Kenneth's body was intertwined with Sabrina's when an unexpected visitor barged into the room without warning. The sight of his grandfather, Gabriel McBride, standing at the doorway left Kenneth in a state of shock, and Sabrina flushed with embarrassment as she quickly tried to cover herself.
Frozen in disbelief, Kenneth's mind raced to comprehend the situation. How had his usually reserved and strict grandfather managed to walk in on this intimate moment? He could only imagine the disappointment and disapproval etched on Gabriel's face. Kenneth's heart pounded with anxiety as he frantically searched for words to explain the situation.
Sabrina attempted to conceal her nakedness especially when her body was still tangled with his body. Kenneth could tell that she wished for an escape or a place to hide from the piercing gaze of his grandfather.
Gabriel McBride, a stoic figure known for his composed demeanor, stood in the doorway, and his expression a blend of surprise and disappointment. Deep lines etched on his weathered face hinted at a life full of experiences and challenges. His piercing eyes bore into Kenneth. Then, he demanded an explanation for the compromising situation.
Kenneth finally found his voice, though it trembled slightly as he struggled to form some coherent words. "Grandfather, I... I can explain," he stammered while his face reddened with embarrassment.
Gabriel's gaze softened momentarily as he took in his grandson's flustered state. With a sigh, he raised a hand, halting Kenneth's attempts to justify the situation.
"No need to explain, Kenneth," he said, his voice firm. "Certain matters are best kept private, and it seems I have unintentionally intruded."
Sabrina's relief was palpable, then she mustered the courage to speak, her voice wavering slightly. "I'm sorry, Mr. McBride. This was never intended..."
Gabriel interrupted her with a gentle wave of his hand. "Please, call me Grandfather from now on, and you, young man, you should get ready for the wedding.”
“Whose wedding, Grandfather?”
“Your wedding, idiot! I already called your mother to make some arrangements. So, is this your plan why you insisted on moving out? Because you want to dally with just anyone?”
Kenneth was stunned when his grandfather told him he was getting married. When he glanced at Sabrina, the woman was confused. She really had no idea what was in store for her. He groaned in frustration as he tried to get out of the bed. Then, he put on his clothes to follow his grandfather.
Kenneth trailed after his grandfather, his mind swirling with confusion and questions. Gabriel led him to the elegant living room, where the weight of anticipation hung in the air. As they settled into the plush armchairs, Kenneth's unease grew as Gabriel broached a topic that sent a chill down his spine.
"Kenneth," Gabriel began, "I've given this matter considerable thought. Given the compromising situation you find yourselves in, it is only right that you take responsibility for your actions."
Kenneth's eyes widened in disbelief while his mind raced to comprehend the gravity of his grandfather’s words. The notion of marriage clashed with his desires to remain single for a couple of years. Panic began to well up within him, and threatened to overpower his ability to respond to his grandfather.
"I... I can't marry Sabrina," Kenneth finally managed to voice, his tone laced with reluctance and frustration. “She’s not even my girlfriend!”
Gabriel’s face hardened while his gaze remained on Kenneth.
“Not your girlfriend? But why did you touch her, you damn imbecile!”
“Grandfather, please. I am not ready to get married, and not to that woman!”
“Oh my God, Kenneth! I am really disappointed in you! You compromised your secretary and yet, you are telling me now that you don’t want to marry her? Are you crazy?”
Kenneth's heart sank at his grandfather's stern tone and unwavering conviction. He struggled to find the words to convey his apprehension, to explain the complexities of his feelings.
"I understand your perspective, Grandfather, and I’m sorry for committing a grave mistake, but marrying Miss Hart is unacceptable. We had sex but that’s it! She doesn’t love me and I feel the same, Grandfather. It would be unfair for both of us!”
Gabriel sighed heavily when he looked at his grandson before responding, “Then, you should have been more careful in choosing a woman to dally with, Kenneth McBride!”
As Kenneth and Gabriel engaged in their heated exchange, their voices filled the room with tension. However, their argument was abruptly interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching. The door swung open, revealing Lorraine, Kenneth's mother, and her eyes were burning with anger.
"What is going on here?" Lorraine demanded. “I can't believe what I'm hearing!"
Kenneth couldn’t meet his mother’s eyes because he saw the disappointment etched on her face. She had high hopes in him after Daniel told her he wouldn’t participate in managing the business after the wedding. Daniel said he would focus on his wife.
“Didn’t I tell you to raise your sons properly?” Gabriel confronted Lorraine. “He just compromised a woman, his secretary to be exact. Do you know what it means? You have to prepare another wedding!”
“Against his will, Father? No, I can’t do that,” Lorraine refused.
“Then, I have no choice, Lorraine. I will disown him,” Gabriel warned them.
“Father, you can’t do this to Kenneth. He is also your grandson!”
"You don't understand, Lorraine," Gabriel responded. “We have a duty to protect our name. Have you forgotten?”
Lorraine crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing as she regarded her father. "Reputation? Is that all that matters to you? What about their happiness? What about their right to choose?"
“Why don’t you ask yourself that question? You made a mistake in marrying their father, and look what happened! Your sons are so similar to that bastard!”
“Where is Sabrina, Kenneth?” Lorraine asked.
Kenneth was about to respond when he heard Sabrina’s soft footsteps approaching the living room. Her body was covered with a satin robe, but I knew she had nothing on underneath the robe.
“What is the meaning of this, Miss Hart? I thought you can be trusted when it comes to my son. Silly me, I didn’t notice that I allowed a snake and a gold-digger to work in his office,” Lorraine accused Sabrina.