SEVEN
I am waiting outside dad’s office. His secretary said he was still talking to someone so he made me wait here. They said that daddy’s guest was a couple and they said not to disturb them. So the secretary said I’m not allowed inside.
Not a big deal for me. There is nothing wrong with me when daddy says it.
“Next time we will visit you,” I heard dad say.
“You should because my mansion misses you, too.” I heard them laughing and there was also the voice of two women talking.
They passed in front of me so I stood up giving respect to them.
“Oh, you’re here, son?” Mom asked so I kissed her. “Why didn’t you come in?”
“The secretary told me to wait here.”
“Good morning uncle Zacharias, aunt Charlotte,” I greeted them.
Tito Zacharias is daddy’s best friend. Like, dad, he is a man with honor. Despite his age, he looks dominant, and just from his form you know he’s not a normal person because his body screams the words ‘Don’t crash if you don’t want to be buried in the ground.’ Just like dad. While aunt Charlotte is like mom, intimidating and modest.
Everyone in the business calls dad and uncle the twin towers. While mom and aunt called the tower maker. When they are in business together no one wants to bump into them. Everyone knows how strong their bond is. No question and even us know it.
“How’s married life, Dwayne?” Uncle Zacharias asked.
“So far so good, uncle.”
“You look happy, son,” aunt Charlotte commented.
“Thanks, and yes auntie Charlotte, Lauren is a good wife.”
“Good to hear that,” uncle Zacharias said. “Anyway, comrade, Charlotte and I will go first, nice to say you, Dwayne.”
“Nice to see you, too.”When both of them leave, I then face daddy and mommy.
“Dale, is there any problem, son, why did you come here?”
“No, Mom. I just want to talk to dad about Lauren.”
“Why? Is there a problem with you guys?”
“No, nothing, amp!”
“I think let’s come in my office first, Dale. We will talk inside. Let’s go.” Dad went inside first and mommy and I followed. She was holding my hands while we walk. “So tell me now, what about Lauren?” he first asked when we got inside. Until the three of us can sit down.
“Dad, Lauren wants to stop modeling. But she still has a contract in her agency, before she can leave she has to pay damages. Her dad promised her to help when we have been married for five years. But I guess it’s too long for her to wait.”
“That’s between a father and a daughter agreement. Her father told me it’s Lauren’s condition for marrying you,” he answered.
“Yeah, she told me, too. But because dad I just thought. Now that Lauren is a Dy, she is attached to our name and so we did to her. Lauren has already used our last name so when there is an issue with her, every move she makes will make our last name connected. Moreover, you are one of the top businessman—–worldwide.”
Dad didn’t answer, he looked at mom like she was asking for her approval. I just swallowed when mommy spoke. If anyone in the family is afraid of dad, well we are all more afraid of mom. Mostly, in terms of decision.
“Dale?”
“Yes, mom?”
“What kind of wife is Lauren? I heard a bad rumor about her in the modeling industry. Your daddy only agreed you married her so we can get the site in Hongkong, Taiwan, and Thailand. Now tell us, what kind of wife Lauren is. Is she deserving to get help from us?”
I look at dad who’s waiting for my answer as well. If I want to get daddy’s help I should impress mom first. Because in this decision, mom is always the maker.
“Lauren’s image in modeling is bad because that’s what her image should be. And the truth is—the Lauren on screen is too different in reality. She’s a nice mom, she takes care of me and my personal things, and she does everything in our home even the chores. She’s a good and responsible wife although our relationship as a couple is only in papers we are good friends. I found a good partner in her.”
“Really?”
“Yes, mom. And also Lauren wants to quit her job because she doesn’t want what she is being asked to do, especially the very daring photoshoot as well as cursing. And asking for help from you is my only way to return the favor to her. For taking care of me.”
I took a deep breath after explaining. Mom is easy to please I know. But it doesn’t mean you can get her approval that easily.
“But there was rumored that she has a boyfriend named Henry?”
“Hendrick Lee, dad. The famous model. And it’s her ex. They were over before we got married. They broke up when Lauren got engaged to me because the news broke by then,” I lied. I don’t want to spoil this, I am on this and I need my parent’s help.
“What do you think, hon?” Dad asked mom so I swallowed.
“Well, if Lauren plays like a real wife to our son and takes care of him, I think we can return her the favor as Dale’s said.” I secretly smiled because of what mommy said. “And also, just now Dale asked us for a favor after so many years.”
“Hmph, I think the same way, too.” I silently smile again. “But I don’t cover the showbiz industry.”
‘Fuck’ I secretly cursed because of what dad said. But I know he can find a way.
“But I can ask Zacharias, her eldest Zcaley can do it.” I let out a deep breath because of what daddy said. As I said, Amarante and Dy are both undefeated. Right now, Lauren and I can celebrate.
“Thanks, dad.”
“So, how are you and Lauren?”
“We’re good, dad. We’re friends.”
“Well, that’s good. Your marriage is all about business, you know that. Whatever happened between the two of you we don’t care at all. That’s between the two of you. As long as no physical hurt, Dale.”
“Yes, dad.”
“Then we can help her.” I smile when mom said.
AFTER TALKING to dad and mom, I immediately left the office. I went out smiling because I knew daddy wouldn’t let me down, especially since it was mommy who spoke. I was in the parking lot when Lauren texted that she was home. I smiled and thought something silly.
It’s good to tease Lauren for being too gullible. It’s too easy to be fooled, no wonder her boyfriend is cheating on her.
When I reached home I put on a serious face. Lauren knows that I will go to talk to dad. So, I will pretend that daddy doesn’t agree. I fixed my hair and my appearance as well.
“Hi, hubby.” She warmly greeted me with my slippers and then took the bag from my hand.
“Hi!” I made my voice sad and then sat on the sofa. I hold my head while bowing but actually I’m laughing.
“Are you ok, hubby?” He asked with concern then took off my shoes and socks and changed them to slippers.
“Yeah.”
“No, you’re not.” I didn’t answer until he finished and sat down next to me. “Hubby, tell me what’s wrong?”
“Wife, I talk to dad.” I looked at him with a sad face. “And—–” I paused and smile bitterly.
“And he said no?” I didn’t answer as if my answer was yes. “That’s fine.” She said with a smile but I feel her disappointment too.
“Wife.”
“It’s ok, hubby. I am thankful you offered to tell your daddy to help me, I appreciated it. It’s ok, at least you try.”
“Is it okay with you?”Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
“Of course.” She held my hand and tried to stimulate the gesture. “Don’t be sad, hubby. I’m sad because you’re sad because of me. That’s ok, don’t be sad. It’s ok, I promise.” But the way she talks is obviously holding back her tears.
“But you have to wait for how many years.”
“Gosh, I’ve been waiting for a few years, right? That’s fine, don’t worry. I am ok, so cheer up, ok?” This is one of the best characters that Lauren had. Chill and easy to please. And one more thing is always positive.
“Wife.”
“Yes, hubby?” How can I tell her now that I was just kidding? “Hubby?”
“I lied.”
“Huh?”
“Dad said he will help you,” I said while smiling. I saw that she was about to cry but she was just trying to be happy in front of me.
“Huh?”
“He will help you. He said yes.”
“You mean?”
“He will pay the damage and all.”
“But you said-”
“I’ll try to prank you.” She pouted then placed her palm on her face. “Hey!” I heard her sobs and then cried. “Wife.”
“I hate you.” I laughed and then hugged him.
“Sorry wife, I was just joking.” But her crying got louder. “Dad will help you, you will soon be able to leave your agency.”
“Thank you, hubby. I owe this. Thank you so much.” I caressed her back because she still didn’t stop crying. “I will do everything for you, hubby. I will be a good wife to you, promised. Thank you for helping me.”
“You’re always welcome.”
An innocent woman cried again. So I just hugged her to comfort her.