Everything After "I Do"

Chapter 3

Kylian’s POV

My car comes to a halt in front of the massive building that houses Jacobs Holdings, my father’s empire. I don’t come here often. I can definitely count the number of times I’ve been here on one hand. My dad and I have a rocky relationship and the only reason I still communicate with him is because of my mum. He called me earlier today, saying he needs to discuss something very important with me and I couldn’t care less. What else would it be if not to get me to agree to start working for him? I don’t plan on ever doing that anyway. I don’t even know the man that well.

The only thing that connects me to him is his name and his blood running through my veins. Asides from that, there’s nothing else we have in common. I came to live with him and his perfect family after my mum died. I was sixteen or so at the time. His wife never hid the fact that she detested my presence in their home. She made it clear that everything her husband owned belonged to her son, Owen, my older step-brother. None of that ever mattered to me anyway. I never wanted a part in anything.

From the first day I stepped foot in my father’s house, I was determined to work and make a lot of money so I could get away from them as fast as I could. I knew I never belonged there, so I studied hard and practiced harder. The only benefit I got from my father was the education I had access to and I leveraged on that. I built myself to the point that I was sought after by top companies after I graduated. I was able to save up and launch my own Architectural firm without anyone knowing. My close friend from design school, Lydia, was the acting CEO of the company. No one could know. At least, not yet.

My father saw me as a failure. He’s told me multiple times that he regrets having me. His words never got to me. My mother showed me so much love that I didn’t lack it. Nothing he said got to me. It’s only sad she isn’t around to see that her efforts didn’t go to waste. I miss her everyday. My mum built my confidence that much from childhood. I was groomed to believe that there was no height I couldn’t attain. That alone fuelled the fire in me to create something spectacular.

Till today, no one knows I’m the sole owner of Al Vergo Architecture and Design firm, one of the largest in the country, save for Lydia and my personal lawyer. It stays that way till I’m ready to come clean. I ride the elevator to the highest floor of the building where my father’s office is situated. His secretary ushers me in, saying he’s been expecting me all morning. I came late on purpose just because I know he hates tardiness.

“Good afternoon, Father” I say as I walk into his office and take a seat on a sofa at the lounge area. He looks up me with disdain and I smile inwardly. I love it when he gets all riled up. He rounds his desk and moves towards me with calculated steps. He takes the sofa opposite me and I’m already thinking of ways to leave. Conversations with my father never ends well.

“You finally decided to acknowledge my invitation. I waited all morning, you know” he says with an unimpressed look.

“Something came up at the office. I couldn’t ignore it. I just had to make out time to come here. I need to head back soon though” My father thinks I’m working in some company. I had to tell him that to get him off my back. He’s hell bent on getting me to work for him.

“I’ve told you to come work for me but you’re being stubborn about it” he stares at me intensely.

“And I’ve told you I’m not interested” I shoot back.

“We could go on and on about this but that’s not the reason I called you here. I have important news for you” he clears his throat.

“If this is another job offer, I’m still not..” I don’t get to finish my sentence before he interrupts.

“You’re getting married in two days so get ready” he says in the most unusual tone ever. I stop to think about what he just said.

“I’ve known you to be so many things, but a joker isn’t one of them. Let’s get straight to business. Like I said earlier, I need to get back to the office” I relax on the sofa, getting comfortable. Too comfortable for someone that’s supposedly in a hurry.

“Do I look like I’m joking?” his voice sounds gruff.

“You clearly are because what you just said now makes absolutely no sense. I can’t remember telling you of my intentions to get married” I say in a controlled voice. The entire situation is almost laughable. “I’d like to take my leave now, if there’s nothing more to discuss”

“You’re getting married, Kylian and that’s it. I need this merger with her family’s company” he says with authority.

“I don't see how that concerns me?” I’m already having a headache because of this.

“Kylian. You never do anything I ask of you. Try doing this for a change. If you agree to marry her, I’ll never bother you about coming to work for me, ever again” he says in a hopeful voice.

“And that’s supposed to get me to agree to this absurd request? Tell me you’ve got something better” I taunt him all the while taking the news calmly.

“What do you want then?” He asks through gritted teeth.

“I want nothing from you. I’m good, thank you”

“Why are you being stubborn about this? You’ll benefit a lot from this alliance” he states. At least, he has the decency to address it for what it truly is. An alliance and not a marriage.

“You don’t expect me to get married to someone I do not know. I’m not doing it” I say, getting tired of the back and forth.

“Technically, she’s not a stranger. We used to visit their home when you just moved in newly. I don’t know if you can recall Diane Reynolds. You’re getting married to her daughter Genesis Reynolds” he states with finality and I almost want to laugh but it suddenly clicks. Did he just say the name I think he said?

“Did you just say Genesis Reynolds?” I ask, fighting to hide my curiosity.

“Yes. I guess you remember her. We visited the Reynolds mansion a couple of times before you left for college so you should remember them” he says.

“Did she agree to this as well?” I ask

“Yes” he says almost immediately. “Anyway, I need to start making the preparations” he pulls out his phone from his breast pocket.

“I haven’t agreed to it yet”

“Kylian, I need this merger. What don’t you understand?” he says in an irritated voice.

“You expect me to go through with this just because your company needs it?” I shoot back. He gives me a hard stare and I hold mine. I’m not expecting him to beg me. My father would rather jump in a lagoon than beg anyone, most especially me. But I take the time to consider this because of the other person involved. Genesis. The girl I haven’t been able to get out of my thoughts since I saw her at the family dinner we were invited to. She was so beautiful that evening but her eyes held a lot of hurt.

I knew that because my mum’s eyes carried the same weight. We never spoke a word to each other. She caught me staring a couple of times but I didn’t mind. I reminded myself that I didn’t belong in their circle. I was only an illegitimate son who just happened to be there. There was no need pursuing something with no future. My mum taught me better. But it didn’t change the fact that I couldn’t stop thinking about her.

“I’ll only agree to this on one condition” I finally say.

“And what would that be?” my father takes a relaxed position.

“You stay completely out of my marriage” I study his reaction.

“I have no business with what goes on in your marriage. I don’t care. All I need is for the merger to take place, that’s all” he lets out a cold smile.

“The condition that you’d no longer bug me to join your company stands as well. Let me know when I would be walking down the altar” I say as I stand up and stroll out of my father’s office without sparing him another glance.