Rose read the contents of the notification that popped on Oscar's screen and was livid.
She turned to look at Oscar, who was staring at her wondering why she was checking his phone without his permission.
You are getting married? Oscar, how could you?
Listen Rose, it's not what you think, okay? Just kindly hear me out.
No Oscar, I don't want to hear any more lies from you.
Rose began to tear up. I told you everything. I opened up myself to you and you were engaged all along? How could you be so cruel Oscar? Rose asked with a shaky voice.
Rose, I am not engaged, I swear to you. I would never do anything to hurt you like that.
Then explain the message I read on your phone Oscar, kindly explain it, Rose yelled.
Rose, my father, has been trying to force me to marry the daughter of a business colleague of his.
According to him, "it's good business". I will never do anything to hurt you Rose, I promise you.
Oscar was assuring Rose while he gently walked towards her. Rose's face was covered in tears, and her skin was a little red from her sobbing.
Oscar closed the gap between him and Rose and now, they were both touching each other's nose.
I don't want to lose you, Oscar. I really don't but if your father already has someone in mind he wants you to settle down with, I don't want to stand in the way, Rose spoke in a faint voice.
You are not standing in the way Rose and my father doesn't get to control my own love life. Not a chance. I choose who I want and that person is you Rose, I want you.
I also want you, Oscar, Rose spoke softly as they felt each other's breath on their lips.
Oscar reached for Rose's neck, gently tilted it while he and Rose were still locking eyes with each other.
Oscar and Rose were almost about to kiss when a knock was heard on the door.
Special delivery for Miss Rose.
Oscar and Rose were startled by the knock heard and gently disengaged from each other.
Hold on, I'm coming, Rose remarked while she reached for the door.
Rose collected the parcel from the delivery man after which she signed and gently closed the door.
Oscar was quietly sitting on the sofa and scrolling on his phone.
Rose dropped the parcel on the dining table with an intent to open it up later and joined Oscar in the living room.
So your dad….., doesn't he think it's a little extreme, dictating who his son should get married to?
Oscar chuckled at Rose's question, "if only you knew my dad, Rose."
You are right Oscar. I don't know your dad and I barely know anything about you so let's change that.
Let's start with your dad, shall we?
Oscar, so why does your father want to marry you off to a stranger? I mean who does that?
Oscar took a deep breath and paused before narrating his ordeal.
"My father is of the opinion that the Rich are meant to marry each other in order to increase their wealth and social status in the society."
"He views marriage as one of those means in which rich families pull their resources together to climb the social hierarchy and obtain more power and influence."
That's quite sad. I mean marrying someone solely for their money and not love, just seems like a journey headed for misery, Rose added.
My dad doesn't buy into the belief of love or romance, Rose. To him, the only thing that matters was enlarging his business empire and acquiring more wealth.
And what about you, Oscar? I mean what is your view on marriage? Rose asked.
I believe marriage is an amazing union where two people come together to make things work and face life together despite the challenges it comes with.
My dad and I have been having issues for sometime now because he wants me to marry Raquel, the only daughter of a close business associate of his and the sole heiress to a large oil company.
The problems of the rich huh! Can't even relate, Rose added.
Oscar flashed Rose a smile before he continued narrating his ordeal.
I refused my father's request because I wasn't in love with Raquel and I couldn't envision spending the rest of my life with her but my father is too adamant and bent on uniting us.
From the little you've told me Oscar, it seems like your dad is solely focused on money and nothing else.
That must have been awful growing up for you, I mean was he even a present father?
I….. I grew up in a foster home, Rose. I only got to know about my dad when I turned eighteen.
What! How come? I'm so confused right now, Rose with a slightly raised eyebrow asked.
I was sent to a foster home at the age of three. My mother had a fling with my dad and it led to her getting pregnant with me.
My father was afraid of being disapproved by his parents for linking with someone who doesn't match his social status so he denied the pregnancy and my mom, lacking the finances required to raise a child all on her own, sent me to a foster home.
I'm so sorry Oscar, I had no idea. That must have been really painful growing up.
I was at first angry at my mom but I eventually forgave her. I didn't hear from my dad until I turned eighteen.
Apparently, he wanted to reconcile our differences and be a part of my life or so I thought initially but I later learnt he only had female children so he decided to reconnect with the only male child he once had, me.
That's terrible,And you just accepted? Rose, a bit distraught, seeks clarity.
Initially, I was too upset to forgive him but after my mom continued begging, I had to let go because I felt, in a way, she wasn't happy with the both of us not relating with each other.
I see. So how about your mom? How is she?
She's good. I ensure she is well taken care of. Perhaps one day you'd get to meet her, Oscar remarked.
Meet you mom huh, I think I'd like that very
much, Rose chuckled.
Rose! I know that this sounds a bit sudden but would you like to go out with me?