Thursday evening, right after Asia dolled herself up for that dinner with Gabriel, David hijacked her. He insisted there was dinner they had to attend and in any case, Gabriel would be there.
"You enjoy hijacking me," Asia sulked.
"There's some joy in it. You look pretty when you sulk," David said.
He picked Asia in his arms all the way to an awaiting range rover outside. He settled Asia in and went round. If there was a way he could convince Asia to live permanently with him, he would go for it.
They were at his home in seven minutes. While David scooped Asia up from the car, she spotted her mother's car there. That was not good. Mrs Rivers cared only about herself so why was she there?
Asia tightened her grip on David. He felt her tension. He would keep her safe or she would rip his head off. He knew that as Asia hadn't asked to go there.
Violet was there. How safe was Asia? David gently placed her on a couch as dinner hadn't started yet. Gabriel was present but out of sight. Asia looked around. David stood behind her seat.
Asia's mother came and sat with her feigning concern. Then she whispered, asked Asia how her relationship with David was. Asia shrugged. She didn't even care. Her attention was on Violet. She wouldn't lower her guard, not this time.
Champagne was brought. Everyone took a glass. Where were David's parents? Why invite people to dinner and not welcome them? That seemed rude.
Gabriel stood in the study looking down at the parents and the grandfather, who sat calmly and watched him. He had known this day would come. He had known David marrying a woman was the worst idea ever.
But Gabriel had thought that if he ever was told to marry a Rivers, it would be Violet, the older Rivers, three years younger than him.
"You, child, are marrying Asia," The grandfather said firmly.
"Asia? No," Gabriel said, hands in the pockets, looking great in that beige suit.
"No? Did anyone hear me ask a question?" the grandfather asked no one in particular.
"No, there was no question. Gabriel, it is time for you to play your part in this family and marry Asia. Get that baby already," the mother said.
"Asia is a child! She also has a boyfriend!" Gabriel protested.
"Would you rather marry Violet? She …" the mother looked at him suggestively.
"Goodness, no. Asia is fine." Gabriel said, sighed.
"Good. I will get rid of the boyfriend. Now let us go get you two betrothed already. I will not live forever." The grandfather said.
A door to the study opened and David's parents came out with Gabriel. Everyone got up as David picked Asia. It was time to eat.
Violet watched David's bulging muscles as he lifted the sister. That bit her heart hard. It ought to have been her in those arms yet David had never carried her unless he was forcing her out of a room.
David had always refused Violet moving in with him. How was Asia getting it all so effortlessly? How? She wasn't even beautiful, nothing like Violet anyway. Was it witchcraft ?
Gabriel watched Asia in David's arms. He wished he were the one carrying her. He watched the trim fragile figure in David's arms. Asia had her arms round David's neck. She whispered something and he laughed, whispered back, called her crazy.
Those two had a beautiful friendship and if Gabriel married her, he was determined to not interfere. He watched as Asia was settled in a seat opposite him. Gabriel greeted her, held her gaze for one long second.
"A Mara must marry a Rivers. There is only one last way. Gabriel marries Asia …" David's mother was talking.
"Gabriel is a Mara?" Asia asked, mouth open.
"Yes he is, baby. And you are marrying him …" Asia's mother said.
"Asia is a person with feelings. She has a boyfriend and will not be pushed into marriage without her consent," David objected firmly.
"Listen. I have let you children do it your way and so far, nothing has happened. Gabriel marries Asia. Any obstacles will be eliminated. This is not subject to discussion," their old grandfather spoke. There was quiet.
"Hey, Asia, can I have a word in confidence?" Gabriel asked.
Asia nodded. She seemed in a trance. Gabriel got up and scooped up Asia. While everyone watched, he took her back to the study, got in and gently placed her on the table.
Gabriel took a step back. He was in a beige suit, white shirt, a black tie and brown oxford shoes. He stood there arms akimbo. Silence.
His parents had made it clear of the fact that he had no choice. It was his one chance to step up. He had gone to the military to learn discipline and it was time to come out of it. He took off his coat and neatly placed it next to Asia. He rubbed his palms on his face.
"We should head out for that dinner," Gabriel said, chuckled. Asia was looking down. "Hey, I am a good guy, I swear."
"That's exactly what a bad guy would say." She said, watched Gabriel laugh.
"Get to know me. Forget about the arranged marriage and get to know me, Asia. We don't have to be miserable. Please," he came closer, rested his hands on the table, on her either side.
"This is marriage we are talking about , Gabriel , not something temporary." Asia said, looked at him.
"I understand the commitment that comes with marriage and I am ready. Please get to know me, Asia." He beseeched.
Asia took a breath. Allan had kissed that lady and Asia wouldn't go past that. And even if she did, David's grandfather would treat Allan as an obstacle. She fought tears. She would marry Gabriel and have babies one way or the other. When it was Violet's turn, she had understood the assignment.
Now was Asia's time. Her grandfather who caused this Mara and Rivers fiasco had loved Asia the most. She cursed, looked up and asked to go to that dinner.
"Have you reached an agreement?" Asia's mother asked her as Gabriel stood there carrying her.
"If not, I can take my sister's place," Violet volunteered.
"That won't be necessary. Asia and I will make this work," Gabriel said firmly.
"Good. You have your engagement party in a week and a wedding in eight weeks," the wizened man said with finality.