Chapter Four

A VISIT TO MR. GENERAL'S MANSION.

I sat comfortably inside the sitting room, receiving the natural fresh air while gazing around. The sitting room was very beautiful, like paradise. On the right side, a dining table well arranged and furnished to taste, just as I wanted to admire some more of it, Mr. General walked in immediately.

I dashed to my feet and greeted him like I was the new sergeant on board. His countenance lightened up with a smile. He gestured me to have my seat once again.

"Mr. Edwin, I am glad that you honored my invitation. There are a lot of drinks. Which one do I offer you, soft or alcoholic? " He asked.

"Sir, I am a man without a choice when I am in someone's house except in my father's house, where I have the authoritative voice to make my choice. If you don't mind, sir, any drink will be okay for me," I replied like an elderly man.

I sat as he ordered one of his personal body guards and sent him to take out the Hennessy drink from the refrigerator.

A minute later, he walked back to the stage with a bottle of Hennessy and two glass cups, while he placed them on the table before us. As I stared aimlessly at the table, the lit of the floor jolted my attention. Indeed, the floor was made of pure gold. You can see yourself in it.

The General popped the drink open and poured it into the two glass cups, took one and asked me to take the other one. I reached out for it and gulped the drink gently into my stomach.

"Once again, you're welcome to my home. Feel free and tell me about yourself. "

"Like I told you earlier, my name is Edwin. I am the only child of my parents, Mr. and Mrs. Amos. I am a graduate of Business Management, preparing to serve my country very soon. And, I am quite certain you must've heard about Amos's Bread. My father is the proud owner of Amos's Bakery Company Limited, with different branches in the states." I told him a brief story about who I am.

"Wow! That is impressive. To be sincere, Amos's bread is my favorite. I've heard so much about Mr. Amos that he's a nice gentleman. I hope you are like your father too. " He asked.

"There are three significant things my parents taught me when I was young. That is, honesty, obedience, and the fear of God. I grew up with an above-quality standard of living. I replied boldly and watched him smile broadly.

"You are making a lot of sense, and I see you have a good sense of humor." So, tell me, how did you get to know about my daughter?" He probed.

"Well, it's not been long since I met her. To be honest, I do not even know the name of your beautiful daughter. I would love to know more about her," I answered.

"I hope you're not one of those youngsters nowadays who go about deceiving young girls for marriage with their sweet-coated tongues." What is your intention of getting to know her, if I may ask?"

"Sir, I have so much respect for the armies, troops, and all forces, because they are the heroes and heroines who fight the insurgency, bring bandits to their knees, and protect our great country. Still, I respect you so much and I will not come here to tell you bull and cock stories about myself just to impress you. I have a plan to get settled down for marriage after my service. That is why I am searching for an honest, God-fearing, and beautiful angel who will love me like I do. Together, we will spend the rest of our day and enjoy it to the fullest. I would love to know more about your daughter because I must say I fell in love immediately. I set my two eyes on her. So, my intention for her is for good, sir"." I went straight to the point and answered in a very humble manner.

"That is nice. I love young men who want to be responsible for themselves and for society at large. If you're truly who you assume you are, I assure you that you are on the right track. I'm also glad that you love and respect the forces who strive to fight and serve their countries." He replied and poured more wine into the cups as we drank.

After my encounter with the General, he accepted me as his son, and I got to know more about his daughter, Juliet. One month into our friendship, our love grew stronger.

When I disclosed to her my parents' retaliation for not considering me to be married to any of the force families, she felt sad when I told her that and suggested I confront my parents and talk to them about it.

"It's not your parents that will decide for you whom to marry, because you are a man and you have a choice to make. So, you need to talk to them over this." She expressed her thoughts.

"Baby, you don't have to bother yourself over this. Leave it on my shoulder. I know how to go about it with my parents. I am the only child of my parents, and I know they'll do anything just to make their son feel happy. I whispered assuredly.

To me, that wouldn't change my mind about marrying Juliet after my service, over my dead body.'

.

To be continued.

(Unedited)