From ruin to reign

I laughed as my father teased my mother over the family dinner. The chandelier glowed above the polished oak table, silverware clinking with warmth. Everyone was full of smiles, little giggles here and there. My sister rested her head on Levi Harrison's shoulder, a look of peace and relaxation filled her face. I was happy that she was happy. My dad, Richard Carter looked over at my sister Rose Carter and my foster brother, her soon to be fiance sitting across the table and said. “Levi, thank you for taking care of my Rosa all this while. It really means the world to me and your mother.” Levi Harrison dropped his fork and took my sister's hand. “You’re welcome father, or should I call you father in law.” Soon enough another round of laughter filled the room. I couldn't help but smile again. The happily ever after, my sister and I always talked and dreamed about had come for her and she was here to welcome it. My sister, Rose Carter raised her head and gave me a knowing glance, her silent encouragement that all will go well for me too and she will always be by my side. Levi Harrison also looked over, my soon to be brother in law, looked as charming as always. I have always respected and revered him in my heart. My mother, Elena Carter nodded to her personal servant by her side. She ran to the office and brought over an envelope, handing it back to my mother. As she was about to open it, one of the servants stationed at the door ran over to my father and whispered something in his ear. My father, Richard Carter immediately stood up. “Babe I am coming, I have an important guest at the door”. My mom asked. “Who is it, honey?” “It's Damian Kane.” my father replied, massaging his forehead. As soon as he said that, everyone turned to me. I looked at each of their faces and turned back, curious to see what was so intriguing that they were looking at. My dad coughed and said, “You guys should eat up, don't wait for me.” He kissed my mom on the head before walking off. My father, Richard Carter got to the door, took a deep breath and twisted the knob. I looked over and there he was. Damian Kane, tall and imposing as ever. He was wearing a tailored Italian suit with a small Golden pattern on the left sleeve. I turned back to my plate, behaving as if nothing happened, but my red cheeks gave me away. My sister kept looking at me, her eyes boring into the depths of my soul. I couldn't help but cough out the peas in my mouth, My mom and sister laughed at me. “Good evening sir, i am sorry for coming over at an ungodly hour,” Damian’s deep monotone voice greeted gleefully. “It's alright, You are always welcomed back here. I know you came for something important, please have a seat.” My father replied They walked over to the visitor's living room at the corner and took a seat. Damian Kane sat on the right, dropping his jacket on the arm of the chair. His navy shirt perfectly hugged his biceps.I could see his side profile from where I sat. Damian Kane started, “Mr Carter, I have come with my proposal again and I'll keep coming until you hear me out. I know you have been seeing my emails but I haven't gotten a single acknowledgement from them.” Father's face turned serious, “Mr Damian, I understand what you have been saying but this is my youngest daughter we are talking about here, i can't just give out my princess like that without knowing if she likes you. ” “Mr Carter, you have no need to worry about that, I'll come over and ask her out on a date tomorrow and if she accepts and takes any liking to me, she is mine. And if not, I'll leave her alone.” Damian replied with a submissive tone. Father's face dulled a little, “Mr Carter, we both know you have a lot of people trying to kill you and take over your business, I can't put my baby in danger. ” Damian replied, “sir, you have only heard of those people trying to kill me but have any of them actually won, i am still here ain't i. I am very capable of keeping Golden safe.” My father relaxed, “I need you to promise me you would take care of her and always bring her home safe and sound.” Damian's face lit up, “You have my word, I promise to care and protect her with my life.” My father finally calmed down and breathed a sigh of relief. Damian Kane brought out an envelope from his bag and handed it over to my father. My father opened the envelope, scanning through the documents with his eyes. Then he stopped and looked up to Damian Kane, his eyes wide. Damian started, “Mr Carter, as you can see in there, I am transferring half of my empire to Golden. If she eventually takes a liking to me and we get married, I'll give her the other half.” My father was speechless but he signed the documents anyway. Dropping the pen, he stood up. Damian Kane also stood up, they shook hands and he left. My father saw him to the door, visited his office before coming back to the dining table, taking his place beside my mother. We had already finished dinner and the plates had been cleared. “Babe, I am hungry,” Richard Carter said with a boyish voice. My mom laughed out loud, her eyes having a Crescent shape. Levi Harrison kept massaging my sister's hand giving her a sense of satisfaction, “Golden, so what's your next step now, any business in mind” he asked. I dropped my phone and looked up at him, his question hit me hard, “umm, well i haven't really thought about that yet.” He let out a little laugh that calmed me, “ no rush Gold, just don't give in to those little boys okay. You know I am going to get married to you.” Sure enough everyone burst into laughter. Levi looked at me, watching my every reaction, trying to in grain the shape of my face into his mind. His gaze sharper than it should have been. My mom and dad looked at each other and smiled, passing the envelope to Rose who then passed it to Levi, we all knew what was in it except him. Levi looked around the room and then opened the envelope, in it was the deed if transfer of the Carter’s empire fully printed in his name. A specific list of shares given to both Rose and Golden but he was in charge. He was speechless, he hugged Rose and said “ dad, mom, Golden i thank you for this great opportunity bestowed on me today, I'll never let you down. I'll make sure to take the company into greater heights.” He signed his name and it was done. Everyone's faces were brightly lit up and they retired for the night. I sat in the dining room alone thinking of ways to start my own business when I heard a loud scream from my parents room.