Chapter Nine

Ronald's POV

I opened the door, my mouth slackened in surprise. I wasn't expecting any guests, and definitely not the ones standing before me.

I could hear the impatient tapping of my mother's foot even before I opened the door. My parents stood there, their faces a mix of emotions that I couldn't decipher immediately.

"Mom, Dad, what are you doing here?"

"We came to see our daughter-in-law," my mother said giggling like a sixteen-year-old. She peered over my shoulder, pushed past me, and walked into the living room. "Where is she?"

Roland's face fell, and he stepped aside to let us in. "She's not here," he said quietly.

My father's brow furrowed. "What do you mean she's not here? You told us you got married."

"I did," Roland said, his voice strained. "But it's complicated."

"Complicated how? Did you marry a ghost? I know Eysia isn't." my mother demanded, her eyes narrowing, searching my face for answers. "We deserve to know what's going on."

"No, Mom, she's real," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "She's just... not here right now."

"Not here?" My father's voice was low, but I could hear the edge in it. "Roland, we need to meet her. This isn't normal."

I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the weight of their expectations. "I know, Dad. I know. But there's something I need to tell you." 

My mother's eyes widened. "What is it? Is she in trouble?"

"No, it's not that," I said quickly. "It's just... I didn't exactly marry her in the traditional sense."

"What do you mean?" My father's voice was like a whip, sharp and demanding.

Roland sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We got married in absentia.'

'But…. you told us that you both got married in a court. You showed us the documents, right? We offered to come but you refused because you said she wasn't comfortable having anyone around, right?' he asked no one in particular but my mom nodded her head vigorously in agreement.

'Well, I lied', I admitted flatly.

My parents exchanged a shocked glance. "Why would you do that?" my father asked, his voice rising.

"It was a business decision," Roland said, his tone defensive. "I had no other choice."

"We all know it was a business decision" my mother echoed, her voice trembling. "My marriage to your father was a business transaction, Roland. Still doesn't explain why he isn't here- why we can't see her."

"I know," Roland said, his shoulders slumping. "But I did it for the company."

"so?" my father pressed. " It still doesn't explain anything. What about your wife?"

Roland looked away, his expression pained. "I haven't even met her," he admitted. "How can I commit to someone I don't know?"

The room fell silent, the tension thick and suffocating. My parents stared at Roland, their faces a mix of disappointment and concern.

"Roland, we know you loved Emma. We all loved Emma., but that chapter is over now. My mother said softly, "You need to figure this out. For your sake, and hers."

"I'm not ready," I snapped.

My mother sighs. "Roland, you can't keep her waiting forever. She might decide to move on."

My mouth spreads into little slits. "She can't. The contract-"

"Is just a piece of paper," my mother interrupts. "It can't force her to love you. Moreover, you've kept her waiting long enough"

I whirl around. I caught my father looking at me from the corners of my eyes but I ignored him. "I don't need her to love me. I just need her to fulfill her end of the bargain."

My mother's eyes narrow. "And what about your end? When are you going to fulfill that?"

I stare at her for a while, unable to utter a word.

'I remember when you were so little, five years old. You told me you'd never marry anyone if you didn't love them. I know that's one of your principles.'

"I'm happy you brought up my principles. Well you see, I don't love her. So please, don't expect me to commit to her.

"And what about your principles? That's the more reason you need to commit to her." my mother asked, her voice trembling. "You always said you'd never marry for anything but love."

I felt a pang of guilt. "I still believe that," I said quietly. "But sometimes, you have to make sacrifices."

"Is that what she is to you? A sacrifice?" My father's words cut deep, and I could see the hurt in his eyes.

I opened my mouth to speak but was interrupted by a phone call; it was my assistant at Miami.

'I need to go now Mom, Dad. Duty calls. I said after ending the call.

'But we're still-'.

'Duty calls mom'. 

I went upstairs to pick a little duffel bag that had everything I needed for the trip. I'd packed it beforehand.

My parents' words echoed in my mind as I packed my suitcase. Miami was calling, and I couldn't ignore it. The deal was too important, and I needed to be there in person.

"Roland, please reconsider," my mother pleaded, standing in the doorway of my bedroom. "Moving in with Elysia could help you both. You've avoided her long enough"

I shook my head, zipping up my bag. "Mom, I can't. I have to go to Miami. The company needs me."

"And what about Elysia?" my father asked, his voice stern. "She needs you too."

I turned to face them, frustration bubbling up inside me. "I can't be in two places at once! I have responsibilities, and this is one of them."

"Responsibilities?" my father scoffed. "Your first responsibility should be to your wife."

I clenched my fists, trying to keep my temper in check. "I didn't ask for this marriage. It was a business decision, remember?"

"And now it's time to make a personal decision," my mother said softly. "Elysia is your wife. She deserves more than just a contract."

I looked away, battling the urge to recoil. "I can't," I said finally. "I have to go."

"Then go," my father said, his voice cold. "But don't expect us to support you if you keep running away from your problems."

I grabbed my suitcase and walked past them, quivering in indignation