Chapter 2
Author: Afole write
last update Last Updated: 2024-10-29 19:42:56

Outside of Regina's mansion was Jonathan doing the duty that had been assigned to him, his face scrunched up into a worried frown. No matter how hard he tried to focus on the task at hand, his mind kept racing with thoughts of what might be happening inside and if Regina was doing alright, who was that man sitting beside Regina's mum? What could he possibly want with the family? There was an unsettling feeling bubbling up inside of him. He wondered if Regina's family was serious about marrying their daughter to a random man like she was an object. 

His thoughts were interrupted by the sudden vibration from his breast pocket, reaching for it he fished it out and flinched when he saw the name flashed on the screen. 

His brows furrowed into a frown, something was wrong. Mr. Hales wouldn't be calling his private line if it weren't for something of importance. He wiped his hands with his jeans and then picked up his call, “Mr. Hales,” he said into his phone, he looked around subtly to make sure no one was around him. 

“Jonathan, glad you didn't change your number again, I was beginning to worry that I wouldn't be able to get in touch with you,” Mr. Hales sounded relieved.

Jonathan knew he had been stressing the old man. Mr. Hales was the manager of his family's empire, the Mario Empire. “I told you I wouldn't change my number, you should have a little more faith in me, Mr. Hales.”

“You need to come home,” Mr. Hales said briskly. 

Jonathan frowned, “But it's not time yet, why the rush?” 

Mr. Hales sighed, “If only you stopped being so stubborn then you would know your grandfather is planning to retire, and needs you to take your rightful place in the company.”

“Retire? Is it not too sudden?” Jonathan rushed out, his frown deepening. This was certainly not the news he was expecting, his mind swirling with the implications of this news. The Mario Empire was not just any business and it was a responsibility he wasn't ready to take up now, which was the main reason he had distanced himself from the family.

“Jonathan, are you there?” Mr. Hales prompted, making Jonathan realize he had been lost in his thoughts.

As Jonathan made to reply a sharp voice cut through the air, a voice he immediately recognized to belong to Regina's sister. “Jonathan! Come here right now!”

Jonathan frowned, glancing over his shoulder to peep at Mary standing in front of the mansion. He quickly ended the call with urgency, forgetting to end the call properly, and quickly slipped the phone into his pocket. 

His heart was pounding hard, unsure of what to expect as he approached Mary, who was pacing in front of the mansion. “Yes, ma'am.”

Mary's face scrunched up as she eyed him in disgust, “My mother summons you.”

Jonathan tensed up, “Is everything alright?” He quizzed worriedly, different ideas rushing through his head. He hoped nothing had happened to his Regina.

Mary scoffed, “You have a lot of explaining to do, you fool, poisoning the mind of my sister. You must think you are so smart,” she glared at him then twirled around, “Hurry up, we don't have all day.” 

Jonathan gulped down nothing as he followed behind Mary. It was at the tip of his tongue to ask Mary for more information so he could be more prepared but he was certain he wouldn't be getting any more information from Mary. 

The tension that greeted him as he stepped in was palpable. Regina was standing at the center while her parents were ranting, and he caught a glimpse of the familiar look paper lying on the ground, but he couldn't give it much thought,

“Jonathan, explain yourself!” Regina’s mother demanded moving to stand before Jonathan. “What is this nonsense I'm hearing about marriage?”

Jonathan took a deep breath, trying to act calm. “I truly love your daughter, ma'am,” was all he could bring himself to say.

Regina’s mother’s face contorted with anger, and what came next was a slap that got Regina gasping and crying.

“Don't you ever spew such rubbish, how dare a lowlife that can never amount to anything say such.”

The words stung, but Jonathan refused to break. “I love Regina.”

Jackson, who had been watching the drama with growing irritation, finally rose, 

“I don't have time to waste, I’m calling my father and I'm certain he won't be happy about this. I will implore you to forget about the three hundred million dollar deal, it doesn't even seem worth it anymore.”

Mary gasped and tried to stop him as Jackson began for the exit, “Wait! Please,” but Jackson shoved her aside and walked past without a backward glance.

Related Chapters

  • Lord Of The Empire   Chapter 3

    Mary regained her stability with her mouth agape from shock. She couldn't believe this just happened, immediately gathering her composure, “I'll go after him,” Mary said and without waiting for a reply, rushed after Jackson.“This is all your fault, how dare you take advantage of my daughter?” Regina's father yelled, storming toward Jonathan looking ready to kill. Regina gasped and tossed her bag to the ground, rushing to stop her father before he could reach Jonathan. She stood between her father and Jonathan, blocking the pathway, “Daddy, no, please,” she said between sobs, contemplating touching her father but quickly deciding against it. She couldn't risk it.Regina's father scoffed, “Get out of my way, you useless child. All you had to do was one thing, just one thing,” her father repeated, raising his voice, causing her to flinch from fear and surprise as his voice echoed through the house. “How could you let that good for nothing get to you, allow him to poison your mind and

  • Lord Of The Empire   Chapter 4

    All eyes turned to Regina, including Jonathan, although he wasn't so surprised with the news because Regina had hinted it weeks ago which had also promoted his decision to marry up Regina before he would have to watch her slip through his fingers. He felt hurt that his wife just revealed a news that was considered great news but he couldn't reach out to hug her or tell her he was delighted that she was going to be the mother of his child. Regina’s mother's face was twisted with fury, while her father looked ready to explode. “You can't be serious.” Her father yelled.Regina flinched back and Jonathan didn't waste time, taking advantage of Regina's mother being distracted and crossed over to grab Regina, pulling her to his side. “Don't touch my daughter, you filthy piece of trash,” Regina's mother yelled, pulling her away from Jonathan.“Be gentle with her, please,” Jonathan grumbled as his hand slipped off Regina's wrist and he watched her get pushed behind her mother, who stood li

  • Lord Of The Empire   Chapter 5

    Jonathan stood in front of the hospital pacing with a worried expression. He glanced at the empty car park, at the spot where Regina's father's car had been packed minutes ago, and then sighed deeply. What had he expected actually? Regina's family only got angry despite his promise to secure the contract that they would rather sell their daughter for than lose. Regina's parents left the hospital with Regina but not before slamming the door to the car to the face and Regina's father yelling angrily to his face that he was fired from his job. it wasn't like he was expecting Regina's family to accept him with open arms anyway. The problem now was not acceptance which could come later or probably never come but he was already in the mess, and the worst part was that it was at the risk of his child, how was he going to save Regina without the involvement of his family and their connection?A small red car pulled over in front of the hospital and Jonathan knew it was there for him, he roll

  • Lord Of The Empire   Chapter 6

    As Jonathan finished, William shook his head with sympathy. "As much as I would love to help, I can't. Fredrick Anthony took over my operation, months ago."Jonathan looked up surprised and with his eyes narrowed, *What do you mean you can't help me?”“Take a chill pill bro, you know if I could help I would not hesitate to but then there is nothing I can do at this moment. I am no longer in control of my father's business,” Williams admitted with a frown.Jonathan's frown only deepened and his confusion grew by the second, “It was Fredrick Antony, but I thought you told me you could take him, that he couldn't rob you of your family's company? What changed?”Williams gave him a strange look, “You haven't been in touch with home, have you?”Jonathan's frown deepened, but no one ever told him that anything was bad when he called home, “What happened?” “The Redmond family happened,” Williams said bitterly.“The who?” He asked, confused.Williams' face palmed himself, with a growl, “Jesus

  • Lord Of The Empire   Chapter 7

    As Jonathan watched Regina lament, his heart ached and a surge of courage to protect his family, so he made a decision in his mind. Regina frowned looking at Jonathan with a confused frown, “Why are you so quiet? What's wrong? Are you changing your mind already?”“No, of course not. That will never happen,” he said trying to sound reassuring despite the turmoil going on inside him. Regina doesn't look convinced and instead, her eyes welled with tears, fat drops of tears trailing down her face. “It does not seem like it, is it the baby? You don't want it, do you? Did it scare you away? Or you just do not want me anymore,” she concluded and burst into tears.Jonathan quickly covered the small distance between them, pulling her into a hug and letting his chest swallow up her cries. He didn't need any of her family members coming here to find them together. “Shush baby, you are fine and just stressed, that is why you are thinking those things. Remember you are my wife now and I wouldn't

  • Lord Of The Empire   Chapter 8

    The next day, Jonathan paced in front of Redmond's business, taking in the large building before him. It couldn't say it was comparable but it was commendable.He sucked in a deep breath and summoned every last bit of courage he had then marched into the building, his heart pounding in his chest.Jonathan took in the luxurious inside and would have been swept off by its beauty if it weren't that he was already used to places like this. He made his way to the receptionist.“Good afternoon,” he cleared his throat to get her attention. The plump woman looked up with her brow raised, eyeing him suspiciously, "Can I help you?" Jonathan took a deep breath, “I need to see, Mr. Jackson. It is really important.”The receptionist stared impassively, “Did you set an appointment?”“I just need to see him urgently, it won't take long I promise.”The woman frowned, glancing over his shoulder probably at the security, “You can't go in without an appointment, sir.”“And when is he free?”“In a coup

  • Lord Of The Empire   Chapter 9

    Jonathan heaved a sigh as he put his signature onto the piece of paper. When Mr. Hales had said to come at any time Jonathan came as fast as he could and so immediately he dropped the call, dressed up, and got his driver to pick him up. He studied his signature on the paper and he gulped down nothing, he was unsure of how to feel about it despite it being his only chance. He doesn't mind coming back to this boring job, taking the hectic responsibility once again just as long as his family is safe, he wouldn't risk anything with his growing family. As long as they are safe then he wouldn't mind doing anything.He glanced up and his gaze met with Mr. Hales who sat at the other end of the desk watching with a wide smile and eyes glittering with accomplishment. “I always knew this day would come, I never suspected you getting a wife would make my work faster, if I did I would have gotten you married long ago,” Mr. Hales teased.Jonathan's face remained passive. It was obvious he wasn't ha

  • Lord Of The Empire   Chapter 10

    “Mr. Hales, you have to do something,” Jonathan said hurriedly immediately Mr. Hales picked up the call. He had called him after Regina's father hung up, he had no time left.“Calm down, boy. What is the problem this time?” Mr. Hales said with a frown, “I was expecting the problem to be solved by now or is it that your in-laws are too big to be involved with our company?”Jonathan shook his head, “It’s the opposite actually, they are amongst the people desperate to join the company and it appears that they've overdid it because they claimed the company threatened to cause them bankruptcy if they try again.”“Ohh the special cases,” Mr. Hales said, with a chuckle. “You should be mindful of your in-laws, they had to be a reason they were put in the black book.”“I will be mindful later, Mr. Hales, but now you need to get their names out of the black book,” Jonathan said hastily, glancing at the wall clock hanging on the wall.“Well yes but that doesn't entirely mean they would still sub

Latest Chapter

  • Lord Of The Empire   

    Chapter 13

    Regina pulled away to shower his face with kisses, hugging him like it was the last time she would see him. Jonathan grumbled something under his breath and grabbed her face then crashed his lips on hers, kissing her deeply.“I haven't kissed your lips for days, I'm starved. I wonder how I survived that long without my lips.”Regina giggled then rolled her eyes, “Worry not, you have me all to yourself.”Jonathan smirked then gave her another kiss. "You did it!" Regina exclaimed, her eyes shining with pride. "You really got in touch with the representative, I'm sorry I doubted you, I shouldn't have but I was just under so much pressure,” she glanced down from embarrassment.Jonathan smiled and used a finger to tilt her head back up so he was looking deep into her dazzling eyes, “It's alright. I understand perfectly. And if it helps you feel better you should know that If I had been in your situation I would doubt me too.”Regina chuckled with an eye roll, “But how did you do it? What

  • Lord Of The Empire   

    Chapter 12

    Regina kept studying her parents as they rejoiced with a look of revolt and displeasure, it was at the tip of her tongue to remind her parents that they should be grateful to Jonathan because none of this would have been possible without him but she kept her mouth instead. It was better she kept that piece of information to herself, she wouldn't want to make her parents angry again right after Jonathan had just successfully kept them calm. Regina's mother glanced at her daughter and frowned on seeing the expression on her face. “And what is with the stupid look on your face?”Regina took her gaze from her parents to the ground, she couldn't dare talk back, especially with everything at stake, her baby's safety. And she couldn't destroy all the progress not after Jonathan had done everything to make it happen. “I will correct that face with a slap if you don't rearrange your face,” Regina's mother continued.Regina's jaw clenched but she dared not say anything.“You should be lucky t

  • Lord Of The Empire   

    Chapter 11

    Regina's tears dried up instantly and her chest lightened with hope, maybe it was Keith who was calling to save her, although she had no idea how she trusted her husband enough to know that he would do anything to save her and their marriage from this predicament. If there was anything that made Regina so weary was the child inside her. Her family was being so cruel with their choices because of the contract they lost. As much as Regina wanted to hate her family for what they were putting her through she couldn't bring herself to. She wondered if they would have made the same choices if there was no contract involved, and how they would react then when she revealed everything at her pace, would they still ask her to abort the innocent child that had nothing to do with this mess?Regina's heart quickened as she watched her father press the phone against his ears, the moment his eyes widened she almost fainted, what if Jonathan had given up on her? Or what if he had not found any soluti

  • Lord Of The Empire   

    Chapter 10

    “Mr. Hales, you have to do something,” Jonathan said hurriedly immediately Mr. Hales picked up the call. He had called him after Regina's father hung up, he had no time left.“Calm down, boy. What is the problem this time?” Mr. Hales said with a frown, “I was expecting the problem to be solved by now or is it that your in-laws are too big to be involved with our company?”Jonathan shook his head, “It’s the opposite actually, they are amongst the people desperate to join the company and it appears that they've overdid it because they claimed the company threatened to cause them bankruptcy if they try again.”“Ohh the special cases,” Mr. Hales said, with a chuckle. “You should be mindful of your in-laws, they had to be a reason they were put in the black book.”“I will be mindful later, Mr. Hales, but now you need to get their names out of the black book,” Jonathan said hastily, glancing at the wall clock hanging on the wall.“Well yes but that doesn't entirely mean they would still sub

  • Lord Of The Empire   

    Chapter 9

    Jonathan heaved a sigh as he put his signature onto the piece of paper. When Mr. Hales had said to come at any time Jonathan came as fast as he could and so immediately he dropped the call, dressed up, and got his driver to pick him up. He studied his signature on the paper and he gulped down nothing, he was unsure of how to feel about it despite it being his only chance. He doesn't mind coming back to this boring job, taking the hectic responsibility once again just as long as his family is safe, he wouldn't risk anything with his growing family. As long as they are safe then he wouldn't mind doing anything.He glanced up and his gaze met with Mr. Hales who sat at the other end of the desk watching with a wide smile and eyes glittering with accomplishment. “I always knew this day would come, I never suspected you getting a wife would make my work faster, if I did I would have gotten you married long ago,” Mr. Hales teased.Jonathan's face remained passive. It was obvious he wasn't ha

  • Lord Of The Empire   

    Chapter 8

    The next day, Jonathan paced in front of Redmond's business, taking in the large building before him. It couldn't say it was comparable but it was commendable.He sucked in a deep breath and summoned every last bit of courage he had then marched into the building, his heart pounding in his chest.Jonathan took in the luxurious inside and would have been swept off by its beauty if it weren't that he was already used to places like this. He made his way to the receptionist.“Good afternoon,” he cleared his throat to get her attention. The plump woman looked up with her brow raised, eyeing him suspiciously, "Can I help you?" Jonathan took a deep breath, “I need to see, Mr. Jackson. It is really important.”The receptionist stared impassively, “Did you set an appointment?”“I just need to see him urgently, it won't take long I promise.”The woman frowned, glancing over his shoulder probably at the security, “You can't go in without an appointment, sir.”“And when is he free?”“In a coup

  • Lord Of The Empire   

    Chapter 7

    As Jonathan watched Regina lament, his heart ached and a surge of courage to protect his family, so he made a decision in his mind. Regina frowned looking at Jonathan with a confused frown, “Why are you so quiet? What's wrong? Are you changing your mind already?”“No, of course not. That will never happen,” he said trying to sound reassuring despite the turmoil going on inside him. Regina doesn't look convinced and instead, her eyes welled with tears, fat drops of tears trailing down her face. “It does not seem like it, is it the baby? You don't want it, do you? Did it scare you away? Or you just do not want me anymore,” she concluded and burst into tears.Jonathan quickly covered the small distance between them, pulling her into a hug and letting his chest swallow up her cries. He didn't need any of her family members coming here to find them together. “Shush baby, you are fine and just stressed, that is why you are thinking those things. Remember you are my wife now and I wouldn't

  • Lord Of The Empire   

    Chapter 6

    As Jonathan finished, William shook his head with sympathy. "As much as I would love to help, I can't. Fredrick Anthony took over my operation, months ago."Jonathan looked up surprised and with his eyes narrowed, *What do you mean you can't help me?”“Take a chill pill bro, you know if I could help I would not hesitate to but then there is nothing I can do at this moment. I am no longer in control of my father's business,” Williams admitted with a frown.Jonathan's frown only deepened and his confusion grew by the second, “It was Fredrick Antony, but I thought you told me you could take him, that he couldn't rob you of your family's company? What changed?”Williams gave him a strange look, “You haven't been in touch with home, have you?”Jonathan's frown deepened, but no one ever told him that anything was bad when he called home, “What happened?” “The Redmond family happened,” Williams said bitterly.“The who?” He asked, confused.Williams' face palmed himself, with a growl, “Jesus

  • Lord Of The Empire   

    Chapter 5

    Jonathan stood in front of the hospital pacing with a worried expression. He glanced at the empty car park, at the spot where Regina's father's car had been packed minutes ago, and then sighed deeply. What had he expected actually? Regina's family only got angry despite his promise to secure the contract that they would rather sell their daughter for than lose. Regina's parents left the hospital with Regina but not before slamming the door to the car to the face and Regina's father yelling angrily to his face that he was fired from his job. it wasn't like he was expecting Regina's family to accept him with open arms anyway. The problem now was not acceptance which could come later or probably never come but he was already in the mess, and the worst part was that it was at the risk of his child, how was he going to save Regina without the involvement of his family and their connection?A small red car pulled over in front of the hospital and Jonathan knew it was there for him, he roll