These words hung heavy in the room, and Bosco's anger and disappointment surged. It took all his self-control not to lash out in anger at the man who had just torn apart his dreams without taking into consideration their happiness.
If he knew Agnes' father was going to be like this. He could have never accepted to meet him. But it was too late, he tried to endure it.
When he agreed to visit Agnes' father, Bosco had wished for a connection with Agnes's father, since he believed they were bound to be family in due course. He hoped to form a man-to-man bond that would help solidify their future together. Instead, he was met with venomous words, rejection and disdain.
For the sake of his undying love for Agnes, he had tried to stomach all the rage, and emotions boiling inside him. Bosco swallowed hard, tasting the bitterness of his own silence, he was not happy to be stepped upon like this. All the negative criticism from Agnes' father had roused his pride as a man, he felt compelled to defend himself somehow.
Bosco began formulating words to defend himself. It had never occurred to him that he could be made to defend his humble origins or prove he was worthy to continue this relationship with Agnes, but now that he was here, he had to do it while trying as much as possible not to be disrespectful. All along, Bosco had let him talk many vile words without saying anything in his defense.
Before he started defending himself, Richard continued his monologue. "In consideration of what you have done for my precious daughter these past six months, I am offering you one million World Credits. Consider this my compensation to you for everything you put into this relationship. But there's a condition to receiving this money, promise me that you will leave my precious daughter, and it will be wired to you."
Bosco's chestnut-colored eyes blazed with indignation as he rose from his chair. "Mr. Nzanzu, I may be poor but that does not mean I love your daughter for her money or yours. It's deeply insulting to try to bribe me with one million WCs. Is this what you think of your daughter, a commodity whose affection you can freely sell-off?" He asked in a voice laced with anger; he did not care that the man he was talking to like this was one of the most powerful men in the Federation.
He continued speaking once he did not get any answer from Mr. Rober Nzanzu. "Know this Mr. Nzanzu, I did not fall in love with your daughter for her money, and I will not break up with her for your money. One million or hundred million WCs, the answer will remain the same. I expected you to know that some things in this life cannot be purchased with money, and my love for your daughter is one of those things… In simple words, I refuse your offer."
Bosco felt like walking out of the room after rejecting the offer from Mr. Robert Nzanzu, but his heart was still reeling from the heavy emotions he had bottled up. He decided to stay and defend himself even if it may cost him dearly.
His desire to defend himself was overwhelming, he could not let Mr. Nzanzu's venomous words or his prejudice towards him stand uncontested. No way! He was not spinless to be blown like a reed in the storm. He was willing to stand his ground like a mahogany tree even if it meant he would break.
He sat back in the chair, ready to defend himself.
"Mr. Nzanzu, thank you for letting me know what is on your mind." Bosco's voice was controlled yet determined, with a hint of frustration and sadness.
Agnes' father, just looked at him without saying anything. Things were unfolding in a way he had not anticipated. He had expected this young man before him to jump at the chance of getting one million WCs if he was in his position; there's no doubt that he could do just that. In his investigations, he had learned that Bosco had less than 1000 WCs in his bank account, so he assumed the young man was going to take the bait. One million was too much money, many people could work for decades minus touching it. However, he had not taken into consideration the fact that Bosco was principled or proud.
He was used to young men who obeyed his every word, so it came as a surprise to have Bosco asking him this question. The question had stabbed him at his core, what kind of a father was he? Selling his daughters' happiness like a commodity.
"I am glad to know that you understand how much I love your daughter, and that you are willing to bribe me with one million WCs to terminate this relationship." His voice was gentle but carried an undertone of disappointment.
He did not wait for the old man to interrupt him; he continued his defense. "I never fell in love with Agnes because of her money or her social class. I love her for who she is, and not what she stands for. Agnes' happiness and well-being are the most important things to me."
Bosco's voice became more heartfelt, and his facial expression conveyed deep emotion, with his eyes shining.