Chapter 10

MARCUS

I sat across from Nicole's mother, Mrs. Zachary, feeling incredibly uneasy. I knew that this meeting was going to be intense. Her eyes locked onto mine, and I felt as if I was being interrogated. Every time I opened my mouth to speak, I felt like she was dissecting my words.

I had just confessed to her that I loved her daughter and let's just say the atmosphere wasn't pleasant. I could only imagine what was going through her mind

Mrs. Zachary's face remained stoic, but her eyes betrayed a hint of surprise. "I see. And what does this have to do with me?"

I took a deep breath. This was not the response I was hoping for. “I want to ask for your blessing to marry her."

"Absolutely not," she said firmly.

I was taken aback. "I'm sorry, what do you mean?"

Mrs. Zachary took a deep breath and leaned back in her chair. "I'm sorry, but I have to be clear. I cannot allow you to marry my daughter," she said firmly.

As soon as the words left her mouth, I heard gasps from Nina and Darla, who