***20 years-ago***
Matthew Eduardo Collins was a 34-year-old man awaiting the birth of his beloved wife’s daughter, who had been waiting for a dozen years.
Soon, the sound of a baby crying was heard from inside the delivery room. The doctor who handled his wife came out, congratulating the happy couple.
The presence of a new family made the entire Collin family very enthusiastic, especially Collin’s elder, Nicholas. Who was already looking forward to his second grandchild, as the successor to the Collins company.
The relatives also took part, for the daughter of the happy couple. Especially the family of Franklin, a friend of Matthew, who came with his wife and child.
“Congratulations on your daughter.”
“Thanks, Nolan. We’ll be in-laws later,” Matthew said.
“TSK…! Are you serious!” asked Nolan in jest.
“I’m serious. We’re going to be in-laws. Wait until my daughter is 20 years old, then we’ll set her up.” Matthew replied, enthusiastically setting his daughter up with his best friend’s son, Nolan.
Nolan also asked Matthew’s daughter’s name, which he didn’t know.
“Beautiful. What’s your daughter’s name?”
“Ashley Gabriella Collins,” Matthew replies, smiling meaningfully.
“Such a beautiful name, just like her face.”
“Thanks, dude!”
Of the many people who came, there was one 10-year-old boy, staring at Ashley so intensely. Without blinking, his eyes. Then he said something that made the others turn their heads towards the boy.
“Beautiful! Daddy, can I marry this little baby?” asked the little boy, named Lucas Samuel Frankly, son of Nolan Franklin and Elizabeth Franklin.
Seeing Ashley’s beautiful face, with green eyeballs, made Lucas stunned and mesmerized.
Nolan approached his son, aligned his body, and stroked the top of Lucas’s head. “Do you like that little baby? “Nolan asked Lucas.
“I love it, Daddy, it’s beautiful and tiny. When she grows up, I will be her prince and marry her,” Lucas said, making everyone in the hospital room laugh. Hearing Lucas’ funny story.
“Son, if you like that little girl. Daddy approves, but you have to remember, you can’t hurt her and make her cry and sad. Will you promise Daddy? “Nolan asked Lucas. Asking his son—Lucas promised to always be Ashley.
“I promise, Dad, I will take care of Ashley. And wait for her to grow up.”
Matthew, Nolan, and their wives smiled at Lucas’s statement. The little boy was already hypnotized by Ashley’s beauty.
Nicholas was silent. He didn’t seem to like it. Hearing that his newborn grandson was already claimed by a 10-year-old snot-nosed boy.
“You are too confident to marry my granddaughter. If you are lucky to get her, I will approve of your relationship when my grandson grows up.” Nicholas said sarcastically, sounding so cynical.
Unexpectedly from them, little Lucas is so confident, answering Nicholas’ grandfather’s question. “Grandpa, when I grow up, I will pursue your grandson. Even if your grandson rejects me. I will still do whatever it takes to get your grandson and your blessing.” said little Lucas, not afraid of Nicholas.
However, Nolan pulled little Lucas. He really didn’t expect his son to be brave with such a scary Collins elder.
Among those who came, no one dared to stare or chat much. They knew who Nicholas was with his demeanor and nature, which was cold and rigid. But little Lucas made them incredulous with such a convincing reply.
***
***20 years later***
**San Francisco, California**
Ashley Gabriella Collins, known as Ashley, is the only daughter of the famous couple, Matthew Collins and Whitney Collins.
Ashley is a beautiful girl who is spoiled by her parents even though she is already 21 years old.
Every whim she wants, Ashley has to get it by whining to her parents or by sacrificing her hungry stomach.
Like this morning, when the entire Collins family was enjoying their breakfast, Ashley whined to her father. She wanted the latest Aston Martin Valhalla that was only produced in a few units.
“I want Daddy to replace my car with a new one,” she said matter-of-factly.
“A car,” her father replied
“Yes, Daddy.”
“You just bought a car one week ago honey, now you’re asking me to buy you a new car again?” asked her father.