CHAPTER 17 Family Pressures
1033 Words
Lila sat on the cold hard floor, the silence was creepy, and the cold floor soaked into her bones, and her heart raced like a cheetah.
The silence was too deafening, but she dared not make a noise, afraid that some wide beast might pounce on her from the shadows.
Lila hugged her knees tighter to her chest, seeking comfort in the small space her body could provide.
She forced herself to breathe slowly, fighting back the rising tide of panic that threatened to kill her even before any large monster did.
Her temperature rose incredibly high, slowly she felt the effect of staying too long in the pool coupled with the strange cold from this room, she was shaking like a wet pant.
……..
Damien stood still like a statue as the cold water from the shower washed over him, he closed his eyes, allowing the water to flow over his face and down his body, clearing away the memories of the night— The way she laid vulnerably in those bikini, in front of Jonathan, Her terrified expression, the way her body trembled beneath his gaze.
He reached out to lock the shower, rushing a plush tower over his sexy body, as he stared at himself in the mirror, his imaging staring back at him.
Just then, his phone rang, shattering his thoughts. The shrill sound echoed in the dimly lit bedroom, pulling him from his thoughts. He moved to the bedside table, where his phone illuminated the dark room with a harsh glow.
His brow furrowed as he read and realized it was his grandfather calling.
“Why are you calling at this time?”
“Is that how you greet your grandfather” The elderly man replied from the other end of the phone, his voice had a hint of disappointment.
Damien sighed, running a hand over his face as he sank onto the edge of the bed. “I have had a long day at work today and I need to rest. You should be resting also, you have a press conference to attend tomorrow.”
“I’ve been hearing things, whispers of your wrong decisions. It concerns me.”
“Whispers? What are you talking about?” Damien’s tone sharpened defensively. He didn’t want to dive into family drama, not now.
“Your uncle Liam filled me in on your recent decisions, Damien. Why would you lock your father-in-law in jail just a day after your wedding? That was not only insensitive but downright reckless.” His grandfather's voice was steady, but the disappointment in it was intense.
“You are not just a businessman; you carry the Kingston name, a legacy that demands respect. Don’t tarnish it with such foolishness. You need to realize that you’re now a target for the media, and they will do everything in their power to paint your marriage as a sham. Just imagine the headlines if they discover that the billionaire Damien Kingston couldn't even secure his father-in-law's freedom—how much worse will it be if they find out you were the one who put him there?”
Damien clenched his jaw, clearly frustrated, “First of all, tell Liam to stop meddling in my business. He should rather put that energy into his company if he wants it to grow. Secondly, I can manage my own life just fine. You don’t need to worry about my affairs.”
“Don’t be a fool,” his grandfather replied sharply. “You may think you’re in control, but I know better. This isn’t the man I raised you to be. I raised you to be a thinker, to anticipate the consequences of your actions and plan ten steps.”
Damien's frustration deepened, but he couldn't ignore the truth in his grandfather’s words. “I released the old man this afternoon, I’m sure Liam told you that too. So what’s the point of this call?” he shot back, trying to mask his irritation.
His grandfather sighed, the weariness evident in his voice. "This isn’t just about your father-in-law’s freedom. It’s about how your decisions reflect on you and the Kingston name. You need to consider the broader implications of your actions, any more mistakes and I might have to reconsider your ability to handle the company”
Damien ran a hand through his wet hair, irritation boiling just beneath the surface. “Goodnight!” he replied, his tone sharp.
“Just before you go! Bring Lila along for the press conference tomorrow,” his grandfather continued, ignoring the bite in Damien's tone.
“Why would I do that?” Damien snapped, a mixture of disbelief and anger flooding through him.
“Having Lila present would show the media that you’re a united front. It will help dispel the notion that your marriage is merely a business arrangement. You need to demonstrate that you’re committed to her, both publicly if not privately.”
Damien clenched his jaw, grappling with the implications of his grandfather’s suggestion. “You think parading her in front of the press will fix everything?” he asked incredulously.
“I believe it’s a step in the right direction,” his grandfather replied calmly. “You need to make it clear that Lila is not just a pawn in your game but your partner. It’s essential for your image and your marriage.”
Damien rubbed the bridge of his nose, “I’ll think about it,” he said, his voice tinged with reluctance.
“I’ll be expecting to see her tomorrow. Damien!” he called out trying to get his attention before he hung up the phone.
“Yes,” Damien replied mechanically.
“Why did you lock up Magnus Thompson?” he asked, rather calmly.
“That's a private matter, you shouldn’t be meddling in it, or better still you can ask Liam. Goodnight” he ended the call immediately.
Damien had released Magnus Thompson earlier that afternoon, acting on the advice of his lawyer, who echoed his father's recommendation. But how had Liam discovered this? Was his lawyer leaking information? If so, it would be a very wrong decision—one that could cost him dearly.
- Writer
