Chapter 7: HIS REASON

One by one Mrs. Hall introduced her to the other members of the Hall clan. They are patiently waiting for the man of the house to finish their talk. Everyone knows that the heir is the most important part of their conservative family. No matter how they opposed if there’s a baby on the way they can’t do anything about it. Since the oldest heir of the main family branch died Simon is the remaining pure bloodline of the Hall. 

After the introduction Mrs. Hall instructed the servants to prepare the dining hall. Once the food and tables are ready she asked everyone to take their sit. When everyone is seated the three men from the study came out. Mrs. Hall asked her dad to sit on the chair in the left side next to Mr. Hall. Simon guides her to sit next to him. 

Everybody eat silently. Some can't help watching Simon's attentiveness to her. He peeled the shrimp for her, deboned the fish and even wiped the sauce in the corner of her mouth. He winked and chuckled at her when she blankly stared at him. In every one's eyes they are a very loving couple. When the meal was finished Mr. Hall gathered every one's attention.

"I know this is a very surprising day for everyone."

He looked at Jewel and Simon with tender eyes.

"I believe as parents who doted on their children we can only give them our blessings and support. Tonight we will announce the marriage between the Hall and Anderson family." 

Jewel remains awestruck after hearing the clapping sound. She saw a friendly smile between her father and Mr. Hall. 

Everyone in the Hall residence was busy. Her dad congratulates her. He said that they will talk more after the founding celebration. After all the congratulations and pleasantries Mrs. Hall asked her to rest in Simon's room. They will go in the hotel later for the celebration of the founding anniversary of the Hall industry. 

She sat on the edge of the bed while scanning the designs inside the room. She heard a knock and then the door opened.

"Simon…"

She exclaimed.

"Hey! Sorry… if you were surprised earlier." 

"Yeah… I'm so shocked. I don't even know what's going on." 

"I know this is a selfish act but I really need you on this." 

"Tell me what is really going on?" 

Simon explained that he received the result of the investigation about the photos and blackmail in Australia. That person actually is his stalker and that person wants intimate relationships with him and a big amount of money. Since Simon is known to have no association with woman, that stalker indulges himself with delusions that his interested with same sex relationship. Simon is still confused about his own preference but his adamant to have a normal family. He needs a woman beside him to drive away a delusional gay stalker. 

"Yeah… That's kind of a selfish way to used me."

 She acted as if she was hurt and offended. Deep inside, she is still worried about lying to their parents. 

"I'm really sorry Jewel, I promised I will be a good father to your child." 

"I should be grateful to you as well since I don't have to hide my child to the world, but have you thought about it… my child if it’s a boy he will be the next heir after you instead of the real flesh and blood of your family." 

"Why should I worry? I don't even know if I'm capable to produce my own child let alone touch a woman’s body."  A mischievous smile appeared on Simon's face. "If we get married will you allow me to try and touch your body?" He asked playfully. 

Jewel face blushed. Simon is very good looking, he also have a very manly figure. It was such a shame if he really was a man who can't touch a woman's body. Simon laughed out loud after seeing she considered his question seriously. On her embarrassment Jewel pushed Simon away in front of her but as he falls down on the bed he pulled her down with him and landed on top of him. 

"Sorry… I should have knocked."

 Simon cousins Kim entered the room and saw them in a compromising position. Simon gets up while still holding Jewel in his embrace. Jewel is too embarrassed to move.

"Nope... I should have locked the door." Simon chuckled once again.

"Alright... Stop being lovey dovey your mom asked me to help her prepare for the banquet tonight."

 Kim playfully pulled Jewel away from Simon and pushed him out of the door. 

The night arrived and a lot of media people attended the celebration of the 50th Founding Anniversary of Hall Industry. The marriage announcement becomes the ending highlight of the night. The person who planned to blackmail Simon went out of the hotel full of dismay. Who would believe him now. Even if he showed everyone the picture they will discredit it as forgery and edited. He also remembered that woman next to him. She was also the same woman who answered his call in Australia. Seeing her in person, he knows she was not easy to threaten and manipulate. He needs a new plan. 

Larry's schedule was so hectic. His grandfather asked him to start the planning on moving their main headquarters in West Country. He thought it’s time to take everything back home. His great grandfather started their business in San Diego while he was still studying his MBA in San Diego Academy for Business and Finance. 

Once his grandfather retires he will go back in West Country that’s why he wants the company's main headquarters back with him. He realized that if Larry has his own family they will settle in San Diego and won’t be able to see them more often. When he was young he endured being away to his roots but now he wants Larry to be able to work comfortably in his home land. 

Larry just finished one of his meetings for the leadership transition in the company. Next in discussions will be the next phase for the main headquarters transfer. 

After the last meeting Larry received another report from the people he hire to follow Jewel. He feels like a stalker but he doesn't have a choice. His hands are tied with the company. He can’t pursue Jewel now. They start on the wrong foot. He just needs time to polish everything in the company before his private life. 

Upon reading the report his heart almost stops from beating. The report was about the announcement of Simon and Jewel's wedding. Everything is happening so fast why he can’t catch up. His heart finally shattered when he read about Jewel's pregnancy. His regrets of not clarifying things with Jewel surge like pine needles in his veins. It was too late for him to ask her forgiveness and to be with him. That night he drowned his heartache with alcohol, this is more painful compared when Cherrie broke up with him. 

Jewel's heart is still in chaos. She's not really sure if she's ready to marry Simon. They are good friends but will they be able to live a life in a complete lies. The wedding is set after she gave birth, that's the only condition she asked with Simon she reasoned out that she doesn't want to walk down the aisle with a baby bump. In five months the baby bump is showing. Simon already makes an arrangement with their doctors everyone knows her tummy is just turning 4 months. They went back to Australia and since they are engaged they both live in Simon's Unit. They are comfortable with each other but they still sleep in separate bed. Simon is very attentive, he cooks for her, he always accompanies her on every doctor's appointment. From the outsiders point of view they are a match made in heaven. 

One day they received a call from Simon's mother she will visit them and she was already on the plane. 

They both went home to get her things out from the guest room and arranged it all in Simon's room. That night her soon to be mother in law arrived. 

"Good evening Mrs. Hall."

She came out to greet them by the door. Simon kissed her cheek when he arrived with his mom.

"Why are you still calling me Mrs. Hall? Call me Mom from now on." 

"Alright, thank you Mom." 

Simon went directly to the kitchen to unpack the food he ordered prior going to the airport to get his mom. Simon never allowed her to cook. It’s his way of spoiling her. 

She guides her mother in law to the guess room to rest and freshen up while Simon prepared the food. 

She took a leave of absence for 1 week to accompany her mother in law while she's visiting.

"Simon is it really alright that I'm not at work this week while we have a project design on hand." She's helping him prepare the table while Mrs. Hall still taking a bath. 

"Don't worry about it, the team we arranged are exceptional they will contact you if they needed more help." He even winked to assured her. 

After a few minutes Mrs. Hall goes out from the room. 

"Do you usually buy take out for food?" She asked.

"No mom, Simon does the cooking mostly." She was embarrassed to admit. Mrs. Hall laughs. 

"Don't be shy, Simon should take care of you. I also heard that now a days it's a trend that the man is in charge of the kitchen."

"That's right."

Simon totally agreed. "So mom, what are your plans for this week visit. Unfortunately I can’t accompany you due to the new projects I'm working on." 

"That's alright since my daughter in law will be here." 

They started eating. Jewel noticed that Mrs. Hall is a very cheerful woman. She shared a lot of stories especially about her daily activities in West Country. Jewel was truly grateful that she won't have any problems with in laws once she's married to Simon. 

It's been 2 months when Larry received the news about Jewel engagement and pregnancy. He didn't stop the surveillance but he stops opening the report he received. He continued to work and he was even amazed to himself that in 5 months he was able to properly finish the transfer of the main headquarters in West Country.  After a month he will fly back to West Country. Now that the company issue has been settled he can't help but think about his messy private life. His office phone rings and that make him come back to reality. 

"Yes?" 

The secretary can feel his annoyance but continue anyway. 

"Sir, someone named Robert Seymour is on the line he said he is your private investigator." He was the person in charge following Jewel. He almost forgot about him. 

"Alright connect the line." 

"Hello Sir?" 

"Yes Robert what is it?" 

"Sir, it's been a while since I sent you the last report and I didn't receive any other orders from you about it." 

"Yeah the office was quite busy I haven't checked it yet."

The person on the other line was surprised thinking if this client was still the same demanding client he talked to the first time he received this assignment.  

"I understand. You might want to check the last report now. I believe that one is very important that's why I called to check if you received it. "

"Give me a minute."

 Larry actually tried hard not to check it when he received the report his trying hard not to care about that woman anymore. He got curious, why this people have to call? He opened his last drawers and took out the brown envelope. He scanned the detailed report on his hand. He was trembling. This is enough reason for him to comeback. This time he will make sure to keep Jewel by his side. He was glad to see on the report that the nuptials between Simon and Jewel will be held after she gave birth. They didn't process their marriage registration yet before going back to Australia. However, he doesn't like the fact that they are now living together. He still has time and a second chance to get her.

"Thank you I already checked the report. For now continue following them make sure she will not be harmed."

He was sincerely thankful, if this man did not call him he might just ended their contract without checking any further. He almost gave up.