CHAPTER 06

DARLINGTON:

I woke up to the fresh start of a brand-new day—New Year's Day. I was excited, as I intended to go downstairs and inform my parents that I wanted to get married this year. I had made up my mind to settle down with Jenna Colton.

Jenna has been my love for five years. I met her through her elder brother, Bruce, who was my best friend in high school. We studied the same business course and lived in Country Z, in the heart of the city.

The Colton family was also wealthy and well-known. Jenna has a successful career as an actress and model, having been featured as the face of many brands.

I knew Jenna had undergone surgeries to enhance her beauty, but I loved her nonetheless. I didn't regret my decision to propose to her last weekend.

My father hadn't reacted to my social media post, and to make matters worse, I couldn't find his profile online after the news of my engagement went viral.

Dad had purposely blocked me online so he wouldn't have to see my posts about Jenna.

My dad had warned me to stop posting about Jenna, but she is the woman who holds my heart. How could I not post about the love of my life? That would feel like cheating.

I love Jenna deeply; she is like the air I breathe. I tell her that constantly. I knew Jenna was hesitant about accepting my ring, but she knew I had always wanted us to settle down. I had assured her that she shouldn't worry about my father and that I would speak to him about accepting our marriage.

Jenna had told me she wasn't ready for marriage yet because of her modeling career, but I assured her that I wouldn't stop her from fulfilling her dreams just because she was my wife. I had supported her since we started dating, and I continued to do so.

I got out of bed and prepared to go downstairs to inform my father of my decision. He detested Jenna and had warned me to stay away from her, even telling me to forbid her from visiting our company.

I couldn't do that. I loved Jenna, and I meant every word I had said when I confessed my feelings to her.

I entered my bathroom. My room was vast— enough to hold three luxury beds with room to spare.

I finished bathing and noticed it was after 9 a.m. I had slept in because of the New Year's Eve celebration we held at home. I couldn't wait to become a father soon. I knew Jenna was scared of getting pregnant, but I wanted to marry her and assure her that I would always be there for her.

I went to my closet, put on a purple shirt and black trousers, and combed my short black hair. I liked to keep it smooth, so I let it grow slightly. After combing it, I applied my masculine perfume to smell as fresh as the New Year.

I slipped on my black slippers and exited my bedroom on the top floor of my father's enormous mansion. We lived in a massive, eight-room duplex with a living room, kitchen, and guest rooms downstairs. My father had designed the house himself.

Jenna had told me she didn't like visiting me here because she knew my father disapproved of her. I planned to buy a new house and move out, just as Bruce had done.

However, when I told my mother about my plan to buy my own home, she frowned and said it was too early for me to live alone unless I wanted to lead a wayward life.

Mom reminded me that when my father married her, they lived in my grandfather's house in the countryside until he had enough money to move to the city. According to her, I shouldn't move out until I had a child or two.

This didn't sit well with Jenna, but I promised her I would get us a house once we were married.

I walked downstairs to the living room, where my father sat alone on the black couch. He was still in his white robe, as if he hadn't bathed yet. He was reviewing a file, and I walked over to greet him.

"Good morning, Father," I said.

My dad paused his reading and looked at me. He took off his glasses, which were perfectly perched on the bridge of his nose, and placed them in their case.

A warm smile crept onto his face. "Good morning, Darlington. Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year, Dad. Where is Mom?" I inquired.

"She's still upstairs in her room. You know we slept late last night," he replied.

"I know, Dad," I said, sitting across from him.

"Yes, Darlington. That reminds me. I wanted to tell you about this last night, but I decided not to be in a hurry," my dad said.

"What is it, Dad?" I asked, watching his face.

He sighed and said, "Your wife, Amara Nicholas, is coming to the city today to start living with us."

"What!" I exclaimed in utter disbelief.