Davidson had just turned on the light in his room only to view his parents sitting on the bed.
"Where have you been?" His dad asked calmly.
"Do I really have to answer that?" He scoffed.
"Don't make me ask." His mum chirped in."Who is this girl you are seeing?"
"Have you been trailing after me? That's ridiculous."
"Seriously?" Mr Hills asked excitedly. "Who is she?"
"Her name is Jasmine."
"And?" His mum pressed on."Is that all?"
"She is a normie."
"I knew it. Davidson, don't tell me you fell in love with someone outside the Mafian circle? Have you forgotten that your responsibility comes first to the clan before any other thing?"
"For once in my life Mum, don't you feel like I deserve true happiness away from all the rigours of the underworld? Everything I have done so far in my life is for the Mafian world. And now that I have found someone I love; something valuable for the first time in my life, you refuse to oblige me?"
"How dare you talk at me in that manner,Davidson? You know what I'm capable of doing right? Make sure you don't dare to cross me."
Davidson walked closer to her." Whatever you want to do, Mun, bring it on. I'm ready because I'm not letting her go, not matter what obstacles you may pose."
"You wouldn't dare." She warned and stormed out of the room.
Davidson slumped into his bed, gritting his teeth in frustration. He knew his mum was one not to make empty promises.
"Don't let this get to you, son," His Dad whose presence was long forgotten spoke up. "Do whatever pleases you. I'm right behind you."
"Thanks dad," Davidson smiled.
"Why not bring her home one of these days?"
Davidson's eyes widened in surprise." You don't mean that, do you?"
"Of course, I'm serious. We need to know what our future daughter-in-law looks like."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The time was well past one pm when Jasmine and Davidson arrived at the Hills residence. The whole compound consisted of the main villa which at first sight looked like a huge mansion. The guest house was behind it and the boys quarters as well. The fountain at the middle of the compound added breathtaking grace to the whole scenario and the trees; shrubs and flowers made it look like somewhere in a fairytale. Her eyes finally darted to the cars. They were the latest and of exotic choice. She then swallowed hard.
"Are you sure we are in the right place?" Jasmine asked. The beauty of the whole place was too real to be believable.
"Yes, and let's go inside, darling. My parents must be waiting." Davidson said and led the way before Jasmine would ask further questions.
Inside the family house was nothing compared to what she saw outside. The intricate designs and decorations made her thought she was dreaming. Her family were quite rich but this place was screaming wealth. Up ahead, Mr and Mrs Bryan-Hills sat hand to hand, looking youthful and graceful.
"Dad,Mum,look who I have brought home," he beamed with smiles.
"Good afternoon sir, ma'am."
"Afternoon Jasmine,"Mr Hills smiled warmly as he embraced her while Mrs Hills muttered something somewhat incoherently." My son has told me much about you that I had an idea of the kind of lady to expect but I must commend that you were beyond my expectations."
"Thanks for the compliment." Jasmine smiled back.
"Hmm, Davidson, I can see that you have done an excellent job. You have great taste and I'm pleased."
"Of course, dad. After all, I'm the son of my father," he bragged and they laughed.
Few minutes later, they were at table having lunch which consisted of the main course, the dessert as well as assorted fresh fruits and exotic wines on the table.
"So tell me, Jasmine, what are your qualifications? What do you do?"
Jasmine chewed the food in her mouth and drank a glass of water before answering.
"Well, I had my bachelor and master's degrees in Food Science. Presently, I work on my own and own Jasmine's World."
"Wow, I'm so proud of you, my dear. You are so industrious. I never had an idea you own Jasmine's World. Most of my colleagues have been talking non-stop about the exceptional meals served there. I think it's high time I have a taste also, right?" Mr Hills commented and Jasmine smiled but Mrs Hills wasn't willing to let go.
"What do your parents do?"
"Umm, my dad is late but my mum overseees the family business. She deals in Textiles and Fashion accessories," Jasmine explained wondering where the conversation was heading.
"So, tell me…." Mrs Hills was about to ask another question when her husband chipped in.
"Jasmine darling, how do you find business in the city? Do you have other branches nation wide?"
"Business is amazing. And though, I don't have any other branch yet, I can assure you that I'm working towards that."
"I heard Jasmine's World is highly recommended amongst bakers and cooks. How is the competition so far?"
"The competition is cool as we are still top market. We bake and cook for events even internationally. Things are getting more and more interesting and I'm looking forward to more contact deals."
"Why cooking? I mean, women are naturally good cooks. What motivated you to pursue cooking as a career?"
"Growing up, I watched my mum turn any opportunity she had into a culinary adventure. She could cook so many local and international dishes and I was always awed by the expertise at which she cooked but my mum didn't want it as a career. So, I decided to learn as much as I could from her and then went ahead to read food science. In a nutshell, apart from my passion for cooking, I want the whole world to know of my mum's skills."
"That's wonderful. I love independent women and I must commend Davidson for choosing so well."
Jasmine smiled. She was already in love with this family.