Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Kent’s POV

Freya Sullivan stood in front of me, a broad smile on her face as she walked into the room. She looked at my grandfather, “Good afternoon sir, I came immediately my mother asked me to.” she looked at me, something sparkling in her eyes.

I stared in utter disbelief. What was my student and nephew’s girlfriend doing here? I looked at my father behind her and back at her, I needed someone to say something. There was no way she was the woman my grandfather wanted me to marry. “Grandfather?” I said finally.

Just as I made to pull my hand from his, he held it still, not letting me move away. “This Freya Sullivan, the daughter of my longtime friend and your father’s business partner. There was no candidate better than her and she is the one you must marry before I die” he recited the words like he had memorized and crammed them severally.

My eyes went from him and then back to her. I couldn’t believe what was right in front of me even with his words. “I cant believe this”

He raised a brow, “What about this cant you believe?” 

“She is my student fr god’s sake. I teach in the college she learns at. Do you know what everyone else will think if they know I’m engaged to her?” my eyes went to my father who knew everything, “You knew this, you did and you let him plan this” I couldn’t take it any further. I forced my hands out of his and stood up.

Just then, he grabbed his chest as if he was in pain. He looked at my father, “Get me something for this pain” with a groan and then back at me.

There were no words as he stared at me until my father brought back a small white pill and handed it to him. “There” he said and then stood back.

The urge to leave was strong but somehow I managed to stand still. I was unable to look at Freya whose eyes I had felt on me the entire time. How could she even agree to this? Did she not understand what was happening?

“Kent, this is the woman I want you to marry and my decision will not change. I don’t care who she is to you” he coughed, “Please son, before I die, grant me this one wish at least” his eyes were pleading, voice soft. It was the first time he was requesting rather than commanding.

I began to shake my head but my father cut in, “Just say yes. Who knows how long he’s got left? What if he dies tomorrow? He has to at least know that his last wish was fulfilled”

Then silence.

Even then, I felt the pressure there. There were not going to take no for an answer. 

All eyes were on me, desperately waiting for a reply. 

Finally, after catching myself I nodded reluctantly, my hands balled into fists beside me. It didn't look like I had any choice in this regard. 

My grandfather released a smile, looking from me to my father. “I knew he would be smart enough to do what was right for the family" he turned towards Freya. “Welcome to the family dear, it's a pleasure to welcome you" 

My jaw remained firm and shut as I forced myself not to speak. I looked away, sure that if I looked any closer, they would see my rage. “Is that it?" 

The door opened and my mother walked in then. She looked from me to my grandfather and then Freya before asking, "Has he finally agreed?” 

My grandfather answered her. “Oh yes, he has. After much convincing" 

I noticed it almost immediately. 

His weak voice that had been shaky had suddenly turned harder. I turned around slowly to face him fully. Rather than lying down, he was resting on the head of the bed, a broad smile on his face. "I trusted that he would”

My mother responded, "I had my doubts.” She looked at me, watching me closely as if she would see something that she hadn't seen before. 

She made a beeline for Freya, "Welcome to the family dear” and then pulled her into a hug. 

Behind me, there was the sound of feet coming closer. I turned around and froze in shock in my spot when I saw who it was. 

Arthur, my grandfather stood there, tall and huge in all his glory with a smile on his face. He was coming towards me and I couldn't help but stare in disbelief. 

I pointed at him, "What?” 

He didn't answer me, pretending like he hadn't anything I had said. It felt like the last few hours were a dream. Suddenly, the weak and frail man had disappeared like he hadn't ever been there. In his place was the man I had always known. 

When nobody in the room acknowledged it, I couldn't hold back anymore. “What is happening? How is the man who was nearly dead walking towards me?" My voice rose slowly as I continued to speak. 

He raised a brow, stopping in front of me. “Well, it was all a show for you son" his hands clapped my shoulders. “There was no way you would agree to this marriage of your own volition. I knew I had to encourage you a little" 

My hands trembled with rage especially as I turned to see both my mother and father smiling. They all had looks of satisfaction on their faces as if it was exactly what they wanted. 

“You did what?" I asked, my fists clenched and unclenched themselves in the urge to not act or say anything that I would regret. 

It was my father that responded, "Come on, it's like business. We had to find a way and simply asking wasn't going to-”

Before he could continue, I cut in with a raised voice not caring if the maids heard me, "This is my life, forever. Marriage and a wife is not business. It is something that I must leave with and take care of forever” I didn't add kids, it would only incite more encouragement. 

My grandfather spoke this time, “Which is exactly why we had to take the responsibility. A wife and marriage is indeed a lifelong duty, one that you must hold. This family couldn't allow you to choose just anyone, we had to help" he said it so casually like he hadn't just destroyed my life. 

I shook my head, refusing to accept it. “I can't accept this. No" my voice was firmer, enough for them to know that I meant every word. 

“I won't marry her"

There was a small silence and then my father spoke, “Unfortunately you can't back out of this" 

Confusion washed over me, “What do you mean? Of course I can. He isn't dying anymore, I don't need to marry her" I didn't even glance at her as I spoke the words. She was the least of my concern. 

He smiled, “Contracts don't work like that. Once one is entered, it can not simply be dumped and tossed aside" 

My mouth fell open, “A contract?"