THE ROAD TO YOUR HEART (Completed) ✔

36: A Tell-Off

After they all had lunch, Jacqueline was assisting Nolan to clear the dishes when she heard a knock on the door.

"Are you expecting any one?" She asked Nolan.

"No, not at all!"

"Are you sure? Might be your girlfriend." She chuckled.

"Very funny! I'll go and see who's at the door." He rolled his eyes as he walked away.

"Hey, don't blame me! You're the one who everyone likes."

"Well, it's not easy being me you know." He winked at her before opening the door.

"Yeah, you wish! Why are you standing there like a robot? Who's at the door?" She asked as she piled the remaining dishes.

"Uhm, Jacqueline... You might want to come and see this." Nolan replied without turning back.

Just then, she set the plates back on the dining table and rushed to the door. She couldn't believe her eyes. Her father was standing in front of them with 2 luggages which she assumed were his belongings.

"What the hell are you doing here?" She yelled angrily. "Did I have something in my mouth when I told you not to come here again?"

"Jacqueline, who's bothering you?" Chris asked as he came up behind her.

"This man used to be my father."

"Used to be?" Jonah asked. "I never disowned you."

"Well I did. From the day you walked out of our lives you ceased to be our father and my mother's husband. Now get out!"

"My princess please! I have nowhere to go. I am still your father and I demand you let me in!"

"Oh my God!" She laughed. "The audacity! So you actually think you can just emerge from whatever sewer you crawled out from and walk back into our lives and we'd let you in? You must be losing a few knots in your head. If I were you, I would stop drinking because that alcohol is definitely starting to mess with you."

"You can say whatever you want. I know my wife and son needs me here."

"No we don't! We are doing much better without you and we'd like to remain that way!" Nolan yelled.

"What? Jasmine...You see how these kids are talking to me? Don't just stand there! Say something on my behalf. Remember we are still married and you know there's no one better suited for you than me. Yes I made a few mistakes but who doesn't. The most important thing here is that I realized I was wrong and I came back!"

"I'm sorry Jonah but you must think I'm the old Jasmine you used to know. I moved on long time ago. Even though I never officially divorced you, I have erased every trace of memory I have ever shared with you. It's as if I never met you. After all you did to me, there is no way I'm ever looking at you the same way. I'm sorry but you have to go." She smiled and went back into the house.

"My son..." He turned to Nolan. "I'm your father remember? You are a part of me. Don't let this women confuse you. You need a father figure in your life. You need a man to show you the way in life."

"Well, I'd rather have all the women in the world show me my path in life than have a betrayer, a cheater and a dishonest man like you do it for me. Any other sane man would be ashamed to show their face around here, but you, you are entirely something else. Jacqueline was right, you do have a few screws missing in your head. I suggest you go find them and get yourself right."

"Wow! I hope you and your mother are satisfied with his actions. You guys turned my only son against me." Jonah yelled.

"Sir, you're beginning to constitute a nuisance here. I would hate to call the cops to eject you out of here by force." Chris said as he stepped in front of Jacqueline.

"Who the hell are you? Talk to me like that one last time and I'll give you the beating of your life." Jonah clenched his fists.

"Uhm, yeah I wouldn't try that if I were you." Chris chuckled.

"Why not?" He asked sternly.

"Because then, you'd have to decide where you'd like to spend the night. Hospital or jail!" Chris smirked.

"You do realize this is my family and I still have a right over them. That woman in there is still my lawfully wedded wife!" He yelled.

"Sir, if you don't know, you breached your marriage contract the second you walked out on your family. You can be sued on grounds of desertion and adultery you know." Chris smiled.

"Now who is this guy, really?" He asked Jacqueline. "Your customer? So this is what you do now? Invite men to ----"

Before he could complete his sentence, Chris gave him a big punch on his face.

"I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to properly introduce myself to you, Sir." He said as he looked over the old man who was now flat on the ground, clenching his face. "The name is Chris Hayes, Attorney-at-law! Now listen carefully. If you know, that you don't want the wrath of the law to fall on you today, I advice you get up, take your belongings and run as fast as you can. If I go in there and come back out, and you're still here... you'll get a free ride but it won't be to a place you'll like very much. Now leave!"

Jonah sprang up from the ground, grabbed his luggages and started running as fast as his legs could carry him. Within a few seconds, he disappeared from their sight.

"Thanks Chris. I appreciate it." Jacqueline gave him a pat on his shoulder. "Come on let's go in." She smiled.

"Mrs Jasmine are you okay?" Chris asked as he entered the house and saw her sitting on the couch quietly.

"Yes I am, Chris. Thanks for helping us get rid of him."

"No problem. I'm pretty sure he wouldn't be bothering you again. I've got to take my leave now. Please cheer up guys. Don't let that man ruin a beautiful day like this."

"Thank you Chris. We really appreciate what you've done for us." Jasmine smiled.

"Thanks for the gift again, Chris. Thank you so much." Nolan smiled.

"Anytime! Jacqueline... See me off please. Take care everyone." He waved to them and walked out the house with Jacqueline directly behind him.

"I guess it's almost time for you to get back to work right?" He asked as they reached his car.

"Yes! How did you know?"

"Well I remember Marley saying you planned on staying for 3 weeks."

"Good memory." She smiled.

"Thank you! Uhm, I really don't know how I'm going to see you again. I know you'll be very busy and all."

"Yes I'll be very busy since I'm only just starting work again after being away for such a long time. I also need some time to clear my head. A lot has happened in my life recently and it's taking me a while to digest everything. I just want to go on a much slower pace so I don't make any mistakes."

"I understand! As long as there's life, there's hope right?" She smiled revealing a nice set of pearly white teeth.

"Yes. Thank you for everything Chris. Have a nice drive home."

"Thank you too." He gave a nod before getting into his car and droving off.

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