Theodore, who was apparently serious. "What did you just say?" 

 

"You're getting married next week. There has been wedding invitations flying everywhere. The venue has been booked and dignitaries have been invited." 

Jayden struck the desk with his fist as he stood up. "What nonsense are you spitting? A wedding I know nothing about? Preparations behind my back? Who agreed to it?!" He yelled furiously.

REYNOLDS' VILLA.

After tossing his car keys at one of the men in black suits guarding the entrance of the house, Jayden walked into the Villa looking badly enraged. 

  Luckily, his parents were in the spacious living room, probably discussing. But when he barged in, they stopped and turned to him with a demanding look on their faces.

"Who agreed to a a marriage with the Hughes?" Jayden enquired, trying to restrain himself from yelling at them.

"Darling, have your seat first." Scarlett, his mum implored in a calm, gentle tone.

"I need an answer first." Jayden snapped angrily.

His father, Arthur who had been observing him all along finally spoke up. "I agreed to it."

Jayden clenched his fists. "I thought I made myself clear then. I told you I have no intentions of getting married to that ill mannered girl!"

"Your opinion doesn't matter this time around. You'll show up at the wedding as the group and tie the knot with her." Arthur stated firmly.

Jayden said nothing for several seconds as he studied his father keenly. "Did they put you up to this? You're forcing me to get married to her because you're old friends with her father?"

"How old are you forthwith? Are you romantically involved with anyone? Seems you don't know your place in this family. You are the heir and you need to a produce a grand heir also! Will work provide you a child?" Arthur retorted wittily.

It was then the oldies, Grandpa Nolan and Grandma Lucy walked in. It was apparent the old couples were coming from some outing. Judging by their outfits.

"I've been hearing noises from the outside. Who is the nuisance that was disturbing the peace of this house?" Grandpa Nolan demanded. Despite being old, his voice was as firm as his son's.

"There's no way I'm getting married to Lexi. Please note that." Jayden declared at his father and made to walk out when Grandpa Nolan pulled him back by the ears.

"Ah..." He whined as the strong hand pulled his ears, causing him pain. "How dare you ignore me and walk out?" Grandpa Nolan said and made sure he apologised before he let go off his ears.

Jayden was a hundred percent sure his ears were as red as tomatoes. 

  The old couple walked to one of the royal sofa set and took their seats. 

Grandpa Nolan sighed and ordered Jayden to take a seat also, which he quietly complied with.

  Then the persuading talk started.

HUGHES' MANOR.

"The hotel's image is plummeting!" Ronnie yelled at his father, who remained unmoved at the news.

 "We haven't been making sales lately and the investors are demanding for their stock share to be retrieved for them." He continued in a frustrated tone.

Owen let out a sigh. "Don't worry about anything. Everything will become okay again starting from next week. The Reynolds' influence only is enough to bring the company back to spotlight again. So quit drinking and partying under the disguise of being frustrated."

Ronnie avoided eye contact with Owen. Knowing that he had been caught.

A WEEK LATER.

A knocking the door jolted Jayden out of sleep and he pressed the button on his desk and unlocked the door.

Theodore walked in, looking surprised. "Why are you here? I thought I dropped you at the hotel yesterday."

Rubbing his face and threading his hand through his hair, Jayden tiredly replied. "Yeah. I came back to make use of some precious hours."

"Are you serious right now? Do you even know why I dropped you at the hotel?" Theo asked, standing akimbo.

"You couldn't drive me home 'cause it was too late?" Jayden replied teasingly and Theo scoffed. "Stop patronising me Jayden, it's your wedding today."

"It is?" Jayden asked a brow and went through the calendar resting at a end on his table. "It really is."

"You're so unbelievable sir." Theodore laughed and then urged him out of his seat.

As they drove to the hotel, none of them spoke. Then Theo pulled over when he got to the hotel. "You aren't planning on really getting married. I'm sure." He said and Jayden smiled. "You're a genius brother." He complimented and they did the brothers' thing.

Theodore leaned in. "So what's the plan?"

CTA AIRPORT.

She relaxed in her seat. The atmosphere was so cool and everywhere was quiet. She had her favorite artist's song playing in a set of headphones as she read a business magazine. She was quite fashionable but she was more interested in business. Strictly business!

  She was even in the business class section.

She had a long, black, silky hair. One that comprehended her flawless, milky white skin. Her facial features were so perfect and her body, was one to die for. She was dressed in an off white suit - a pair of trousers and a mid thigh length jacket with a neck scarfed stylishly tied around her neck.

Few minutes later, a voice came through to them, announcing they would be landing in some minutes. She closed the magazine and dropped it, removed the headphones and took a sip from the glass wine before her. 

As said then, the plane landed at the airport and was stationed. After waiting patiently for the others to leave, she stood up honourably, grabbed her designer bag and stepped out of the plane elegantly.

 A white Rolls Royce awaited her already and she was led in by a young lady. 

TK LODGE.

"That's how it'll go." Jayden concluded as he fixed his tie. He wore a complete black tuxedo with designer shoes and a special edition 45mm blue automatic Titanium watch.

"What a great plan. Nice one boss." Theodore remarked with a smile and Jayden let out a grin. 

 After spraying the *bodyspray brand, he announced. "I'm done."

They rode in an elevator to the ground floor and strode outside the hotel where a red limousine and about five black cars were waiting. Jayden had no intentions of been driven in the limousine and he and Theodore headed to his own car. 

Unexpectedly, a man in a black suit came by and stood in their way. Jayden was perplexed at the insolent act. "What do you think you're doing?" He queried. Theodore made to shove the man out of their way but Jayden stopped him with a held out a hand.

"Master said to make sure you ride with us." The man explained.

  Jayden sighed and turned to Theodore. "So this is how we're gonna play the game?" He whispered and let out a slight laughter. Then he turned to the man. "Fine. I'll go with you." He turned to Theodore again. "You drive my car. I'll ride with them." He instructed and winked, exciting Theo greatly.

As Jayden was about to enter the car, a white Rolls Royce pulled over in front of the hotel, right in front of the limousine and some of the men stationed at the hotel's entrance jogged towards the car. One of them opened the back passengers' door and a lady in suit alighted the car.