Deeply in love

It was a beautiful day yet another day filled with chaos in the Hampshire mansion. The man of the house, Mr Audrey was howling at the lady and the two young maids were listening from the kitchen while clearing out the contents of the half-eaten breakfast. "Where the hell is he?" He exclaimed. The lady was frightened and upset. This was, of course, a regular happening at her house, nevertheless, it startled her. "Something important must have come up. Otherwise, he would have come home and I'm sure he would explain everything when he comes." She lied staring at her husband's Ipad. "Important?" He waved the device in front of her. "Look at this!" She knew that the stunning picture of the 26-year-old published on the front page of The West Times belonged to no other than their son, Eric. She had already read the article and had failed all attempts to hide it from her husband. "The well-known son of the Hampshire's shoved Model Eliza on the floor when she had refused to continue dancing with him, evidence reported Mr Eric Audrey had tried to dance with her intimately." He read a segment rather loudly. "Doesn't he think about us at all Eda? No one ever in the history of Hampshire's had brought on such a disgrace. What exactly is his problem? Why does he constantly attract unwanted attention? I really can't handle his hopeless behaviour and attitude anymore." He sighed. "Please, I'm sure he will understand, forgive him." His wife pleaded. "I will. Shouldn't I? After all, he was born in this prestigious place, so he won't be accounted for his actions." He replied sarcastically. And then continued, "He will be allowed to compensate for his mistakes, but remember, this is his last opportunity, he's going to mend his ways and show up at the company, and if he doesn't.." Mr Audrey didn't complete his sentence but Mrs Audrey was already visualizing the worst. She knew her husband very well, he doesn't forgive easily, but if he is offering a chance, there was something more. Just the idea of what he might have conspired frightened her. "Don't talk like that! Whatever it is, remember, he is our son. The son of the popular Hampshire family. He's going to be very busy in the future. He's young, he just needs more time." she defended. "How much time Eda? How much? I'm shocked. He's reckless and constantly create excuses for him!" And then turning to their driver who was standing near the front door with an unaltered expression said, "Frederick! Get the car, we are leaving!" With that note, Mr Audrey left impatiently. Mrs Audrey sat down on the sofa devastated. "Eric! When will you learn?" She moaned. She took out her phone and dialled Amy's number. Amelia was their family friend, the only daughter of a prosperous businessman. Moreover, Eric and Amy were childhood friends and Mrs Audrey was hoping to get them married as soon as possible. She wasn't sure how Eric would respond but was well aware of Amy's feelings for Eric. "Hello dear. How are you?" "I'm fine mom," Amy called Mrs Audrey mom from the first time she saw her, which was almost 12 years ago. Amy had lost her mother when she was only two. Her father didn't remarry for a long time but met Ms Susan on a vacation. They got married although Amy was not happy about it. Her father, Mr Roberts moved in with her stepmom to a separate villa. This was Amy's idea and they agreed as they didn't want to depress her. "I hope the news didn't upset you? I'm sure there was a misunderstanding." Mrs Audrey comforted. "I perfectly understand." She replied sarcastically but Mrs Audrey failed to take the hint. "By the way, do you know where Eric is? I'm trying to reach him since last night" She asked. There was a pause and then Amy replied, "No mom," "Okay dear, I'll talk to you later. I have some things to deal with." Mrs Audrey sounded confused and worried. Her last hope was gone. "Ok, mom. Don't stress yourself, I'm sure he'll come. He might be with one of his friends, I'll stop by tomorrow to see you." She reassured. Amelia put down her phone on the bed and looked at Eric who was stretching on the sofa in front of her. He was engrossed in the video game he was playing. Amy eyed him desperately. The man in front of her looked dangerously handsome with his broad muscular shoulders and his hair which was usually let loose touching a little below his neck was up in a ponytail. His grey eyes were the most striking. It had a force to captivate and soften thousands of hearts like hers. "Your mom's worried Eric and on top of that, you made me lie to her. Why are you doing this?" "I just want to." He said without looking up from his phone. "Why were you with that girl?" A pang of jealousy was evident in her voice. "Which girl?' he asked effortlessly. "The model - Eliza." "She was the one who came up to me." "But the news narrates a different story." "Let them write what they want Amy. It's not my problem." "Is your reputation not your problem?" He didn't answer but continued playing. "Where were you last night? If I hadn't found you and your bike near the park this morning, I would have gone crazy." "Do you have to ask this many questions? Give me a break!" "Eric, everything is not so simple. These people love to write stories and gossip about us but it's our responsibility to be cautious." After a while, she added, "Eric, Are you even listening?" "Ya ya.." he replied casually. "Your parents want you to take over the responsibility of the company. They have immense trust in you. Your company is one of the best in the country. Why can't you run such a prestigious company? It's for your good." "My brother can handle it." He replied. "Your father expects you to handle it. They trust you more Eric." Eric laughed. The thought of his father trusting him was hilarious. As for his mother, she wasn't confident with herself if she trusts her son or not. "That's your answer? You'll just laugh it off? You always try to run away when company responsibilities come in your way. When will you take anything seriously?" she asked. "Hey Amy, did you notice that you sound exactly like my mom? Did her methods rub off on you? Anyways I'm off." He got up abruptly. "Where?" Without an explanation, he put on his jacket and walked downstairs to his bike which was parked behind Amelia's house. Amy looked down at him from her window. He waved at her and then disappeared from her sight in seconds. "When will you take us seriously?" She whispered looking at his handkerchief which he had abandoned. ........................................................................... It was late night when Eric went home. The house was peaceful as everyone was asleep, he walked up the stairs to his room quietly as he didn't want to be heard and interrogated. He thought he had succeeded but didn't notice his father staring at him from the hall. The following morning, Mrs Regina, their maid, informed Eric that his parents were waiting for him downstairs. He knew very well it was about the article and didn't care to explain himself like always. Mrs Regina left his black coffee on the bedside table and smiled kindly before leaving. After a few minutes, Eric went down with his phone in one hand and his coffee in the other. He was wearing a sky blue vest flattering his huge muscular arms. "Will you please sit down?" His father said looking at him with a disgusted look. Eric sat down scrolling through his phone. "Look at me, Eric. I'm your father. Respect me for god's sake" Eric kept his phone on the coffee table and raised his hands as if he was surrendering. "Yes. What is it?" "You're getting married." Eric couldn't comprehend what he heard. It was sudden and unexpected. "What? Mrs Audrey cried. She had her plans but how did Mr Audrey come up with this. She wondered. "Dad, are you joking? I don't have plans to get married now." "Yes, you will, your plans don't matter and if you challenge to go against me, you'll never see me again." This was plain blackmail. Eric tightened his wrists. His eyes were red and his cheeks were heated. "Dear, what is this sudden decision?" Mrs Audrey asked. "This will be better for him Eda. Marriage will heal him and the bride is a nice girl. She's from Bella's university. Well educated and disciplined girl. She's the right woman for Eric." "Who's this girl?" "You know, Mr Benjamin, my friend from States? His daughter." "But.." "No buts. This is my last word. Do you'll have any reasonable excuse to say no? Mrs Audrey kept silent as she did not want to make her husband furious and Eric was extremely angry that he couldn't converse. "I thought so. No one can go against me in this decision." He said. Mrs Audrey was irritated. She wondered what to tell Amy. After all, she had given the girl hope. Eric was flushing with anger. He madly needed fresh air so he went out hastily. He got on his bike and drove at full speed, his mind filled with numerous thoughts. Why was it always about saving the Hampshire's name? Why was their family reputation his parents' priority? Even when he was young, they never cared much about his choice and his happiness. All that carried weight was the family name. Bella was his only solace until she left. His elder brother was out of the question. All his friends were with him only for his money and reputation, except Amy, who was his friend from a young age, but then, she can never really understand him. That's why he wanted to leave. Leave everything behind, his family, company, this place. He only needed peace. Peace was enough. The peace which will never be found here. He hadn't realized how fast and how long he has been driving. It was almost night. He had been driving for hours and hadn't concentrated on the place. It was dark and the road wasn't clear. This part of the way was gloomy and wasn't lit. He drove fast to get out of the road when someone jumped in front of him. A young girl was slumped on the ground. Blood dripped from the side of her head. God! What has he done? Immediately he took out his phone, checked his destination and dialled for the ambulance. He carried the girl in his arms. She was insanely beautiful, almost heavenly. His heart raced and he couldn't stop looking at her face. He held her in his tough arms and carried her to the opening of the street. The street was empty and there was no sign of an ambulance. After a while, the ambulance arrived. ........................................................................... At the hospital. "Hello, sir? Where are her family members? This is an accident case, we need these papers to be signed before the treatment." said the nurse pointing to the white sheets of papers on her hand with an enticing look. This wasn't new to him and he wasn't affected by her at all. "Please do the necessary treatment first." He requested sternly. "But sir, this is the hospital rules, we can't avoid them. If I don't follow them, I'll lose my job. Please understand." she said uneasily. She was upset that he wasn't least affected by her whims. He avoided the nurse and looked at the girl lying on the emergency bed. She looked very innocent and pure. Her long hair was braided artistically and her full lips were quivering slightly. There was something about her that calmed him down, almost as if she healed him. He knew for an instant that he can never leave her like this. For some reason, she didn't feel like a stranger to him when his own family does. He was almost prepared to do anything to save her. This girl who he have never seen in 26 years of his life yet gave him the sensation of someone close. "I'll sign." He replied. The nurse looked confused, "She's my wife." He declared.