Chapter 7

Mom's engagement party came faster than I ever imagined.

The room had started to pile up with people from different walks of life. To think my mother called it a small get together? That woman! This is huge.

The decor of this room is so elegant. A mix of maturity and youthfulness was displayed through the colors. Pink and dark shade of gray was entwined into one, as the subtle lightning gave it a cool glow. The life band which, I never bothered to know much about seems to be getting most peoples attention.

Different people with their styles and taste in fashion. Beautiful in their own unique way.

We were all waiting for the opening speech. The couple of the night were no where to be found "yet" or so they claim. Am sure they are together somewhere, doing only God knows what.

I was still in the middle of admiring the whole situation when I felt a tap on my shoulder.

"Good evening Mr Westfield,"

"Good evening..."

"Daniel Frank. He filled in."

Suddenly it all clicked as I took a proper look at him. It was the same man that almost walked in on I and my boss. My role model.

"It's Good to have a prestigious business tycoon such as yourself, grace this occasion." I said.

"Oh, it's nothing. Am here for the groom to be. We are business partners if you put it that way." He said with a curt smile.

"Oh, really?"

"Yes. Rumors says you're the son of the bride to be?" He inquired.

"Yes. Definitely. There isn't any lie in what it has been said."

"I'm sure your happiness knows no bounds today." He commented

"I can't start to express how I feel. It's a fulfillment." I said.

"I heard you're also an employee at the Blackstones'." He continued.

"Ugh, I would have to say your source gave you a false info. I was once working with Blackstones cooperation. But not anymore."

"Oh, am so sorry. What was the reason for your job loss? If you don't mind me asking."

"It's best if we don't go into the details of that for tonight. I would rather we enjoy this evening." I told him.

"Sure, I hope to hear more from you." He concluded.

"Me too. Have a wonderful evening."

As he took his leave, I felt another tap on my shoulder.

What's it with people tapping my shoulder tonight I thought to myself as I plastered a fake smile on my face as I turned around.

"You know, I could just go back to were I came from if you're so displeased to see me. The lovely young lady said."

"Angel?"

"Yup!" She said popping the letter P in it.

"Do I need to get you an eyeglass too dad? You can't even recognize your own daughter!"

"That's because the person I see before me looks like a cute goddess. " I told her.

"Dadddd, stop the excessive flattering. I know you say that cause I'm your daughter. Besides, if you make me mad, who's gonna cook your meals when gram's leaves?"

"Ugh, are you threaten your father young lady?"

"No, daddy bear, just stating the fact. And if you don't want that threat having effect soon, quit calling me cute!!"

"Awee... What should I call you?

Adorable?"

"Gosh, no,no no and Hell to the no's."

"Am a bad ass!"

"Really?"

"Y-"

She was cut off by the voice coming from the speaker

"Hello everyone, can I get your attention please?"

By now, everyone present in the room had faced the podium

"Well, now that that I have your attention, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, oh let's not forget our grand ma's and pa's." The tall, well built man with the dark hair and brown eyes said. Making most of the people in the room laugh.

"I am deeply sorry we are a bit late. The couple of the night seem to have had some things to sort out."

Yeah right, like their never ending libidos. Ugh, those guy are like dogs in heat I tell you. It's gross thinking of them in that way.

I must have zoned out during the man's speech cause what I heard next took me by surprise.

"I would like to call up my soon to be step son and granddaughter to the podium." My mums fiancé said with a million dollar smile.

"Jack, Angel, would you come up here please." My mum said.

Now, I am definitely confused about how I could have zoned out for such a long time not to realized that they were both on stage and his daughter was by their side.

Before you even ask, yes. He has a daughter. Her name is Emily. She's twenty two. Studied medicine despite her fathers pleadings for her to read computer science. I respect her strong will and passion. But if I had a well to do father like hers, I won't stress my self so much. I mean, He is one of the big goons in the technological industry. Ranging from is production of software's, cars, phones, even robots. He was like a god father of the technology world.

It's sad though, to think that all he ever worked so hard to archive would go to waste. After all, he has no other child except Emily. Poor man. Who will live on with his vision?

"Jack? Get your little butt up here this minute or so help me God, you won't live to tell the story!" My mum said with a calm voice, playful eyes and the best award winning smile. Yup, that's ma cue.

She can't fool me with that demur. It's like the calm before the storm. And does she rile up one hell of a storm. Do you wanna know how I lost my first baby tooth? Sure you do. Unfortunately, I gotta run.

As I stepped up before the waiting crowd, My mum smiled. She devil.

"Okay, so now that we have our son here, we would love to make an official announcement." My mum said.

"Yes, we no you guys are bored to death and just wanna enjoy the rest of this evening, dancing and eating. So, I'll be real quick. As you all know that I was gifted with just one child. A lovely but very stubborn young lady at that. He said glaring daggers at Emily, who in return gave her dad a sheepish smile. I have decided that I am way too old to keep up with the happenings of the technological world. Therefore I would like to introduce the new CEO of Evolution. It's no other than my son, Jack. He said facing me.

Everyone in the room were applauding furiously. I just stood there dumbfounded. Oops , now I understand the true meaning of the saying "be careful what you wish for"

I knew the crowd were expecting me to say something but I was blank.

Slowly, I walked toward the standing mike, cleared my throat, then I began my speech

"Ladies and gentlemen, uhmmm... A day before, I made plans, on what to say and how to say it when I get called up today to give a speech. Unfortunately, those plans flew out the fence. But I believe, that if you truly love someone, respect that person and believe strongly in something, anything or even anyone, you don't need to practice or memorise the words you want to say to, or about that person. I love my mum...with all my heart. She had and is still sacrificing everything she has for my happiness. Even though looking at how she looks at you, I said facing my soon to be father, I am not sure you're on the sacrificial list."

I knew my mum before she met you, and I am confident to say that I love the woman she as became since you showed up in her life, our life's. You're a good man, and though I believe I am not competent enough to take your seat, it would be a great privilege and honor to work for you, under your fatherly guardians of cause. Thank you."

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would love to propose a toast to the bride and groom in the making. Motioning for the waiter to bring me a glass of champaign. Lifting it up I said, to the bride and groom. Same word was echoed around the room and a couple of cheers and clinking of wine cups were heard.

Oh, one more thing, Emily, irrespective of what your father says, you know he loves you. And I respect your strong will not stubbornness as our father called it earlier. I spoke through the mic as I gave a warm brotherly smile. I wasn't prepared for her reaction cause the moment I stopped talking she ran towards my direction encasing me in a bone crushing hug. I. Can't. Breath. I breathed out. Gaining a small sorry from her as she pulled away from me. Looking at me with teary eyes she said, "thank you big bro, you're the best"

I felt a feeling of warmth and over protectiveness consume me at her words. You don't know what it feels like to be accepted by someone. I had always longed to be a big brother. I just never had the chance till now.

"It's no problem little sis, it's my job." We both laughed and things could never be better.

"Jack," my mum called making me turn my attention her way. She was in tears, happy tears.

"Mumm, you should not be crying on your engagement party. Your spoiling your make up."

"Oh, shut up. Oh Jack, I knew you were sweet but your speech today? That was the sweetest deep, heart felt words have ever heard." Now she was full blown crying. I drew her close to me and hugged her tight. "I love you mom. Always." I told her

"Me to baby. More than you'll ever know." She said right back.

Our bonding time was cut short cause it was announced that it was time for the couple to grace the dance floor with their moves.

After their first dance, others began to join in on the fun. I danced with a couple of people, Mum, Angel and Emily being the first three. I left the dance floor to get some fresh air when my legs could take no more.

"Son," someone called from behind making me turn around. Thank goodness he didn't tap my shoulders this time.

It was Lewis, my mums fiancé.

"Oh, Mr Patrick, I was hoping to see you before the night ends." I said.

"Oh please, call me Lewis. Though I look forward to hearing you call me dad one day."

"Oh, sorry, it just all knew to me." I told him.

"I know." He responded.

"Lewis, why give me full right and control over your company? You barely know me."

"Jack, you're wrong. I do know you." He countered.

"You have a good heart, confident and hardworking let's not forget you're a genius. Besides, your mum told me about your job situation and I only did what a father would do for his son."

"That's the point, I don't want it to seem like I'm taking advantage. I want to work hard for whatever it is I get. Not get it on a platter of gold."

"Sure you will work hard. You have to prove your self worth not only to your employee's, but to the world. Besides, it's a win win situation. I don't have a successor to my company, and you don't have a job. Exchange is no rubber my dear. Just put in your best. I believe in you. Try to believe in yourself."

"Thank you so much Lewis."

He gave me a warm smile in return.

He was about to walk away when I spoke up.

"I never knew you were friends with David." I voiced out.

"Oh, not really. We are more of uhm how do I put it....let's say we have a mutual understanding."

"So you're are not friends."

"He's my greatest contender actually. We work together to chase off pest in the industry. So if he claims to be my friend, it's not far fetched."

"Oh...OK."

"Son, don't let that man bother you. From what your mom told me, you adore him. But don't base your life on his standards. Walking in his shadows would only encourage him to use you, Trample over you, oppress you. Rather, work hard and prove yourself. And he would be the one seeking your acknowledgement. Like I said earlier, I believe in you Jack. Its time you believe in yourself."

"I-"

"No, not tonight. I would rather you go home and ponder over it"

"I better get back to your mother before she comes looking for me."

"The night is lovely , enjoy it." He concluded.

"Thank you....Dad." I choked out.

"It's nothing son, just doing what a father is to do for a child he cares about. Nothing more." He said as he smile warmly at me, giving my shoulder a squeeze, he then turned the other direction.

I touched the place his hands just left moment ago feeling a squeeze in my heart. To any other person, that gesture meant little. But to a man, a son, it speaks volumes.

I never knew the importance of a father figure till this very moment. Right now, the respect and admiration I have for him is out of this world.

Sighing out loud, I made my way to the food table. It is indeed a lovely night, there are beautiful women in here tonight.

Let's see, how this night would end. Let's just wait and see.....