"SO, how are you?" that was Joaquin Sr.'s opening question to him that morning.
As usual, he caught up with his father in the dining room and ate breakfast. He doesn't think it ever happened in his life that he woke up before his father. Unless the old man feels bad.
"I'm good," he replied shortly then continued his light meal.
“It's good then. Anyway, have you thought about what I told you the other day? Or is it better to say that you have thought of a way to give me what I want?” his father asked.
If it happened perhaps to some other time, the young man's mood had been ruined because of that question. But since Lara's face first entered his mind a sweet smile tore from his lips instead.
"Yeah, and I'm on it actually," he replied glancing at his father afterward while the smile on his lips remained.
Joaquin saw the surprise reflect on his father's face after what he said. So he was not shocked when he spoke in a tone that was tinged with success.
He knew what his father was thinking. He thinks that maybe he will fail and eventually end up to what he wants. Marrying Tanya.
But that will not happen. Because just like Patrick told him yesterday, because of what he said, his marriage plan and the woman his father wanted for him would probably happen as soon as possible.
"Have you seen someone to marry yet?" his father asked him.
Joaquin shrugged his shoulders. "It looks like that," he replied.
Her father nodded then picked up the cup of coffee and sipped. After that, he also started eating breakfast.
"Did I tell you that you need to get married here in the Philippines?" his father questioned him.
Joaquin has to admit that he was shocked by what his father said. But he chose not to make it obvious. And instead, he responded in such a way that he knew he would not look defeated in the sight of his father.
“Just now. But it’s okay,” he replied.
His father stared at him for a long time because of what he had replied. In a way, it seemed unbelievable that those words came from him. And now he is like estimating whether he’s serious or not.
"You look serious about this one?" Joaquin Sr. asked him.
"Yeah, and for me, she’s heaven-sent Papa," he said.
He said that not to annoy his father.
He said that because that was the truth.
Nor could he understand himself after all. Why does he feel this way for Lara? But he also doesn't want to think that he is in love with her because that hasn't happened to him yet.
In the number of women, he has been with. He knew there was one that remained stocked until now to his mind. And that is none other than Venus.
"I have to go, Papa," after finishing his meal Joaquin stood up and kissed his father on the forehead.
"Wait, when will I going to meet this woman?" Joaquin Sr.’s follow-up question to him.
“Not yet, Papa. But don’t worry I will introduce you to her,” he said before leaving his father and exiting the dining room.
Joaquin was in the car and that conversation with his father was still on his mind.
He was really grateful that he only brought an ordinary sedan the night when he and Lara crossed paths. And at least it wasn't difficult for him to convince the young lady that he works as a Regional Manager.
Fortunately, he is used to not having a driver.
Although they actually have a family driver, it is often his father whom he accompanies.
Lara is a beautiful, simple, and kind woman.
He didn’t know what she had done to him, but she really woke up his seemingly numb or sleeping emotions.
And her daughter, Callie.
He could not understand why he was so relieved of that little. Well, she had to admit that at the age of thirty he didn't really plan to have a child. But why did that suddenly happen to him when he saw Callie? Is it because she is Lara's daughter? Or is it because he notices the child's resemblance to his deceased mother?
At the last thought, Joaquin was stunned.
Why hasn’t he been particular about that matter these past few times he’s been with the little girl’s mother?
Is it because there are people who are really unrelated but have resemblances with physical features? Sometimes are even mistaken as twins?
But whatever it is it doesn’t matter.
For Joaquin, he needs to focus more on what his father wants to happen. Because apart from the fact that he didn’t want her to marry Tanya. He would be even more reluctant to lose all their possessions just for the superficial reason of his father.
Although he was also not convinced that his father would do what he said that he would sell everything they had. He still wanted to be sure. Even if he and Lara get married here in the Philippines, it's okay. He can pay the annulment process just in case. He has a lot of money and that is what he will use when the opportunity arises.
Lara will also know the truth. He knew the truth about his social status would also come out. And when that happens, he can explain everything to her. He will just pay her a large amount of money just in case.
But what if he fell in love with her?
If that happens there is nothing more to talk about. Just in case that happens, and he is the first to fall in love with Lara he knows he will do everything to make them feel the same. That is the truth. Because even now, he doesn't even know what's really going on with him.
It was as if he was feeling something he had never experienced before. And that’s what gives joy to his heart every time he sees her. That’s also why now he wants to pick her up at home and deliver the young lady into her workplace.
Maybe it’s too early to assume. But that’s how he really feels.
A kind of feeling that when and with whom he had never felt what Lara seemed to awaken in his heart. It was like a bird’s wing that tenderly caresses not just his feelings and emotions as well as his whole being. And he wanted that.
Now, even without a final discussion or more correctly to say formal agreement from his father, his decision is complete. He will continue his plan to court Lara. Then he will marry her. Although it still includes what his father wants to happen to hide his true social status. He had the feeling and it seemed like there was also a small voice whispering to him to continue approaching the young lady. Because if for example, he loses her, he will feel great remorse that he can never get back or recover.
A deal has been made between him and his father. There is no time to take back everything that he has said and decided.