Chapter 88 I Approve Your Relationship 1
DEAN
I left Nadia in the hotel room with a heavy heart, but I needed to talk to her father.
This afternoon, while she was sleeping, Mr. Thompson called me furious, asking why I was dating his daughter without his permission.
At first, I was speechless, but I knew that sooner or later, he would see that damn gossip magazine.
I listened to his entire sermon in complete silence, as I had no right to complain, but as soon as he stopped arguing with me, I promised I would call him on Skype as soon as I got to my hotel.
And here I am, sitting in my office chair while I wait for Mr. Thompson to accept the Skype call.
Long seconds later, after pure anxiety on my part, my father-in-law answered the call, and to my misfortune, I was greeted by a serious and angry Mr. Thompson.
"Hello Mr. Hartford, or should I call you my son-in-law?" he asked ironically, without a trace of humor.
"Whatever you think is best," I replied, trying to be as agreeable as possible, after all, I needed his approval.
"Well, Mr. Hartford..." he said, showing that he still hadn't accepted me as his son-in-law.
"What do you want to tell me?"
"I want to explain why I didn't tell you about my relationship with your daughter, and I also want to confess my feelings for her and make my intentions with Nadia clear," I said, hoping he would listen attentively to each of my words.
"You can start, and please be quick," he said, still serious.
"I didn't tell you about our relationship because Nadia begged me to keep it a secret for a while," I said, looking directly at Mr. Thompson's image on the computer screen.
"And even though I didn't like her request, I decided to give in so as not to pressure her."
"But that doesn't justify the disrespect you showed me," he retorted, showing complete disapproval.
"I know, sir, and I apologize for my insensitive behavior," I said sincerely.
"But I love your daughter."
"Do you love her?" Mr. Thompson repeated, surprised.
"Yes sir, I love her with all my heart," I reaffirmed my confession.
"And I don't want to make that mistake with you again, and for that reason, I'm asking you something."
Go ahead. - He said, sounding a little more relaxed.
"I want to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage," I said, causing my father-in-law's eyes to widen.
"And I know that asking this through a video call isn't appropriate, but I need your blessing to be able to ask her."
"You still haven't placed the order?" he asked, surprised and a little happy that I had asked his permission before the official proposal.
"No sir, I didn't want to make the same mistake again and risk your disapproval," I replied, looking at my father-in-law with conviction.
"Your daughter is the woman of my life, and I hope to have a marriage as happy and long-lasting as yours."
"Hmm..." he murmured thoughtfully.
"You managed to surprise me, son, and from the sparkle I see in your eyes, I can tell you truly love my daughter."
Yes sir. - I confirmed.
"Then I have no choice but to accept this relationship," he said, smiling, which made me smile even wider.
"I demand that you make my daughter happy, otherwise I'll end you."
"Yes, sir, and thank you, sir..." I said, trying to find words to express my happiness at that moment, but there were so many that I got lost in them.
"I hope you'll be as happy as I am with my marriage," he said, somewhat jokingly.
"And I'm warning you in advance that my daughter is anything but easy."
"I know, sir," I said, flashing an amused smile.
"But even so, I want her as my wife."
"Very well," he said, pleased.
"I hope you two will come visit us as soon as possible."
"Absolutely, sir," I said cheerfully.
"Now I have to go," he said, bidding farewell.
"Be happy."
"Thank you," I replied, and my father-in-law smiled again before ending the call.
"Finally!" I thought, feeling a weight lift from my shoulders.
Now I could ask for Nadia's hand in marriage without guilt or fear, after all I loved her more than anything and, on top of that, I had my father-in-law's blessing.
"I need to see her," I murmured, glancing at my watch.
Some time had passed since I left her in the room, and surely by then she should have rested, because I wanted her urgently and it needed to be now.
I strode out of my office and got into the first elevator I saw, and after its doors opened on the floor of our hotel room, I rushed out and quickly opened the door to the room.
But to my dismay, the room was empty, meaning she wasn't there.
Nadia? - I called, opening the bathroom door, but the room was empty as well.
"Where is she?" I thought, feeling an unusual fear squeezing my heart.
"I need to find her," I murmured, pacing around the bed, and as my eyes scanned the rumpled sheets, I noticed a small napkin lying on them.
I approached the scribbled paper and carefully picked it up, soon realizing that it contained a small note from her.
I'm going to take a sauna on the third floor.
Kisses, Nadia.