When stars align

A settled case

“I’m so sorry dad,but you know I’m very good at my job right” he said

“Even if you are, you still have to be in the office as a good shareholder and not a spoilt brat” his father said

“But you know I’m not a spoilt brat dad,I’m working in another company” he replied

“I should have made you a regular employee at the company and that way you won’t be too comfortable” his father said fuming

“Okay sorry dad,what do you want” he said

“You just come home right now and we’ll iron it all out” his father said

“I will be there in a couple of hours” he replied

“I’ll send a driver” his father protested

“Dad I have a car” he said

“I know and that’s why two drivers will be coming, you’ll follow one back home while the other escorts you” his father said not giving up

“Your wish” he said

“Don’t be rude to me,boy” his father said

“I’ll go have my bath” he replied ignoring his father

“That’s more like it”his father said hanging up the

call

His mother got up to his father. “ you don’t have to do that,Theo”

He looked at her and smiled.” He’ll fight for love if he truly loves her,but for now let’s act innocent” he replied

His mother felt bad about it. “ I won’t join you in that but don’t worry I won’t tell him a thing” she said leaving his side

*****

He got home grumpy but had to be happy for his grandmother and mother’s sake.

He washed up to his grandmother hoping to talk to her about his father’s decision. “Granny, I have a problem”. He said acting childish.

His grandmother looked at him concerned. “What problem is it ? Little one.” She asked him

He took a deep breath. “Your son is setting me up with some spoilt brat, even with the full knowledge that I have a woman in my life.” He said pouting.

His grandmother looked at him intently. “What’s her family class?” She asked .

He was surprised by her question. “Not you too, grandmother.” He said feeling bad.

She looked at him again. “Just answer the question,Emmy?”

He felt defeated. “She’s middle class” he replied

She nodded and asked another question. “ what does she do?”

He held her hand in a pleading manner. “She works in a company as a director and owns a small event decorating company which she herself works in part time,but she has workers there.” He said

His grandmother touched his head. “You mean she’s ambitious?” She asked

He felt a little bit relieved. “Yes granny. She doesn’t even know my background.” He announced happily.

Mrs Purvi Dennis was surprised by his words. “What do you mean she doesn’t know your background?” She asked curious.

He smiled at her then continued. “We’ll you see, we met at her the mall and we started talking. She thinks I’m just a regular guy, and that the only source of income I have is the shares I own in the company where she works.” He explained to her.

His grandmother was really happy. “Then that means she’s not a good digger,but a very hardworking lady” she said.

He felt triumphant. “Yes,you’re right granny.” He said

His grandmother continued. “Then you have to fight for your love” she said to him rubbing his hair .

He took one of her hands and kissed her. “I will fight for it,granny”.

She stood up and held his hands motioning him to do the same. “Let’s go get some massage” she said.

He stood up following her. “Okay granny,but let me go get some clothes from my room”.

She didn’t let him go. “We’ll send whoever we meet on our way to the spa,cmon it’s still the same compound.” She answered

He surrendered and followed her like a puppy.

LATER THAT EVENING

Blackwood Luxury Lounge — Afternoon

The golden hue of a chandelier spills over velvet armchairs and crystal decanters. Soft jazz hums in the background. A fireplace crackles, casting shadows on mahogany-paneled walls.

**Gerrard Bernard** (50s), sharp-suited and sharp-eyed, sips from a tumbler of scotch. His demeanor is smooth, but there's something calculating behind his smile.

Across from him sits **Theophilus Dennis (Emmanuel’s Father)** Early 60’s, old money elegance wrapped in a tailored suit. He’s a man used to getting what he wants—but unused to being read like a book.

Mr Gerrard Benson ,leans back, casually. “You know, Theo, our families have always danced in the same circles. Galas, fundraisers, legacy board seats... but we’ve never actually sat down like this. Strange, isn’t it?”

Mr Dennis smiled at him “The old guard tends to orbit, not collide. But I must admit, I’ve been curious. You don’t usually make time unless there’s a game in play.”

Mr Gerrard Benson chuckled and hoped he didn’t see behind his game. “Fair. I respect that about you—straight to the point. I’m here because I see an opportunity. Not just for me, for both of us.”

Mr Dennis smiled and nodded at him. “Go on”.

Bernard leans forward, setting his glass down with precision.

Bernard cleared his throat before talking. “Our children. Your son Emmanuel . My daughter, Claudia . Both ambitious. Both burdened with legacy. I believe… we could give them something powerful. A union. A future. One that ties our names together permanently. Besides they were both classmates”.

Mr Dennis, laughs lightly, but his eyes narrow. “A contract marriage? Victor, you make it sound like a business merger”.

Mr Bernard continued “Isn’t marriage always a bit of one? At least, the ones that last. You and I both know love is volatile. But strategy? That builds empires. I know we don’t really talk but you could give it a thought”.

Theo swirls his wine, watching Gerrard over the rim.

Mr Dennis decided to ask him. “And what’s in it for you?”

Gerrard replied in a sincerely fake tone. “Stability. Prestige. Your daughter is brilliant—headstrong, like my Julian. Together, they could be unstoppable. Apart, well... they’re floundering in different directions.”

His heartbeat as fast as a hip hop tune

Mr Dennis asked again. “And you think they’ll agree?”

Mr Gerrard smiled,then continued. “They’ll come around. Youth resists until it sees the advantages. You and I? We just lay the groundwork.”

Mr Dennis lifts his glass again.

Dennis (CONT’D). “To the future”.

Gerrard hesitates, then clinks glasses.

Mr Dennis “To the deal... whatever form it takes.”

But as they drink, Theo studies Gerrard carefully—because he knows a hunter when he sees one.