Jennessa sat in her small apartment, staring at her phone. Paul's words from earlier replayed in her mind.
"My father wants me to marry someone else."
Her heart ached, but she forced herself to stay calm. She had always known that loving a man like Paul wealthy, influential, and bound by family expectations would come with challenges. But she hadn't expected this so soon.
A knock on her door pulled her out of her thoughts. She opened it to find Grace and Onyeyirichi standing there, concern etched on their faces.
"We need to talk," Grace said, stepping inside.
Jennessa sighed, closing the door behind them.
"Paul told me his father wants him to marry someone else," she admitted, sitting on the couch.
Onyeyirichi gasped. "Just like that? After everything?"
Grace sat beside her. "What did Paul say?"
"He said he wants me."
"Then that's all that matters," Onyeyirichi said firmly. "He has to fight for you."
Jennessa rubbed her temples. "I don't want to be the reason he fights with his family."
Grace took her hand. "Listen to me. A man who truly loves you will move mountains to be with you. If Paul is serious, he won't let anyone take you away from him."
Jennessa wanted to believe that. But she also knew that love alone wasn't always enough.
The Battle for Love
The next morning, Jennessa arrived at the office, her heart heavy. She wanted to act normal, to focus on work, but the tension was unbearable.
Paul was waiting for her in his office, his face unreadable.
"We need to talk," he said, closing the door behind her.
Jennessa took a deep breath. "Paul, I don't want to come between you and your family."
Paul ran a hand through his hair. "Jennessa, I love my family, but I won't let them dictate my life. I want to be with you, not someone they choose for me."
"But they have power over you," Jennessa said softly. "What if they threaten to take away your company?"
Paul met her gaze. "Then I'll build another one."
Jennessa's eyes widened. "You would do that?"
"For you? Yes."
Tears pricked her eyes. She had always dreamed of a love built on faith and commitment, and Paul was proving that he was willing to fight for her.
But deep down, she knew the battle wasn't over.
A Father's Wrath
That evening, Paul's father, Mr. Gregory Williams, summoned him to their family estate.
Paul entered his father's lavish study, where the older man sat behind a massive mahogany desk.
"I hear you're serious about this… girl," his father said, his voice dripping with disapproval.
"Her name is Jennessa," Paul said firmly.
His father scoffed. "She's beneath you. You have a duty to marry within your class."
Paul's jaw tightened. "I love her."
His father leaned forward. "Love is a luxury. Marry someone who can strengthen our legacy."
"I'd rather be with a woman who strengthens my heart," Paul countered.
His father's expression darkened. "If you continue this foolishness, you will no longer be my son."
Paul felt the weight of those words, but his resolve didn't waver. "Then I guess I'll have to make my own way."
His father slammed his fist on the desk. "Do you even realize what you're doing?"
Paul stood tall. "Yes, I do."
Without another word, he turned and walked out.
The Storm Before the Calm
When Paul told Jennessa what had happened, she was in shock.
"He disowned you?" she whispered.
Paul exhaled. "I knew he'd be angry, but I didn't think he'd go this far."
Tears filled Jennessa's eyes. "Paul, I can't let you lose everything because of me."
Paul cupped her face in his hands. "Jennessa, listen to me. You are everything I want. No amount of money or power can change that."
"But your company"
"I'll build another one," he interrupted. "With you by my side."
Jennessa's heart swelled with love. She had prayed for a man who would love her for who she was, and God had answered in the most unexpected way.
She took his hand. "Then we'll build it together."
Paul smiled. "Then let's get to work."
Together, they prepared for the greatest journey of their lives building a future not based on wealth and legacy, but on love and faith.
And that, Jennessa knew, was more valuable than any inheritance.