Although Winston was taken aback by Barclay's sudden decision to get married, he agreed to it and even, at Mrs. Doonan's request, granted him a mansion worth millions and a small share of the company's stocks as a reward for settling down!
Winston had no other demands for his wayward eldest son, just that he marry someone, anyone, to get his life in order and stop being a nuisance to society. To Winston, who Barclay married was of no consequence.
The old man was probably not oblivious to Barclay's misdemeanors, but due to Mrs. Doonan's jealousy, he found himself defending his son, turning a blind eye to his faults.
His heart belonged to Carmen, Parker's mother, the woman he truly loved. For Carmen, Winston had neglected Barclay and had chosen Parker as the future head of the Doonan family, recognizing his exceptional talents from a young age.
Barclay was a lost cause, with a gloomy disposition and a penchant for trouble, gambling, and a lack of ambition.
Winston was aware of a dark rumor about Barclay fathering an illegitimate child from a girl he had wronged three years prior.
Now, Barclay was marrying that very girl, acknowledging his illegitimate daughter in the process.
After hearing Mrs. Doonan's tearful pleas, Winston agreed to this marriage, albeit surprised that the girl was the cousin of Endora from the Melford family.
Well, that's that.
Hoping to ease his conscience, Winston let Mrs. Doonan organize his eldest son's wedding, promising him several properties and 5% of the Doonan Group's stocks as a wedding gift, hoping he'd straighten out and avoid criminal activities.
Mrs. Doonan was overjoyed, confident that her son's marriage would ensure Winston's continued support.
Barclay was even more delighted; with money in his pocket, life was a breeze.
But his greed wasn't satisfied; with Endora marrying Parker, he was convinced she would help him gain control over the Doonan family.
So, he had to keep a close eye on Tiana, the wrench in his plans.
---
Bridal Shop.
Entering the shop was like stepping into a dream, with rows of dazzling wedding dresses on display, their white brilliance overwhelming. From diamond-encrusted to long trains, and even dresses designed by internationally renowned designers, the variety was dizzying.
Any girl would be over the moon at such a sight, but Tiana felt nothing but a hollow emptiness. She had never worn a wedding dress, not even for a photoshoot.
Now, faced with the opportunity to try on a wedding dress, she found herself in the direst of circumstances.
Marrying a man she didn't love, her father's life hanging in the balance, her wedding might as well be her funeral.
Her eyes, devoid of their usual spark, followed Barclay lifelessly around the shop.
"Do you see anything you like?" Barclay asked, feigning affection in front of the shop assistant, caressing Tiana's face, "Darling, hmm?"
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Love Beyond the Mask