Part of the pack

86 || Men's talk

I like men who have a future and women who have a past.

- Oscar Wilde

'•'•'•

Stephen's office was like any other office worker's place, it was neat and documents about polishing wine and bottles of wine were placed organized on the wooden cabinet. Frames of pictures from his wife to his children were placed on the mahogany desk, he then closed the door and let Lukka sit on the couch he used for his workers and partners when they were discussing future cooperations.

Now it was used to examine and to make this young man regret and hone his perseverance. Even if he promised his daughter that he would give this young man a chance, every father's enemy is the man that would steal their daughter's away.

"Thank you for giving me this chance, Sir" he started and he nodded, thinking that this old man would never give you another chance if you broke his daughter's heart.

"So why did you leave?"

For men, there is no shortcut when it comes to words, men that straightforward are what fathers want especially those who are honest.

"Because I don't want to compromise Selene's life"

That was vague but he could see that he doesn't want to tell more, maybe it was something that is supposed to be a secret and only he can know.

"Does my daughter know?"

"Yes"

He nodded inwardly but still kept on a cold straight face. His answers were short but precise, he doesn't want men to talk about flatteries, he wanted the genuine truth.

"Do you swear to treat my daughter as your number one priority?"

"I swear in my life"

He only has one daughter, he watched her grew up from a small curious kid to the brave and determined woman that she is now. All the joys and sorrows accounted for twenty-six years was not enough for him to feel relieved to hand over her daughter's heart to someone.

"I will trust you for now but always remember that I am watching" he sternly threatened, he will be watching this young man's habits and lifestyle.

"Thank you, I will never let you all down" Lukka's eyes revealed his genuine feelings, the acceptance that he has gotten from his lover's parents was enough for him to smile for the whole year.

Now, only her brother George is on the line, this line will be the hardest one but he is willing to try and wait.

His mate's family is after all a part of her and equally important as him.

...

George has soon decided that he would never fall in love or else he'll be like his sister who would be this foolish at love. He understands her but he would never let himself be this immersed in love, his career is his life and lover at the same time.

He was a jerk when he was a teenager, after all, he has also understood that he was easily manipulated by someone and that lead him into thinking that when submerged in feelings, one could lose one's sanity.

"They're here" he heard her mother say, he could only sigh at the enthusiastic sight of her mother.

It was like her mother has already let him into their family and treated him as her son-in-law. It was even more ridiculous to see his sister blooming like a flower when she was near him.

"I'll seat with him" he slip to the right side and took his seat while his father took the left side of the seat. They are now squeezing Lukka in the middle, both eyes met and understand each other's meaning.

"So Lukka, what is your job now? Have you settled already in our town?"

Lukka understand the purpose of the two, this was clearly checking his abilities both financially and emotionally. It was this investigation of him that made him more relaxed after all they wouldn't do this if they weren't interested in him.

"I have some lands that I rent plus the investments that I did before when I was in New York and yes, I have indeed integrated very well here in Willsbrein. My relatives and I have our own home, I have built my own cabin and is preparing to rebuild it" Lukka expressed his finance and his capability of building his own house for them to not worry that their daughter's life would suffer in his hands.

"That's great but can you cook? You know my sister doesn't really know-" he stopped and gritted his teeth to continue. "As I was saying, my sister doesn't know how to cook" George emphasized and never felt ashamed of his outright lie.

He doesn't respect a man that could not even cook a few meals, he has experienced being muddy in his life and only relies on his parents and that isn't a good thing for his ascendancy to being a chef.

"I know how to cook, I just haven't had the time to show it to anyone but if I have the chance I would show you all"

Lukka has lived his life for a long time and has both technical and academic skills in his resume.

Selene on the other hand knew that her father and brother, albeit given chance to Lukka, knew that they wouldn't make it easy for Lukka to get their approval.

"That's great but I think the food is about to get cold now so let's eat shall we?" I look at mom and mouthed thank you as her mother winked in response.

Time seems to slow down as they ate in peace, she swallowed a huge of relief after seeing it and became attentive to her family. They're working on getting that approval, after all, she won't just be standing in the side and awaiting him for results.

Lukka offered to wash the dishes and surprisingly her mother agreed, she watched with her mouth agape as they enter the kitchen and she finally realized that it's not just the men in her family that needed convincing, it was also her mother.

He stood like a pillar almost swallowing the whole space in their seemingly tiny kitchen amidst his huge frame. The water continued to slosh down as they work in turns, she would wash the dishes with dishwashing soap and he would rinse it as well as dry the plates and utensils.

He was waiting for her to start the conversation and that lasted until the dishes were almost finished.

"She got her heart broken and I know you would fix it but it doesn't mean that it would make things okay"

His palm felt sweaty, heart pounding in nervousness as he perceived the resentment that Aline has voices in her tone.

Are you alright?

He suddenly remembered that he is connected with Selene and that means she could discern his emotions. He calmed himself down and replied positively before replying to Aline.

"I know and I will remember that mistake for the rest of my life"

She suddenly looks him straight in the eye and he stared at her with firm eyes. He never felt this nervous before but he knew he should reign on his negative emotions and say his true thoughts.

"I can't say much but I had to leave. For Selene's sake and the people around me I- I just had to. But I have already solved it, my family members helped me and Selene was the reason I grew a backbone. I will never forgive myself for breaking her heart but I would pay for the tears she shed till my last breath, I swear on my life"

She didn't say much anymore, withdraw her stare, and continued organizing the dishes before wiping her hands dry. He did the same but with careful actions, he felt like he was treading on thin ice but it was worth it.

He would rather be smoked and cursed in anger than to be given no chance to repent.

"Fine" He lifted his head in surprise as he waited for her words. "I hope to see your promise being fulfilled"

***
Chapter 86 is up! Hope you like this everyone!

Stay safe and healthy! Have a great day!

Make sure to VOTE. COMMENT. SHARE.

Thank you!