Chapter Eleven: The Soul-sucking Threat

Some years ago.

Bernard's POV

"How dare you? How dare you plan to get married to that fucking asshole?!" Mr Johnson Alexander, my father reprimanded, with an angry expression on his wrinkled face.

"I'm sorry dad, but I just have to. I love her so much. I can't imagine getting married to someone else!" I replied, innocently.

"Oh, I get it! I can see you must be going nuts. Of all the women in the world, you sheepishly chose this stupid idiot?! Are you out of your senses or something?" 

"No dad. I know what I want. Roseville is who I want and I don't mind going against your damn orders to make her mine!"

"What makes you think she's worth you? She's just like one of those peasants I spoonfed with not even up to one millionth of my wealth. Don't you have some self worth?"

"For all I know and care, I love Roseville and I won't mind making her mine. Say whatever you wish to. I don't really care!"

"Well, I can see you're well into her. In that case, you'll have to forfeit your share of my wealth to the orphanage. I bet you'll be better off without it!"

"What? Dad? You want to get back at me this way? I never knew you could be so heartless. I don't blame you anyways. I blame the fucking philanthropic part of you!" 

"I don't blame you either. It just seems like your mum did a great job grooming that saucy and adamant part of you so well. One more word from you and I'd relieve you of your position in the company, as well." 

"Like seriously? Daddy…"

"I'd call the lawyer next week and I'd alter my will, you fucking fool!"

I kept mum for a while. I really need him to hear me out but he doesn't give a damn! 

'Good God! How can I miss all those properties I've always dreamed of having since I was young, just for my love for her? I can't lose out!' I thought in my mind.

"Dad, please can we talk this out? I'm so sorry about how I talked earlier." I assumed an apologetic tone.

"And who cares about your fucking apology? There's definitely nothing to talk about. I gave you a choice and you choose what you decided to." He fired back at me, remorselessly.

"Daddy! Please…" 

"Get lost, son! Get out of my sight, else you won't like the outcome!" 

I shrugged and left the place immediately. I couldn't stand his wrath anymore.

"What an insolent child!" I heard him yell out, while I climbed up the stairs.

What really baffles me about my dad is the fact that he doesn't really give a damn, just as he said. What have I gotten myself into?

I went to my room and fell heavily on my king-sized bed, after pacing to and fro for some minutes. I recounted my pasts and how I meant Roseville and fell for her. I can't really believe where it has led me to. 

Although I love and cherish her, I can't imagine losing all of these just for love. There's more to life than just love. I can still find love in a hopeless state.

I walked up to my drawer and slid it open. I grabbed my music player and turned it on. 

I love Rihanna's music so well. It appeals to me so much. She was my best, indeed. 

I played 'Lift Me Up' by her, tears welling up in my eyes, as I listened to it. I tried so hard to hold back the tears, but they still dropped down freely. I couldn't believe I was crying.

Roseville has been the love of my life for about a year now. She's the only woman that gives me joy, the joy I deserve. Her pretty face and well-crafted body,... It gives me a sense of belonging. 

I remembered the night we met, how she was stranded on the street and I helped her get home in my car. I asked her to tell me more about herself and we connected so well, one would think we knew each other already. 

The memories of the frequent visits, midnight calls and messages and dates we had still stuck to my brain. I particularly reminisced about the first night she spent at my place. That night, we had sex. She was my first sex actually and I was hers too. The experience was awkward, but pleasurable at the end.

I can't just get her off my mind. I love her so much and I'm sure she loves me too. My dad can't stand between us. 

Dad's hoarse voice re-echoed in my ears. My share of his properties and my position in the company,…

'Oh no… What the hell is this?!'

I know there are sacrifices to be made for love, but this right here… I'd be better off without taking such a risk. Or maybe, I should let her know what's going on and then, we'll find a way to fix things up.

I was summoned by my dad earlier this morning, at the family's main house, just to be greeted with these threats from him. Right now, I'm totally confused. The music isn't even much therapy to me right now. I switched it off, angrily and put it back in its place.

I had to live on my own, in another of the family's houses in another city, closer to the company where I was the CEO. 

I guess I need to figure out something fast. I really need to talk to Roseville about this. It's disheartening. I just hope she will listen to me.

I grabbed my phone and dialed her number.

"Hey babe!" I greeted.

"Hi boy! What's up?" She replied.

"Rosy, we really need to talk. Where can I find you, right now?" I sounded rather desperate.

"What's it about, Ben? Hope there isn't any problem? You're really getting me scared." 

"When we see, I'd tell you more. Where are you?"

"I'm home now. See you soon."

"Okay then." I hung up.

I quickly put on my shoes, grabbed my bag and left for Roseville's place.