Chapter 4 Indecent proposal

Xander's mother recovered from the shock and shot him a warning look "don't say that, Alex!"

"Who's dying?" His sister, Denise walked in, "I heard Alex was home? She gave a little shrug when her Mom shot a correcting glare her way.

"I'm not dying," Frank replied, "I added you marrying the young lady in a contract because I want you settled before you're 30 and I didn't do it because I'm dying or sick, I'm very healthy" he explained carefully.

"Oh, I think that's a good thing, Alex" his Mom, Bertha tried explaining.

"You agree with him dragging me into a scam?" He huffed.

"It's not such a bad thing, Alex. At least, you'll quit your womanizing" his sister snickered.

"Cut it off, Denise. We're talking about my life here, not a story in a sleazy tabloid!" Alexander was beyond upset at his Father's decision, he was even more annoyed that his mind had nudged him about it throughout the flight and he couldn't believe it. He just took a flight to confirm what he already guessed was true.

"Why don't we talk about this in my office" his Father suggested and he only stood up and lead the way to his Father's study.

He couldn't understand why his Father thought he could make such a decision about his life, he wouldn't let him.

His Father sat comfortably in his chair And Alexander just poured himself a glass of rum, if he wanted to get through the discussion he was to have with his Father, he needed a strong strength booster. "Are you calm now?" His Father inquired when he took a sip of his beverage and nodded for him to proceed "I taught you to always be calm and collected even in difficult situations, Alexander"

Alexander scoffed "This is a marriage we're talking about here, not a heated meeting or business settling. I know how to be calm, but during an absurd situation like this, I'm sorry, but I can't be calm"

"If you do this you'll be settled in all aspects of life" his Father explained and he downed what was left of the rum in the cup and placed it on the table in a not so calm manner.

He didn't like the way his Father hadled things that didn't benefit others, he has always prayed not to be on the other side of a business deal with him because his Father was as cunning and calculative as a lion, waited till the right chance to pounce on his prey, and right now he was his Father's prey and he just knew he'll say something so tempting to make him accept. He was grateful for the lot he had learnt from his Father, but even he wasn't that big of a lion as he was. "I'm settled, Dad. I'm rich! I have estates, company's, night clubs, multiple ships and private jets, I have accumulated a lot of riches, Dad. To me, I'm as set as I ever could be, I'm good! And I don't need a wife, to be set in life" he spat out in distate and his Dad just chuckled and brought out a folder from his drawer.

"Do you want to get half of your inheritance?" He knew just exactly what he had to do to get his son to comply.

Alexander was taken aback, he knew he was rich, but his Father was a god compared to him. He is one of the men topping the charts as the richest in the world. He composed himself and replied "What do you mean?" He asked trying to find out if his Father was being serious.

"If you marry Penelope Burton, I promise you half of your inheritance and the other half when you have your first child and of course, as my first son you would be getting quite a lot when I die," he smirked, "so, are you in or out, Alexander"

"I don't want it" Alexander shook his head and took a sit before his Father.

Frank leaned back into his chair. "I thought we were past the arguing stage, Alexander," he inquired "or isn't my offer tempting enough?" Alexander thought for a bit, marrying Penelope couldn't be that bad, he should get to see her before he judged, she could be feisty deep down.

Alexander sighed, "let's say I were to accept, what would you gain from all of this?" He asked edging forward in his seat.

"nothing," his Father replied, "I'll gain nothing but your happiness, I didn't have the privilege you now have and it'll be very pleasing to see you supersede me" he added "now that the sentimental show is over," he straightened up "I'll like to say that you accepting was a very good choice you've made, the documents would be here till you get married" he tapped the folder and stood up.

"I didn't agree to your proposal, Dad" Alexander protested and his Father looked back before he opened the door.

"I know you have" he gave a sneaky smirk before leaving, his dark green eyes gleaned with certain mischievousness.

Alexander sighed exasperatedly into the chair, he was going to go back to Vancouver first thing Monday morning to settle a pending business meeting and take some thought into him actually getting married.

***

It was a warm Monday afternoon and the Burton household was in slow but gradual preparation for the wedding to come and the bride to be was anything but ecstatic about it. She went to the maze garden to get away from the shenanigans and couldn't have felt more happier that she did, the aura of the nature she was surrounded in calmed her.

She was taking a stroll and took a turn where she came across a mysterious figure that startled her. The corner was dark and shady and she got really scared, she hated going into the maze because she always got lost but still did to get away from everyone and this time she didn't have a flare gun, the stranger inched forward to her and she screamed. In the shuffle to get away and run into safety, she tripped on a rock and hit her head as she fell, allowing her to pass out almost immediately.

She was brought back in to the house by said stranger and by the time she woke up he was standing over her with a sly smile. She confirmed by her surroundings that she hadn't been kidnapped and tried sitting up holding her head. "What..." She muttered swallowing saliva down her very dry throat and rasped out again "what are you doing here?" she shot the suspicious fellow a glare.