Chapter 182
“I won’t waste your time any more. I’m offering a marriage proposal between you and my daughter Lola.”Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
“Dad!” Lola cut him off but he gave her a warning gaze. I sighed deeply. I should have known this was why he called me and if I guessed right, same reason the other mafia Don’s suddenly became very interested in me. Everyone was seeking to marry their daughters off to me.
“It’s been a long time already Angel and if your father was alive. He’d want you to marry Lola, we always talked about it and I’m sure he mentioned that wish to you. You’d be honouring him by continuing this alliance.”
The old man spilled like he had been waiting really long to say it.
He didn’t lie, Cassie’s father wanted this for me and always said it be better to fancy Lola early so we wouldn’t have problems in future because he intended for us to be married then.
I had no concern about it at that moment because I never thought I’d fall in love and since it would be a business marriage I could do whatever I wanted, fuck whoever I wanted without being stopped.
Lola knew the deal already as long as it was a business marriage but that was then and I had fallen in love with Thea, dreamed of a beautiful life with her.
“Are you paying attention at all Angel?” He cut my recall and I blinked back to the present.
“Yes.”
“What?” I heard Lola mutter beside me. Don Ricardo looked a bit confused. He probably expected an immediate counter from me.
“So what do you say about it?”
“Nothing.” I answered and silence reigned for some seconds. “For now… I can’t think about marriage at the moment or anything close to a romantic relationship. I have more important things in my mind.” I didn’t miss the grudge that appeared on Don Ricardo’s face and even though I could see Lola looking at me through the corners of my eyes I didn’t look back but she must have felt bad since she was in love with me.
“You’ll need an heir someday. Besides what better way to move on from your heartbreak than finding a woman better than the one you had? Lola would benefit you more than that whor…. More than that lady could ever.” He was going to call Thea a whore and I fucking felt angry for the fact he even thought about it.
Why did I fucking care?
“Don’t worry Ricardo. If I ever decide to form an alliance through marriage, I’ll choose your family over the rest but till then, feel free to allow Lola mingle with other men who could be a lot better than me.” I said to him.
“I see….” He said and flashed an ingenuine smile at me.
Although the first statement made him happy the last however wrinkled his face. I glanced at Lola and she looked hurt. I was sorry for that but I had to be honest.
She didn’t deserve to be married to man who was still in love with another woman.
“I hope you change your mind soon.” He said cheering his wine to me. I simply smiled nodding slightly to him.
“Since we’ve discussed what’s most important, I think I should take my leave now. I still have a ton of work to take care of at the mansion.” I said standing to my feet.
“Very well. It was nice having you dine with us.” He said standing as well. Lola remained fixed on her seat looking sad. I wanted to feel bad for her but I couldn’t because I knew she would be better marrying someone who truly appreciated her.
I returned back to the mansion skipping dinner with the rest. I stayed in my office for a while trying distract myself from the evening I just had then a call came in informing me that Lola was around. I looked at the time and it was 10 at night. What could she be doing here by this time? I walked to the sitting room where I found her standing with her back against me.
“Angel….” She called turning around once she noticed me. She had an apologetic look on her face.
“Why are you here by this time Lola?” I asked and she avoided my eyes.
“I’m sorry, it’s late but I kept calling and you wouldn’t pick.”
I sighed, realizing I had left my phone on silence because I didn’t want any disturbance. When I eventually picked up due to the constant lights in the screen it was Knight informing me that Lola was here.
“I’m sorry about that I didn’t realize.” I said but my patience was running out.
“It’s fine. I just came here to apologize about my father’s behaviour tonight.”
“You didn’t need to do that I understand perfectly. I’m the one who should be sorry for turning down the proposal. I hope you can understand my reasons?”
She smiled softly at me and moved towards me. She took my hands in hers and squeezed them.
“No, you did well standing up to him. No one should be forced to spend the rest of their lives with someone they don’t love.” She said and I could see the flash of pain in her eyes.
I nodded and slowly pulled my hands out of hers and I could see that hurt her.
“I just wanted you to know I had no idea about my father’s plan and if I had known I would have stopped him.” She apologized but I laughed instead surprising her.
“What’s funny?”
“Can you really stop Don Ricardo from doing so?” I teased and she chuckled. “At least i’d try.” She said and we both laughed settling with an awkward silence.
“I’m glad I’ve cleared myself. I’ll be leaving now.” She said and made to leave but I stopped her grabbing her arm.
She looked at my hand in hers and trailed her gaze up to me.
“I can’t let you go by this time.” I said and she scoffed pulling away from me.
“What do you think I am, a kid? I can handle myself Angel.” She attempted to leave again but I held her back, flipping her towards me and she stiffened under my hold.
“I know you can Lola, still I can’t let you. You can leave in the morning but I need to make sure you’ll be safe when returning home. ”
“I don’t want to be a bother.”
“Don’t be stubborn Lola. Do it for my sanity. I can’t afford to worry about you on your way home.” I said and her eyes softened. I regretted it instantly because it seemed like this gesture meant a lot to her and I didn’t want to pass the wrong message.
I’ll get a room prepared for you. You can wait here while they get it ready. I have a lot of work to do so I’m afraid I can’t keep you company.” I said and she flashed me a gentle smile. She urged me to leave waving her hand at me.