Mr Sean Courtney's Father sat down on a chair in a Chic restaurant,he looked around admiring the place while being cautious of the time which he constantly kept checking with his wristwatch.
Suddenly,he felt a cold breeze and behold,he sighted Oakley Hugo thumping towards him accompanied by four hefty men who appeared to be his bodyguards. He wore sun glasses making him look more attractive, just like making a grand entrance,he attracted a lot of attention mainly from the females as he bounced towards the table of Mr Sean.
"Hello Hugo"Mr Sean stood up stretching his hands forwards to introduce a handshake.
"It's Oakley Hugo to you Mr" Hugo sat down obnoxiously refusing Mr Sean's handshake.
"We're not related neither are we familiar so don't address me like that. I love people who act formal" Hugo smirked, removing his sunglasses revealing his grey eyes.
"So sorry about that Sir" Mr Sean apologised with his head almost bowed as Hugo smiled in satisfaction.
"Seems more like the traffic was horrendous, I've been waiting for almost an hour"Mr Sean said as he chuckled trying to use that medium to lighten up the mood.
"It's best you stop indirectly trying to complain and just be grateful that a meeting was finally fixed after weeks" Hugo affirmed sounding extremely cold and arrogant.
A waitress walked up to them with a tablet.
"What can I get you sir?" The waitress asked with a wide grin.
"I'd like to have...a double - decker and…..a glass of Vodka Red bull" Hugo responded, placing his orders as Mr Sean stared at him somewhat in awe,Hugo seeing this released a smirk.
" And what would you like to have sir?"The waitress asked Mr Sean who immediately became a bit nervous.
"Um....I'd have nothing but a glass of water. Thank you " he responded smiling at the waitress who nodded walking away quietly.
"Don't be such a boring old man…..have a drink….. maybe a glass of whiskey I suppose " Hugo suggested chuckling.
" I came here not to have a drink but to discuss something important which I believe you already know what it is"Mr Sean announced as Hugo rolled his eyes.
" I do not have a clue on what you're talking about Mr Sean" Hugo responded
"So why don't you introduce me to whatever you're trying to convey" Hugo said looking at Mr Sean curiously.
" Well…... .I sent a message seeking or rather,pleading for a meeting with you and I waited for weeks before receiving a response from your company...."Mr Sean said as Hugo immediately cut him off.
" Stop Skirting around and just get to the point " Hugo obnoxiously interrupted.
" Ohh yes…..sorry about that (cleared his throat as he sat up straight) I was instructed under strict rules to get my newly originated company merged or rather under a more successful company which after many relentless searches,I found none but yours which is actually very similar to mine so...." Mr Sean was interrupted once again by Hugo who let out a cacophony of laughter.
" you want your company under mine.... it's a No I thought you were actually here for a business proposal which would in turn also benefit me but I guess not. Please look for another company for I am not interested " Hugo rejected Mr Sean offer taking a stand as his bodyguards moved nigh to him. He made an attempt to leave but was stopped by Sean who went on his knees shamelessly pleading.
" The life of my family and company really depends on this. My son has Leukemia and my 22 years old daughter really needs to go to College" Mr Sean pleaded while on his knees. Hugo glared at him then he turned facing him.
"Have you no shame old man? You don't drag pity and family affairs into business related issues. Clearly, you're not in the capacity of handling your so called company so let the government do you a favour by shutting it down" Hugo affirmed as he turned taking a step forward making an attempt to match out.
" I'm ready to do anything" Mr Sean roared out as Hugo got captivated, halting his steps forward as he turned walking nigh to Mr Sean.
"Anything?" Hugo asked, smirking curiously.
" Yes, anything at all," Mr Sean replied nervously, praying for the worst not to happen.
"If that's the case…..(Hugo sat down) I'll be happy to help" Hugo affirmed with a devilish grin making Mr Sean more apprehensive.
"But what's my gain???...now let's make this interesting...I'd be glad to let your wretched company to be under mine until the government feel it can balance on its own if and only if,you hand your daughter over to me for marriage " Hugo stated leaving Mr Sean in shock as he found himself grasping for breath. That was his daughter they were talking about,how could he possibly make his daughter a ticket to the life of his company?
" There's no time for you to think Mr Sean I have more important matters to attend to and I won't want you wasting any more of my time" Hugo took a stand staring at Mr Sean as he angstly awaited his response.
Mr Sean continued to pounder. He could clearly hear his heart racing as he was uncertain about what to do. On one hand was the life of his daughter getting destroyed and on the other hand was the life of both his company and his dear son. It seemed more like he was caught between a rock and a hard place. Looking at Hugo and seeing the impatient look he had on,he sighs having no other option.
"I agree to it" he said standing up as Hugo nodded with a smile knowing fully well that was going to be his decision.
"But ... .in as much as I'm giving my daughter out to you,you have to promise to put her through college " Mr Sean stared at Hugo terrified as Hugo breathed out heavily, nodding his head.
" That shouldn't be your problem. I'll fix a meeting where my lawyer will have a contract prepared for you to sign. I'll let you know when it's ready" Hugo dropped some cash on the table which seemed to be the bill for the waitress. He turned around walking out of the restaurant attracting a lot of Awe.
Meanwhile,Mr Sean stepped into his home where he met Lauren his wife, Courtney his daughter , and Cody his son who stood up after seeing him as if waiting for his return.
He was greeted by his children as he signaled his wife who followed him into the room.
"How was it?" Lauren asked Curiously
" (Sigh as he sat on a bed) Wasn't what I expected " he responded showing a lot of worry on his face.
" What do you mean?" Lauren asked, sitting close to him with an Extreme perturbed look on her face.
" After much pleading,he demanded that I offer Courtney In marriage to him. That was the only reason he agreed to aid us" Mr Sean explained leaving Lauren dumb-strucked. She was mute for some minutes probably wondering how Courtney would react to it then she broke the hush.
"We don't have an option. This is the only way we can proceed for a better treatment for Cody….. it's his life I'm more worried about " she responded.
" We just have to tell Courtney about this. She's not ruthless enough to let her brother die. As much as it breaks my heart,I totally support you with the decision you made. Though it was hard,I still believe that's the only way to help save Cody" Lauren patted Mr Sean who had his head bowed down depressed.
After discussing for two hours with Lauren,they came to an agreement that it was best they informed Courtney about it. Mr Sean matched to the Living room with Lauren who sat close to Cody looking intense. Courtney, as if sensing something, inquired what the problem was and after listening to her father narrating what the situation was ,she shrieked in disbelief.
Courtney stared in incredulity at her father Sean who bowed his head melancholy as Courtney let down uncontrollable tears from her eyes.
"I...You...I..." She shuttered trying to let out some words from her mouth but she couldn't stop crying. She felt a sharp sore in her throat as she sniffed in continuously shaking her head still in disbelief.
" How could you do this dad?" She voiced out with a shaky voice trying to stifle her tears. " So you're selling me out for your selfish reasons?" She propounded in disbelief.
" It is not a selfish reason! I am doing this for our family,for your dying brother" He yelled at the top of his voice making Courtney sob even more.
" For your family? Am I even part of your family? Do you even consider my feelings? Do you know how heartbreaking it is hearing that my beloved father has decided to sell me out to a fucking billionaire?" She thundered out putting no consideration to her words.
" I have watched this family suffer,Your brother is dying of Leukemia,I decided to invest everything I ever own to this company I established and Courtney…..(softly) I really don't have much of a choice...I was asked under strict law to look for a firm and successful company so I can be under them till I'm able to manage it alone....I went in search for a good company,I dashed online and tried to figure out something but I found none but the company of Oakley Hugo a renounced billionaire and I put down my ego as your father,I was down on my kneel begging and pleading for help from a twenty-Six years old chap,he is not even twice my age but he's a billionaire and has an enormous company and he was my only option…..I had to go on my knees after having to wait weeks before a meeting was fixed between us...I told him about the proposal and he agreed to help on the term that I get you married off to him and I had to agree…..I had to no option….." Sean explained sorrowfully,he looked at his wife Lauren who looked abject and soon,his eyes were filled with tears he couldn't seem to control.
"And you thought the best was to let me serve as your ticket? Huh? You tend to forget that I have my own life and I won't let you decide who I get married to" Courtney affirmed with her blue eyes wide open and her hands quivering.
"The world doesn't revolve around you Courtney…..This is not just a matter of your life, it's a matter of our Company,and most importantly,your brother Cody" Sean pointed at Cody who sat timidly staring at Them. Courtney after locking eyes with Cody broke down in tears.
"Why is life so unfair?" She muttered at the thought of losing her brother.
"So ...wha…..what about my Roman??? We're engaged...what am I to say to him?" She whimpered considering the pain it would cost him.
" I love him so much and it would literally kill me if anything bad happens to him because of me. He's going to run mad…..he was already making preparations for our wedding...his life would be ruined because of me" Courtney sobbed as she slowly sat on a chair lifelessly.
"I'm sorry that all these had to happen but….we really don't have much of a choice. I'm sure Roman would understand, he's a good man after all.
"I don't think he will" Courtney cuts in suddenly blazing up her eyes with rage.
"I don't even know who this is,what he looks like,where he's from….and most importantly,I don't love him. Marriage is something sacred that binds the souls of two people" Courtney affirmed breathing out heavily highly intense.
" I know Courtney...I can boldly say that Hugo is a good man and he is going to love you just as he should as your husband " Sean responded looking at Courtney with a facade smile but she darkened her eyes badging into her room. Sean sighs in distress exchanging glances with Lauren who sat looking pessimistic. He looked away somehow in guilt and then he dashed out of the living room.
Courtney in pain locked herself in her room all day refusing to see or speak with anyone. Her voice could be heard from inside whimpering and letting out a loud sniff. Sean let out several bangs on Courtney's door but she refused to open up, requiring that he let her be.
She finally heard a gentle knock on the door as she stood up sluggishly slouching to the door. She opened up the door and met her mother faintly smiling at her. Courtney in distress quickly enfolded her as she whimpered loudly.
"I don't know what to do mum.....I feel like this is the end of all my dreams"Courtney sobbed bitterly with red eyes
"I know how you feel Courtney and the fact is,you have every right to feel this way...just let down the tears" Lauren patted her on her back gently as she continued to sob.
Courtney after sobbing for some minutes, gently walked towards the couch in her room as she flopped weakly on it,Lauren followed her in, sitting on the bed nigh to her.
"Your father and I thought rigorously about this and decided that in order to give both you and your brother a much better life,this big step had to be taken" Lauren stared softly at Courtney.
"That big step just ruined my life and the lives of the people around me" Courtney affirmed with a few drops of tears flowing down her cheeks.
"I thought we talked about this" Sean walked into Courtney's room, aggregating her the more.
"But I can't remember saying I was cool with it" Courtney stood up in rage.
"I never said I needed your permission. I am just bent on doing what I feel is right for this family, " Sean stated as Courtney glared at him.
"And I guess that's the reason you decided to sell me off ignoring the fact that I still have dreams of going to college" Courtney stated vociferously.
"I never mentioned that you would be stopped from going to college. As a matter of fact,I talked to Hugo about it and he has accepted to let you go to College even after getting married to you. So you're the only one who will decide if your dreams end or not" Sean conveyed out expecting a better reaction from Courtney.
"Thanks dad…..I guess that was supposed to put me in a good mood afterall…..the wealth you've decided to chase is what I do not need" Courtney outrageously said leaving Sean speechless.
"And your brother's life?" Lauren asked curiously. "Do you think we're in this for money? We are doing this for your brother's life that's the main reason your father went up to this billionaire to start with...your brother's condition keeps getting critical everyday…..he's not getting better with the little treatment he's receiving…..he needs to be transferred to a much bigger and better hospital for proper treatment and how on earth can we possibly raise such an amount? It is physically impossible...your father's company is not even yet developed and you think we can raise the money alone? Don't you want to be the reason why your brother gets a second chance to be alive? Or don't you love him as you claim to? Then…..(held her hands) help us…..help your dying brother….. just do this even if you don't want to...we don't have much of an option here" Lauren held Courtney's hands with a sympathetic look on her face almost in tears.
Courtney hugged Lauren tightly and she finally ceased the silent whimpering letting out a loud shriek of cry. Sean who stood motionless moved closer, enfolding them tenderly as he patted Courtney.