Last night after making arrangements for Phoebe to spend the night at the Laguna beach private residence, David had gone home because his family especially his mother was calling him nonstop. He was aware that he had some explaining to do because he was making headlines in the news.
His mother was waiting for him in the foyer but luckily Grandma Saxon came to his defense before Miranda could berate him.
"If your eyes were lasers, they could have sliced right through him Miranda, can't you see that the boy is tired? Let him be. Whatever you want to talk about can wait until tomorrow." Grandma Saxon gestured at David to go to his floor.
When he woke up the next morning, Phoebe was the only thing on his mind, the first thing he did was call Evelyn whom he had told to check up Phoebe. From the news he got from her, Phoebe was still sleeping.
"Please make sure that you give her that hungover drink that I left in the fridge, you can also order anything you two need it's all catered for. Keep her away from the internet as much as possible."
There was a lot of false news that was going around about Phoebe with some calling her a gold digger and a fake shaman. What's worse was the fact that photos of him and Phoebe when they were digging for the money were circulating online and were spreading like wildfire.
Some of the trending hashtags included.
#Witch seduces three handsome bachelors'
#Phoebe's love portions
#Phoebe the gold digger
#Fake shaman.
Already a day had gone by and still she was the hottest social media search. It wasn't reducing, the fever was just increasing with each passing second. Someone was sensationalizing the matter and fanning the flames.
This wasn't how he was planning to introduce Phoebe to his family especially his mother who didn't like her in the past life. He wanted them to have a cordial relationship in this one.
He dressed up and went to the dinning area earlier than usual hopping to be the first person at the dining table but to his surprise everyone was already there except for his grandmother.
David exhaled deeply. Rather than smelling food, he smelled trouble.
"This must be a family intervention of some kind. I will save you all the time and trouble by declaring my intentions. No, i am not leaving her, no, i don't care what opinions you have about her. Yes, i love her and yes, i am serious about this relationship and i will marry her if she will have me. " He settled in the chair and gestured at the maid to serve him.
Ian his older brother spoke first because clearly David didn't know the gravity of the situation. "The board members and share holders are talking, they say that you have dived back into your old ways and what's worse is that the share prices have plummeted slightly."
Shrugging like Ian's words were total rubbish David took a bite of his bread. "What has my love life got to do with the Saxon group shares? If its such a big deal then my past philandering ways should have long brought the Saxon empire to its knees."
Miranda whose head had been lowered the entire time lifted her head. "Love life? Most people expected you to marry Ruth Mayfair when you were done with your playful ways. She's the most suitable partner. She is beautiful, educated and an heiress. Besides, it strengthens the Saxon group when we have in-laws with a strong financial backing.
Do you really not understand that? That Phoebe is not the woman for you, i cannot believe that she had you dig up dirt. Stop messing around and embarrassing yourself."
"I agree with your mother on this, the woman that will be good for you is Ruth Mayfair, not some lowly shaman. You need to engage her soon, that woman loves you. I cannot say the same for that one, all poor people marry rich folks to level up. Forget about about fantasies like true love, it's a scam." Robert sliced through the egg tart.
Letting out a guffaw, David wiped his mouth with white tissue. "Rose-bell married her gym trainer, no offense Tom." He told his brother in-law who nodded.
"Why is it different in my case, I am not marrying Ruth Mayfair. Dad you can divorce mom and marry her if you like her so much. Phoebe is the woman I choose and i have made it clear but in case it needs repeating, i will say it again. I am serious about Phoebe and i will marry her as long as she wants me."
Miranda gasped in horror, she couldn't believe how brazen and rude her son had become and she attributed it to the influence of hanging out with low lives like that shaman girl. It was in that moment she swore inwardly that her son wouldn't marry Phoebe.
"Shut your mouth boy! Disrespect your mother one more time and I will give you a beating you will never forget. Marry the girl if you want to, it's your funeral." Edward stood up to leave but paused when his mother walked in pushing a wheel chair with his father sited on it.
"Father!" Edward called. His facial expression was a mixture of shock and joy.
Rufus Saxon had been bedridden for over a year but here he was looking healthier. The mere fact that he was sitting upright was shocking to them and they all looked at Grandma Saxon, seeking for answers.
"How?" Edward whispered.
She settled down with a mysterious smile on her face. "I have been giving him some of those tonics that I am taking, and he is slowly improving. He can even manage to say a few sentences now. Today he wanted to have breakfast with everyone." Grandma Saxon told everyone delightfully.
Katherine who had been quiet, waiting for the perfect moment to choose a side which would benefit her the most perked up. She was now aware that Phoebe was the owner of the cafe and David's love interest. It would only do her good to support their relationship that way she would easily convince Phoebe to give her the recipe of the tonics.
"It's truly remarkable! Which tonics are these? I need to get some of them." Miranda wore a broad smile.
"Yes mother, grandpa has been taking those from the Saxon group with no change, how come he's all better now? What's the science behind the tonics?" Rose-bell massaged her grandfather's hand.
It was skinny but warm and that alone delighted her. These hands had carried her everywhere when she was young.
Grandma Saxon laughed sarcastically especially at Miranda's questions. "These tonics are from that lowly shaman Miranda and by the way, I have the final say when it comes to marriages in this house not you. My son married you because i approved. You would not be here today if i had the same attitude as you."
Miranda grimaced and clenched her hands.
"Thanks grandma." David touched his forehead to the back of his grandfather's hand. "Grandfather, it's so great to see you. I have missed you so much."
He continued holding the fragile hand, recalling that in the past, his grandfather never left that bed. He died, no matter what miraculous medicine they used. Deep in his heart, he knew that he had a lot to thank Phoebe for. He excused himself, and walked away, planning to visit Phoebe and check on her condition.
He had no intentions of defending his mother. That was a job for his older brother Ian.