Happily Married To An Asshole

Chapter 8: Blackmail

Finally, Xavier's P.O.V

"Xavier, please wait! Listen to me—I am your mother. I would never want anything bad for you. Please, just think about it."

I came to an abrupt stop. Think about it?

"Mom, are you serious right now? We've talked about this, and it's a no. Not this time. You're the one who always told me that marriage is not a joke. I can't just marry some random girl because she happens to be your friend's daughter." I paused for effect. "Your friend's daughter, Mum. What if she's weird? What if she collects toenails for fun? What if she chews with her mouth open? Why don't you try to understand?"

Mum sighed, rubbing her temples. "Xavier, please just—"

"Mom," I said, taking a deep breath. I took her hands gently and sat her down. "Mom, listen. I'm not against marriage. One day, I'll find someone I actually want to marry, and when I do, you'll be the first to know. i'll bring her here, and then we'll talk about marriage. But this? I'm not going to marry someone I know nothing about. This isn't some fairytale, Mom. This is real life."

I leaned back, watching her expression shift slightly. "Okay, let's put me aside for a second. How well do you even know this daughter of your friend? Have you talked to her about this? Did she agree to this? You can't just make life-altering decisions for us because you and her mother used to have brunch together."

I exhaled sharply before standing up and pulling her into a tight hug. "Please, just try to understand."

I turned to leave, but of course, she wasn't done yet.

"Fine! You don't want to do this? So be it. But at least come over for dinner tomorrow. It's been a long time since we had dinner together."

I sighed, rubbing the back of my neck. "Mom, I'm sorry for how I spoke to you just now. And fine, I'll come for dinner. But you have to promise me—no more talk about this arranged marriage nonsense. Also, tell Dad I won't be able to stay until he gets home."

I kissed her cheek and left, already regretting my decision to show up for dinner.

Third Person P.O.V

At the dining table...

Of course, his mother brought up the topic again.

And, of course, Xavier still didn't agree. Not even when his father tried using his birthright to blackmail him.

"Who else would you give it to?" Xavier said nonchalantly. "I have more than enough companies backing me up."

"You, of all people, know that there are plenty of people I could give it to," his father countered. "I'm not trying to blackmail you, Xavier, but I need you to give this some real thought."

"Dad, I have thought about it, and I am not—"

"No, Noah!" His mother suddenly interrupted. "You can't do that to him just to get what you want. If he doesn't want to do it, so be it. We'll find another way. But using your own son's birthright as leverage? That's just wrong."

She stole a glance at Xavier, knowing exactly what she was doing. She knew her son couldn't resist her emotional tactics.

"He's not my little Xanvy anymore," she sighed dramatically cutting her steak delicately. "Not the same boy who would do anything to make his mother happy."

Xavier groaned. "Mom—"

She held up a hand, stopping him.

"No, Xavier, you're right. I see your point now.  You don't want to do this? Then don't. Let's just eat together as a family, for once. You're always too busy to visit us nowadays. I understand." She picked up her fork and took a small bite. "Now, tell me what you think about the food."

Xavier narrowed his eyes at her. His father, watching the entire exchange, simply smirked, internally applauding his wife's genius tactics.

With a sigh of surrender, Xavier stood up, walked over to his mother's seat, and hugged her from behind.

"Mom, why do you have to talk like that? You know I'll do anything to make you happy."

She hummed in contentment as he placed a kiss on her cheek.

"Ahem," his father cleared his throat dramatically. "I guess I don't need to be happy."

Xavier rolled his eyes as his father wiped fake tears from his face. "You too, Dad."

He smiled and pulled them both into a hug.

Xavier's P.O.V

I ended up spending the night at my parents' house, mostly because I felt guilty for not visiting them more often. I was in my room, minding my own business, when I heard a soft knock. I already knew who it was and exactly what she wanted to talk about.

"Come in, Mom."

"How did you know it was me?" she asked as she entered the room.

"Dad wouldn't knock, and the maids are on leave. So... process of elimination."

"Smartass," she muttered, playfully smacking the back of my head before sitting beside me.

We talked for a while, laughing over little things, but I knew she wasn't here just for casual conversation.

"Xavier," she started, "I'm so happy you decided to stay the night. But... does this mean...?"

I sighed, already knowing where this was going. "Yes, Mom. Not like you really gave me much of a choice."

She beamed. "Don't say that, Xavier! Thank you, my dear. I'm so happy. She's beautiful, I promise. You won't regret your decision."

I blinked. "Wait. Who exactly are we talking about?"

"Eathan's daughter."

I searched my mind for anyone named Eathan.

"Eathan Collins?" I repeated slowly.

"Yes!"

I stared at her in disbelief. "My business rival?"

Mom huffed in frustration. "Xavier Daniel Parker, would you stop making everything about business for once?"

I groaned and fell back against my pillows. "Can this get any worse?"

A/N:

Two chapters in less than 24 hours? who even am I? A machine? A legend? Yes. Somebody give me a medal 

There it is, a glimpse into xavier's life

My poor Xavier 😢😢❤ Let's just hope things don't get worse.

Don't forget to vote, comment, and pretend you didn't see my grammatical errors! 😌

Adios

Stay chaotic. Stay dramatic. 😉😉😉