Love and Friendship

Twenty Four

Nathan POV

I am on the way to my parents place with Ginny. It has been a while since Ive stepped foot there.

I need to talk to my father about the wedding. I cannot marry Ashley.

We arrived at the grand mansion overlooking the sea. Growing up here seems great but without much freedom, its like a prison.

As we entered the grand hall, my mum came down the staircase to hug us.

Elizabeth: Oh my babies! Come, dinner is almost ready. Go meet your father. He 's in his office.

Mum pushed us into his office.

Elizabeth: Gareth honey. Your kids are here.

My father looked up from his desk and stood up. He still looked the same as the last I saw him.

"Hi Dad."

Ginny: Hi Daddy.

Gareth: Nathan! Ginny!

He hugged us both.

Gareth: How are you both? Not causing much trouble I hope.

Despite his reputation, my father is actually a loving father. He dotes on Ginny a lot. They have a special kind of relationship. Well, not so much recently ever since he defended my arranged marriage so much so he did not stop her from leaving.

Ginny: No Daddy. I dont think you should worry about us. Maybe more so your future daughter in law. (She spat out)

I pulled her away when I see my father glaring at her.

"Not now Ginny."

She looked at me and back to my father before storming out.

Elizabeth: Ill go check on her. Dinner will be ready soon. Be nice you two. It is not everyday I have you all under the same roof and I am not having a swearing session either. (She glared at us before leaving the room)

She may be sweet and nice but boy is she scary.

Gareth: So Nathan, I suppose you know why your sister reacted that way?

"Im sure you know dad. She hates Ashley. You know what Ashley did to her right."

Gareth: Yes something with Mark. But Im glad things dont work out between her and Mark. She was 16.

"And why cant I do better than that slut Ashley? She did that to Ginny and you still wants me to marry her?"

Gareth: We have been over this Nathan. The wedding is final. It will happen.

"No dad. I am not going through with this. And that is final"

Before he could retort, I stormed out of the room and slam the door behind me.

Dinner was relatively quiet.

Elizabeth: So Nathan and Ginny, are u guys gonna move back here soon? Its very lonely here without you.

Ginny and me said together: No.

Ginny: I cant be here. Ill go mad seeing that bitch around here.

"You're not." I said before my father could say anything.

They all turn to stare at me.

"You are not gonna see her because I will not marry her. That is final. Apart from her being a pain, I dont love her and I dont want to marry her."

Gareth: That is enough Nathan. I dont want to hear another word. If you want to still be part of this family, you will not disobey my direct orders.

I dropped my spoon and stood up.

"Fine. I dont want any of it if it means I dont marry Ashley. Keep the car, take the house I dont care."

Before I left the table, my father spoke calmly.

Gareth: Oh you would not be doing that if you want your precious girlfriend to be safe.

I turned furious.

"STAY AWAY FROM HER. I MEAN IT. IF YOU TOUCH HER, I SWEAR I WILL TEAR DOWN EVERYTHING YOU'VE BUILT!"

I left the mansion and walked off leaving my car.

--

Ginny POV

"That is enough Daddy! He has put up with you all his life. He was even willing to take over the business which he clearly doesnt. All he wanted was to be with the woman he loves. Is that so wrong? You have destroyed my heart and love for you."

I took off taking Nathan's car.

I found him walking along the road and pulled over.

"Nate! Get in! Ill take you back."

Nathan: No Ginny. I am not taking anything of his.

"Dont be stupid Nate! It is a long way back! Get in! I promise after this Ill return the car."

Nathan reluctantly climbed in and we drove back to my place.

-At my place-

Nathan: Thanks Ginny for letting me crash here. Ill gather my things tomorrow and find a place.

"Dont be silly. You can just stay here."

"Besides... I dont think Daddy will take away your house and car. Both of you just need to calm down and talk."

Nathan: No Ginny. I am not marrying Ashley. He cant force me. Im tired. Ill talk to you tomorrow. Thanks sis.

I reached out and hugged him.

"Goodnight Nate."