Chapter 37--The fallout

*Ryan*

I stand in my father’s office, my hands clasped together behind my back as I look around the room. The study is as imposing as ever, with dark wood paneling covering the walls and bookshelves lining every inch of them. The large mahogany desk takes up most of the room, with my father seated behind it, giving me a stern look.

I hate being in this room. It’s always been one of the most intimidating places in the house, with its oppressive atmosphere and the feeling that every move you make is being watched. The air is heavy with the scent of old books and leather, and I can’t help but feel like I’m intruding on some secret world every time I step inside.

But despite my discomfort, I can’t help feeling a sense of curiosity as to why my father has summoned me here. Though, the way he looked at Amber the moment I had introduced her gives me a rather acute idea of what he is going to say.

I can see my father’s expression shift from serious to disapproving. “I asked for one thing. Just one. You couldn't find a decent woman from a good family. You bring home a woman you met at a club. A woman with no moral or financial standing. A nobody whose family refuse to even acknowledge her."

I feel a sudden anger rising up inside of me. Of course he ran a background check. Or maybe Grant told him all about it. Still, I hate the way he speaks of Amber. "She is decent. She is my choice. Mine alone."

My father leans back in his chair, crossing his arms. “I did not work my ass off for years to watch you throw it all away for a gold digger who —"

I bark a laugh. "If you knew the first things about her, or did your research well, you would know that she is anything but that," I say, considering the fact that each time Amber has run from me is precisely because of my wealth and fame.

Father goes on, ignoring my words. "I have arranged several blind dates for you with girls who come from wealthy families, for whom you are better suited. You will meet them and —”

I feel a wave of frustration wash over me. “I will not marry for financial standing or go on your blind dates. I have already made a choice. Amber. I want her as my wife. I love her.”

My father shakes his head, his voice raising slightly. “Love is not enough, Ryan. You need to consider your future and the future of our family. You can’t just throw everything away for some woman of low class.”

It's all the same nonsense and I can feel my anger building, my voice becoming louder. “Do not speak of her that way when you know nothing about her. She is amazing, the mother of my child. She makes me happier than anyone else ever could. I would appreciate it if you stopped this."

My father stands up, his face red with fury. “You will do as I say! The boy is young. He will get used to whomever you choose. He will call her mother, not the low life you have brought back here. This is for the best."

I take a step towards him, my own voice raised now. “That’s not true! You keep trying to control my life and make me do what you want! I’m not going to let you dictate who I can and can’t love!”

My father’s face contorts into a scowl, his voice dripping with disdain. “Don’t be naive, Ryan. Amber is just after your money. She’s a gold digger, and you’re too blinded by your feelings to see it.”

He isn't listening to a single word I am saying to him. Adamant in his thinking and he never leaves a notion he believes in. Jasper did this on purpose, knowing my father would take his word for it. Splendid. Just wonderful. "I love her," I say weakly, hoping he can see how exhausted this topic at hand is making me feel.

My father scoffs. “Love? Don’t be ridiculous. Had you not a single dime to your name, you think she would have followed you all the way here?"

I take a step towards him, my fists clenched. "Say whatever pleases you. My mind is made up "

My father shakes his head, a look of disgust on his face. “You’re just like your mother, Ryan. Too soft-hearted for your own good. You do not have my blessings to go ahead with this vile union."

Vile. He called our relationship vile. I've had enough. "Take it all then, give it to Jasper and fucking set me free. I do not wish to continue as your heir anymore."

He starts to speak but I do not give my father the opportunity to say another word as I storm out of his study.

As I walk out of the study, my head is spinning with all the arguments my father and I had just exchanged. I need some fresh air, so I head out into the hallway, intending to take a walk outside.

But as soon as I step into the hallway, I see Amber standing there, looking at me with wide eyes and a pale complexion. “Ryan,” she says softly. “I heard everything, I...” Her voice breaks off and I can see her eyes cloud with fresh tears.

My heart sinks as I realize that she had heard every single thing my father and I had said. I reach out to touch her arm, but she pulls away, taking a step back. “Amber, please,” I say, trying to reach out to her again. “You don’t have to listen to whatever my father said, he has no right to dictate my marriage, so you have nothing to worry about.”

My words however, does not seem to convince her.

She shakes her head, her eyes filling with tears. “I can’t do this, Ryan. I can’t be the reason your family falls apart. Your father hates me, and I can’t bear the thought of causing you pain.”

Before I can say anything else, she turns and runs down the hallway, disappearing in the crowd of guests at the down floor. And then something hit me, hard.

Was Amber going to leave me again? Because of this? Panic begins to run through me. I need to fix this. I begin to run down the hallway, in search of Amber, but she is nowhere in sight.

I stop in my tracks, running my hand through my hair. I curse under my breath, hollering curses at my father and most of all, Jasper.

“Jasper,” I seethe.

I need to find him.