Chapter 3 MEETING HIS DAD

They got to Mr Williams's house. Maureen took a glance at his big mansion. "No wonder he is called a billionaire for a reason. This mansion is so big. Damn!".

Michael glowered at her. "Come on in. Stop staring like those middle-class people. Haven't you seen a mansion before?".

He instructed one of the maids to tell him about their arrival.

Mr Williams who had been in his room listening to Good Vibrations by the Beach Boys got interrupted by the maid. "Sir, your son is here and he came with a guest".

"Oh yes! I was expecting them". He said, following her to the sitting room. He sat on his favorite couch. Nobody dares to sit on it. He enjoyed how soft and relaxing the couch was.

"You must be Maureen, I have heard a lot about you". He smiled.

"Yes, I am sir. It's my pleasure meeting you".

"Don't call me sir, call me dad. Besides, you will be getting married to my son, so stop sirs". He smiled. Then continued, "My son hasn't brought any woman to this house or showed me any. You must be so special for him to bring you here and choose you as his wife".

Michael interrupted him. "Dad, of course, she is special. You see Dad, she has always been with me through my rough days and never left my side. I love her so much". He said, holding her hands and looking at her.

Maureen couldn't understand why he was putting on an act but decided to play along, but his dad isn't as arrogant as he is, where did he get his attitude from?

"Yes sir. We have come this far. It hasn't been easy, but here we are". I smiled.

"I just remembered my darling wife. I pray she is at peace wherever she is. I wished she was alive to see this". He paused, then continued. "Love is a beautiful thing and can be so complicated sometimes. Learn to communicate with one another. Try not to let arguments turn into screaming matches. Stay open-minded about your sex life. Don't be afraid to do your own thing and let your partners do theirs, learn to forgive, live modestly, and lastly, carve out time for just the two of you". He said, calmly.

Maureen felt guilty. If only he knew that we were not into each other. She became emotional and had to excuse herself, Michael followed her.

"I can't do this, Michael. I feel guilty after everything your dad said. He doesn't deserve to be treated this way. What if he finds out that we were not what we claimed we were".

"He can't find out if you shut up and play your part well. You can't do what? Do you know I can easily contact those bankers and lay false accusations about you? I can lure them with my money and they would believe me. Do you want everything you and your parents had worked hard for to go down the drain? Dare me". He threatened.

Maureen knew how influential he was and wouldn't dare to cross his part. "Fine, I have heard you. Let's go to the sitting room before your dad gets suspicious".

"Oh! Here they are. The latest couple in town". He said, introducing them to the event planners he had invited.

"Dad, who are they?". He asked, holding Maureen's hand.

"Event planners. We have a wedding to plan. So, Maureen my dear, these people will do an excellent job on your wedding. You don't have to stress yourself. Relax like a queen that you are while they do their job, okay?".

I nodded in agreement without saying a word. The news about my wedding spread like wildfire. My phone had started buzzing with different notifications. "Why do I feel so uncomfortable? Am I making the right decision?". I said, looking at the mirror in front of me. My heart skipped immediately, my phone rang, it was Melissa.

"Melissa, how are you doing?". I said, feebly.

"Is the news true? Maureen, what were you thinking? What about John. You didn't think about how he would feel when he found out about this. Since when did you become self-centered? Answer me, Maureen!". She screamed.

"I don't love him anymore". I lied.

"Since when? You have always loved him. You and I know that you are not being sincere. You are hiding something from me".

"We can't be together and that's it". I said, hanging up the call. My heart became heavy. I thought I was prepared for the outcome, but I guess I wasn't. I decided to go for a walk when I heard my name.

"Maureen, Maureen!". John called, running towards her. "Maureen, what happened? Why did you do this? I know you have a lot in your head, that's why you are not thinking straight. But it's not too late. I can pretend like it never happened. Please! I should be the one you are getting married to, not him. You don't love him". He said, tearfully.

"You want to marry me, but what do you have, huh? Nothing John! I have to save my company. I can't let whatever we had jeopardize what I have worked hard for. It's too late, John". I said, acting tough.

"Oh! I knew it. It's all about the company. You did this to save your company. Please, give us another chance, so I can prove to you that I can be helpful to you. Please, Maureen". He said, holding her hands.

"There is no us, John. Move on. I'm sure with time, you will heal. I have to leave now. Act like we have never met". I said, looking at Michael who had been watching us.

"No! You can't do this to me. Maureen!". He screamed, running after me.

I couldn't hold back the tears anymore. I ran into Michael's car that was parked and he drove off.