chapter seven

The Nelson's family and the Smith family sat down round a very big table. The servants were seen serving both families. Thomas Nelson was also a popular man in the city of New York. He had many business in the city and out of the city. " It is a pleasure to be in your humble abode." Robert said with a smile looking around the house.

" The pleasure is mine and besides, I heard Mark here is in love with your daughter " Thomas replied looking at Emma. " I have also been hearing some strange rumours about her marriage to some pauper. Is that true?"

Magaret coughed alittle and quickly interfere. " That was no marriage, we simply helped the boy but he mistook it because we were being generous to him. He is thrown out of the house and he is not living with us anymore." She ended her speech

"Uhmm....that was not what I have been hearing though but if yiu are telling me now that your daughter is not seeing anymore then I don't see any reason why we need to delay any longer. Please, enjoy your food." Thomas looked at their faces

Mark looked at Emma and smiled. Both were inlove with each other. Little did Mark know that the Smith were all about the money. " What about your wife?" Magaret asked looking up to catch the gaze of Thomas

" That is a long story. i don't want to talk about it. I am sorry if you find that offensive." Thomas replied and continued eating

They were finished with the food and moved to the living room. " I was told you have a contract on my table?" Thomas looked at Robert. " Yes, I told Mark about it already." Robert replied

Mark walked to join the men in the living roon and brought a file to the table. " Here is everything you need to know about the contract but first we need Richard Bennett to sign it. I have done my part but all contracts in the city of New York has to go through him. He has the final say to all of this." Thomas looked at Robert who seems alittle tensed

" Do you think be is going to have the contract awarded to me?" Robert asked feeling alittle frightened. " Mr Bennett is a nice and capable man. I believe he is fair and just with whatever he does. He would definitely give out the contract to you especially if he knows you are a friend and future in-law of mine. You don't have any brawl with the Bennett's, do you?" Thomas stared at his face

" Of course not, I have not even been chanced to meet with any of the Bennett. The last time I heard,I was told his son was out of the country." Robert said looking at Mark

" So I have heard too but I think there is a brawl between the father and son. No one knows his son since he left the house to forge his own way of life." Mark added

Thomas took out his phone and dialed Richard Bennett's number but he was surprised when he heard another voice. " Can I speak to Mr Richard,please?" Thomas said politely

James was seen seated beside with his father as both father and son looked at each other. " Is that Mr Nelson?" Richard asked reaching for his phone. " Yes," James replied and handed the phone to him. The two talked about the contract before Richard finally said he would be passing the role to James. "He only would see it fit to award the contract to any worthy candidate."

The call ended abruptly and Thomas looked at Robert. " I think we might have alittle bit of a problem." He said looking at his face. " Richard's son is back and he would be the one incharge of giving the contracts." Thomas ended his speech folding his legs

"Should I be worried?" Robert asked

" I think we would cross that bridge when we get there. Enough about the Bennet's. When are we to have the marriage ? I want the marriage done as soon as possible." Thomas looked at Robert

" I think, Margaret would have to tell us." Robert laughed

Emma walked in on them with his mother and they all stared at Magaret. " Why don't we have the marriage next week. Both families are well to do and I am sure money is not the problem right now." She said taking her seat opposite Robert

" Next week? Are you fine with that son?" Thomas asked Mark and he nodded

The meeting ended with both families finalising the marriage date.

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The city of New York bubble with many people troping into the city to attend the marriage between Mark Nelson and Emma Smith. It was going to be the most popular wedding to have ever been done in the city. Many of the hotel were booked as many important guest and business associates all came to grace the occasion. Invites where sent to prominent families.

James walked into his room when the door opened. " What is it mother?" He asked walking towards the door. Alice gave him an invitation to the wedding and with a sad face, she looked at him. " Are you going to be alright? Your father wants you to attent the wedding on his behalf."

James collected the invite and smiled. " I am going to be fine mother. I think I have learnt alot from this." He said walking back to the bed. James looked at the invite and memories of how he and Emma had wedded was all he could think about. The wedding wasn't an elaborate one but they were happy.

He wondered what changed. He took out his phone and called Victor. " Yo! man. I heard you are now back at home where you belong." He said smiling

" Isn't that what you have always wanted?" James asked with a wide grin on his face.

" Why did you call? Is everything alright?" Victor asked

" Looks like it's time I show the Smith who I really am. We have a wedding to attend and you are coming with me " James said giving Victor all the details before the call ended

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The wedding day finally came with a lot of fanfare and excitement. The grand hall was adorned with the finest decorations, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh flowers. Guests arrived in their best attire, mingling and exchanging pleasantries. The ceremony was to be the highlight of the social calendar, with everyone eager to witness the union of the Nelson and Smith families. It want just all about the wedding but also about forming more connections and bonds with some popular business tycoons

Mark stood at the altar, looking dashing in his tailored suit. He glanced nervously towards the entrance, waiting for Emma to make her appearance. The music started, and all heads turned to see the bride. Emma walked down the aisle, looking radiant in her white gown. Her eyes locked with Mark's, and for a moment, everything else faded away.

As the ceremony progressed, whispers started to spread among the guests. The Bennett family had arrived. James Bennett, accompanied by Victor, entered the hall, drawing curious glances and murmurs. James wore a calm, confident expression, but his presence added a palpable tension to the room. Emma who haven't seen James was smiling as she looked at Mark. The thought of becoming a Nelson was all she could think about. Little did she know that her worst nightmare was about to start.

Robert and Magaret looked at themselves when they saw James walking into the grande hall. " How did he? Is he supposed to be here?" Robert looked at his wife who was equal surprised but they noticed something different about James.

He was well dressed and his facial features were changed. He was looking more like a billionaire son instead of some country library boy they had known. " Is he the lost long son of Richard Bennett?" Magaret said in awe covering her mouth.

James took a seat with his guards by his side. Many of the spinster in the room looked at James trying to gain his attention. Suddenly before Emma was supposed to take the vow. The officiant said gently, " I think Mr Bennett has a few things to say before we can proceed with the final joining of the man and woman in holy matrimony."

The crowds attention shifted gently from the bride and groom and they all looked about trying to see who the Benett was. Many business tycoon has heard about Richard Bennett because he was popular and influencial. The camera shutters gently trying to capture the moment.

James stood up adjusting his suit as he walked out of the crowd. The people marvels at the way he walked and his smile was quite captivating.

Emma looked at who was coming towards her. Her heart thud loudly as she tried to see who it was. " Is that James?" She soliloquy to herself not sure if she was seeing clearly. As James got closer, she could recognise him. Mark quickly walked forward and vowed his head to the ground. " Welcome Mr Bennet." He said raising his head up.

James smiled, " No,no,call me James." He said stretching out his hand.

" Please, let me introduce my.." Mark turned back to look at Emma but she was gone.