"Darling, when your dad asked you guys to leave us and talk, he said that them as parents can't allow their only daughter to marry through civil marriage. He pressed on your mum mostly" he said as he watched her cook from the counter and munching on the cookies she had made earlier.
"That's them but the question is what do we want honey?" she said putting down the cooking spoon and leaning on the counter opposite side from him.
"He said you're doing this to yourself just because of your love for me"
"But..."
"It's not all, he also offered me a job in your company, and I asked to come discuss it with you before accepting or rejecting" he said looking at her behind as it moved up and down behind her long straight black hair as she stirred the food.
"Do you want it? I have no problem if you take it, it's even better because maybe he'll stop pestering me about being in the company. You're a piece of me; you go there am there."
"There is something I want to explain to you about men before I tell you what I want to tell you.,"
"Okay..., go on."
"Men don't marry early because they have to make sure they feel like men all round. Money in the pockets, good body, have a house or can consistently pay rent for one. It's just really necessary for our ego. We have to feel capable of taking care of the women we love, In that case you're mine. I want to be capable to provide and protect you and the family. All we want is to make you happy for a lifetime not just on a day."
"Where are you driving to?"
"I'll accept your father's offer and work in his company but..."
"I knew 'a but' was coming,"
"Can we not go first into marriage. Like the wedding and all. I have no problem living with you, but I want to be a responsible man for you. Please don't get angry. But the truth is I need to have enough to be able to feel enough for you. I don't want it to look like I am taking advantage of you. In front of your brother and family and the many friends you've."
"So, it's about other people?"
"No. Never. It's your image we're protecting here, and I don't want our love to be in anyway toxic. I'm not afraid of what people say. I'll be open for PDA if it's any consolation. Okay." he said as he held her small face in his hands and raised himself more to plant a kiss on her nose.
That evening, Rafeal and Darling went back to Mr. Chico's mansion, her father. Rafael accepted his offer and was given the position of the resource manager. It felt nice to know he'll be working in an office again where money streamed in again but this time it was different; he had goals and a whole new life with someone special awaiting for him. He dared not mess this chance.
However, they had just finished talking when Darling cleared her throat to make her presence known in the study room.
"What is it Darling?" his father asked concerned.
"Raf, we should have discussed this, but we had not raised it up in the morning but as I come to think of it, I think I'll take up the vice president position because now it's different, I have you to always light up my day in the office. What do you say?"
"I love that, we get to see each other more and we both have good jobs. That's a good choice made wisely." Rafael replied to her all smiles.
"I think it's not wise enough but It's better. Just ensure you keep your affairs low and behind the scenes. I can't believe am saying that when it's against the protocol. No dating your colleague."
"It will all be under the water, Dad. Thanks." she said and kissed him on the cheek.
"I also want to give you this, my future son in-law." he said as he dangled a car key in front of them. "I noticed you both use her car, and it must be a little inconvenient."
"Thank you so much. I don't even have words to say how much I owe you." Rafael said as his head was being hugged by Darling from the back. Her hands on his chest.
"Now get going because my daughter won't allow us some peace just because you're around."
"Yes. I'll take my leave." he said, and they both went out. As they walked out, Darling said she needed to stay here if it has to be undercover and also because she has never really lived a good life alone. She liked it better in her dad's house.
"No problem. As long as I get to see you every day in different outfits and your sunny bright smile" he said, and they smooched their goodbye in the garage and Darling showed him his new vehicle. Rafael could only gasp. A Rolls-Royce with a vintage model.
"Shit! This is a hell of a car." he said looking at Darling who just nodded her head to him, happy and contented to see him that happy.
"I'll get going then." he said and hugged her one more time before driving off.
"He even acts like a child in front of you. I hope that's not the way I act when I'm with your mum. Or I do?"
"If I'm honest... you do."
Father and daughter went back inside and found their mother already made the dinner and arranged it on the table.
"Welcome." she said and sat down. Mr. Chico and Darling knew that her sitting down before serving, meant that one of them had to. Looking at each other, they raced to the table and Darling beat his father and sat down before him. Reluctantly, he served them food and sat down in his chair, pouting, without serving himself some.
You couldn't believe that it was a multi billionaire man acting like an angry kid and not eating.
"Why didn't you serve yourself?" Mrs. Chico enquired.
"It's not fair to always use this sitting trick to make me serve food and nobody serves me. How do you expect me to win her with this big tummy?"
"Then go to the gym."
"You don't want me to eat. It's okay, I'll go to my study. "He said trying to trick his wife with a pained face.
"Sit down big man," she said and stood up to serve him before he starves himself. Darling looked at his parents and wondered how they stayed together all these years.
"Mum, why did you fire Mellisa? She was so good in the kitchen and in serving food too."
"I didn't fire her, she's so talented. I had just suggested to your grumpy dad that she could do better as the head chef in our hotel, but this old man took it seriously and moved her. But I guess it's better, my culinary skills are in work now especially when I am often just cooking for him and me nowadays." she said obviously not pissed off.
"You're trying to pin it on me, but I know you better. Suggestions as far as I know in this house are just a silent order. "He said looking at her with those eyes that say, 'try and object'.
"Change of story, did your man agree to work in the company?"
"Yes."
"That's really nice. So have you done it with him ye..."
[cough, cough]"Mum... you can't choose a better place than here and why is you asking? and in front of dad?"
"No, I am actually eager to hear too." he said chipping in with a mouthful.
"I can't tell you. It's part of my private life. Gross. Ew, I'll be in my room." she said pushing her chair and walking towards the elevator.
"Je suis desolee . I am sorry. your reaction speaks volumes to us "she shouted behind her. Mrs. Chico straightened her hand and rubbing the back of his husband's hand giggling and said, "We'll be grandparents soon."
"Then you'll forget all about me when you put all your attention to them."
"You're jealous of unborn and unknown babies?" she said and laughed at him.
"You did that when you gave birth to Leo and Darling. When we had a small time to ourselves you were always very tired and always woke up so early to do this and that? Never there for me."
"Let me calm down first..."she said still laughing at him and pulling him to go with her to the living room and sat on their favorite couch. "You're really another baby in my life. The difference is just your big size...but I love you every new day hubby." she said kissing him on the cheek and pulling his head to lie on her chest.
"Love you too and you called me old man. Am i that old?" he asked.
"You're very stupid you know that too, right?" she said smacking his shoulder.
"Aw... what's that for?"
"For thinking you're an old man."