Chapter 28

I left the hospital and asked Jackson to follow me to my mother’s place for dinner. He agreed to follow me and he drove me there. I was already 30 minutes late because I spent the whole day in Andrea’s ward. I got there and saw that my mom had prepared a banquet; the whole place was looking so bright and colourful.

“Tyler, you didn't tell me we were coming for a party.

“I didn't know that either; I wasn't privy to that information. I was only told that I was coming for dinner; I had no idea she invited other people.

I was so surprised but I knew that my mom was capable of anything. I got into the house and my mom was the first to welcome us.

“Greetings son! I’ve been expecting you; hello, Jackson; it has been ages.

“Good evening, mum.

“Good evening, ma, so good to see you too, Jackson; you forgot about me.

“I didn't forget about you, Ma; I’ve just been occupied with work.

“Tee, why didn't you tell me you were coming with Jackson? I would have prepared something special to welcome him.

“I didn't know he was going to follow me until the last minute.

“You don't have to worry about anything, Ma; I’m fine.

"Alright, my dear, Tee, have you seen Amber anywhere? I saw her a few minutes ago; she has been looking everywhere for you.

“Mum, can you allow me to settle down?

“You guys should come over to the dining area; your dad will join us soon.

“Dad? When did he get into the country?

“He got in early this morning.

“And no one cared to tell me about it?

“He has been busy since he got back; come, have a seat at the dining table; he will join us soon; Amber’s parents are on their way.

I just hope my mom isn't trying to do anything crazy.

Jackson, please make yourself comfortable. I need to have a quick chat with Tyler upstairs.

My mom walked upstairs and I followed her behind. My dad was on a call when I entered their room and he quickly ended the call immediately after he saw me.

“Hey, son!! Come hug your father.

“Why didn't you tell me you were coming into the country today?

“I would have called but I’ve been so busy.

“How long would you be staying in New York?

“I have a flight to Helsinki tomorrow morning.

“What!! You aren't even spending time here with Us? I thought you came back for us to catch up; I haven't seen you in months.

“I know, Son, but I have a meeting in Helsinki. I have to meet up, but I promise to be back as soon as I can.

“That was what you said a few months ago, Dad, and you spent almost a year in Sweden.

“I promise you this time for real, I will retire soon.

“That is a great new dad.

“Enough of catching up; let’s discuss why we are here. Please sit down, Tyler.

"I hope there is no problem, Mum.

“There won't be if you cooperate with me.

“Okay, what is it?

“M&M Space is about to award a contract to your company and your father’s company.

“Wow!! That is great; I see why you scheduled the meeting already. Amazing.

"Yes, it is, but the deal is not sealed yet. Amber’s father wants assurance from us before awarding the contract; he wants to be sure that you are making progress with dating his daughter.

“Mum, you already know the status of me and Amber; I am not going to get married to her, period. Why do you want to give them false hope?

“You better bring down your voice before someone hears you. What is wrong with you? Have you lost it?

“I’m sorry for yelling, Mum, but you know I have no future with Amber. I do not understand why you keep forcing things.

“They are here already. I want you to announce your intentions to marry Amber during dinner; you better not mess things up for me.

My mom went downstairs to welcome Amber’s parents, and I was left in the room with my dad.

“Dad, why are you and mom trying to ruin my life? I do not love Amber, and my life will be miserable if I marry her. I wonder why mom wants me to get married to Amber because of a contract.

“Calm down, son. I know you do not love her and honestly, I am not in support of this marriage but your mom likes to have her way every time. After my construction project in Helsinki, I will retire back to New York. I want you to follow your dreams and be with the woman you love. Do not let your mother force you into doing something you will regret your entire life. You are a grown man; you do not have to do everything your mom says.

“Thank you, dad. I'm so excited to see you.

I was catching up with my dad. We shared a bottle and talked about what we had missed out on in our lives. He told me about his achievements so far and it was an insightful moment. My dad was retiring soon and he was trying to wrap up his last project before he finally retires. He wants me to oversee his company but I already have mine. My overbearing mom came in shortly after and told us to come down the stairs for dinner.

“Amber’s parents are here; come downstairs; let's have dinner.

We both followed my mom downstairs and she kept on giving instructions.

“Make the announcement during the dinner, and you better put a smile on that face of yours.

I came downstairs and everyone was already seated. Amber smiled at me and I reciprocated it. I did that so everyone would think we were cool. I was going to drop the bomb during dinner, not minding if we lost the contract or not.