Gonzales Mansion
"Emma! Alex! Come here. I have good news!" Theo called out excitedly as he walked into the living room from the front door.
"What happened, Theo?" Emma asked, stepping out of the kitchen.
"I'll tell you. But before that, where is Alex?"
"Where else would he be at this time? Of course, at the office," Emma replied.
"Okay, let me call him," Theo said, taking out his phone.
Emma quickly held his arm, concern written all over her face.
"Is it something serious? You're making me worried, Theo. Tell me right now!"
Theo wrapped an arm around her shoulders and sighed.
"Yes, it's serious… but it's good news."
"I've decided to bring us a daughter," he said proudly.
Emma looked at him, confused at first. Then suddenly, her eyes lit up.
"Of course, that's good news! I've always wanted a daughter. Where are we adopting from?"
Theo stared at her strangely.
"Oh dear! Not that. I mean, I've found the perfect daughter-in-law for us and a bride for our son."
Emma sighed and looked at him boredly.
"Which sane girl agreed to be his wife? And will he even agree? I'm exhausted from arranging blind dates for him."
Theo smiled confidently.
"She's the most sensible and beautiful girl I've ever seen. Our son will definitely love her. And there's nothing to 'agree' to. I've already promised."
Emma stared at him in disbelief.
"To whom?"
Theo smiled and replied calmly,
"I promised Zach. My son will be marrying his daughter."
"Who said I agree?"
The furious roar from the doorway cut through the room like thunder. Theo and Emma turned sharply to find their son standing there, eyes blazing with anger.
Alex had just stepped inside. He had heard enough.
"Dad, I will not agree to this," he snapped, striding in. "Never with that arrogant Lady Remington."
Theo stared at him, utterly confused.
Arrogant? Just today, he had seen the photographs Alex with Ria. Anyone could tell they were deeply in love. The way his son looked at her… it wasn't an act. Then what is this?
Theo wondered, a chill creeping in.
' Is he playing with her? No… my son isn't that kind of man.'
And then it struck him.
'My foolish son doesn't even know who the woman he loves really is.'
A painful smile tugged at Theo's lips.
Alex noticed the strange expression on his father's face and frowned.
'Marriage? With that arrogant woman? Never, his mind raged. How could I, when my heart already belongs to someone else?'
Ria.
Her name echoed softly in his thoughts.
'I can't even imagine another woman. I love her. I only want her. Always.'
He swallowed.
'Even if I haven't proposed yet, I know she loves me too.'
A sudden fear gripped him.
'God… please don't let her hear about this nonsense. I can't bear to see her hurt.'
"Ahem." Theo cleared his throat, pulling Alex back to the present.
"Alex, my dear son," he said gently, "don't dismiss this outright. Just meet her once. I'm certain you'll like her."
Alex shut his eyes briefly, steadying himself. When he spoke again, his voice was calm, but resolute.
"No, Dad. Please. I can't marry her."
Emma finally spoke, her voice soft but firm.
"Theo, I think you should respect his decision."
She walked toward Alex, placing a comforting hand on his arm.
"Do you remember the sweet girl I once told you about?" she asked hopefully. "What about her?"
Alex let out a frustrated sigh.
"Mom… I don't want to marry anyone. Not now. Not anyone."
Theo rolled his eyes lightly.
"Darling, that was eight years ago. You saw her once when she was just a child. Are you even sure she isn't married by now? Do you know anything about her life?"
Emma looked away, defeated.
Truth was, she didn't.
That girl had been someone she met briefly in her motherland while exploring the place. She liked her instantly, clicked a few pictures with her… and then life moved on. She never saw her again.
"Alex, my son," Theo said softly, his voice warm with quiet confidence. "Just meet her once. I promise, you'll change your opinion after that."
Alex shook his head immediately.
"No, Dad. I can't." He hesitated, then spoke with firm resolve. "I… I love someone else. And I'm going to propose to her soon."
Theo bit the inside of his cheek, barely suppressing a smile.
'Of course you will', he thought wryly. 'I'm arranging your marriage myself, you foolish boy.'
Emma's eyes widened in delight.
"Oh my God! Finally!" she exclaimed. "That's wonderful!"
Alex smiled gently at his mother, comforted by her reaction.
Emma turned to Theo, her tone calm but decisive.
"Theo, now this makes sense. It's his life. Let him make his own decision."
Theo let out a slow sigh, frustration flickering across his face.
"You can say that after meeting her," he replied. "I've already given my word to Zach. If she's willing too, then you'll meet her tomorrow."
Alex stiffened.
"Just one meeting," Theo continued firmly. "Nothing more. You can decide after that."
"You can't force me, Dad!" Alex snapped, anger flashing in his eyes.
Theo's expression hardened, hurt mixing with authority.
"I'm not forcing you to marry her tomorrow," he said coldly. "I'm only asking you to meet her once. That's all."
He paused, his voice lowering.
"All these years, I've never asked anything of you. This is the first. Whether you consider my words or not that's up to you."
With that, Theo stood up and walked away, leaving the room heavy with silence.
Alex remained where he was, shoulders slumped, defeated.
Emma stepped closer, her voice soothing.
"Don't worry, dear. Just meet her. There's nothing wrong in that," she said gently. "You can simply tell her that you love someone else. That's all."
Alex closed his eyes slowly, exhaustion washing over him. After a moment, he nodded.
Alex stood up.
"I'm going back to camp, Mom. Let me know if Dad says something."
Emma smiled and patted his arm. "I know you can't disobey him. I'll call you."
Alex nodded and headed out.