Chapter 9 He is the man

CHAPTER NINE

Grace immediately cleaned her face with the back of her hand as she heard a knock on the door.

Who's there? Charlotte quickly ran towards the door to check who it was.

Dad? Why are you so early from work today? Charlotte asked surprisingly.

Mum, it's Dad, Charlotte said with excitement

Alfred, you're welcome. You returned early today,is there any problem? Grace asked

Don't tell me you've not always wished I was around all day for you, hahaha! Alfred laughed as he dropped his handheld items on the table.

Of course, I've always wished you were around to always keep my company but it's unusual, Grace joked.

Well, there's no problem. There's an event going on very near our workplace and they would need some of the rooms. So,we had to just close early and we already did a lot of work today,we have money to spend at least. Alfred explained.

Okay dad,but where's Amelia? Charlotte suddenly noticed Amelia wasn't with Alfred when he arrived.

Oh Amelia? I sent her to go to the nearby store and get some food for us to eat,Alfred said

Charlotte was very excited that at least she would have something very good to eat today. She jumped from where was sitting and was almost flying.

Dad,I have something to tell you, Charlotte said.

Oh and what's that? Alfred asked, turning to face Charlotte.

So today, while I was attending to buyers at work, someone approached me and complimented my look. He said I am beautiful and that my smile is charming and attractive, Charlotte said, blushing like a kid who just saw money.

Wow! Oh my God! I've always said it,my daughters are very beautiful. They took after me,Alfred teased.

You must be a joker, Alfred. They took after you,huh? With your bald head? Hahaha!,did you see any of them with receding hairline? Grace mocked, pointing at Alfred head.

That's not true,the beauty is from me and the hairline trait is from you. That's all, Alfred said.

Hahaha!, really? Suit yourself then. They know who they took after. Grace laughed.

Dad, that's not all. He has a car and he brought me home with it. Dad,you need to see how excited I was in his car,the dashboard and everything in the car are so beautiful. Good life id good,Dad. I wish to have one too, Charlotte said.

And who is he? Alfred asked, raising one of his eyebrows on anticipation.

I'm not gonna tell you that, Dad. Guess, Charlotte said, looking childish and dramatic.

Guess,huh? How do you expect me to guess it right? I'm not a wizard,you know. So,tell me who he is, Alfred said.

Dad, you're just bad in guessing. Do you participate on quizzes at all? Charlotte teased.

Your mum knows his husband is a very intelligent and brilliant man ,she can't dare to flatter me like that,Alfred said,raising his shoulders in pride.

Well,it was one of Oliver Astor's sons, Charlotte said as she blushed.

Oh my God! The son of the richest man in the city admires my daughter. Is this the time we've been waiting for? Alfred said, kneeling down with his face up to the ceiling and his two hands up like he was speaking directly to God.

Dad,don't be to forward, there's a problem, Charlotte as her expression changed suddenly.

Problem? What's the problem, Charlotte? Alfred asked.

It's Harry, Dad. I don't want him but Charles has been the one my heart beats for, Charlotte explained, playing with her fingers with shyness.

Charles? Charlotte,do you understand what you are saying? Isn't it Charles that embarrassed you at work? Isn't he the one who cursed and mocked us? I'm lost, Alfred said, confusingly.

Dad,I know he gave a very bad impression that day but Charles just redeemed himself and convinced me, he is a good man. Dad, Charles is a good man, Charlotte said.

Charles,a good man? To hell with him and his goodness. Didn't you sit and think he actually had to put on that deceptive attitude to cover up his recent bad deeds so he could get you? Alfred said

Look,this is a game he's trying to play on you. If the hard way doesn't work,the other way would do and that's what that bastard is trying to do and you're falling already into the trap.

Charlotte, wake up! Alfred screamed like he was hit with something.

While they were busy exchanging words, Amelia was already at the doorstep, eavesdropping. Grace,on the other hand too was enjoying the scene as Alfred is walking on the path she just laid Charlotte on.

Knock!..

Who's there? Grace said

Mum, it's me, Amelia replied.

And when did you start asking for permission before coming into your father's house? Are you now a stranger? Come on,come in! Grace commanded.

I was only trying to crack you guys, Amelia said, laughing

Dad,these are what you sent me and I even got them for lesser prices, Amelia explained.

Amelia, hold on and let me deal with this thing first.

Charlotte,you can't marry Charles,you can't even fall in love with him. It's a no for me,Alfred said again.

Ahem,did I not tell you? Grace said, trying to mock Charlotte.

Mum,is this it?

Huh,is it?. If he hadn't been here earlier,you would have just kicked the bucket and your husband right here won't be hear listening to me neither will you have heard my heart. You really forgot the good so fast,huh? Charlotte said.

Listen Charlotte,this is not the time you have to judge because of the good times you've had with someone or the good the person has done,even the devil can give you an hand and still kick your ass afterwards. I'm not an ingrate here and I'll surely return the favour when the time comes but this right here can't blindfold me from choosing the right thing for my daughter,don't you understand it? Grace explained, yelling.

Mum, Dad but.... Charlotte tried to talk again but Alfred stopped her

Shut up! We are your parents,Charlotte. We know very much better than you do and you have to listen us,okay? Alfred said in a commanding tone.

Do we even have to drag this with her when we can finalize it by ourselves? Don't you think it's now an opportunity to grant Oliver his offer?

He asked our daughter to be betrothed to one of his sons and it's fortunate they already ran into each other. That's a good news, isn't it? Grace said as she faced Alfred.

Oh that's true and I'm leaving now to Oliver's place. You all should enjoy yourselves and eat. I'll eat when I'm back. And don't forget, anticipate the good news, Alfred said as he walked towards the door and left.

Charlotte was so devastated and unhappy because things are seeming to go not in her way,she went away from the parlour to her room where she started to cry heavily.

...

Knock! Knock!!