THE BILLIONAIRE DAUGHTER'S CHOICE

Joanne Kingston at twenty-two, was still very young in many ways. The only child of her parents, she was utterly spoilt and nothing was too good for her. Anything she wanted, she got, as far as money could buy it. She had a heart shaped face and those long black lashes that Ross has already noticed could veil her eyes to devastating effect. She was graceful and had a very long blonde hair. She was not as experienced as most girls of her age, though she had always had a fair share of boyfriends. Her life had been such a sheltered one. Even now, she still depended on her mother to make decisions for her.At first sight, people thought her to be prim but on closer acquaintance they became aware that her reserved manner came from the life she had been used to. She was really shy but most friendly and kind person, once you got through the prim facade. She was very generous, generous, in fact, to a fault. She spent so much money on her friends. The only problem with her was that she was a

"The double spare room is for me when I get married and the nursery for my baby". Joanne laughed and they went back downstairs.The maid had brought soft drinks and some delicious snacks to the sitting room. They sat and chatted making arrangements for the dance the next day. Ross could sense a little apprehension behind Joanne's exuberance. He too felt the huge house was dull of half open doors and listening ears. He stayed for some time and then went home, after promising to come for her the next evening. Joanne walked down the drive with him. They kissed for a while where only the statues were watching them. Then Ross put on his crash helment, collected his motorcycle from the security guard then roared away.Joanne waved, then slowly walked back to face the interrogation. Mrs Helen began asking her questions with a disapproving expression. As she heard the replies, the expression grew more intense. When she had finished, there was a painful little silence." I am disappointed in yo

Joanne had not heard from Ross for the next three weeks, and then it was his twenty sixth birthday. She did not know what to do. She wanted to see him but was afraid of rejection. She confided in her closest friend who is also her cousin. Ema's father was a very wealthy man who dealt with furnitures and she was about to get married to a young barrister whose parents were equally rich."You mean he left you because aunt and uncle said he has to work in their firm and live in your place?" Ema asked, after Joanne had told her the whole story."Yes," Joanne nodded."What's wrong with that?" What has he got to be proud of anyway? Ema wanted to know."It's not like that, I mean..." Joanne began uncertainly."And Joanne, how in earth did you get involved with someone who lives in Sherbrooke? Sherbrooke! The things I hear about that place!" Ema shuddered and continued, "You won't catch me dead there. Do you actually go there, Joanne?""Of course I go. I go to see him and...""You go to Sher

"Do you want to have an illegitimate child?" Do you want your child to grow up not knowing his father? I meant not really knowing you? His aunt asked quietly, knowing she was touching a raw spot."But auntie, I'll just end up not having mind of my own. It will be as if they bought me," Richard protested."You love Joanne. You want this baby. These are the things you should bear in mind. You should be happy living anywhere with her and your baby," his aunt said."You are Ross Chester. Nobody can buy you. Knowing you, I'm sure you won't let anybody rule you," his uncle added after Ross told them about what happened. They advised him to accept the Kings conditions.After much persuasion, Ross went to the Kings and told them he had no choice but to accept their conditions, and so they could go on with plans for the wedding. Then he went back to Australia conscious that the Kings were taking over the arrangements for the wedding and, if he was not careful, for the rest of his married life.

The twins were named Geneva and Georgia. Both names were given by the Kings but Ross did not mind. He got on quite well with his father-in-law, but the cold war continued with Mrs Kings. She always seemed to know just what to do to annoy him and still make him look at fault.He promised himself things would be different after he has finished his service year, but in fact, they continued just the same. He now had a well paid job, a fine office and a company car. Mrs Kings advised him on his clothes and appearance while he ignored her comments. As a house wife, Joanne was not organized. She was constantly out with her mother and the babies so her husband came back to a lonley evening meal well prepared by the house maid. He had to sit and wait until noise and bustle announced that the grandmother had brought the family back or else Mrs Kings was forever sending them food or inviting them to come and eat at her place, because she felt Joanne had so much to do.They seemed to be always a