As the meal ended, Tracia busied herself clearing the table, leaving Jackson and his parents to settle down in the living room for a more serious conversation. The atmosphere shifted as Jackson, sitting with his hands clasped tightly together, took a deep breath.
"Dad, Mom…" His voice was hesitant, and his parents exchanged glances, sensing his struggle.
William leaned forward, his tone encouraging. "My son, whatever it is, just say it. We're here for you."
Jackson nodded briefly, his eyes flickering with a mixture of resolve and uncertainty. He had always felt nothing scared him but at this moment facing his parents he felt trapped. He took a deep as he gathered his emotions and with resolve he finally blurted out, "I'm married."
The words hung in the air like a thunderclap. Time seemed to freeze as Susan's breath hitched, and Tracia, still in the middle of clearing the dishes, dropped the cutlery she was holding with a loud clatter. She spurned on her feet to face them, mouth agape as she tried to process the information.
Jackson scanned their stunned faces, his heart pounding. Had he made a mistake by not telling them sooner?
Tracia trembled all over, her eyes wide with disbelief. "It… it can't be true," she murmured.
Dropping everything, she rushed to Jackson's side, grabbing his arm. "Brother, you're joking, right?" she asked desperately, her voice shaking, as though pleading for a different answer. Her breaths came in quick, shallow gasps, alarming everyone in the room.
Jackson, surprised by her intensity, gently removed her hand. "Tracia, calm down—"
But she shook her head frantically, her voice rising. "No! No, you can't be married. Brother, you have to divorce her!"
Susan, who had been sitting silently in shock, finally shook her head and managed a smile. "Jackson, that's… that's a good thing, you know." Her voice was steady, though she hadn't entirely processed the news. The shock was more from the suddenness of it, as she hadn't expected such a revelation.
But Tracia was unconvinced. "No, Mom! He can't stay married to her!" she cried, her voice breaking.
William, seeing her frantic state, lost his temper. "What's come over you, Tracia? Go to your room this instant!"
Tracia burst into tears and ran out of the room, wiping her face as she disappeared down the hall leaving everyone baffled at her outburst.
Susan and William refocused on Jackson, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity. "Explain yourself, son," William said firmly but kindly.
Jackson took a deep breath and gave them a shallow explanation of the situation, omitting the one-year contract. He spoke about how unexpected circumstances had led to the marriage and reassured them that everything was fine.
Susan, still processing, nodded slowly. "Well, as long as you're happy, that's what matters," she said, though her tone suggested she had many questions she was holding back for later and Jackson was happy she didn't ask further.
William patted Jackson's shoulder. "Marriage is a big responsibility, son. Make sure you handle it with care."
Jackson nodded, grateful for their acceptance, though Tracia's reaction lingered in his mind. Something about her behavior felt off, and he couldn't shake the unease it left behind.
"Don't forget to bring my granddaughter-in-law home next time you visit so I can take a look at her," William said, his tone light but firm.
Susan chimed in happily, "You might as well arrange it soon because I'm paying her a visit myself!"
Both of them chuckled, their joy evident as they embraced the new chapter in Jackson's life. Neither seemed to be dwelling on Tracia's reaction, who had retreated to her room in tears.
Jackson's heart swelled with gratitude. His parents had always been pillars of support, never questioning his decisions but trusting him wholeheartedly. It was moments like these that made him feel truly blessed, yet it also made him wonder why the Stallion family couldn't extend the same warmth and acceptance to Stella.
The thought of Stella brought a playful smile to his lips. He could vividly picture her calm yet commanding demeanor, her quick wit, and the little moments when her guard slipped to reveal her vulnerable side.
"Looks like I have a lot to do," he muttered softly to himself, already thinking about how he would convince Stella to meet his parents. A sense of anticipation bubbled within him, mixed with determination to make his two worlds meet.
As the conversation shifted to lighter topics, Jackson remained seated with his parents, cherishing the warmth of home and the love that surrounded him. Even amidst life's uncertainties, this was the foundation that gave him strength to face the challenges ahead.
Having resolved the family matters for the moment, Jackson prepared to return to the city. William and Susan accompanied him to the car, their expressions warm but tinged with lingering concern. Just as he was about to step into the driver's seat, he paused briefly, turning to his mother.
"Mom, please talk to Tracia for me. Let me know what's really bothering her. I know Stella is a good person, and I believe they can get along well," he said earnestly.
Susan nodded, her gaze filled with understanding. "I'll do my best, son. Drive safe and take care."
"Remember you are married now and stay out late. Always ensure your wife is happy." William advised enthusiastically.
With a final wave, Jackson started the engine and began his journey back. Yet, as the car sped along the road, his thoughts lingered. He needed to secure a new apartment—something comfortable and suitable for Stella. His current place near the club had served its purpose, but it was no longer sustainable for the life he envisioned.
As the city skyline began to loom in the distance, a notification chimed on his phone. Glancing at it briefly, his expression hardened. A new email had come through, the contents of which were enough to shift his mood entirely.
Seconds later, his phone rang. He pulled over to the side of the road, his demeanor transforming completely. Gone was the warm, thoughtful Jackson of earlier.
"Speak," he commanded, his tone sharp and icy, a stark contrast to the amicable gentleman who had shared laughter with his parents just hours ago.
The voice on the other end hesitated before proceeding, knowing well not to test his patience. Jackson's jaw clenched as he listened, his gaze fixed ahead. Whatever the news was, it wasn't good.
The air around the car seemed to drop to freezing point, as if his icy demeanor had permeated the surroundings. Jackson's grip on the steering wheel tightened briefly before he exhaled and commanded in a tone that brooked no argument, "Pause all actions and don't alert the enemy." Without waiting for a response, he ended the call, his eyes narrowing in thought.
He rubbed his brow, trying to ease the tension building in his head, when his phone dinged again. Glancing at the screen, he read the concise text:
"I am off to the engagement meeting at Pearl's Hotel."
A knowing smile tugged at his lips, the previous tension melting away in an instant. Tossing his phone onto the passenger seat, Jackson started the car, his movements fluid and confident.
"Pearl's Hotel, huh?" he murmured to himself, his voice low and amused.
Without hesitation, he merged back onto the road, the engine purring smoothly as the car picked up speed.