Fated to the Billionaire

Chapter 3

“Dad, I can't accept this.” Tobi said with deep frustration

“You are getting married to the Berth girl and it is final. Mr Marcel said with a tone of finality

“Dad marriage is supposed to be about love, mutual understanding and friendship.” Tobi said losing more of his cool

“Son, you can learn to love her, understand her and also become friends.” Mr Marcel said indifferent to Tobi's frustration

“I am in a relationship, what am I supposed to do now with Kelly now dad.” Tobi asked

“For all I care, that relationship is not valid and can never be valid. You will have to marry her whether you like it or not.” Mr Marcel said losing his composure

“Why should I,? Tobi asked

“So we could be united and closer knitted.”Mr Marcel said

“But this doesn't even make sense dad. You and the Berth's family can be united regardless of whether I got married to their daughter or not, there is……” Tobi was saying when his father interrupted him

“Son, thats enough.” Mr Marcel said losing his cool

“Dad do you know that marriage is much more than being close to your business associate. What happened to love?” Tobi said as his hands grabbed the glass of red wine on the stool by his side which he drank in a gulp

“This is where you young folk are getting it wrong, you would love her and thank me for it.” Mr Marcel tried to get Tobi to see his point of view

“Dad, if I get married to Natalie that is similar to ruining three lives because…….” Tobi was saying when his father interrupted him

“How?” Mr Marcel asked

“I don't have any feelings for her.” Tobi said

“You would learn to son. You mother and I are that way our marriage was arranged by our parents and our love has grown everyday.” Mr Marcel said sternly

“I just can't, she is just not my type of woman.” Tobi said

“Son, you have to, the wedding date is set and you can't do anything about it.” Mr Marcel said

“Supposed I decide not to turn up for the wedding.” Tobi said

“You would not dare.” Mr Marcel said sternly. “This discussion is over please leave.” He said with a tone of finality. “And know this if you don't get married to Natalie just be aware that you are stripped of all privileges of being a Marcel and that's final.” Mr Marcel said angrily

“Dad you can't do that.” Tobi retorted angrily

“Now leave!” Mr Marcel thundered

****

Natalie and her mother sat facing each other in a gazebo outside the family mansion. The sky appeared gray as bird chirps around. They sat in deep silence as Mrs. Berth thought of how to navigate the conversation because it is a really sensitive conversation. She took in a deep breath and exhaled.

“Natalie, I understand that this whole wedding thing completely caught you off guard, and it is a going to be a great turning point in your life and the life of the family, but your dad is doing this to strengthen the bond between the two families, that is between the ….” She was still saying when Natalie interrupted

“Dad is strengthening a friendship bond at the expense of my own happiness. It's not fair.” Natalie said

“Nat things aren't what they seem. I can understand that you feel angry and betrayed about the fact that your father and I are forcing this marriage down your throat. Please I want you to think deeply about it.” Mrs Berth continued softly

“Mom there is nothing to think about. Imagine marrying a total stranger you haven't met from Adam.” Natalie asked

“I completely understand your point of view, but it is for the sake of the family take it that you are adding your own cent to the family's treasury.” Mrs Marcel said

“Mom is there something I am missing here or there is a secret that is sheided from me? Is there something I need to know?” Natalie queried looking into her mom's eye to see if she could find a possible answer to her questions

“No there is not.” She said rather too quickly avoiding Natalie's eyes. It's just that you are….

“Mom I think I am done with this conversation, since you rather not tell me the truth and you are hiding something from me.” Natalie said as she stood up and made a gesture to leave

“Well Natalie, he is no total stranger as you assume. He is Tobi of the Marcel family at least you two were high school classmates, and you know him to a certain level, that is why we did everything to make you two close for this marriage arrangements to take place, it is not coincidental.” Mrs Berth said

“Mom, is it really Tobi Marcel?” Natalie asked

“Yes! You didn't want to hear your father or I out, and you didn't even care to know about the person.” Her mother said as she watched Natalie leave without looking back. Please child think deeply about this, remember it is for the family.