Anthony's pov
We had executed our plan last night and I had to go for the launch today. Chantel had called non-stop last night but I ignored it. Mom called this morning too, but I told her I'll get back to her later as I was busy, but she informed me to meet her at favourite tea spot where she usually has tea.
I went for the launch and was greeted by a crowd of reporters. They were all here for gossips obviously. I took my time explaining everything about the new phone and when I was done I gave room for questions. Only a few asked about the phones but the rest wanted to know about the Anne issue.
"So we have seen that this seasons product is definitely better than last seasons, but if you wouldn't mind I'll like to ask something more personal. Are you in that kind of relationship with the new upcoming actress Lora Anne?" The third reporter who was given the opportunity to speak asked.
"Questions asked here should be business related only, my personal matter is my business" I said calmly.
"But the public would like to know of your relationship with this Anne. We are all curious" another reporter cut in immediately.
"Please sit down if it's not your turn to ask questions" my assistant sanctioned.
"Please give us a reply" another reporter commented ignoring him. Soon, they all started screaming questions at my face and the staffs tried to calm them down and I stood there judging my acting in my mind. I probably sound convincing enough.
"It's enough. I'll answer your questions but it has to be one at a time, and if it gets noisy I'll walk out" I announced and there was a sudden silence in the hall. I signalled for my assistant to begin. He picked the first reporter that would get to ask and he did for the second as well and so on.
"So sir, we would like you to either confirm or deny the rumours" the first reporter said.
"It is true" I replied shortly with a straight face and I could hear the murmuring.
"So you are together for real?" The same reporter asked.
"You have asked your question so give room for others to ask" my assistant said to the reporter.
"How long have you known each other and when did you start dating" the second reporter asked.
"For two years and we started dating a few months back" I replied while they chatted among themselves.
"We are going to take the last question" my assistant announced before he picked the last reporter to ask her question.
"What about your engagement with miss Chantel, or are you just fooling around?" The young lady asked.
"That's enough for today" my assistant said immediately he heard the question asked by the lady.
"So that's all I would be able to answer today, but be certain of something, I never fool around" I said with a smirk before getting up and walking away with my staffs following behind me and the reporters still screaming questions at me. That was probably a very cool exit. Gideon, my assistant, stayed back and handled the rest.
I called Mom and informed her I was coming immediately. I got to the meeting spot and found her having tea.
"Good afternoon mom" I greeted and she only looked at me slightly.
"Have a seat" she said and took a sip from her tea cup.
"The aroma is nice. What tea is that?" I asked, not because I was interested but because I wanted to lighten the mood.
"Not that you care but it's lychee tea. It's fine tea I can assure you" she said proudly.
"You must want to talk....''
"Are you really in a relationship with a nobody?" She interrupted.
"She's not a nobody, she's my woman" I defended.
"I'll take it that you're fooling around, but you can't do that for too long as Chantel can't wait forever" she said coldly.
"She doesn't have to. I will never marry her anyway" I replied in the same tune as her. I knew her very well, she could never be persuaded, and I can only play the stubborn game with her until one of us gives in.
"Sooner or later, you'd understand why this marriage alliance is being set up. You feel that you can be successful on your own, but you need people to actually succeed" she said calmly.
"And I have people".
"And who do you think you have son? Wayne or Wilson? Look son, friendship is fragile and can be ruined at anytime, but marriage builds a strong bond that last forever" she said tapping her finger on the table.
"Like the bond you have with Dad right? When was the last time you saw that husband of yours".
"Don't mock me child. I'm perfectly...."
"No you're not. You keep talking about influence and power but are you happy with the status you have acquired from selling your happiness?"
"Do not speak of what you do not understand boy. You are a child and you...."
"A child that did not know love from his father because his father did not love his mother. A child that despises the kind of person his father is and hates the kind kind of woman his Mother was forced to be. I do not know much, but I do know I do not want the kind of life you and Dad lived for myself" I said as I got up immediately.
"Where are you going. I'm not done" she said immediately.
"Mom, I love you very much, and I hope you respect my decision" I said as I walked out. I hope I was clear enough and I really wished she would be understanding.
I was so lost in thought on my way back but my thoughts were disrupted by a call. It was from Sean.
"Hey big bro" I said trying to sound excited.
"Hey. I saw your interview during your company's launch. So you have someone now and didn't bother to tell me" he said.
"You didn't even ask how I was doing first" I said pretending to be hurt.
"Now you're hurt? I should be the one hurt as you've had someone you liked for two whole years and you didn't even bother to tell me. You're keeping secrets now right?"
"It's not like that. We didn't really hit it off at first and we wanted to keep a low profile for the mean time so that's why..."
"At least now it's confirmed that you are not gay. You kept saying you wouldn't marry Chantel and would rather be alone your whole life but now you have someone. I even asked you about this three months back and you denied it when you were already in a relationship. I'm so hurt" he said.
"C'mon, it's all a misunderstanding. You know I treasure you the most in my family. It just skipped my mind that's all".
"So what's Aunty saying about this relationship of yours?" He asked.
"She doesn't approve of it yet but she would have to live with it I guess" I replied.
"Don't be too stubborn and you should listen to your mom sometimes. I gotta go now, talk to you later" he said before ending the call.
Sean was probably hurt that I didn't tell him about my relationship. It's fake though, but I decided not to involve him in my plans because I respect him so much and I didn't want him to know I could be sneaky and conniving like this. He's always seen me as his cute innocent little brother that tells him everything, but this brother has to keep some secrets now.