"Grandma, please. I can do this. Just give me a chance to prove myself."
"Those were the same words your father used all those years back. Where is he today? "She replies coldly with her back turned to me.
"He was after a right course ma," I reply and she spins to look at me.
"See! This is why I can't let you do anything. You think just like your father and I think one bad egg is just as enough for the family as it is for the business! "She scolds and I swallow.
"Grany, you can't do this to me," I beg.
"Oh yes, I can and will. Till you prove to be different from your father. "She replies and I stare at her.
"But I am. I am different from my father and I will do much better than he did. "I reply and she smiles.
" Well, you better start acting like it, Christiana." She replies before patting my face and walking past me.
"I really don't want you to end up where your father did." She says to me from the door and I shut my eyes.
I listen to her footsteps move away from the room and I exhale in frustration. My father is not a bad egg and I'm proud of him. I'm proud of him, and I will do him proud.
*********
At The Family Dining Room.
We are all sitting at the family dining table, maids bring in our food and once everyone is served, Stella and grandma have the first bite. As usual, Stella has to act like she's above everybody, whereas, she's just the second to the last grandchild of the family and is my age mate. I am the last grandchild by the way.
We give grandma the honor of taking a bite first, as she's the eldest member of the family and is also the head. However, our dear Stella here has grown a big head due to all the things she's helped the family business gain and attain. So, she acts like she's just as important as grandma.
I watch grandma pause and Stella gag.
"What is this? " Grandma screams, and all of us at the table jump in fright.
"Who prepared this nonsense? "Stella's annoying voice adds and I roll my eyes.
"What is it? " Raymond questions as he comes running out of the kitchen, into the dining in an apron.
Oh no. Oh God please no. Please don't let him be at fault again.
"Who prepared the food? " Grandma screams at Raymond and I see him tense a bit. Grandma has always never been a fan of him and he's always ever tried to please her.
"I... I helped with the food today. "He replies and it takes every willpower in me to avoid slapping my forehead with my palm. Why Raymond? Why do you always throw yourself in a tight spot?
"Is that why you want to kill me with salt? "Grany yells at him and I feel like entering into the ground.
" But...But I specially made yours with less salt. How come your food is salt.." He begins but Stella cuts him.
"That's because you mixed her food with mine. I got the saltless food! " Stella barks and I glare at her in anger. My fists clenched on my laps.
"Oh, I'm..I'm sorry the maids must have.." He makes to speak but is cut by Stella again.
"You can't even do anything right. Like father in law, like son in law. " Stella remarks and I lose my cool.
"Say one more word against my father, and I will rip your tongue right off its roots! " I yell at her. Slamming my palms on the table and ignoring the fact that her father is also at the table.
I make to leave when grandma speaks.
"Just get lost. You're just a good-for-nothing gigolo husband. I don't know why my stupid son had to go get you married to my granddaughter. "Her cold voice says and my heart snaps.
I feel the heat build-up in my chest. The heat of anger and embarrassment. I look up at Raymond in anger and his face drops.
Once again, he has managed to disgrace me before my family of over eleven members.
I walk away in annoyance and frustration. For how long are we going to remain the laughing stock of the Duran family?
Christianas POV;I walk into my fathers' petting zoo and once I'm in, Fuzzball, a cute, snow-white chi Wawa 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
Narrators Narrative;Raymond walks into his matrimonial bedroom and finds Christiana fast asleep on the bed. He stares at her for a few seconds before walking in and shutting the door.He has only ever had one full and meaningful conversation with her. Asides from that, are just common pleasantries, requests, and other few words.On the dressing table lays an old music box which is playing. It belongs to her and he always tries his best to avoid trouble with her, by keeping away from her things. He makes for the bed when the music box begins to glitch. The song it's playing begins to rise to annoyingly high pitches and fall disgustingly low tones.He turns to look at his wife as he worries that the disturbing sounds will disturb her sleep. He makes for the table and stares at the old box. Silently praying for the horrid sounds to stop on their own, as he doesn't want to have to touch it.The box suddenly releases a h
Christianas' POV;I walk out of my bedroom adjusting my hair. Tucking some of the stray strands behind my ear before walking briskly down the stairs and towards the meeting room.In a mansion as big as this, there are many rooms, halls, passageways, and the likes. So much so, if care is not taken, one can get lost.The house isn't just grand because we have the money to flaunt about, but because we are a huge family. We are 17 in my family, but if we're counting cousins wives, and kids, we are a total of 25. I know right! huge number!We aren't always together at home though, Uncle Willow, Grandma's eldest child, and my eldest paternal uncle, doesn't live with us, he and his family live in a different state.He has three sons and is a grandfather of four. Two girls from James and a girl and boy each, from Oscar. His last son Frank is still unmarried and isn't a father yet.
Raymonds POV;"So, what's the situation with Miss. Cutie? "Rayon questions. Sinking his teeth into the croissant in his hands.This French nerd is my best friend and has been so for as long as I can remember. We met at the orphanage home and have kept a tight bond ever since. 'Miss cutie ' is the nickname he gave my wife, cause, according to him, 'That lady is out of this world cute. '."Still the same. It's just... There. To be honest, I think it's getting worse. "I reply taking a sip of the coffee in my hand."Worse? "He questions and I nod as I swallow."Yeah. You won't believe the stunt she pulled last night. "I inform once I'm done swallowing and he stares at me with furrowed brows."What did she do? "He questions and I show him a bland smile."She pretended to be asleep just to avoid talking to me, and only ended her act when I made to touch her
Christiana's POV; "Dad! I need help. I can't continue like this. She always ridicules me. Why can't she see we are after a right course? " I scream in frustration and my dad smiles. "You know your grandmother. As long as we are not making money, or as long as we aren't also running a branch that brings in millions of dollars, we are unfulfilled. "He replies and I grunt in frustration. " But that's not fair! "I wail stomping my feet. "Careful, you'd scare the fishes away. "He notes and I recall I'm in a canoe. "Oh, sorry. " I apologize "No problem. Look, honey, follow your passion. I know you love animals, but you also desire to be in an office behind some big desk. Christiana, it's okay. I support your dreams. I know my daughter is nothing less than a victor. So get up, and show them what you've got. "He says and I blush. Something pulls at the string of his fishing line and excitement clouds his face,
Christiana's POV; We are all at the newest Duran branch and all the family members are present. All except Uncle Willow. He had to travel out of the state to sort some business issues out but he ought to be back by this weekend. We all are here to celebrate and so is the media. My father refused to come. He said to me that he'd rather let the world know he's discomforted than fake joy and pleasure. He says no matter how hard he tries, he can't be fully happy at any Duran meeting so he opted out of this one as usual. All we Durans line up before the crowd and grandma stands before us all addressing us. She finally calls all our family members to stand by her and once we all assume the position, the media takes photos and videos of us. The crowd cheers and grandma cuts the ribbons. Officially opening another massive Duran boutique in New Jersey. As we all are about to step back down to give way for people to come in and t
Mr. William Durans POV( Christiana's father) ;"So, how is she? "I question. Cautiously stiring the piping hot tea in my cup with a teaspoon."Who? "The young man questions as I threw the question at him out of the blue."My daughter. It's been a while since we spoke on personal issues. "I reply and the butterfly drawing on the table suddenly becomes very interesting to him."Ah... Uhm, she's... She's... She's fine. "He replies and a smile that almost turns to laughter splits my face."Fine? Really? "I question and he steals a glance of me."Sir, she. She's... We don't really talk much so I... I don't quite know what exactly to say. "He replies and I smile."Then say what you know. What you see and the sides of her she shows you. "I reply relaxing in the chair and he looks up at me.He clearly is uncomfortable discussing my daughter with me. Raymond and I have grown to be very close over the ye
Narrators POV;"I will not do that!" Mr. Willam. Christiana's father, screams at his mother in anger. They are alone in her bedroom and the tension in this room is enough to cause the temperature to shoot up."Yes, you will Willam! Do you forget that I am your mother? "She screams back at him and he rolls his eyes."I never forget that. I never forget that cause you keep reminding me.What is so hard to understand? I don't want to be a part of the family business.All four of my elder siblings are already part. Isn't that enough? My daughter is showing interest yet you don't want to give her a chance, and you keep chasing me. Where is the sense in that? "He yells back and his mother glares at him."Is this rebellion because of that petting zoo? "She questions coldly and Mr. William remains silent."All those years ago, when you asked for a chance to prove yourself, I never let you because what sort of idea is 'T
Hey guys, thank y'all for your steady support. For voting with gems, for comments, reviews, thank yall so very much. I appreciate, and, I love y'all so very much, and I mean it. 🤍 Quick question though, Do you want a sequel, where we get all the family drama and more scandals, or you feel we should just leave this as a single book? 😊 If you enjoyed this book, please share it with your friends and family. Let's up the views and reviews of my baby. You can also check out my second book 'My Step-Girlfriend ' It's still in its editing phase so it's not perfect 💔 Also, be on the lookout, I'm hoping to bring more books to you😘 Also, I await your most sincere reviews 🙈Love you!!! 🤍 Peace out😘 Remember, there's more to you than meets the eye. God loves you, and with him, nothing is impossible. Impossible = I'm possible 🥰
Third Persons Narrative;Raymond and Christiana walk back into the event hall, holding hands, and all smile. Leaving the whole hall confused. They were expecting them to not come back together, or not return at all. Raymond climbs back onto the podium and takes hold of the mic. "Hello, me again. Yeah, so, I'm here to announce to you all that I'm taking my wife and father-in-law away from the Duran mansion, and from now on, they'd be staying with me. I think it's high time I give my wife and dad-in-law a fresh start. "He announces, and Mr. William stares at his daughter with wide eyes. She's beside him and whispers into his ear. "It's okay daddy. It's for the best. "Raymond had asked her about this, and she said it was fine by her. Raymond has a mansion he purchases for his darling wife and father-in-law. He smiles at the crowd and walks over to grandma Duran. "Thank you, for your beautiful granddaughter. "He whispers to the awe-struck w
Raymond's POV; There are a lot of faces I want to look at as my father made this announcement, but the most important to me is Christiana's. I look over at her and find a frozen look of shock on her face. Same as her father. "Sorry? "Grandma Duran questions, and I laugh. "You heard right. "My father replies, and the priceless look of horror clouds her face. "Mr. Raymond, is this true? "A reporter questions and I smile before taking my place before the microphone. I clear my throat before proceeding to speak. "Yeah... Uhm, as my Dad said, I am his first son. The first child he ever had. I... Uh... This is very impromptu. Thank you, dad. "I begin but stop to say a sarcastic thank you to my father for putting me on the spot, and he pats my back. "It was about time. "He replies and I chuckle before continuing. "The story behind my absence from his life and why we've never spoken of each other till now remains something
Third Person's Narrative; Stella walks up to Mr. Johnson. Raymond's father and his guards try to stop her. Seeing her as a potential threat to their boss, but he signals them to let her come to him. "Good evening sir, I... Uhm, I have the papers you said you'd sign to conclude our deal. "She says, and Mr. Johnson raises a brow at her. "I said I'd sign? "He questions and she swallows. "Uhm... Y... Yes sir? "Stella replies. Unsure of herself. "Call the number I gave you. "Mr. Johnson says and Stella's forehead creases. Why does she need to call his number if he's right in front of her she thinks to herself. She's hesitant at first but decides to comply as she doesn't want to lose the deal. She takes out her phone and searches for ' Mr. Johnson ' in her contact list. She finds the number and places a call through to it. However, no phone around her rings. Neither Mr. Johnson nor his guards flinch. This confuses her as she expected Mr. Joh
Raymond's POV; Slow music begins to play, and couples begin to take the dance floor. Which is the middle of the room. Those who don't feel like dancing or don't have dance partners, form a circle around the couples dancing. "May I have this dance? "I question Christiana, and she blushes. "Yes, you may. "She replies taking my hand and leading me to the dance floor. I place my hands on her waist, and she rests hers on my shoulders. I don't pay attention to my legs, but all myself to be lost in the beauty I the goddess before me. Now I get it. All the times I caught her staring, all the times she tried to avoid my voice, gaze, or closeness. She had actually been into me for a long time, time didn't know how to tell me, or how to handle it. Now, I have my wife. And not just by title. Being rich has its plus sides. I mean, it may not seem true but my life took a turn for the better when money came into it. Unknown to Christiana, I got her l
Christiana's POV; "Do you have something to say to us? "Grandma questions stepping away from the mic, and I nod. I walk up to the mic, battling tears. The battle I've been fighting for so long has finally been won. "I... I want to first off thank my father, for the constant support, and for being the backbone I needed to stand strong. Ever since I lost my mother, he's been all I had. When I felt down, broken, cheated, hurt, defeated, and lost, he was always there for me. Always there to pick me up and dust the dirt off my skirt, to plant a kiss on my forehead, hug me, and remind me that I'm his little princess, and no matter what, no one or thing can take that crown from me. He's been there to show me, love. True love. He's been... Amazing. An amazing father. From helping me pick my prom dress, to helping me emotionally, to getting me married to my husband. There's no denying it was all over the news that Christiana Duran got married to a jobl
Christiana's POV; My mind explodes as these words reach my ears. I stare dumbfounded at him in shock. "S... Sorry, what? "I question in shock, and he takes a deep breath as if preparing himself to do something very difficult. "Christiana, when I first got married to you, I thought... I was being punished for loving your father as mine. I... I felt I was doing him a favor, and nothing will change the way I saw or felt for you. Then seeing the way you treated me... How your family contributed to that, I saw the worst coming for us. But... "He begins, and anxiety begins to gnaw at my sanity. What is he about to say? Does he... Does he want to say he has no... "But we became friends, I slowly began to see you under a new light... I gave you a chance, and you showed me what a gem you are. You're humble, silly, hardworking, strong, resilient, and not to mention how extremely beautiful you are. The list goes on, and... and I know I'm
Christianas POV; "Let's just say... I know a guy. "He replies, and I chuckle. Not only is Raymond nice, mature, and an endless list of everything good, he also has an amazing sense of humor. "You didn't reply me tough. "He says, as we continue walking on the red carpet towards the main entrance, and my brows furrow. "Reply you on what? "I question. "The dress. Your makeover, do you like it? "He questions again, and for some reason, my cheeks begin to burn. "I love it. Thank you. "I reply, and he smiles. "You look stunning. "He comments, and those words add fuel to my already burning cheeks. "Thank you. And, you look like a hero from some action movie. "I reply and he laughs. " I don't mind being the hero, as long as you're the heroine. "He says, and the heat from my blushing cheeks intensify. My gaze falls to my feet with a huge smile on my face. walking into this grand occasion with my husband's firm grip aroun
Christiana's POV; It's been a week since we submitted our progress to grandma. She released our credit cards to us but hasn't said a thing. She told us she's throwing a party and will announce the next sole inheritor of the Duran empire, before the whole world. This is a big deal, as whoever it is, gets to be the boss, and decides what jobs the rest of us get. The new person in charge, can't just fire us all without tangible reasons, but asides from that, they get to decide what they retain us as, and if we don't want such positions, we're free to leave. I know James is very mature, and a part of me is painfully making peace with him winning, but Raymond has been against me thinking or saying things like that. He says being a winner, starts from one's mindset. It's the ' The ' day. The day that marks a significant change in the Duran empire. Of course, you know by now that grandma would have nothing less than an Oscar party setting for one of her big