Gibsons' Family Dinner

Even though Jamal was running late for work, he put aside his freshly bought groceries and took a seat opposite Lola while observing her intently.

"Lola, I know you are seeking revenge for what that a**hole did to you. If I were in your shoes, I guess I'd probably do worse than you."

"Thanks for understanding ..."

"I'm not done." Jamal interrupted Lola.

Lola pouted while checking the time on the wall clock. "Alright, but hurry up. You're already running late."

"I will try." Jamal took in a deep breath to steady his pounding heart.

"Lola, Ian Forde deserves all the misery in this world for all the pain he has cost you. However, going back to work for him and remaining his employee will only destroy you. It will give him and your colleagues the power to taunt you."

Lola turned her head away from Jamal to avoid his pleading gaze. Her initial ethereal and feisty aura was unperturbed by Jamal's words. Her mind was made up on what she wanted to do and there was no going back.

Jamal sighed at Lola's behaviour.

"If you're only going back to tender your resignation, you have my full blessing and support. But I will not sit down here and watch you go back to work for that swine after what he did to you."

Lola stood up and walked towards the window. She was drawn by the captivatingly beautiful sunrise.

The early morning sunlight's soft, vibrant and its warmest hues of rainbow colours, diffused brilliantly in the sky, giving way to the first strong rays of the day.

"I appreciate your concerns, Jamal," Lola said softly. "But my mind is made up on this matter. You need to go to the shop now. Otherwise, you will lose some very good customers."

Jamal stole a quick glance at his wristwatch and discovered that he had less than two minutes to leave the house. He returned his gaze to Lola and spoke calmly.

"You once told me that your boss is an arrogant, selfish, and proud man. You also told me that he's not the type to take responsibility for his actions."

Jamal paused to let his words sink slowly into her.

"Now, I want you to imagine all the nasty things he'll say and do to you if you go back to him. He's not worth all of these. I beg you to give yourself enough time to heal. I want you to move on and try to make amends with Brian."

"How can I move on from this?" Lola sharply turned around to face Jamal, vengeful tears clouding her shimmering eyes as she pointed to her flat tummy.

"If you haven't noticed, my life is already ruined because of this thing growing inside of me. As if that is not enough to completely bury me six feet into the ground, I'm also HIV positive. Tell me, if you were in Brian's shoes, would you forgive me?"

Jamal opened his mouth to say something but no words came out. Feeling defeated by her heartbreaking words, he let out a long sigh.

"Exactly what I thought." Lola wiped the burning tears streaming down her face with the back of her right hand. "Go to work, Jamal and stop worrying about me."

With those words, Lola left the sitting room for her bedroom.

--------

After a long and exhausting day at the office, Richmond left for his parents Villa in the company of Jasmine.

Richmond was seated in a relaxed position, with Jasmine's head resting on his chest. She seemed so engulfed in celebrity gossip that she didn't observe the hurt and bitterness in her lover's eyes.

Richmond and Jasmine had earlier settled their grievances all thanks to his endearing ways of treating her like a baby princess.

Richmond also addressed his ugly outburst back at the Royal bar, to prevent any form of escalation on the media space. However, he didn't bother contacting Ian, let alone apologizing to him for the embarrassment and beating.

"Richie, are you aware that my mum's birthday is coming up in less than two weeks?" Jasmine asked softly when a reminder flashed on her phone screen.

"Huh!"

Richmond, whose mind had travelled ten kilometres to the suburbs where Lola was staying with her coffee shop owner friend, turned his lost gaze to Jasmine.

"Come on baby, it's just two of us here. Don't tell me you have a hearing problem." Jasmine teased, tilting her head upwards to stare into his magical blue eyes.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart." Richmond stroked her chin lovingly. "I have a lot on my mind and I wasn't fully paying attention to you."

"Care to share?" Jasmine smiled sweetly.

"Umm...nah... No need to bore you with all of that. So tell me, what was it that you were saying earlier?"

Richmond smartly changes the topic. He had no intention of hurting Jasmine's feelings. At least, not at the moment.

"My mum's birthday is in less than two weeks. Dad is planning a huge celebration. The mansion has been buzzing with lots of different activities and preparations. But I haven't made up my mind about the right gift to get her. She practically has everything money can buy." Jasmine pouted.

"Don't trouble yourself, dear. I'm sure we'll come up with something as the day approaches." Richmond stroked her wavy curls tenderly.

"Sir, we have arrived at the Villa." The chauffeur announced.

"About time." Jasmine beamed excitedly at the thought of seeing her future parents-in-law.

Richmond first slid out of the car before turning around to the other side to help Jasmine out.

"Such a gentleman." Jasmine leaned close and gave him a feathery kiss on the lips.

Smiling briefly, Richmond led his girlfriend into his parent's home.

"Cousin!"

A fair-skinned girl with auburn curly hair colour and hazel eyes ran into the open arm of Richmond. She was cladded in a flowery playsuit and had the aura of the pretty anime character, Erza Scarlet.

"Genevieve!" Richmond picked her up by the waist and spun her around happily, causing Jasmine's jealous face to scrunch a little. He dropped her down gently and started bombarding her with questions.

"When did you get back from Whart City?"

"Yesterday afternoon," Genevieve replied gleefully.

"And you didn't inform me to come pick you up at the airport?"

"I'm sorry." Genevieve nudged Richmond playfully on the shoulder. "I wanted to surprise you."

"Hmm..." Richmond narrowed his eyes at Genevieve making her giggle. "I can smell a rat."

"I swear, I'm clean." Genevieve chuckled.

"Ahem!" Jasmine cleared her throat irritably.

"Oh... where are my manners." Richmond's face palmed his forehead. "Jennie, I'm sure you remember Jasmine."

"Yeah, the one you told me you started officially dating about six months ago right?" Genevieve asked her cousin.

"You are very correct," Jasmine replied in Richmond's place. "I'm Jasmine Malcolm and I've been dying to meet you in person."

"Wow...come here!" Genevieve pulled Jasmine in for a warm embrace before all three left for the sitting room chatting and laughing heartily.

After a sumptuous dinner and family bonding time, Howard excused the ladies and took his only son into the inner study for a father-and-son private discussion.

Howard talked about some relevant business and economic growth in the Gibson conglomerate. He also talked about business expansion and diversification before narrowing it down to the main subject of the day.

"Richie, I understand you and Jasmine have been dating for a while now. If you must know, your mum is already secretly planning an engagement party on your behalf."

"Really!" Richmond felt his chest tighten.

"Yes... but don't tell her I told you otherwise she will turn my hair bald." Howard grinned.

"Sure, Dad." Richmond feigned a smile even though he was boiling within.

"Nevertheless whatever your mom is planning is not the reason why I called you here," Howard stressed firmly. "I know you don't like being rushed into things but I would appreciate it if you and Jasmine could settle down before the falls."