Chapter 117: Chapter 117

Jason and Nancy sat in the library after Rodney had left.

Jason was still in shock. He had not wanted to make his intention known the way he had but Richmond had antagonized him to the extent that he had revealed his intention to marry Nancy.

He knew that Nancy would have questions but he didn't think that he was in the mood to answer them.

He had not thought in his wildest dreams that Richmond would be the person responsible for Nancy's predicament.

'Richmond has always been a man of questionable character and you allowed yourself to be deceived by him? Couldn't you find out things about the people you date before dating them? Everyone you ask would have told you that he was married because his wife's family is well known and their fame has rubbed off on him'.

Nancy was filled with a sudden anger. Who was he to judge her? Was he any better than she?

'Is that how you tried to find out things about every girl you dated? And even the one you eventually married, was that how you found out things about her? Then why did you not know she would betray you since I should have been clairvoyant enough to know the kind of villain Rodney was and that he would desert me when I needed him most?' she lashed back. She emotions and nerves were already frailled and did not want anyone to add to her distress.

He was angry with Nancy for falling prey to him and at what she had said but she was right, it was not entirely her fault but he was very furious with that villain for putting her in this condition.

On second thoughts though, if he hadn't, Nancy would not have come to Lake District and they would not have met

She gave him peace. She was his life

She may not know this but that was just the plain truth.

He knew he had issues to deal with but if she remained by his side, then together, they could surmount any mountain.

But Richmond's threat s out the law suit was something to think about.

Nancy did not know what to think. What had Jason made of all these? Was he disappointed in her? Did he blame her for the mess she was in or angry with Rodney?

'What should I do?' she asked.

'What do you mean, what should you do?'

'With this law suit he is talking about. I do not want to drag you nor your family into anything that will cause a bad exposure for you. I shall just leave. Afterall, I had planned on leaving in the new year,but it would seem that I shan't have to wait till then'.

'What are you talking about? Didn't you hear me tell him that we are in this together? How do you suppose you can defeat him all alone? You will just be making yourself a prey'.

'There is enough confusion already. I do not want to add to it,your sister will never forgive me for getting you involved in a mess I created for myself'.

'I love my sister, make no mistakes about that but she has her own family and I am not a baby in need of a baby sitter. All she does is with good intentions for me but I am well able to make my own decisions.

You are not going anywhere, not without my saying so'.

'You cannot order me about Jason. I am not your servant. I might work for you but I am definitely your maid. I can go anywhere I damn well please'.

'I know you are an independent woman but it is not safe for you to leave, not now in any case and by the way, you have not said anything about my proposal's. Jason said looking at her curiously.

He had expected her to ask him this but she had kept quiet about it as though she did not hear it.

'That reminds me. Did you really propose? I did not see it as that. Jason, you didn't have to as far as that to prove your point. Now, he may have ammunition against you. Saying in a law court that you are claiming his child only because you are getting married to me or some such thing when we both know that that isn't actually the case'.

'Snd how do you know that it isn't the case or that I do not want to marry you? What is your answer, yes? Or no?'

Nancy stared at him. He really did mean it. But why was he doing all these now?'

'Jason, you can't possibly be serious', she said looking at him but his serious expression did not change.

'You are serious, aren't you?' she asked.

He nodded.

'But you haven't taken everything to consideration.

Someone is claiming to be pregnant for you. That case is not resolved yet. You were going to marry someone else, what changed? You told me yourself when you wanted my advice that you had someone else you wanted to marry, what will you tell the person now? Is this how you go about breaking women's heart? Because you have loved once and was badly hurt and betrayed does not mean that every woman is like your ex wife', Nancy told him.

'I remember clearly the instance you are referring to and I had asked your advice for a reason. And the reason was because I wanted to know how you would feel if I proposed to you with the underlining situation. I wanted you to know the situation and your answer told me that you might not be happy about it and I resolved to find a solution to the problem before proposing again. I never wanted you to find out this way.

Then at the party, couldn't you tell how I felt? I virtually danced with only you which has now brought Richmond on our trail.

But what did you do? I do not want to remember certain things. Because I know how hurt I was when you left with Alfred after kissing him the way you did. So what is your answer? Just give me your answer and leave the rest to me'.

'How can I leave the rest to you? A woman claiming to be pregnant with your child is still under your roof and tries to bring me down any chance she gets. I told you what I accidentally found out about her but you decided to believe her over me and you say you have feelings for me and wants to marry me? You do not really want what you want. When you do, then we shall revisit this discussion'.

Jason looked at her exasperated. He did not know if the best thing was to shake some sense into her or kiss sense into her.

He advanced towards her because he found the second option more appealing but sensing his intention and knowing that she might just not be able to resist him and it might sway her decision, she moved backwards, away from him and raised her palm towards her in a stopping gesture, her eyes flashing and menacing.

Jason stopped and looked at her. He knew this was not the right time for any subtle seduction. He wanted to say something but thought better of it.

He turned on his heels and left the study, banging the door after him.