Lucas Brown is the actual definition of old money. His ancestors were smart enough to build and establish themselves early and years later, their children and grandchildren are enjoying the fruit of their labor. He was a very fine man growing up. Just like Ethan, the women surrounded him like flies after a corpse. He met Emily, Ethan's mother when he was 24 and she was 22.
Lucas Brown, heir to a legacy of old money, and Emily, a woman with a deep connection to the black community despite her white heritage, first crossed paths at a protest against racism. Amidst the fervent crowd and impassioned speeches, their eyes met. Both of them had a fire burning within, ignited by the injustice they had seen the blacks suffer at the hands of the white racists. He was drawn to Emily's unwavering dedication as she took to the stage to defend the rights of the black community.
As Emily spoke, her words resonated with Lucas on a profound level. He admired not only her brilliance but also her unswerving commitment to justice. It was in that charged moment, amidst the chants and protest signs, that their connection was kindled. Lucas couldn't help but be captivated by her passion and grace.
When asked what drew him to Emily, he answered, "Her intelligence, you should have seen her basking on that stage defending the black community", and when Emily was asked she would say "It was the way he looked at me and never took his eyes off, like if he left me unwatched even for a second, I was going to disappear".
Lucas' father still ran the business, so he could live as he liked. However, his father died of a heart attack a few days after he turned 25. With no knowledge of how the company was run, Lucas felt stuck. Emily's father was the mayor at the time, hence had many connections.
Even though Lucas loved Emily, he wasn't ready for marriage. His mother convinced him otherwise, as they needed the influence of Emily's father to keep the business running and out of the hands of greedy thieves who disguised themselves as shareholders. So, they got married.
Everything flowed smoothly for years, but Emily didn't take in. That wasn't an issue, they were still young. However, by then Lucas had become a big business tycoon and money was flowing in and so was the attention of other women. Feeling like he was boxed into marriage and didn't enjoy his youth, he got acquainted with other ladies, particularly Rose. She was his secret girlfriend.
They met at a wedding party in Canada. She was the bridesmaid, she was stunning and had an air of mystery that drew Lucas in. He became irresistibly attracted to her. But he told himself he was going to stay faithful to his wife. Call it coincidence or fate, Rose started showing up wherever he was, be it a party or a gathering of his business associates. They conversed, their connection deepened, and he couldn't resist anymore. He gave in. They began to date secretly, traveling to different countries together. He even got her a luxurious apartment of her own. But Rose had her plans, she stopped taking her contraceptives and got pregnant. She hid the pregnancy and when it was too late to get an abortion, she showed up on Lucas' doorstep. He either marries her or she goes public with the news. Having a reputation to protect, he had no other choice.
Emily, his first wife, wasn't pleased with the news of the marriage. No woman would, but she stayed, regardless. Three years after Rose gave birth, Emily took in, she was overjoyed, now she had someone to fill in the void of loneliness that was creeping in. Getting a divorce was out of the question, she would rather not ruin her dad's political career. After she gave birth to Ethan, she moved out of the house she shared with Lucas and Rose and only showed up when necessary, she didn't stop Lucas from seeing Ethan. He was the father, so he had every right.
"Good evening, sir," Ethan greeted his father as he strolled into the large sitting room
"Ah, My boy! How are you? How was the meeting with the hotel's board of directors?"
"It was okay. I have it handled."
"Okay, good!" He picked up the TV remote, lowered the volume, and stared at Ethan as if trying to process what he wanted to say. He smiled, the boy was a replica of him.
"Dad, why did you ask to see me?" Ethan asked impatiently.
"Are you still with Emma, General Joseph's daughter?"
"No, why are you asking?"
"She's the only girl I have seen you with. What happened?"
"We broke up. Since when did you become interested in my love life?"
"I am interested because it concerns the matter I am about to talk about. Have you been able to secure us the railway contract?"
"Not really, the mayor is being a headache, elections are coming, so he's acting like that's the only thing on his mind currently, so I need to give him time."
"But we don't have that time, what's the issue?"
"The Green Harmony Alliance is protesting against the railway track construction on the grounds that i it will hurt the local ecosystem. The Mayor doesn't want to drop his two cents on the issue or go against them because elections are coming, and he needs to look like a pacifist before everyone."
Lucas shifted his focus from Ethan and looked at the TV even though he was not interested in whatever the news reporter was saying
"There's no need for that. He won't retain that seat after the election. Have you heard of Jonathan Williams?"
"The former chairman of Citibank?"
"Yes, Him! He wants to contest in the upcoming elections. If he wins, we win, the Brown group of companies win, he is the man we will sponsor, the Mayor can go to hell."
This was an issue of politics, and Femi wondered how this was his business.
"And how does this concern me?"
"Oh, your part in all this is to get married to his daughter. She will be flying in from England next month."