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Christianas POV;

I walk into my fathers' petting zoo and once I'm in, Fuzzball, a cute, snow-white chihuahua comes running to me.

Fuzzball came in last year and since then has been my fathers' bag. The little puppy is the cutest bundle of joy ever.

"Hey sweetie pie," I greet the puppy as I squat down to give her a tummy rub and she barks. I giggle and give her a treat before walking further into the building in search of my father.

As my footsteps echo through the building, the animals around begin to bark, meow, and give happy sounds as we're familiar with each other.

I love this place, and so does my dad. This is the very reason grandma is so mad at him and we are partial castaways back home.

My family, the Duran family, deals in accessories like gold, diamond, and the likes. We also deal in fashion and run the 'Durans' hotels and restaurants worldwide.

However, my father wasn't interested in the family business nor wealth. His love for animals was a passion he was willing to follow.

He begged grandma time and again to support his dream but she never listened. Hence he saved as much as he could and once he had enough, he got this place.

A shelter for stray and hurt animals. He's been at this for years. It brings in way less than it takes from him financially, but he won't stop. He loves this too much to stop, and I must say, I also love the animals.

I finally find him on the field at the back of the building, observing the horses he let out to play.

"Hey pops. " I greet as I take a seat beside him and he smiles at me.

"My sugar plum princess. Fancy seeing you here today. "He says as he pulls me into a side hug with one hand.

"Are you saying I don't usually come here to visit? "I query and he laughs. 

"No honey. You said you were going to try your luck with my mother again today didn't you? " He replies and I look away.

I did try my luck. I begged her to at least make me the head over the hotels' department, but I got the same answer as always. No. I tried but got rejected. 

"Looks like things didn't pan out well. "My dad remarks. Pulling me out of my head.

"Yeah... And that Stella! " I begin but stop. Thinking about the brat alone makes me sick.

"Uh oh. What happened? " He questions again. This time turning to face me.

"She never misses an opportunity to taunt Raymond. " I complain and my father scoffs.

"That's nothing new. "He replies.

"Why won't they just stop all this nonsense. I mean, we're part of the family too. We also deserve respect! "I finally let out and my father looks at me.

" Did something happen? "He questions and I inhale deeply before narrating everything.

" Dad, why did you get me married to Raymond? "I questions and he smiles at me.

" You've asked this question several times, but I'd keep answering as long as it satisfies you. "He says and I stare.

" The very first day I set my eyes on that boy, I knew there was something about him that I liked. I just knew he was the right one for my sugar plum princess. "My dad replies and I roll my eyes.

"But he's so..." I make to speak and my dad cuts me.

"Reserved, humble and meek? 

Christiana, there's a lot more to that boy than you're allowing yourself to see. " My dad says as he rises to his feet and I simply stare at him.

"A lot more. " He adds and I stare blankly at him

"I'd say it again, why not try to know him better? "