Wealth Before Love

Chapter Three

The evening sun bathed Mr. Douglas’s penthouse in a soft, golden hue, creating an ambiance that exuded luxury and power. Jane sat near the floor-to-ceiling windows, her delicate fingers wrapped around the neck of a half-emptied wine bottle. Her face was calm, but her thoughts raced like a storm. Father’s conditions are ridiculous! Marriage before inheritance? What does that even prove? she thought, taking a long swig. Her mind wandered to Charles. He’s decent, presentable... but tying the knot with him for this? She sighed deeply. Desperate times call for desperate measures. She smirked slightly, a plan already forming. Bella’s greed will come in handy. And Charles? He’ll cooperate, or he’ll regret it.

Charles sat stiffly in a plush armchair across from Mr. Douglas, the older man’s eyes boring into him with a mix of curiosity and authority. “May I join you?” Mr. Douglas asked, a trace of humour in his voice. “Of course, Sir,” Charles replied, adjusting his posture. Mr. Douglas chuckled. “Relax, Charles. It’s not an interrogation yet.” Charles managed a nervous smile. “I appreciate you coming here,” Mr. Douglas began. “Jane must think highly of you to bring you home. I wanted to meet the man who’s captured her attention so completely.” “It’s an honour, Sir,” Charles responded. “Jane is really incredible. Anyone would be lucky to have her in their life.” Mr. Douglas nodded approvingly. “And what are your intentions with my daughter?” Charles hesitated for a moment, then delivered his rehearsed line. “We’ve been together for over two years, and I plan to marry her when the time is right.” Mr. Douglas’s eyes narrowed slightly. “And her readiness to take over the family business? Do you believe she’s capable?” Charles smiled confidently. “Absolutely, Sir. Jane is intelligent, driven, and compassionate. She’s more than ready to take the reins.” Before the conversation could deepen, Amanda sauntered into the room, holding a glass of juice. Her entrance was calculated, her gaze sharp. “What are we discussing?” she asked, her tone light but probing. “Just catching up,” Mr. Douglas replied smoothly. Amanda tilted her head, clearly unconvinced. “Hmm. Well, I’d love to hear all about it. Especially how Charles and Jane met.” Mr. Douglas glanced at his watch. “Perhaps at dinner. I have a meeting to attend.” Amanda pouted slightly but didn’t press further. Charles exhaled quietly, relieved by the interruption.

Dinner was a formal affair, the table laden with gourmet dishes and fine wine. The family gathered, the atmosphere tense yet cordial. Amanda, ever the instigator, seized the moment. “So, Charles,” she began, fixing him with a playful yet challenging stare. “How did you and Jane meet?” Charles’s stomach churned. He hadn’t prepared for this. His mind raced, scrambling for a believable story. After a brief pause, he leaned forward, his expression earnest. “It was at a charity event,” he began. “A crisp autumn morning. Jane was there, working with orphaned children.” Mr. Douglas raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “She was incredible,” Charles continued, his voice gaining confidence. “Interacting with the kids, spreading joy. It was inspiring, I couldn’t help but be drawn to her. We ended up talking about how we could do more to help those in need. That conversation was the start of something special.” “That sounds like Jane,” Mr. Douglas said, smiling warmly. “She has a big heart. It’s good to know you value that.” Charles nodded, inwardly relieved that his story had landed well.

I acted not really interested in having further discussion with her but my heart kept beating fast just like the *bata drum associated with *Sango festival. My eyes journeyed with her till she got to her vehicle. I waited for her to zoom off but that isn't happening anytime soon. I saw that as an opportunity to make my intention known to Jane. I jumped out of my chair not willing to allow the opportunity to avert me. I adjusted my shirt, and walked as briskly as I could in order to get to her before another did. “Oh! We meet again! What an unpredictable world,” I said, pretending to be unaware of her dilemma. “What's the issue?” I added. “I really don't know, my vehicle isn't igniting, and it was working perfectly earlier” Jane said angrily. I raised my shoulders and walked with pride “can I take a look please, I know a thing or two about cars” I said. “You can” Jane replied, confusion all written on her face. “Hop in and follow my lead,” I said to her with a smile on my face. I hit the battery head with a spanner, tighten the bolts. To my amusement after trying all I knew, the vehicle chose to disgrace me. It did not work. (Everyone in the room began to laugh) Mr Douglas finally said “that's embarrassing, after all showoff.

Amanda’s lips twitched into a smirk, her skepticism evident, and she said “then?” “To save face, I offered her my vehicle and promised to return hers when my engineer is done fixing it because I noticed she is in a hurry,” I responded. Jane rejected my offer, but with a lot of persuasion, she took it with a grateful smile. I used the opportunity to ask for her number stating I’d love to call her when the vehicle is ready so as to return it to her. She took my vehicle and off she went.

I picked up my phone and called my car engineer, he came immediately and towed the vehicle to his workshop, did what was necessary and he found out that the vehicle needs a new engine. Though I was willing to fix the vehicle, I have to give Jane feedback. I called to update her about the issue, she picked her call and responded friendly with all humility and rap attention. I related my message to her and she felt that she had stressed me but it's the mountain I was willing to climb without the application of force. She asked me for my account details in order to forward the payment. I rejected it but she insisted. I tried to be high on my game but she caught me right in the middle. I have no choice but to give in. When I returned her vehicle she raised the issue of me trying to woo her which I couldn't deny, she smiled and offered to give me a chance over dinner and that dinner solidified the union. So you can say our meeting isn't coincidental or pre-orchestrated. “What a touching and wonderful story,” said Amanda. “That isn't the first time she will be depicting such behaviour. I can see how desperate she was, selling herself short, proposing a date, you're actually not ashamed of yourself Jane!” Amanda compounded. “That's enough!” Mr Douglas intervenes.

Jane stood up immediately and left the dinner table without a word, Amanda's jest got the better of her. She ran straight to her room fuming and with a high level of disdain for Charles.