Chris’s POV—
“Hey!! Mr Hamilton!!”
“Hi Camila! How are you!”
As I walked inside the restaurant, I found Camila was already seated in the designated table. We greet each other and exchange kisses on our cheeks.
“Please seat dear.” I gesture Camila and help her. Taking my seat, I ask her, “Let’s order drinks and some starters before we start. Ok?”
“Sure.”
I call the waiter and ask him to get us scotch and their appetizer of the day which was some preparation of Prawns and Chicken. Once the waiter leaves, we turn our gazes at each other and start our discussion.
“My assistant informed me that you want to talk to me in person before signing the contract. So, here I am! Tell me what you wanted to talk!” I ask her.
Camila bent over the table and placing her hand on mine she gave me a seductive smile and spoke in a whispery voice, “Aww..Chris! I always had a crush on you and you know it! Is it that bad to want to see you? I know you wouldn’t have met otherwise so I just utilised the opportunity!”
I internally roll my eyes! Camila didn’t change a bit even in so many years!
“I would take that you don’t have any problem with the contract then?” I ask her.
“Actually! The offer is good. No! Excellent but..” Camila was interrupted when the waiter brought us our drinks and starters.
“Sir, would you like to order the main course now?” the waiter asked.
“Camila?” I raised my eyebrow.
“Ok. I think we can talk in peace after ordering.” Camila said and ordered the main course for both of us.
“Cheers!”
After the waiter left, she continued sipping drinks.
“So, as I was saying, the offer sounds perfect, but I want a little more!” she said and I scoffed.
“I want to have a minimum contract for five years and I also want to represent all your jewellery and fashion brands! Also, whatever events I will be attending for the brand, you will also have to attend! These are my terms! If you think it is good, then we can go ahead!” she said shrugging her shoulders and smiling at me!
---
I finished the meeting with Camila and walked out. Dan was waiting for me along with Milano. They also had dinner in a diner nearby somewhere.
As I got in the car and started, Dan asked me, “So? Did she agree?”
I replied in a blunt voice, “Yes.”
“What more did she want?” Dan asked.
“She had a crush on me in high school and I was with Hope, so I refused her. I thought she moved on but she clearly hasn’t!” I sighed.
“So?” Dan frowned looking at me.
“So, she wants to be the brand ambassador of all future fashion brands for next five years and she will attend necessary events only if I attend them!” I told Dan and then fell silent.
We both just sighed again and maintained our silence. Just before we were about to reach home, Dan asked, “So you agreed?”
I gave him a cold look and replied, “I had to!”
--
With the several upcoming projects I got really so busy that I forgot about Ms Lucas. I kept meeting Raina though and I often wished she wasn’t married! I wanted her to move in with me but since she was married, it was not possible!
Finally we ended our discussed term of dating happily and it was again a Saturday when we decided to meet and discuss about our future!
-----
It is Saturday and I have promised Raina a date in the evening and talk about our future. I am excited about it and she is too! We have been talking on call and exchanging texts regarding the same. I have arranged a special dinner on a rooftop restaurant and today I will propose her! That too is decided!
Today Dad is home and he has asked me to have lunch with him. He said he has something important to talk about but I feel so restless until I am able to meet Raina and propose to her! I need her to accept my proposal and have a clear idea about our future together!
“Chris! Senior Hamilton is waiting for you!”
I was in my room thinking about Riana and my future when Daniel entered talking loudly. I turned my head to him and asked raising an eyebrow, “What are you doing here?”
He walked in straight to me waving his hands, “What do you mean what am I doing here? I am here in my best friend’s house! Did you forget that today is Saturday and you haven’t given me any work today!”
I smirked at him. He was wearing a jeans and casual yellow t-shirt! I chuckle in my mind! Only Daniel can pull this colour and still look handsome and funny!
“Come on Mr Senior Hamilton is waiting for us!” he said and then stood with his hands on his hip and added, “Ok. Your dad called me. He said that he has something important to discuss with you and me! Now, are you coming or not?”
I got up and said while dragging him out of the room alongwith me, “Ok. I understand, but remember not to spill unwanted truths! Do you understand?”
“Mmmmmhmm..Clearly!” Dan said and winked at me.
--
We both entered the dining hall and took our seats. Dad was already sitting there.
“Chris! Dan! It is good to have you both for lunch after a long time!” Dad said smiling. “You have been so occupied son, we couldn’t sit on the same table in months!”
“Dad, you know how I am trying to expand the business. I want to double the turn over this year again and increase the profit by 50%! There is a lot to do dad!” I replied.
“Hmm..Good. Good. I am very proud of you son. The way you have taken the business to a new level is amazing! But I hope you remember what we have discussed?” Dad said and I know exactly what he referred to.
“I remember Dad!” I said rolling my eyes. I lean on the table placing my arms crossed on it and ask, “Is this lunch about that Dad?”
“Hahaha!!” Dad laughed and then said shaking his head, “No, No, son! I am sure that once I have told you something, you will take care of it. This lunch is about me spending time with my Son and Daniel who is not only my son’s best friend but also like a son to me! Also, I have news for you and you will love it!”
“What news Dad?” I asked.
“Are we going to talk like this? With no food?” Dan interrupted. “Hey Martha! Where is lunch? I am hungry!”
Martha is one of our housekeepers and she has been working for us for decades. Whenever my mom travelled for months for her social works, Martha has taken care of me! My mother is a great woman! While dad has been working hard day and night to grow our businesses, my mother has been doing a lot of charity work! She has done great social works and helped numerous people in need. I am really proud of my parents.
“The lunch is coming right away Master Dan!” Martha chuckled and went away for bringing lunch.
“Dad! When will mom return from India?” I asked.
“She will return very soon Son. She has opened a place for the street children with the help of a girl who is also a great social worker! Sophia will return in two days Son. And I want to discuss about a project she wants to start.” Dad said.
Martha returned with other maids pushing a trolley with food. The maids served us lunch and we all started to dig in. We all were hungry.
“The food is really delicious Martha. Thank you!” I praised her giving a kind smile.
“The credit goes to Thamba and Frank, our chefs, Master.” Martha said smiling back at me.
“Come on Martha! Can you stop calling me Master? Please? I don’t like it.” I said furrowing my eyebrows and then looking at Dad, I rolled my eyes, “Can you tell her Dad, not to call me Master?”
“Don’t give me that look Chris! I have told her several times but she says that she likes calling you Master. What can I say!!” Dad waved his hands.
“Enjoy your lunch.” Martha said bowing her head slightly and left us.
“Ok. About the news. Now will you tell me what it is?” I asked Dad.
“Hmm..” Dad hummed chewing his food and then after finishing his mouthful, he said, “Your mom wants to form an NGO for giving the street children proper care, education and whatever they need to grow up into responsible citizens and it is her wish that you help her in this matter. She wants you to be a partner in the project. I know that you are busy with the works here but I also know how much you want to do for the society and I think you mother is right about this. The NGO will be a perfect scope for you to fulfil your dreams to make a better society for everyone.”
I sighed putting my fork and spoon down. I folded my palms on the table and thought about the matter a bit looking down.
“What is the matter Chris? If you don’t want to spend your time for charity, I understand. I will explain this to your mom. Yes, she will be disappointed but she will understand.” Dad said.
I looked at him and said, “Dad, it is not that! Forming an NGO needs a lot of involvement and I would be happy to help if this is not just for gaining media attention Dad! You know well I don’t like this kind of acts of show off!”
Dad released a deep sigh and said, “Look son! I won’t lie to you, it is also for Media attention, BUT!” he pointed his finger at me, “But, I said also for media attention. The primary cause to social work, to help the children in need and media will help us to reach people who need help. That’s all for now! Once we develop a strong ground, we will use media to let everyone know that it is our company who is doing this charity! But that comes much later. Since you will be a major partner, you can decide whether you want media or not or how you want!”
I nodded. It seemed like a good proposal and I felt happy to be able to do something for the people in need. I have been telling Dad for years that I wanted to have my own NGO but Dad never agreed. It is good that finally Mom could convince him.
“Great Dad! Thanks for doing this for me! I will call Mom and thank her myself.” I said pressing his hand across the table.
“Consider this your birthday gift son! But you need to travel to India immediately and initiate the process. I have asked Erick to book your tickets and I want Daniel to accompany you too and be your help in this matter. Look son, I know you have been requesting this since years and I didn’t agree but now that we are going to open our own NGO, your NGO, I hope that you will take this seriously and put all your efforts in this. Right?” Dad said.
“Definitely Dad. But who all will be the partners in this?” I asked.
“This is not going to be a typical NGO son. This will be more a company who will only help the children in need and whoever else you wish to help. Now, one thing I want to make clear. There is a person, my friend, Mr Lucas Dalton who is a great scientist working for NASA and also is a rich businessman. He will have fifty per cent of partnership since he is a major investor. Your mother will have fifteen per cent share and your future wife will have ten per cent share. Rest twenty five per cent will be yours. So, basically our family holds fifty per cent and Lucas holds fifty per cent.” Dad said.
“I respect your decision Dad, but I want to know why would this Mr Lucas have fifty per cent of shares? Just because he is investing?” I asked.
Dad smiled at me and then replied nodding his head, “No! Lucas is not only investing 50% of the capital but also his team will help in the works in India. Also, his own daughter, Samantha Dalton is a great social worker and will work hand in hand with you.”
“Hmm..Samantha Dalton! Ok. Great. So, when do you want us to travel?” I asked.
“Tomorrow morning!” Dad replied making me frown!