Calling Off The Marriage

Inside, the grandeur of the estate felt like a double-edged sword— Ryan stared at his father's back for some moments.

Finally his father turned facing him,he walked slowly to him.

"Father,I can ex …."

Before Ryan could finish his words two hot slap landed on his right cheeks.

"You little punk" his father roared, how dare you make a fool out of me, I've always trusted you Ryan, and this is how you repay me.

"I found out about your… arrangement with that slut you claim you're in love with.

"Contract marriage," Ryan corrected, annoyance creeping into his voice.

"Is there a difference?" His father shot back. "You're making a mockery of this family name! A contract marriage? How could you do something like that?"

"This isn't how it is, Dad!" Ryan exclaimed, frustration bubbling over. " I was just scared of loosing to Jason, and I really wanted to fulfill your last whishes"

"'Wishes'? His father repeated, you think you're actually fulfilling my wishes by throwing your future away.

Ryan's jaw clenched. "You don't get it. It's just for a short period of time, it's nothing special.

"Lies" His father retorted, cutting him off. "Do you not understand the implications of what you're trying to do? Our family has worked too hard to build an honorable reputation, and you're tarnishing it with this joke!"

"Dad, stop trying to put it all on me, you pressured me too much in the first place.

" Pressure?" His father echoed incredulously. "You think I'm just going to sit back and let you ruin all what I've worked for in life ? You need to understand that this nonsense ends now. I refuse to see my legacy squandered over this foolishness."

The tension in the room reached an explosive pitch, the air crackling with unspoken anger. "What are you going to do? Cut me off?" Ryan challenged, his heart racing. "You can't do that!"

"Watch me," Collins said coldly, his eyes narrowing. "I will not let you drag our family name through the mud any longer. If you choose to stay in this farce, then I will give every last property to your brother, Jason. Let him carry on the legacy."

Ryan felt his heart drop at the mention of Jason's name. Jason, with his opportunistic plans and nefarious ways, could never be trusted to uphold the family values that meant everything to Ryan. "You wouldn't really do that to me, Dad," he said, his voice softer now, filled with disbelief. "I've worked too hard to uphold the family legacy and this is how it's ending"

"Do you think I want to?" His dad shot back, his frustration and disappointment simmering beneath the surface. "You've disappointed me, Ryan. And I do not take kindly to being embarrassed. You'd better think long and hard about what you're sacrificing."

The words hung heavily in the air, and as Ryan's father turned away from him, he felt a profound loss settle in his chest. Disappointment from his father stung more than any physical wound. 

"Fine," Ryan said finally, his voice hardening as he fought against the wave of despair. "If that's what you want, then so be it, to think that I was never interested in taking over the companies, give every last bit of your properties to Jason"

With that, Ryan strode out, the echoes of his father's disappointment ringing in his ears. He had always known his father held high expectations; he had always felt the weight of the Collins name pressing down on him. But this? This was beyond what he anticipated.

With that he entered his car zooming of the Collins Estate.

~~~

"Did your boss informed you about where's he's heading to" Lia asked.

"No ma'am,no idea" the maid replied.

Did something bad happen,I saw him droving off in such a hurry.

Just when Lia turned to walk back to her room,the door swinged open and Ryan walked in, ignoring her completely he strode to his.

Lia stared intently at him and she noticed some slight bruises on his cheek.

"Did he get into a fight, and what's up with the silent attitude" she thought staring at his retreating figure.

"Ryan" Lia called out, feeling surprise as to why his name came out from her.

Having no other option she walked to Ryan directly,staring at the bruises on his face.

"What happened, you left in such a hurry" Lia asked.

"It's nothing, just some little work I had to handle" he responded.

"And your cheeks" Lia said pointing to them.

"I scraped my bracelet against it mistakenly" 

Lia felt so surprise at his words,she had a certain feeling Ryan was telling lies.

"Forget about the marriage" A voice uttered.

Staring at Ryan he disbelief " What? What did he just say,Is this a prank.

Lia didn't know if she should feel elated or sad,it was a combination of mixed feelings.

"Why all of a sudden" we came back from the bridal shop a few hours ago and here you are playing pranks"

"Lia, you heard me right,I said forget about it, I'm no longer interested, don't fret, it won't affect your dad" 

"Shouldn't I at least know the reason you're calling of the marriage, I deserve to know" Lia shot back.

"There are things in life you don't need to know" Ryan replied walking away.

Walking after Ryan,she grabbed his arm pulling him back.

"Ryan why are you behaving this way, this was not the deal we made"

"You should be happy I'm letting you go, this has no business with you Lia I'll disburse the sum of money accumulated within the next 7 months,if you're so worried about the money" Lia shouted pulling his arm from her grip forcefully,Lia staggered back falling on the floor.

"Ouch" she shouted in pains.