Love Arranged by Fate

CHAPTER3

"What if your daughter says she doesn’t want to get married before taking over the companies?" Mrs. Laura asked her beloved husband.

"That is impossible. It will never happen," Mr. Jackson responded, shaking his head.

"Mind the way you use your words. That was harsh of you," Mrs. Laura said calmly. "I know you are very desperate for your daughter to take over from you, but even at that, let’s take it easy so we don’t push her into doing what she’s not supposed to do."

Mrs. Laura was trying to get her husband to see why they needed to be more patient with their daughter. She could feel his growing frustration, but she believed that forcing Susan could backfire.

"Yeah, I know that too," Mr. Jackson replied, his voice softening slightly, "but can’t you also see that we are not growing any younger? I just wish she could see things from our point of view. It would really do her more favor than she can ever think of. I pray the God we serve will definitely help her."

Mrs. Laura sighed, speaking in a quiet tone. "I pray so too, but we need to be patient. Pushing her will only make things worse."

Mr. Jackson let out a frustrated breath. "It’s just getting out of hand. Every day at the company, the questions are getting me weary."

"So what are some of these questions, my love?" Mrs. Laura asked.

"You should have known by now," he said, rubbing his forehead.

"No, darling. How would I know when I don’t normally go to the office with you?" she responded, eager to hear what was really troubling him.

"They keep saying, ‘Boss, you’re growing old. When will your daughter, our new CEO, take over from you?’ It’s disturbing me," he replied, clearly stressed.

"I understand, darling. But like I said, it’s just a matter of time. Everything will be fine," she reassured him.

"I hope so," her husband said, taking a deep breath, trying to relax. "I really hope so."

Meanwhile, Susan was upstairs in her room, deep in thought. She had heard her parents talking earlier, and although she loved them both, she wasn’t ready to let go of her own dreams just yet. She believed she had a right to marry someone she truly loved, someone she was willing to spend the rest of her life with.

"I think it’s time for Mommy and Daddy to hear the good news," Susan thought to herself, a smile spreading across her face. She had recently met someone special and was convinced he could be the one.

Without hesitating, she picked up her phone to call her mom. It was evening, and Mrs. Laura was still sitting in the living room when her phone started ringing.

"Who’s calling at this time?" Mrs. Laura murmured, picking up her phone. Her expression softened when she saw it was Susan. She quickly answered the call.

"Hello?" Mrs. Laura said, trying to hide her excitement.

"Hello, Mommy!" Susan replied, her voice full of excitement.

"My daughter! How are you doing? I hope you’re fine. Your father and I have been worried since you left. We’ve tried several times to reach you, but with no success," Mrs. Laura said, a mix of worry and relief in her tone.

"I know, Mom. I’m sorry I didn’t call sooner. I was upset with you both, but not anymore," Susan said.

"Thank you, my daughter. You don’t have to thank me. It’s okay," Mrs. Laura said with a smile. "But that’s not the main reason you called, is it?"

"Actually, no," Susan said. Mrs. Laura’s heart began to race as she waited to hear what her daughter had to say next.

"I’m bringing a man home very soon to introduce him to you. He’s my husband-to-be," Susan finally said, her voice brimming with joy.

Mrs. Laura was stunned into silence for a moment. "Your husband-to-be?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement. "Your father must hear this! When are you bringing him home so I can prepare properly?"

"In two weeks' time," Susan replied.

"Two weeks? That’s too far!" Mrs. Laura said, laughing lightly. "But I’ll be patient. I can’t wait to meet my future son-in-law."

After they said their goodbyes and hung up, Mrs. Laura sat back, her heart filled with happiness. She couldn’t wait for the day to come.

As for Susan, she was on cloud nine. She knelt down, whispering, "Thank you, Lord. You love me so much." She prayed, thanking God for all His blessings and promising to serve Him faithfully for the rest of her life. After pouring out her heart in prayer, she felt a sense of peace and whispered, "What my God cannot do does not exist."

Later that night, Susan decided to visit her best friend, Deborah, to share her happiness. Deborah had always been there for her, and Susan couldn’t wait to tell her the news.

When she arrived at Deborah’s house, she knocked on the door. "Come in! The door is open," Deborah called from inside.

Susan entered the room, practically bouncing with excitement. "Deborah! I have the best news ever!" she exclaimed, rushing toward her friend for a hug.

Deborah smiled at her, but Susan quickly noticed that something seemed off. Deborah wasn’t her usual cheerful self.

"What’s wrong?" Susan asked, sitting down beside her. "You don’t seem like yourself today. Is something bothering you?"

Deborah sighed deeply. "It’s nothing serious."

"Nothing serious?" Susan raised her eyebrow. "Come on, I know you better than that. You can tell me."

After a long pause, Deborah finally opened up. "It’s just that... well, you’ve found someone, and I’m really happy for you, but it just makes me realize how much I want that too. I want to meet someone who I can love for the rest of my life, just like you."

Susan felt a pang of guilt. She hadn’t considered how her news might make Deborah feel. "Deborah, don’t worry about it. Your time will come, I promise. Even though Kevin hasn’t told me how he feels yet, I have a strong feeling that we’re meant for each other."

"You really think so?" Deborah asked, a hint of hope in her voice.

"Yes! I’ve seen the way he looks at you during lectures. I noticed it weeks ago, but I didn’t say anything until now. Trust me, he likes you," Susan said confidently.

Deborah smiled slightly. "Maybe you’re right. I just wish he’d hurry up and say something already."

"Don’t worry, it will happen when the time is right," Susan reassured her. "You just have to be patient."

Deborah chuckled. "Well, I think I like Jeff, but I never noticed how he acted around me until you mentioned it."

"So, what do you think we should do?" Deborah asked.

"Who’s ‘we’? It’s you that needs to figure this out," Susan teased.

Deborah laughed. "Alright, alright. I’ll be patient."

"It’s my turn to fix things for you," Susan said, grinning.

"Oh, look at you, acting like you can fix everything," Deborah teased, and they both burst into laughter.

"So, have you told your parents about your husband-to-be?" Deborah asked, switching the conversation back.

"Yes, I told my mom, and she was very happy. She even asked when I’m bringing him home to meet them," Susan said.

"Are you serious?" Deborah asked, eyes wide with excitement.

"Yes! We’ve got to start planning for my visit home," Susan said.

"That’s true, but you know I’m not coming with you," Deborah replied.

"My goodness, I thought you were going to come with us!" Susan said in mock surprise.

"No, I’ll stay behind, and you’ll make sure everything works out before coming back," Deborah said, laughing.

"I will miss you," Susan said, fanning her face playfully.

"I’ll miss you too, but make sure everything works out between you two before you come back," Deborah said, and the two friends burst into laughter again.