Chapter One
Quinn Berth walked into the private box that Thomas Marcel booked for their meeting. The bodyguards that stood outside protecting Thomas Marcel let Quinn Berth in he stood in front of Thomas Marcel who lit up a tobbaco and let out a puff of smoke. The lighting in the box was dimly lit casting a shadow in the dimly lit box and creating an eerie atmosphere. Thomas Marcel continues as if he didn't notice Quinn Berth who remained standing.
“Please sit.” Thomas Marcel offered
“Oh thanks.” Quinn replied
“How have the business front been?” Thomas Marcel asked
“Not bad! I can say that business have been thriving well and no tough situation that can't be handled.” Quinn Berth replied
“Oh well! Great!” Thomas replied with a smile took in a long drag of his tobacco and continued. “The reason I invited you here is to remind you that your daughter and my son have come off age and it's about time Natalie and Tobi got married.”
“Definitely I could have forgotten about our pact.” Quinn said respectfully
“Right! You have 12 weeks to prepare for the wedding ceremony, I wouldn't want any more time wasted. I hope that's fine by you?” Thomas said seriously
“Of course! Even though a wedding requires lots of preparations but that is just the right amount of time so I will go get my daughter ready.” Quinn replied
“Let's have a toast then.” Thomas said as they clinked glasses "To happiness, long life, good health."
" And to the unification of our families.” Quinn added
They both drank merrily and chatted over glasses of wine as they waited for the chef to prepare their meal.
**********
Natalie and Lisa just came back from shopping and were in Lisa room sorting out the things they had bought when they heard a knock.
“Come in!” they chorused and the house manager walked in calmly
“Natalie your father said you should come to the library to see him.” the house manager said respectfully.
“Okay, I would be there after am done sorting through my items from shopping.” Natalie replied
“He wants to see you immediately, he waits.” The house manager said as she bowed out respectfully
“I would be there in a few minutes.” Natalie replied
“It is strange dad wants to see me at the library.” Natalie said to Lisa
“I thought so too. Dad only invites one to the library if it is something serious.” Lisa said looking puzzled
“Let's hope everything is alright.” Natalie shrugged. “I should go see him now.” she said as she exited the room
“Ok Nat.” Lisa said
Natalie found her way to the library quickly and knocked on the door waiting for her father to let her in.
“Come in.” He said
She walked into the library and found her father brooding and looking like a greenade had hit him. And he was pacing anxiously around she walked to him seeing him like this made her tense. “This is not looking good.” she said in her head. The clock ticking away made her more nervous and uneasy.
“Dad are you okay?” She asked concerned
“Yes, please sit.” He commanded. “How have you been daughter?” He asked affectionately
“Okay! I am fine Dad. Why did you send for me?” Natalie asked seriously
They both fell silent causing more friction between them when the silence became freezing Natalie broke the silence
“Dad what is it? you are getting me scared, please spill.” Natalie said as she ran a hand through her hair
“Natalie we all make mistakes and decisions at the spurs of the moment and forget about the repercussions later.” He said
“Okay.” Natalie replied “Dad you are insinuating that?”
“Are you seeing anyone?” He asked
“Not really dad, I am not seeing anyone at the moment. Why!?” Natalie asked
“Right! I have chosen that you get married soon. You are soon to be married to the son of…..” he was still talking when she interrupted him
“Dad is this some kind of joke? I don't get it why would you set me up to a marriage in this time and age?” Natalie asked angrily
“Daughter, it is for your good and for the interest of the family. Please trust my judgment.” He tried to make her see reasons
“Your judgment, I can't even imagine myself getting married to a total stranger.” Natalie said yelling
“Natalie hear me out. I don't like the tone you are using with me.” He said yelling at her
“What about the tone you are using. I am marrying no such person dad just how do you view me, like an antique to be exchanged at an auction?” Natalie continued ranting
“Natalie, you are getting married in 12 weeks and that is final you either do it the easy way or the tough way, the choice is yours.” He thundered
“Dad, you care about yourself and never about anyone else…….” Natalie was saying when her mom cut in suddenly
“Young lady, do not talk to your dad that way.” Her mother cut in
“Mom you are in support of this too.” Natalie looked at her mom in disappointment
Natalie stormed out of the library in tears and slammed the door
“Darling, she would come around.” Her mother said trying to pacify him
“She better do.” he said with a note of finality