Mr Bryan-Hills had just walked into his study to meet Davidson waiting for him.
"Welcome home, Dad." He said as he stood up to welcome him.
Father and son shared an affectionate embrace.
"Trust me son, when I say it's good to be back home."
"I'm glad that you are back."
"I know."
"I trust you do." Davidson replied and his father chuckled.
"You know one thing, Davidson. Your mother is a hard nut to crack. She is really stubborn and vicious too but I didn't imagine that in the space of two months, just two months, she would wreck that much havoc."
"I guess."
"Why didn't you inform me earlier?"
"I thought I could handle it and beside I know how much you hated being disturbed when you are on a business trip."
"Still, you are my son. There is no amount in this world that can replace that." Mr Bryan chuckled.
"Dad," Davidson turned serious. "I need you to pull the leash on your wife. I deserve happiness for once in my entire existence. Jasmine makes me happy and I have more reason to be happy with my unborn child on the way. But mum isn't making anything easy with the way she keeps breathing down threats down our throats. Jasmine is literally on edge and I don't want anything to happen to her." He paused and then surprised his father by going on his knees. "I've never requested for anything before, so please dad, if truly I'm your son, please grant me this request."
Mr Hills sighed.
"Sit down son." He said and Davidson reluctantly sat. "You are my son and over the years I have kept a keen eye on you. You were never disobedient. You made me proud on every occasion and as a father who deeply cared for his son, I knew something was missing from your life. Jasmine filled that space up. Why did you think I accepted her? It was because I saw the changes she brought out in you. So don't worry son, I'll talk to Elena."
"Thanks Dad." Davidson said. There were tears in his eyes.
"It's alright." Mr Hills replied. He rang a small bell and a maid ran in. "Get me a bottle of champagne and two glasses." He said and she ran out immediately.
"What the occasion, dad?" Davidson asked with a smirk.
"It's been long since we shared a drink and besides, I'm going to be a grandfather soon. Isn't that worth celebrating?" He asked and his son smiled.
The maid came back in and served them.
"I'll talk to your mother and afterwards, tell my daughter in law to prepare her best meal for me because I'm coming to see her in two days."
"Jasmine would be delighted."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That night, over dinner, Mr Bryan talked to his wife like he promised.
"What's going on, Elena?"
"Where?"
"With you and Davidson."
"Oh," she said. "There is absolutely nothing going on."
"And Jasmine?"
"Yeah. Now there lies the problem."
"Look, I don't know what your deal with that girl is but I'm asking you to stay your hand. Don't do anything rash or stupid."
"I wasn't planning to."
"I know you like I know the back of my palm. There are a thousand plans going on in your head against that girl."
"Why do you even care?" Mrs Elena flared.
"Why do I care? It's my son we are talking about. And I won't let you destroy the only person that brings happiness into my son's life."
"How did that end for Chloe?"
Mr Bryan's ears tingled at the mention of that name.
"What did you just say?"
"I said, how did that end for Chloe? Jasmine doesn't belong here and you know it. And if she doesn't make to leave the easy way out, I'm going to make sure she leaves screaming; her body on hot coals and nails."
Mr Hills banged his hands on the table.
"You would do no such thing.Jasmine is not Chloe."
"Try me and see."
"You would do no such thing, Elena." Mr Hills flared up as he stood. "I'm still your husband and the patriarch of this family and my world is final. You would stay the hell away from my son and Jasmine. If you as much as touch a strand of hair on her head, I will kill you myself." He warned and turned to walk away.
"If this is how you want it, I'll give it to you," Mrs Elena swore.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The air in the room was warm and the dishes on the dining table look as though a feast was going to take place. The air within that space was swelling with sweet aromas and most of the guards were salivating. Jasmine looked around to make sure everything was in place. Davidson had gone to pick up his father while Daisy and Jayden were out for a quick business meeting. The horning of the car downstairs brought her back to reality. She dashed out with a smile.
"My beautiful Jasmine. Always a pleasure to see you." Mr Hills beamed as he embraced her.
"Dad, you are welcome. How was your trip?"
"It was nice but I'm happy to be back."
"Come on, let's go inside." Davidson urged as they made their way in.
Jasmine led the way towards the dining table.
"So dad, Davidson told me your request and I knew it was an honor for you to ask for my meals, so what do you think?"
"You have outdone yourself. I'm very proud."
"Thank you," she mouthed and took a seat.
Mr Hills dug into the meal and was fascinated by the taste of each one. Jasmine watched him with a huge smile on her face.
"Had I known of your exceptional skills, I would have been your sponsor. This is really good."
"Thanks Dad," Jasmine smiled again as Davidson kissed her knuckles.
"How is my grandchild doing?"
"Absolutely fine."
"I trust my son to take the best care of you but if he mistakenly doesn't, I'm a phone call away."
"Come on,Dad," Davidson said and they laughed.
After lunch, they sat at the living room discussing trivial issues and laughing. The television was on but none of them was paying serious attention to it. The ringing of Jasmine's phone distracted them. It was Daisy.
"Hello?"
"Jasmine, where are you?" Her tone was worried.
"I'm at home."
"You might want to watch the news."
"What happened?"
"I'm so sorry, " was all Daisy said before ending the call. What's wrong with her, Jasmine thought. She turned her attention to the television screen after increasing the volume. And there it was. Behold and lo, her restaurant. Burning up in rapid flames. All her investments. Gone . Burnt to the ground.
"Oh my Goodness!" Mr Hills exclaimed as Davidson rushed to where Jasmine stood rooted.
"I'm so sorry..." was all he could say before she collapsed in his arms.
"Jasmine!!!!!!!!!!!"