Chapter 5 Calhoun Confusion

The next day after nurse Jane arrived. Calhoun kissed Bella and told her he was going to visit his uncle's grave, the one who left the inheritance. She nodded and told him to be careful.

Calhoun and his mother quickly took a flight and arrived at the capital. This was the first time, the elders left their base and came to the capital. "Could something be wrong? " He thought.

Calhoun entered the meeting room with his mother. The elders were seated around a large table in the room. The first seat was empty. It was a seat belonging to the highest power, his grandfather, 'Raymond Dontonio'. He had not seen his grandfather for years and it seemed he didn't come to the meeting as well.

When he was younger, his grandfather doted on him a lot but his grandfather was also very strict. If his grandfather wasn't in seclusion, James wouldn't have been able to give up his position and join the army. His grandfather only found out after seclusion.

Calhoun addressed the elders with a bow, "My apologies for being late. I was a bit ill."

The elders looked at each other. They knew he wasn't ill but just giving unnecessary excuse. One of the elders asked, "Son, you look fine. What happened?"

Calhoun said, "Nothing serious. I caught a cold."

Another one of the elders interrupted, "What is the news regarding our proposal?"

Calhoun replied, "Well, I thought about it and I can't accept it. I'll rather let someone else become the heir than have my love life controlled."

An elder stood up and said, "You are making a big mistake. How dare you? You no longer seem to have any respect or put us in your eyes boy."

Calhoun was angry and raised his voice, "You're trying to control my love life? Are you saying you want to control my personal life? Is that why you are here today? You are disrespecting me too. Let me ask, were any of you here forced to marry your wives? Why don't you make one of your children to marry the Ling clan's daughter."

The elders remained silent.

One of the elders said, "Calhoun, you have to understand. You are part of this family so you have a part to play. We all sacrifice for this family. Besides the Ling Clan's daughter is a talented beauty, only her can match your status. Marriage in big families isn't just a matter of love. It's a win win arrangement."

Calhoun shook his head and said, "No. I refuse. I won't do it."

The elders were stunned.

Another elder said, "Calhoun, we have spent a lot of time and effort in bringing you up. Your education and training have been taken care of. You are the son of the Dontonio family. You must obey us. Don't you agree?"

Calhoun said, "I won't do it."

"How dare you defy us?" Another elder said angrily

Calhoun said, "You are my family but I still won't let you treat me this way."

The elders looked at each other. Then one of them said, "Calhoun, we have given you everything. But you still choose to live like a wild animal. Very well, you are free to leave. However, you will not be able to return. Once you step outside these doors, you will not be allowed to enter again."

Calhoun was furious. He knew he couldn't win against them. He was trapped. He had to marry the Ling clan's daughter or forfeit his position. He clenched his fists tightly and said, "Fine. I'll leave."

They were stunned by his response.

He turned to his mother and said, "Mom, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten emotional. I'm leaving."

His mother said, "Calhoun, you don't have to go. Elders, please give us sometime before you make a decision. How will you explain to the family head if he comes out? Shouldn't we get the Patriarch's opinion."

The elders agreed and told Calhoun to wait for three days. They knew they couldn't truly chase Calhoun away from the family after all, he was the Patriach's grandson. They were just threatening him and had no right to drive him out of the family.

Three days later, the elders concluded and summoned Calhoun. They informed him that they were ready to announce the engagement.

Calhoun was confused, "Did his grandfather agree to the marriage?". He knew he was in trouble. He was prepared to fight with everyone. He wasn't sure how he would handle this situation.

The elders said, "Son, you have been brought up with great love and affection. You have grown up with us and lived in luxury. But now, you are rejecting your own blood. We are willing to forgive you. Do you accept our forgiveness?"

Calhoun was dumbstruck. He didn't know what to say. They had turned everything around.

One of the elders said, "You have to think about your actions. You have to realize how important it is to maintain the Dontonio name. You are not a common man. You are a member of the Dontonio family. Our family is a noble family. You are a Dontonio. There is nothing more precious than our family's honor. If you break our trust, our entire family will be ruined. Think carefully."

Calhoun thought and said, "Yes, I understand. But i won't change my decision."

One of the elders said, "Are you sure?"

"Yes he is sure" A voice sounded from outside as a young handsome man with a clean cut walked him. He was James Dontonio who had been in the battlefield. He wasn't supposed to be home yet but he came back early because his grandfather pressured the army to kick him out so he came home to find out why. However he walked into this situation.

James said arrogantly, "My brother is free to marry whoever he likes."

The elders looked at James and then at Calhoun.

They got up and left, James presence must have made things complicated. They decided to report things to the family head. Although, they don't contact the family head directly, they could reach him through his messenger.

Calhoun thanked his brother and they hugged since they haven't seen in years. His parents also came to hug him. The only person who wasn't there was Anabelle.

"Why are you back brother?" Calhoun asked.

James frowned and replied, "That old man told them to kick me out. Gosh I'm so mad. I'm sorry to place all these troubles on you.

"Not your fault, I could have easily rejected being the heir like you but I chose it. Do you think grandfather wants this marriage.?" Calhoun said

James took out a cigarette, lit it and took a puff, "That old man is unpredictable so I don't know. Don't worry brother, I'll help you on this issue. I made a few friends with great backgrounds."

Matthew commented, "If your grandfather agreed to this, there's nothing we can do."