Chapter 6: His Parents

Felix stepped out of a tinted black car, his eyes locked on the huge entrance to the Walton’s mansion as his decision weighed heavily on him, he knew that it would change everything.

It's been three weeks since he has not been in the house, three weeks since he had to face the inevitable confrontation with his parents. But there was no avoiding it now, as the path he had chosen might change the whole thing.

Felix came just in time for dinner where the aroma of roasted chicken and herns filled the air along with low mumbling conversations. His parents sat at the mahogany table in the dining room while some maids moved around silently arranging napkins and pouring water into crystal glasses.

The first person to look up was Felix’s mother, Sophia Walton; her eyes sparkled with happiness when she saw him. 

“Felix!” she exclaimed, a broad grin lighted up her face as she stood from her chair and hastened towards him to throw her hands around him warmly like an embrace of home.

“It has been a long time since you came home, son. We were almost beginning to think you have problems.”

“Just busy, Mom,” Felix answered back after their hug before backing away. He glanced at his father whose gaze was already fixed on him. 

His father, Collins Walton, who was always in control of the situation and had grown increasingly impatient about his conversation with Felix, glanced up, his cold, calculating eyes already scanning Felix with the accuracy of a hawk.

“Busy doing what exactly?” Collins inquired calmly but there was something about it that made Felix’s jaws clenched.

“Well, work. Other things too.” Felix replied distinctly but he knew better than to suppose that his father would be pleased with his answer.

“Other matters? Does that include making the necessary arrangements with Victoria’s family?” Collins’ gaze became piercing, unyielding.

Felix sighed heavily. He had expected this. “No Dad. I haven't been in touch with Victoria.”

Victoria York, the only daughter of the Yorks’ household, has been set up by both families as Felix’s wife when he was still at high school. She liked Felix and told her dad, Mr York, who called up the Waltons’ and said their children should marry when they grow up. He promised them contracts plus international relations in return.

The Waltons are the third wealthiest family in town due to some deals they have made by reaching out for international ties through the Yorks, who are behind them as the second richest household in town because of the marriage agreement between the two families.

Victoria was unable to attend Felix's family's party as a result of an important business deal she had to attend in another state on the same day. However, Felix was aware that the audacious, mindless, and irritating Victoria had other men apart from him, which were among the several reasons why he disliked her.

However, Collins Walton has been putting pressure on Felix into marrying Victoria so that they could have a child, as well as boost their chances with the York family and secure his legacy as a successor of Walton’s empire. But Felix keeps postponing it.

Sophia frowned. Her smile flickered. “Felix, you know how necessary that is. This connection with Victoria’s family matters more than anything else for your future.”

“Things have changed,” Felix said firmly. “There are other things to put into consideration now,” 

Collins narrowed his eyes. “What things Felix? You haven't been around for three weeks now. You have responsibilities …..ones you cannot just turn your back on.”

Felix leaned over and maintained eye contact with his father without flinching. “I am aware of my obligations but I need to make choices that are better for myself rather than just my family.”

“Enough time has been given to you to take necessary steps on this matter. When will you realize that Victoria is the best woman you could ever marry?” Collins flared up, his eyes brimming with red.

Sophia exchanged a glance with Collins, concern etched on her face. “Felix, darling, we simply want the best for you. You know how much that has been invested by the family in your affair with the Yorks’. Their daughter is a good girl.” 

“This isn't about the Yorks’.” Felix interrupted, his tone sharper than supposed. “It's all about my future and I'll handle it as I please.”

Felix knows that his father is a manipulative and influential man and he knew taking this path wouldn't be any easier. He knows he has got his own way of dealing with things, and most likely, he would do exactly what he wants, but now he's fed up with the responsibilities.

Collins picked a fork and dug into his food ignoring Felix as the room suddenly fell silent. He knew exactly what to do but what he didn't know was that Felix had already signed a contract with Olivia.

“There is something I need to talk to both of you about.” Felix finally said, breaking the silence.

His serious tone made Sophia’s smile vanish. “What is it, Felix?”

Collins looked closely at him. “Does it concern Victoria?”

Felix let out a deep breath inwardly. ‘It was always about Victoria in the end.’ he thought 

“It does, but not in the way you're expecting.” Felix chooses his words carefully.

Collins and Sophia exchanged glances for a moment, and then both of them seemed to become alert.

“I've been seeing someone,” Felix continued, his voice steady. “And…..she's pregnant."  

There was total silence that followed which almost choked everyone. Sophia’s eyes grew wide; she placed her hand on her mouth; she was shocked beyond belief. 

Collin's expression hardened, his jaw clenching as he processed what Felix had just said.

“Pregnant?” Sophia whispered, her voice shaking. “Felix, what on earth are you saying?”

Felix met his father's gaze; he knew it too well that this was the day everything would change. 

Collins’ eyes flashed with anger but his voice remained calm as it always did. “Felix, do you understand what you're doing? This is your future we are talking about.”

“I get it, Dad, but I'm not going to abandon my child because of the family traditions thing. She has to be here with us to learn our traditions so that she can officially become part of this family because of my child.”

Sophia moved closer, tremblingly, putting her hand forward before opening her mouth again. “But what about Victoria? The York family.….they've been expecting an engagement…we’ve all been expecting an engagement.”

“I know, Mom,” Felix said, a bit softer now. But my life has turned out differently. This isn't just about what is expected anymore, it is about doing what's right.”

Collins’ eyes narrowed; he was barely keeping his anger. “And you consider it the right thing to bring that girl to our house? What do you even know about her?”

“Well enough, Dad. She's the mother of my child, and I will ensure that she gets the dignity that she deserves.”

Sophia approached him, “Felix, please think about what you're doing; this could ruin everything you've built up in your life.”

His expression hardened, and his voice dropped to a low growl: “You're making a big mistake, Felix.”

Felix met his father's gaze without blinking. “I am ready to take the chance. However, I won't let my child grow up without a father or family.”

Rachel opened the front door and walked inside, her expression worried by what she saw. However, seeing the fire in her parents' eyes, she realized she would be unable to avoid this particular confrontation.

“Rachel, you are just in time,” Sophia said sharply, shifting her gaze to Rachel. 

“Maybe you can talk some sense into your brother here, talk him out of the mistake he is going to make.”

Rachel hesitated, looking at Felix before saying softly, Mom, Dad…..maybe we should just try and give them a chance.” 

“What for!” Sophia snapped. “To destroy everything we have ever put up with? Is there anything she can offer this family? I'm sure she's a nobody.”

“Mom, please…..don’t; before Felix could complete his statement, they heard a car pull up outside. Felix turned to the door, however, he knew what was about to happen next, but what he didn't know was how his parents would react.

“She's here,” Felix murmured as everyone focused on the entrance.