Chapter 2: A Dinner to Remember?

After what seemed to Ryan like an eternity, he finally got to the famous building of the Greystones. Ryan’s mouth was left agape at the amazing external aesthetics of the building. The sight was well enough the 8th Wonder of the World. This magnificent building boasts a seamless blend of contemporary elegance and timeless design. The exterior is enhanced by subtle yet captivating details, such as intricate carvings that add a touch of uniqueness. Ryan could only but wonder what the interior holds. 

With an air of confidence, Ryan went up to the gate to use the doorbell but couldn’t find one. He searched every corner of the gate hoping to see something palpable but to no avail. After searching fruitlessly, he decided to give a hard knock on the golden gate with the hope that someone hears him. “There must be some sort of security guards standing close by,” he thought. He started with a soft knock but got no response. He decided to knock heavily and repeatedly until someone hears him. 

“Who the f**k in this modern age has no idea how to use a doorbell phone!” An angry hefty man with an imposing presence shouted as he opened the gate. His robust frame exuded strength and solidity. His stern expression, accentuated by a well-defined jawline and furrowed brow, conveys an air of seriousness and authority. Dressed in a tailored dark suit, he commands attention with every step, emanating a no-nonsense attitude that underscores his powerful and formidable presence. 

Ryan knew immediately not to mess with someone like this. He found himself stuttering for the first time in his life.

“I..I..I am so-o-rr-y to ……”

“Hey Kid! Don’t play with me. There are no job vacancies currently and if you so much need a job, you should not come at this time of the night. Go instead to the branch offices,” The stern looking man said with every ounce of energy.

“No sir! I am not…” Before Ryan could complete his sentence, the man cuts in again angrily, “Young man, you are beginning to piss me off. This is no charity center where you get free food or gift. In any moment from now, we will be expecting a very important guest, most likely, a successful billionaire for the lady of the house. If you don’t get the hell out of here, I will make sure to exanimate you from the surface of this earth.” 

At this point, Ryan was trembling at his last statement. Even though he knew this ‘successful billionaire’ was no one else but him, the scary voice of this man made him a little doubtful of himself as he wondered if Zara had someone else aside him. “Do I look like a beggar? This is my most expensive outfit,” He thought to himself.

Summoning the last ounce of courage he had, he said, “Sir, I am not a beggar. I am here to see….”

Whoop! The man’s hand sliced through the air, connecting with a resounding slap across Ryan’s cheek. The force of the impact jolts Ryan sending him 2ft up in the air before landing with his back on the floor. Ryan’s eyes widened with shock and a flush of red spread across his face as he tried to access the situation. The stars that lay across his face reminded him of the scene that occurred at the Oscar Awards Show. 

As he struggled to get back to his feet, the gates had already been shut. He definitely was not ready to be smacked again. He was left with the Hobson’s choice to call Zara.

“Where are you? Everyone is patiently waiting for you in the dining room,” said Zara with concern in her voice. “I am deeply sorry for keeping everyone waiting. I have been at the gate for about fifteen minutes now,” replied Ryan. “Then come in! I have made arrangements already to receive you,” Zara said. “Well, I would if you didn’t place a Hulk looking Will Smith at the gate” Ryan said jokingly. 

Zara knew Ryan to make a funny joke of every situation. However, this time, she could not understand what he meant. “Ryan, this isn’t a time for jokes. In fact, let me come get you myself.” Zara said as she hung up. After about two minutes, the gates were once again opened; but this time, a warm smile together with a deep hug from an angel welcomed him. 

“I thought you were not going to make it and leave me looking stupid, “Zara said softly as she looked down to the floor. “You are the honey and I am the sweetness; you are the sky and I am your star and just like sweetness cannot leave the honey and the stars cannot leave the sky, I will never leave you” Ryan said lovingly while staring deep into Zara’s eyes. “Awww Babe! That is so sweet.” Zara said. Her face was a blush of red.

This was one of the rizz lines Jake had taught Ryan before he left the hostel earlier. “Well, Jake, I guess you did not turn out to be completely useless,” Ryan smiled as he thought to himself. “Let’s get going and not keep father waiting.” Zara said as she went in. Ryan immediately followed in.

 As he stepped into the building, Ryan could not help but marvel at how the façade was adorned with sleek, floor-to-ceiling glass panels that reflect the surrounding landscape, which created a harmonious interaction with nature. The architecture features clean lines and a symmetrical layout, exuding a sense of balance and sophistication. Whether bathed in natural sunlight during the day or illuminated by carefully placed lights at night, the building stood as a testament to the marriage of form and function, captivating onlookers with its beauty.

“You have an amazing place, I must confess,” Ryan said. “Oh! Thank you!” Zara said while smiling widely. They were been escorted in by two security personnel. One of which was the man who had given Ryan a hot slap. He tried all he could to avoid an eye contact with Ryan as he looked perturbed.

“Why is your face so red? What happened to you?” Zara enquired looking so concerned. “Me?” Ryan continued, “Nothing dear! I am just red with the excitement of meeting your family.” Ryan was still traumatized with the slap he had received and was scared to tell Zara what actually transpired.

Zara was a very smart lady and definitely did not buy Ryan’s answer. Looking closely at Ryan, Zara said, “Don’t try selling me that bulls**t! You have five colossal fingers imprinted on your cheeks by excitement? Tell me! Who did this to you?” The security personnel at this time, was already trembling and sweating profusely like a lamb been led to the Abattoir.

Ryan slowly turned and looked at the man who no longer bore the commanding presence of a soldier, but the timidity of a stray dog. Without asking further questions, an angry Zara gave the guard a nasty slap straight from the depths of hell. It was the first time Ryan had seen Zara angry to the point of raising her hands to someone.  

“Snowflake, you fool! I have always warned you of your impatience. Even after letting you know I was expecting a visitor, you still went on to lay your hands on him. I should send you away immediately with a pink slip; however, you have been serving my father for the past 20 years as his most trusted and favorite guard. Nevertheless, Zara continued, “You will be accordingly dealt with. You are hereby demoted from your position as the Chief Security Officer to the position of Greystones Branch Head Security.” Zara pronounced.

 Instead of feeling remorse and begging for forgiveness, Snowflake retorted, “It isn’t my fault you decided to have a street classless pauper like him as a boyfriend. I thought he was a beggar and dealt with him as such. Your father would not be impressed with this fat clown you brought home.” 

This broke the Camel’s back. Zara was highly infuriated and went ahead to land another slap at Snowflake. As she raised her hands, Ryan immediately stepped in and held her back saying, “Don’t tell me you are practicing for the UFC Slap Fight. There is no use wasting such slapping talent on him. Instead, serve me dinner with it.” Despite been insulted and mentally broken, Ryan still tried to calm the tension in his usual joking manner. 

“Let’s go in damsel,” said Ryan. Unknown to him, the night was going to be a long one and it was just getting started.