DECEPTION AND DESIRES

A Mother's Plea

“Good morning, Don Joseph,” Mrs. Jacobs said, her voice trembling a little as she stepped into the lavish office located in southern L.A.

Don Joseph glanced up from the papers scattered over his desk and a half smile appeared on his face. “Ah, Mrs. Jacobs. Please, have a seat. ” He pointed at the comfortable chair in front of his desk, then looked at her intently.

Mrs. Jacobs sat down, she was a well-dressed woman and composed, this was because she came from a well-to-do family. “Thank you, Don Joseph. I am glad you were able to see me on short notice. ”

“Of course, Mrs. Jacobs. I am always ready to help a friend in distress. ” He added the last part with a sly look in his eyes and a hint of the offer he made to her family.

‘Yesterday, you suggested that Anastacia should marry your son, Raymond,’ Mrs. Jacobs said firmly, but politely. “I appreciate your offer but I think that might not be the best for my daughter. ”

Don Joseph sat back in his chair and began to interlock his fingers. ”Oh? And why is that, Mrs. Jacobs? My son is a powerful and wealthy man. He can provide for Anastacia in ways she’s never dreamed of. ”

“I know that Don Joseph, but Anastacia is a young woman with her plans in life, and making her marry a man she does not desire could be a very bad thing for her. ” Mrs. Jacobs looked at Don Joseph, begging him to consider her words.

“I see,” Don Joseph replied and his voice was as cold as ice and calculating. ‘Do you think that your daughter’s happiness is more important than the money and security I can provide for her and your entire family?’

Mrs. Jacobs sighed and folded her hands on her lap. Yes, I believe that the happiness of my daughter is the most important thing in this world. But I also know how much our family needs money and how much money we might lose.

Maybe there is another way of solving this, a way that will not make Anastacia marry a man she didn't wish to marry. "

Don Joseph’s smile broadened and his eyes looked more ominous. “I’m afraid not, Mrs. Jacobs.” Your husband left a fortune of $78,000,000, and if Anastacia does not marry my son, all that money will be grabbed by our business executives. You have only 24 hours in which you can make your decision. I would like you to consider your children, your family's future, the money, and the safety. I would be preparing for the marriage now if I were you. "

“Thank you, Don Joseph,” Mrs. Jacobs said, her voice now having a tinge of anger and frustration, she then got up to leave.

“The pleasure is mine, Mrs. Jacobs,” Don Joseph said, still smiling. “I shall hear from you soon, I suppose. ” "

Mrs. Jacobs smiled and got up from her chair, she walked out of the office with a lot of elegance, her heels tapping against the marble floor. She opened the door and stepped out into the hallway, she looked around to make sure nobody was watching her, she took a deep breath and her face changed from a calm look to an angry one.

On the other hand, Don Joseph lifted the phone and called Raymond, “Come to my office right now. ” We have an important matter that we need to talk about. "

Raymond answered, “On my way, Father. ”

On his way to his father’s office, Raymond collided with Mrs. Jacobs in the corridor ‘Mrs. Jacobs, what a pleasure,” he said, smiling at her and revealing his perfect white teeth.

“Raymond, good morning,” Mrs. Jacobs replied, "I am coming from your father's office, Raymond.

“Oh, I am on my way there,” Raymond replied, his gaze growing a little more intense. “I hope everything is alright. ”

“Yes, everything is fine,” Mrs. Jacobs said, her voice high-pitched. We are just discussing some family business.

Raymond looked at her for a second before he simply nodded and went on with his business. “Well, I’ll let you get on with your day then. “

Raymond was aware that something was wrong when he walked into his father’s office. “What is it, Father?” he said, staring directly into Don Joseph’s eyes.

Don Joseph maintained a serious look on his face and his glare did not waver. “You are marrying Anastacia Jacobs in one week, Raymond,” and that is final.

Raymond stood there with his mouth open in shock. ”Arranged? But Father, I don’t even love her? Don’t I have the right to choose my wife?”

Don Joseph brushed it off with a wave of his hand. “Love is not something that develops overnight, Raymond. It will come with time. What matters now is the joining of our two families and the growth of our business empire. ”

Raymond scowled and clenched his fists in anger. ‘But Father, this is not right! I can’t just marry someone I don’t love!’

Don Joseph’s tone was icy, and his gaze was a threat veiled. “You will listen to me, Raymond. You will marry Anastacia and ensure the future of our family.

Raymond’s shoulders drooped his gaze at the ground in disappointment. He understood that it was pointless to try and reason with his father once he had made up his mind.

Heaving a deep sigh, Raymond agreed albeit with much reluctance. “Yes, Father. I will do as you have said. ”

Don Joseph’s face lit up into a satisfied smile. “Good boy, Raymond. I knew I could count on you. ”

After leaving his father’s office, Raymond was overwhelmed with a sense of discomfort that he felt deep in his gut. He was being compelled to get married to a lady he did not choose and a lady he did not have affection for. His life was planned by his father and he could do nothing about it and this made him feel so helpless.