Chapter 4
1313 Words
Michael drove into the private estate that housed his father’s house. The long-awaited dinner was upon him. He drove to the automated gates and punched the key code and the gate open.
The Gregorian styled mansion was elaborate and beautiful. With its own driveway, palm trees lined up the driveway, and neatly manicured lawns, the house sat at the end of the estate. Tall and magnificent, it has been redecorated over the years, but it still stood tall and proud. Seven ensuite rooms, a gym house, a private cinema, an indoor spa, swimming pool, and a mini golf.
He drove to the front porch and turned off his car. He could see his father’s golf car and his official car. Next to his car was his sisters BMW sports car, and parked next to hers was an unknown car, yellow and shiny.
Well, he’ll find out shortly who owns the car. He stepped out of his car and slammed the door shut. He could hear the faint sound of laughter, and the clanking of cutleries. He straightened his suit and headed to the front door and grabbed the lionhead mantle.
The butler opened the door quickly and bowed slightly“Welcome home Master Michael.” The man said smiling at him.
“Thank you, Morris.” Michael straightened his tie. “Is my father in?”
“Yes, they are all expecting you.” He said.
Michael strolled into the house; his mother must have heard him drive in for she smiled brightly stretching out her arms to envelop him in a hug.
“Hello mother, I got your message.” He looked down at her, at 52 she was still as beautiful as ever, with her black hair, smooth skin, and pretty face.
“Michael, you never call me, why my boy,” she said as her expression turned sober.
“Sorry mum. I have been very busy.” Michael said, giving her a quick kiss on her forehead.
She quickly waved her hand to disperse his apology. “Come they are all waiting.”
“They?” Michael asked questioningly, “I thought it was just Nicole and dad.”
His mother didn’t bother to answer, she just dragged him along. He was greeted by his sister, his father with a stern look on his face, his aunt, and his cousin Jason Barner.
Jason Barner, his direct cousin was his father’s sister’s son. Jason, a runway model, with his blond cropped her, hard cheek bones, contoured jaw line, and freckles on his nose, was always on the cover of male fashion magazines, he was star in the fashion world. Now he knew who owns the yellow car.
They were not so close to each other; Michael strolledlaggardly towards him and gave him a clasp on his shoulder.Michael Hugged his sister Nicole and gave a peck on the cheek to his aunt. He strolled to where his father sat. “Hey dad,” Michael said, his father looked up at him. “I’ll talk to you after dinner.” His father said loud enough for him to hear.
They all took their seats, his father at the head, flanked by his mother on the right and him on the left, next to him sat Nicole opposite her was Jason, next to him as his aunt. The food was served, course after course. They ate in silence only the echo of cutleries could be heard.
**
Michael bid farewell to his aunt and Jason, as they were all seated, and the table cleared. His father exited the dining room, to his drawing room, he came back minutes later with an envelope in his hand.
He took his seat at the head of the table and cleared his throat. All eyes focused on him.
“I called this dinner because I have a very important announcement to make,” his eyes fell on Michael.
“Michael,” he paused and continued. “For years, I have put up with your reckless lifestyle, you take life threatening risks like you don’t have people who care for you. Three days ago, you embarked on another of your ‘risks’ in Switzerland, you left no prior notice of your absence.”
“Father I –” Michael tried to cut his father short, but he continued “I got to find out from my sources abroad. You have no sense of responsibility and that ends today.”
His father dropped the file in front of him. “In that envelop contains an ultimatum drafted by my team of lawyers. And it says, and I quote verbatim. Quit your reckless lifestyle and settle down before you turn 32 or the company will be handed over to your cousin Jason. You automatically lose your inheritance.” He stated coldly.
Michael looked up from perusing the document and stared into the cold depths of his fathers’ eyes. “You can’t be serious.” Michael stated flatly. “You have no right to throw me out of the company or disinherit me.”
“Try me,” was all his father had to say.
“Mother, he cant be serious, this is a joke right.” “I’m sorry son, we want what’s best for you. Anytime you go on one of those your trips I’m very scared what if you don’t make it alive. Besides I want to see my grandchildren before I live this world.” She said pitifully rubbing his father’s hand.
“We love you and we want to see you safe.” She said.
“You turn 32 in a few weeks’ time; I haven’t told Jason about this yet. Don’t give me a reason to son.” He said flatly. “Since all it takes for you to be responsible is to settle down and have children then so shall it be. Present me with a bride and I promise to step down as the chief board of directors, if she is pregnant, that’s an added bonus, besides I want to see my grandchildren. This house is big enough for everyone to live in.”
His father leaned slightly towards him his eyes apologetic. “Please Michael, think about it.” with that he rested back on his seat.
Without a word, the document in hand Michael stood up knocking the seat back down on the floor, he stared at the people he called parents and left the house.
He drove like a mad man from hell. He needed to escape. He knew something was off about this dinner from the moment he received the information. Now he knows what he was up against. Not his father and the topic of marriage and children, he wasn’t interested, why didn’t they understand that. He slammed his hand hard on the steering wheel. Damn his father for putting him on the spot. His father had threatened to disinherit him.
**
Aubrey arrived at the hospital later than she planned. It was already dark outside. She had a lot to do at work at the gallery and was granted the day off at the diner to go look after her mother. She bustled her way to the front desk, she was greeted by an older cheerful nurse with salt and pepper hair, and blue scrubs.
“I’m here to pick up my mother Mrs. Joan Green, she is supposed to be discharged today.” Aubrey stated clutching her tote bag.”
The nurse made a couple of clicks on her computer and looked up at her “I’m sorry Miss?” “Aubrey Green, I’m her daughter.” Aubrey filled in for her.
“Miss Aubrey, I’m sorry but your mother cannot be discharged today, she had another episode, and has been transferred to Chemo ward.”
Aubrey was left perplexed. “Why didn’t anyone call me?”
- Writer
