Nik's POV

"Hi Father, you've finally called " I said, my voice so thin and inhumanly cold like a Popsicle.

I didn't want to call him 'Old Man' this time but 'father' as a reminder that the person who had betrayed me was my own flesh and blood, someone that birthed me. Someone who was supposed to wish for my everyday progress and happiness above any other thing.

"What do you think you're doing ?!" Father snapped from the other end but my lips quirked up .

Oh, I knew what he was talking about.

The engagement news and then my own official statement was a complete slap to his face.

The Old Man had organized the news as a means, a platform to inform the whole world that he has chosen a daughter-in-law but then his own son, his flesh and blood, someone he had done everything on his behalf, turned everything around.

I knew right now he must be feeling I betrayed him, but then he betrayed me first, it was just an act of returning the favour.

"What do you think I did father? perhaps we should meet up so you can specify exactly what I did wrong " I requested , emphasizing exactly on ' meet-up ' .

For a few minutes, he said nothing and I smiled internally, he was probably weighing the pros and cons while setting up the place where my influence would be at the minimal- that is if he would agree to meet-up.

"Fine then " My father agreed " I'll send a car to pick you up "

Just as I thought.

Without wasting time, I changed out of my suit and donned a comfy ware - a nice breezy T-shirt and jeans .

I knew what I was about to face , a war. It was time to make my stand known, I wasn't that same little boy he had wrapped around his fingers years ago.

As if on cue the moment I was done, my office was notified of my ride so I made my way downstairs and wasn't surprised to see the driver was one of his own people.

I nonchalantly stepped into the car and his chauffeur driver drove away at once. Truthfully, I wasn't bothered about my safety cause I knew he would do nothing to me as his son but I was more concerned about Maya which was why I sent Judy to keep an eye on her wherever she was until I return.

Throughout the ride, a million thoughts were running through my head. Unlike earlier, the boiling anger had cooled and now I was just feeling plain disappointment and betrayal.

I pressed my hand on a side of my head, I could feel a severe migraine headache ; the pounding and searing pain promising to tear my head apart. Today had been a hubbub of activities, I had not gotten the chance to get even a little rest.

This new development made my mood sour and cranky, I wanted nothing at the moment than to have this matter solved, period - the idea of a bed was super tempting.

Funny that the picture of Maya, the both of us sleeping soundly on the bed popped up in my head out of nowhere.

"We're here " The chauffeur announced and I climbed out of the car once the door was opened by another of my father's men stationed outside.

He led me inside the expensive looking coffee shop obviously bought and emptied out for the night and for this special meeting.

I saw my father in all his glory, sitting languidly in a chair with tapered leg , inhaling and savouring the stem evaporating from the coffee in his hand.

The coffee shop was obviously designed for comfort, coziness and a charming atmosphere unlike what I was feeling right now.

Twinkly string lights decorated the walls painted a cream and light greys with soft texture and patterns giving the place a laid-back feel.

"Sit " He ordered and gestured with his hand for me to take a seat.

I dragged out a chair producing a squeaking sound and sat opposite him, all smiles gone from my face.

My father gestured to the barista who served me a black eye coffee and though I literally salivated once the mouthwatering scent wafted into my nose but I couldn't , caffeine at the moment would only make the migraine worse - judging from the fact I had already consumed tons of that during the process of cleaning my father's mess today.

My father didn't react when I shifted the coffee to the side, the sight alone was tempting. He simply took a sip of his own coffee with a calm demeanor that was capable of fooling others, not me.

I knew he was warming up, preparing for a war only one of us must emerge victoriously.

"I don't know what you're thinking but I oppose whatever it is you're thinking " He said straight away and dropped the porcelain teacup on its saucer creating a clinking sound.

His eyes tore away from the chinaware and focused on me, eyes boring into mine " I can and would never accept that girl as your wife" He declared decisively

But I countered " I wasn't asking for your opinion father, I'm the one doing the marrying, not you " I stated firmly.

He made a contemptuous snort " And who are you marrying? A wannabe actress? an illegitimate daughter you already removed from her family's registry? "

I laughed, coldly amused. He indeed has been keeping a lot of tabs on me. It seems he has nothing better to do.

I lifted a mocking brow " And who do you want me to marry? Tina? That scheming viper?" Suddenly my countenance changed and I vowed out loud " That would be over my dead body "

"That scheming viper is exactly what we need " My father emphasized "She has skills and is quite outstanding in her family business at such a young age. The both of you would make a perfect match not that simpleminded girl that has no clue about our family business! "

Truth be told, the Old Man made a point.

Unlike Tina, Maya was too softhearted and wouldn't have the heart to come up with any scheme or underhanded tricks.

But that doesn't mean she's stupid. I've seen it in her eyes, her will and passion to stand when pushed to the wall.

"Maya is smart and perhaps when taught , she would be able to handle the family business well. Moreover, I'm already the king of my domain and only need a queen to rule alongside me not a queen to rule over me "I spat with a viciousness that shocked my father " I need a wife, not a partner "

I watched him jerk up from his seat, banging his hand hard on the table "Why don't you ever listen! " his teeth gritted and seething in white hot anger "I don't know what she has done to you but that girl would be the death of you ! "

I stood up too saying " I can't help but think dying by her hands sounds blissful"

Wagging a finger at me, he choked " Y-you - ! "

"Call me crazy but I don't care if she knows about our skeleton in the wardrobe or not! " I roared "Call me selfish cause I won't let go of her even if she finds out " I declared with incredibly fierce red eyes.

"I won't let her ruin you! "My father swore and I began to laugh in a long, cold, unpleasant way.

My expression suddenly darkened " Thank your God father ! that I woke on the right side of the bed today cause the next time, you and Tina pull such shenanigans, I won't be courteous enough!" I warned and turned on my heels and strode away when I suddenly remembered something.

I turned to face my dad and added " And If you cherish Tina that much, why don't you both get married, I won't hold back my blessings "