Chapter 4 Tackling Ian

• "Marriage? Cathlin asked
• "Yes. I know that the allowance that I give to him won't be enough for him to run his family. He'll be forced to start working 'cause he's got no other option"
• "You are right. But to who?
• "Iris of course. Iris and Ian have been childhood friends and Iris has a special effect on him. Have you noticed auntie, though Ian might tease her a lot but Iris is the only girl Ian teases and the only girl that can boss him around. I noticed that, when they were in high school, at the hospital, when Ian told her; oh lucky you, you're the only girl apart from Ana that bosses almighty Ian around, lucky you '
• "Yes. I remember. So funny, but I don't know if iris likes him, 'cause no girl would like a guy who teases her in so much and that to in such manner"
• ''C'mon auntie, let's confirm from Iris. Where is she? May I see her?
• "Ana, I'll talk to her tonight and get back to you "
• "Really? I appreciate if you do so. I'll get going now. Thanks for the snacks and juice "
• "You're welcomed dear "
• Anastasia hugged Cathlin and left for her house. Ian welcomed her and tried taking her bag from her but Anastasia stopped him and left for her room. Iris just got home with Alice.
• Cathlin thought hard about what Anastasia had discussed with her earlier that day. Not long, Mr Edward arrived home. Cathlin welcomed him and took his bag from him and left for their room. Edward followed her immediately.
• Cathlin placed the bag on his table and left to prepare his bath. Edward thanked her and left for the bathroom. Cathlin went down to the kitchen and fixed dinner for Edward.
• Edward finished up with his bath and got into his night wear and went over to the dining room for dinner.
• Cathlin served his dinner and had her seat. Edward ate to his fill and thanked her. Cathlin asked the maids to clear the table and serve some fruit salad to Edward.
• Edward and Cathlin left for the living room. Cathlin decided to discuss with Edward over the marriage proposal made by Anastasia.
• Cathlin took the fruit salad and placed before Edward.
• "I want to discuss something very important with you Edward"
• " Okay. Go on. I'm listening"
• " It's about Anastasia, Ian and our daughter"
• " Hmm, what about them? Did Ian do something wrong again?
• "Well...you know how Ian is. Anastasia was here earlier today to discuss something important with me"
• " Okay. What did you two discuss about?
• " A lot but the most important one was Ian getting married"
• " Ian is getting married! To who?
• "Well... Anastasia planned on getting Ian married to someone responsible and she made a proposal".
• " Okay. So who's the bride?
• "Iris"
• "What! Iris! Edward exclaimed. " Why Iris?
• " She wants Iris to be Ian's wife, in other to strengthen our families bond and also help Ian learn to love their family business"
• " And you think she'll achieve that if Ian marries Iris? Hold on. Does Ian know about this? Does he love Iris and does Iris love him?
• "That's why I didn't give her an answer. I told her I would discuss this with Iris and find out if she loves Ian before going ahead with the marriage. I can't force my daughter to marry someone she doesn't love"
• " You're right. Please do that. Meanwhile, I'll retire to our room. I'm so tired and I need enough rest. Thanks for the salad."
• " You're welcome"
• Edward retired to their room while Cathlin left for the kitchen with the salad plates. She asked the maid to keep them away. Cathlin decided to speak with Iris that night. She prepared some warm milke which she would take to Iris.
• Cathlin left with a glass warm milk. Iris had her dinner in her room and took her drugs. Cathlin asked Alice to remove the plates. Alice took the plates and left for the kitchen.
• 'Finally. Ana was here for you" Cathlin said.
• "Ana? Any problem?
• "No. Iris... Do you have a boyfriend?
• "No. Why mum?
• "Do You have anyone you like?
• "Yes I do. Why all these questions?
• 'Who is he? Is he someone I know and for how long?
• "Mum.. C'mon. Okay, it's someone you know "
• "And who is he?
• "Ah.. It's Ian, Ana's brother '
• "Oh thank goodness. Guess why Ana was here"
• "Guess? Mum, I'm bad at that"
• "Ok. Ana wants to get you and Ian married. She thinks Ian loves you and we were worried that you may not like him, 'cause he teases you so much ''
• "I like him so much. I even doubted that he likes me too. He's always teasing me "
• "Okay, rest up. I'll let Ana know that you've agreed to marry ian. Good night sweet heart ''
• "Good night mum. Good ahead, sweet dreams ''
• Cathlin kissed her fore head and left Iris room. She quickly called Anastasia to give her the news. Anastasia was thrilled. She was so happy. She thanked Cathlin and wished her good night. Iris can't imagine being Ian's wife. She's so excited and happy to hear that Ian loves her and wants her as his wife.
• It's Ana's birthday, Ian woke up pretty early to wish her a happy birthday. He loves being the first to wish Anastasia a happy birthday. He rushed to her room with a bouquet of rose flowers and chocolate box. He placed them beside her and sang the birthday song. One of the maids brought in the cake. Ana woke up immediately and smiled. Ian hugged her.
• "Happy 30th birthday, my love "
• "Ah c'mon. Psycho"
• "C'mon make a wish. Hurry"
• "Sure I will "
• She closed her eyes, made a wish and blew off the candles and cut the cake.
• 'Congratulations sis'' Ian hugged her.
• "Ian, be on your best outfit and also character ''
• "Outfit, yes, why character?
• "Ian ...I know you so please, try not to create a scene at my party. So be on your best behavior"
• "Sure I will"
• Ian planned a grande birthday party for his sister. Ana loved everything she saw. The guests arrived early. Iris and her parents arrived with their gifts. Iris was really dolled up and she looked so cute and beautiful. Anastasia hugged them. Ian took over the microphone and made a short speech. The cake was brought before Anastasia who blew off the candle and cut it. Anastasia hugged Ian. The party was fun. Anastasia took over the stage with her glamour.
• ''Good evening everyone. I'm so happy you all made it here tonight. Tonight is really special as it has two events, one my birthday and the other is uniting two souls. Everyone, I want to use this medium to announce the engagement of my brother, Ian Santiago and Iris Graham and their wedding is coming up too"
• "Sis, are you drunk already? C'mon, I'll take you to your bedroom. I'll carry you "
• "Do I look drunk? I'm serious. Remember the wish you are to grant me tonight? That's the wish. I request you to marry Iris "
• "Marry? No. Never. I'm not getting married and not to her"
• "Ian , I'm not begging you. You have to do it"
• "I don't consent to this''
• "I don't need your consent. Iris dear join us''
• "Ana please don't do this to me''
• "Iris, I'm glad to have you not only as a friend but as my sister in law"
• "Thank You Ana "
• "You agreed to this? So shameless. I don't like you. Stop dreaming. This won't work. To hell with your damn birthday and damn wish. Ana, I'm outta here. Dad and mum must be disgusted by your action right now "
• "Ian don't leave. We can sort this out" Iris said grasping Ian's hand.
• "Shut it Iris. I'm leaving "
• Ian left the ballroom in anger. Anastasia and Iris followed up. Ian locked the door of his room. Anastasia ordered the guards to break down the door when Iris asked her to use the master key to unlock the door. Anastasia did so and they went in.
• "Wow! You surprise me sis" Ian said "You're packing? Ana stop him" Iris begged Anastasia.