Chapter 3 ✨ The Proposal ✨

Monday Morning

It was the kind of day when everyone rushed to get back to their busy lives after the weekend break.

It was no different in Mr. Raymond's home. Neither he nor his daughter had gone back to sleep after the early morning prayers.

She was getting ready to visit her bakery to begin interviews for the new applicants, while Mr. Raymond was preparing for a long-awaited meeting with the man he called his life-saver.

At exactly seven o'clock, there was a knock at her door.

She zipped up her laptop bag quickly and hurried to the door as the knocking persisted. When she opened it, her father stood there.

She blinked in surprise.

"Dad? Is everything alright?" she asked.

He gave her a playful glare.

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"I just didn't expect to see you all dressed up this early."

"And how exactly should I look? Anyway, I'm off," he said, turning to leave.

She quickly grabbed his arm. "Please wait, let's go together. I'm ready, I just need to grab my laptop."

"Make it quick," he muttered, glancing at his wristwatch.

She dashed back inside and returned moments later. They walked downstairs together, and only then did she get the chance to greet him properly. He responded shortly - clearly, his mind was elsewhere.

When she made a move toward the dining room, he stopped her.

"Where are you going?"

"Breakfast. I thought we could eat together."

He clicked his tongue and turned away.

"In that case, bye. See you later."

She hurried after him, trying to convince him to stay for a few bites, but he didn't even respond.

She knew this side of her father too well. When something was weighing on his mind, he couldn't eat - and he always clicked his tongue when upset, like he was trying to spit out the frustration.

She walked him to his car. As he sat inside, she leaned into the window.

"Dad, I really hope today goes well. But please, try to eat something - even just a little."

"Amen. By the will of God," he said softly, starting the engine.

She stepped back and watched him drive off. Once he was out of sight, she sighed deeply, then entered her own car and pulled out of the driveway.

⸻

A.A. INTERNATIONAL ENTERPRISES

He sighed for what felt like the hundredth time, staring at his wristwatch.

"Are you sure he told me to come today, Helen? This is starting to feel like an insult. I've been here since 7:30 and it's already 9:30!"

"Please be patient, sir," Helen replied nervously. "Honestly, I don't know why he hasn't shown up yet. He's never late - he's not the kind of man who runs on 'African time.'"

"This is ridiculous," he muttered. "You should call him. People keep walking past and staring at me like I don't belong here."

"Me? Call him? I'm not looking to get fired," she replied. "Just please be patient. If you can wait days, you can wait a few hours."

He opened his mouth to argue - but suddenly stopped when the office door opened.

He quickly straightened in his seat and composed himself.

As usual, the boss walked in with a stern expression, not even acknowledging Helen's greeting - or the man who had been waiting.

He walked right past them, followed by four men. One was carrying his suitcase while the rest were empty-handed.

When they had disappeared inside, the guest turned to Helen.

"So... do I go in now?"

Helen shot him a sharp look, unintentionally.

"Wow, sir. No hello? No manners?"

Just then, three of the men exited - except for the one who clearly wasn't a bodyguard based on his appearance.

Helen gathered some documents and said, "Five minutes, sir."

He nodded and watched her disappear. With a quiet sigh, he whispered a prayer under his breath, hoping for success.

⸻

Ten minutes later, Helen returned carrying a few files.

He followed her with his eyes until she placed them on her desk. She turned to him and said, "Sir, you can go in now."

His heart skipped. He didn't know why he felt this nervous - but he had felt it since he woke up.

Slowly, he stood up and walked toward the door.

He knocked twice, and a voice inside invited him in.

Carefully, he opened the door, trying to summon every ounce of courage he had.

He greeted them, and only one of the men responded. The boss didn't even look up.

"Please, have a seat," the other man said, gesturing toward the chair facing them.

He sat down and offered his hand to the welcoming man, who shook it politely. Then he turned to the boss, extending his hand for a handshake...

⸻

Meanwhile, Jasmine's day at the bakery had started with more intensity than she had expected.

She had rolled up her sleeves - literally - and dove into the task of evaluating the new hires and assigning them to their respective departments.

Anyone observing her would be impressed by her leadership and charm. She was confident, efficient, and approachable, winning the hearts of the new staff instantly.

She moved around the bakery personally, checking in on every section. You'd never guess she was the owner - especially with flour dusting her apron and smudged on her cheek.

From the outside, she looked like any hardworking staff member.

And yet, under her guidance, everything was running smoothly.

But even amid the bustle and focus of her morning, a thought kept pulling at her - something she couldn't shake:

What exactly had changed her father's mood so suddenly?