Sunlight painted Michael's luxurious room warm as he stirred awake. Blinking his eyes, he glanced at the clock and realised it was almost nine o'clock, and nobody had woken him up. He quickly slipped on his shirt and pressed the button on the nightstand, summoning a servant.
'Prepare the bathroom for me,' Michael ordered.
'I'm sorry, Sir Michael, but your father wants you to relax today. He says you should meet him at the garden for breakfast,' the servant replied.
'Are you stupid? Prepare the bathroom for me first,' Michael snapped.
The servant looked at Michael with fear in his eyes. 'Sir Michael, your father wants you at the garden.'
Michael stood up, his voice turning cold. 'So, are you saying that I should fire you?'
The servant trembled and shook his head. 'I don't want you to keep your father waiting, Sir Michael,' he replied nervously.
Patricia entered the room, interjecting, 'Simon, why don't you go ahead with your duties? I need to talk to Michael.' She gently placed the sheets she was carrying on the bed.
'Okay, Madam,' Simon nodded and left the room.
'Son, what has gotten into you? Your father wants to have breakfast with you at the garden. It's no big deal, right?' Patricia looked at Michael. 'Besides, today is Saturday.'
'But I need to bath first, right? You know I'm a germaphobe,' Michael replied.
Patricia smiled. 'Son, I know you like to be clean...'
'So, I'm going to take my bath first before heading to the garden,' Michael interrupted, leaving his room before Patricia could say more.
Sighing, Patricia also left the room.
After bathing and changing into a casual white suit, Michael made his way to the garden. In the garden, his father awaited, a book in hand. The morning air carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the birdsong created a peaceful melody.
'Dad?' Michael called out.
'There you are,' his father greeted, setting aside the book. 'Did you have a good night's sleep?'
'It's obvious, isn't it?' Michael replied.
'That's why I asked no one to wake you. Today is Saturday, and I was hoping to enjoy the day with my son.' He gestured to the empty seat opposite him. 'Do you mind having breakfast with me?' Edward asked.
'No need to be polite,' Michael retorted, his voice laced with defiance. 'I am your son, after all. Breakfast together isn't exactly a novelty.' He pulled out a chair and sat down quietly, but even though everything looked nice and calm, he could feel a hidden argument coming. He knew his father hadn't invited him to relax over today's breakfast without a reason. There was something his father wanted to talk about, and Michael braced himself for a fight.
Edward nodded with a smile. The breakfast spread looked delicious as always.
The Njemanze Villa looked really fancy and impressive. It stood tall against the bright blue sky. Big green trees surrounded it, swaying gently in the breeze. In front of the villa, there were neat, green lawns. They were taken care of really well.
There were paths going all through the garden. You could explore them and see where they led. The paths had smooth stones on them, blending in with the colourful flowers around. There were flowers of all colours, making the place lively and smelling nice.
In the middle of the garden, there was a big fountain. It was grand and caught everyone's attention. Water flowed down from it gracefully, shining in the sunlight. Around the fountain, the grass was cut neatly, and there were white lilies growing.
On one side, there was a calm pond. It looked shiny and reflected everything around it. There were white ducks swimming and playing in it, making the scene even more lively and peaceful.
Looking at the Njemanze Villa, you couldn't help but feel like you were in a fairy tale. Everything was so beautiful and inviting, making you want to stay and enjoy its charm.
'Michael?' someone called, and he turned his head to see his cousin Audrey approaching, dressed in a wine-red dress with beautiful patterns on the chest. Her long hair fell gracefully on her back. She was accompanied by Celine and Felix.
Felix's smile bloomed like a sunflower as they neared. 'We came to join you for breakfast,'
'Is that so? Then you're very much welcome to join us,' Michael replied, feigning surprise despite having invited them.
'That will be grand. We're family, after all,' Edward added with a smile, seeing through Michael's intentions. 'Why don't I invite your parents to join us for breakfast? That way, we'll have a complete family,' he glanced at Felix.
Before Felix could voice any objections, Edward's booming voice was already on the phone, extending an invitation to his brother Nicholas and his wife, Isabelle, to join them.
'Well, Michael,' Edward chuckled, his amusement tinged with an edge, 'this wasn't the father-son breakfast I envisioned. But now that everyone's here, wouldn't you say a family breakfast is even better?'
Michael stayed silent, his mind filled with apprehension. He had invited Felix and his siblings over to prevent his father from bringing up the issue of Jessica. Hoping to deflect the inevitable discussion, he had invited his cousins, but the undercurrent of something unspoken hung heavy in the air. Now, with his uncle and aunt joining, Michael knew this was no ordinary family gathering. It was a carefully orchestrated event, and the weight of it settled on his shoulders like a leaden cloak. Somehow, he felt that calling Felix and his siblings over for breakfast made him fall into his father's trap.
He met his father's gaze, feeling a spark of defiance igniting within him. This unexpected turn, while unsettling, could be the perfect opportunity for him anyway. Taking a deep breath, he straightened his spine, ready to face whatever his father had planned. He believed that this gathering, although not a mere casual family breakfast as he had anticipated, was the best time for him to make his stance about Jessica clear once and for all.
A few minutes later, Nicholas arrived, impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit, shoes gleaming like polished obsidian. Isabelle trailed behind, a vision in a cerulean dress and matching heels. Her jet-black hair, styled in cascading waves, framed her face like a polished ebony frame.
Finally, Patricia entered the garden, her arrival announced by the soft swish of her white Chanel dress against the manicured lawn. Sunlight danced on the delicate fabric, highlighting its intricate embroidery.
Everyone settled around the table, adorned with a feast fit for royalty. What started as a simple breakfast had morphed into a grand affair. Michael's eyes met Felix's across the table, both lost in their own thoughts, the unspoken tension crackling between them like static electricity.
A hush fell over the gathering as Edward cleared his throat. 'Now that we're all here,' he began, his voice heavy with meaning, 'I think it's time to ask some questions...' His gaze fixed on Michael and Felix, the weight of his words carrying the promise of a storm brewing on the horizon.
Isabelle's voice, chirpy and innocent, shattered the tense silence. 'Is Michael marrying Jessica?' Her smile remained wide, her eyes reflecting genuine curiosity.
Michael's jaw clenched, a muscle ticking furiously against his cheek. He forced a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. Anger brewed inside him like a volcano on the verge of eruption.
Edward's gaze, heavy with disappointment, swept towards Michael. 'Son,' his voice rumbled, 'why the hesitation with Jessica?'
Michael remained silent, his thoughts racing.
'Son,' Edward continued, his voice laced with disdain, 'rumours whisper of a proposal to a woman... beneath our standards.'
Michael straightened, his voice firm. 'True.' The word resonated in the stillness, defying and proud.
'And you believe happiness lies with her?' Edward pressed, his tone laced with doubt.
'She's the missing piece of my soul,' Michael countered, conviction etched in his voice. 'With her, happiness won't be a question, but a certainty.'
Edward's smile was cold, his eyes narrowed. 'And what if, because of you, her life crumbles?' Edward's words held a hidden meaning, causing Michael to shoot him a cold glance.
'Then, I will destroy the world,' Michael responded icily. The threat hung heavy in the air, a challenge and a promise.
Felix's lips curled into a proud smile, showing his support for his cousin. Patricia observed Michael expressionlessly, but he refused to meet her gaze.
'As far as I know, this family has built a century's worth of reputation.' Edward's voice softened, yet the weight of his words remained. 'Don't let a fleeting fancy tarnish it. You've made me proud, son. Don't throw that away.'
Nicholas sighed, his voice laced with sadness. 'Edward, let the boy breathe. Michael is kind, and wisdom will guide him back to Jessica, eventually.' He glanced at Michael, his eyes filled with hope, but Michael couldn't help but feel hurt by his words.
'Jessica will never be my bride,' Michael declared, his voice cold and resolute. 'I will marry that lowly girl from the slums, and nobody, I mean nobody, will stop me,' Michael stated coldly.
'You mean to go against us?' Patricia spoke up.
'If I need to, then I will,' Michael declared defiantly.
Nicholas's expression softened. 'Love is free to bloom, but remember, Michael, a worthy partner reflects well on the family name.'
'Uncle Nicholas, this woman has everything my soul desires,' Michael retorted. 'You don't need to lecture me, nor should you lecture your children. Everyone has the right to choose whom to marry,' Michael asserted.
'We still have the right to reject those we don't like for our children,' Isabelle smiled sweetly.
Michael's jaw clenched. 'Aunt Isabelle, judging before knowing isn't fair,' he replied calmly.
'I'm not judging you. But I still need you to consider your family. Marriage is a family affair, not a personal affair,' Isabelle said gently.
'But I am the only one to marry my wife, not the family,' Michael emphasised firmly.
'My point is, you should bring the girl home first. Your parents should get to know her,' Isabelle said gently.
Patricia, cold, spoke. 'No need to know her. Won't like her anyway.'
'Then be sure to hate me too, Mum,' Michael stood up abruptly and left, his anger evident.
After Michael stormed off, Felix turned to Edward. 'Uncle, why did you have to ruin such a lovely breakfast? You know how much Michael despises being forced into a marriage he doesn't want. He is a man and has the right to choose his own partner. I don't know who the girl he loves is, but I know he won't settle for anything that will ruin his life,' Felix expressed his displeasure.
Nicholas sighed, swirling his glass of juice as he answered in lieu of Edward. 'Love without money is just a dream, Felix,' he said cynically.
Felix scoffed. 'Old folks say that, Dad. Our generation knows love conquers all,' he argued, taking a sip of his juice.
Nicholas chuckled humourlessly. 'Love conquers all,' he countered, 'as long as it includes a bank account. But if you and your girl can be poor without asking us, then fine.'
Felix met his gaze, jaw set. 'We won't,' he stated firmly.
Nicholas narrowed his eyes. 'Don't tell me you have a poor girl too, Felix?' he questioned suspiciously.
Felix didn't reply. Instead, he swiftly grabbed his jacket and excused himself from the gathering.