CHAPTER 24: THE CHOICE
1143 Words
The next day passed far too quickly.
By six o'clock, Kelvin stood alone in his office overlooking Noctis.
On his desk were two things.
A file containing documents for the Lawson Holdings board meeting.
And Mackenzie's handwritten invitation to dinner.
Damien entered quietly.
"The board members have arrived."
Kelvin nodded.
"What time is it?"
"Six forty-five."
The meeting would begin in fifteen minutes.
The family dinner in twenty.
Damien studied his expression.
"You've already made your decision, haven't you?"
Kelvin looked down at the invitation.
"Yes."
---
Across town...
The Giovanni household buzzed with excitement.
The dining table was covered with delicious food.
Mackenzie's mother adjusted the floral centerpiece for the third time.
"Mama."
"It's already perfect."
"I know."
Her mother smiled nervously.
"But your father keeps pacing."
Her father immediately protested.
"I am not pacing."
"You've walked through this room twelve times."
Mackenzie laughed.
"You two are unbelievable."
Her father grinned.
"So?"
"Is he coming?"
She hesitated.
"I don't know."
The smile on her father's face softened.
"If he can't make it, that's alright."
"I know."
But deep down...
She hoped he would.
---
At exactly seven o'clock...
The board meeting began.
Every executive seat was occupied.
The investors exchanged curious glances.
The chairman cleared his throat.
"Where is Mr. Lawson?"
No one answered.
---
Meanwhile...
A black luxury car pulled into a quiet residential neighborhood.
Kelvin stepped out.
He adjusted his tie and looked at the modest family home before him.
For a moment...
The feared mafia boss looked strangely nervous.
Damien couldn't hide his amusement.
"You've faced armed enemies without blinking."
Kelvin shot him a look.
"This is different."
Damien laughed.
"Good luck, Boss."
---
Inside the Giovanni home...
The doorbell rang.
Everyone froze.
Mackenzie's heart immediately began racing.
Her father smiled.
"I'll get it."
He opened the door.
And found Kelvin standing outside holding a bouquet of flowers.
For several seconds...
Neither man spoke.
Then Kelvin extended the flowers politely.
"Good evening, sir."
"I'm Kelvin Lawson."
Mackenzie's father looked at him.
Then at the flowers.
Then back at him.
Finally...
A wide grin spread across his face.
"Well."
"You already have better manners than most young men."
Kelvin actually smiled.
The tension instantly disappeared.
---
A few minutes later...
Everyone gathered around the dining table.
Mackenzie could hardly believe what she was seeing.
The powerful Kelvin Lawson was sitting beside her father discussing football.
And somehow...
He was losing the argument.
"No."
Her father shook his head.
"That team hasn't played proper football in years."
Kelvin laughed.
"I'll pretend I didn't hear that."
Mackenzie nearly choked on her drink.
She had never seen him laugh this much.
Not once.
---
Her mother observed everything quietly.
Eventually, she smiled.
"So, Kelvin."
The table immediately fell silent.
Mackenzie wanted to disappear.
"Mom..."
"What?"
Her mother looked innocent.
"I'm simply asking a question."
She turned back to Kelvin.
"How serious are your intentions toward my daughter?"
Mackenzie closed her eyes.
"Oh, no."
---
Across town...
The Lawson Holdings boardroom was descending into chaos.
Several investors were furious.
"Where is Lawson?"
"This meeting is important."
One investor slammed a hand against the table.
"This is unacceptable."
Then...
The boardroom doors opened.
Every head turned.
Damien walked inside.
The room immediately became silent.
He placed a folder on the table.
"Mr. Lawson asked me to represent him."
One executive frowned.
"Why?"
Damien smiled politely.
"Because for the first time in many years..."
"...he had something more important to attend."
---
Back at the Giovanni residence...
Kelvin considered Mackenzie's mother's question carefully.
Then he answered honestly.
"I respect your daughter."
"I admire her."
"And..."
He glanced briefly at Mackenzie.
"...I care about her very much."
The room became completely silent.
Mackenzie's heart skipped.
Her parents exchanged a look.
One of those mysterious parent looks.
The kind children never understand.
Finally...
Her father smiled.
"I like him."
Mackenzie nearly dropped her fork.
"Dad!"
"What?"
He laughed.
"I'm being honest."
Everyone burst into laughter.
Even Kelvin.
---
Later that evening...
As dinner came to an end, Kelvin helped clear the table despite repeated protests from Mackenzie's mother.
"You don't have to do that."
"I know."
"But I want to."
Her mother watched him thoughtfully.
Very few people saw the real Kelvin Lawson.
Tonight...
She believed she had.
---
Outside the house...
Kelvin and Mackenzie stood beneath the stars.
The evening air was cool, carrying the faint scent of blooming jasmine from the garden.
"Thank you for coming," Mackenzie said softly.
Kelvin smiled.
"I wouldn't have missed it."
She looked at him.
"You skipped the board meeting."
"Yes."
"Why?"
Kelvin met her gaze, his answer coming without hesitation.
"Because some moments can't be postponed."
A gentle smile spread across her face.
"I think my parents really like you."
"I hope so."
"My father definitely does."
Kelvin chuckled.
"I noticed."
"He'll probably invite you over again."
"I wouldn't mind."
They shared a quiet laugh.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
The silence between them wasn't awkward.
It was comforting.
Mackenzie glanced toward the house where her parents were watching from the living room window, pretending not to.
"They're spying on us."
Kelvin followed her gaze and smiled.
"I believe they are."
"They're impossible."
"I think they're wonderful."
She looked back at him, warmth filling her heart.
"So do I."
As the night grew cooler, Kelvin gently removed his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
"You'll catch a cold."
"And what about you?"
"I'll be fine."
She smiled gratefully.
"Thank you."
After a few more minutes, Kelvin reluctantly checked the time.
"I should let you get some rest."
Mackenzie nodded.
"I'll see you soon?"
"You will."
She stepped closer and gave him a warm hug.
Kelvin froze for a brief second before carefully returning the embrace.
It was simple.
Brief.
But somehow, it meant more than either of them expected.
When they finally pulled apart, they exchanged one last smile.
"Good night, Kelvin."
"Good night, Mackenzie."
He waited until she safely entered the house before walking back to his car.
Damien opened the rear door.
"Enjoy your evening, Boss?"
Kelvin looked back at the warmly lit Giovanni home.
A small smile appeared on his face.
"I did."
The drive back to Lawson Manor was peaceful.
For the first time in a long while, Kelvin didn't think about rival families, business meetings, or enemies waiting in the shadows.
He thought about laughter around a dinner table.
About homemade food.
About a family that had welcomed him without fear.
As the gates of Lawson Manor opened, Damien glanced at him through the rearview mirror.
"You seem happier."
Kelvin looked out at the quiet grounds of the estate.
"I think..."
he said quietly,
"I'm finally remembering what peace feels like."
The car disappeared into the manor, bringing a quiet end to a night neither Kelvin nor Mackenzie would soon forget.
- Writer
