{CHAPTER SEVEN}

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"I pondered on your words. I reckon we stick with the initial plan," Jackson's uncle mentioned to him, casually lighting up a cigarette.

Peering at his Uncle, observing him light his cigarette, Jackson responded "Alright, I guess that works."

"But... If you fail to secure her hand in marriage promptly, then I shall be compelled to intervene," he declared, his gaze unwavering as he met Jackson's eyes with a deep intensity. He exhaled smoke as he puffed on the cigarette. "Ohh this feels good."

Jackson glanced right at him as he puffed on his cigarette.

"Lest I forget," his Uncle remarked, "There's a file with additional details about the girl that I thought you might find useful. And by the way, she's currently at the *Exquisite shopping mall*. You could try running into her by chance."

"How did you figure that out Uncle? Are you spying on her now?" Jackson inquired, a mix of shock and disappointment evident in his voice at his uncle's statement.

"Yes, I am, and you're welcome," his uncle replied, casually pointing a finger at him with a nonchalant expression.

"And for the clarity, not just her, all of them, I need to keep an eye for my preys," his uncle added.

Jackson sighed disapprovingly; right when he was about to say a word, his uncle swiftly silenced him.

"Shush, boy, you should be thanking me. Now, all you gotta do is to go there and act like you bumped into her coincidentally," His uncle said, settling into his usual seat, exuding an air of confidence and secrecy.

"Let's just swiftly get this over with," Jackson said with a hint of disinterest, his tone reflecting a desire to move past the situation quickly.

"Your call, my boy. You make the move, we achieve our goal, then we're over with this," His uncle responded, still puffing on his cigarette.

Jackson didn't utter a word; he simply strode out purposefully. He was fully aware of his impending actions. Marrying her and taking everything thing they owned would leave them stranded, even though he understood that everything they had amassed belonged to his Parents, wrongfully claimed by Hanna's Father out of pure greed.

Despite this knowledge, he felt compelled to proceed with the plan as he saw it was a better alternative to a more drastic outcome instigated by his Uncle.

Jackson, typically recognized as a man with a heart of stone unexpectedly began to exhibit a soft spot for the family.

"I've Got her," Jackson firmly stated, sliding his card towards the sales representative.

"Jackson? Oh my word, Jackson, what on earth are you doing here?" I asked, my face lighting up with a smile, surprised and excited to see him unexpectedly.

"Just strolling past, nothing more," Jackson beamed.

"Really? I mean, you're simply just taking a leisurely stroll past a ladies' fashion mall?" I gave him a playful grin, as I inquired.

"Caught off guard, realizing his uncle's failed attempt to mention it was a ladies' mall, Jackson quickly responded, "Oh! I'm just grabbing something for my sis," he lied, casually scratching his head, trying to cover up the unexpected encounter.

"Oh, I wasn't aware you had a sister?" I inquired with a surprised look.

"Well, now you know," he said with a faint smile, attempting to bring the conversation to a close.

"I'll cover her bill," he stated again, swiftly steering the conversation in a new direction as he glanced back at the sales representative.

"Ohh, never mind, I already took care of it," I said with a thankful smile, gracefully declining his offer.

"Ouch!" He playfully exclaimed, adding a touch of humor to the moment, lightening the mood with his playful reaction.

"Perhaps I could buy you a drink instead?" Jackson suggested with a playful tone.

"Is this your suave way of asking me out for another date?" I inquired, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.

"Uhm, there's a nice spot in the mall where we can chat," I quickly suggested, realizing my car was parked outside. I didn't want Jackson to think I was flaunting or coming off as a wealthy kid.

"Are you turning down my offer to get you a drink?" Jackson said with a hint of disappointment.

"No, not at all. I'm just not in the mood for a drink right now," I replied, nodding my head in disagreement.

"It's fine, I'll go with whatever choice you make," he said, making my heart fluster.

Even though I rejected the offer because I didn't want Jackson to see my car parked outside. I wasn't lying about not wanting a drink. Following the incident with Lisa, where we narrowly avoided a serious accident, my appetite for food and drinks had been off.

"Thanks for understanding," I expressed.

"Thanks for understanding," I expressed. With a charming smile, he replied, "You're always welcome."

"Could you guide me to the spot? It's my first time here," he gestured, pointing ahead.

Arriving at the spot, it was adorned with exquisite interiors and bustling with a lively crowd in the surroundings.

"Whoa, it's packed in here," Jackson remarked, his eyes widening in surprise at the bustling crowd surrounding us.

"Absolutely, it's always crowded in here, and that's what makes this spot lively," I chimed in, expressing my fondness for the lively atmosphere of the spot.

"Indeed," he affirmed with a subtle nod, acknowledging the sentiment shared.

"Perhaps that corner over there would suffice," I suggested, gesturing towards the seat opposite us.

Right as we settled into our seats, Jackson interjected, "We agreed to share more about ourselves the next time we meet. Here we are. Why don't you go first?" He suggested.

"Hmm," I murmured, considering what to reveal.

Launching into my story, completely engrossed, I started revealing more about myself to Jackson. However, I halted by the intense gaze of administration he fixed upon me. It was evident he wasn't fully focused on my words but rather on my lips as they moved. I observed, realizing his attention was elsewhere.

Realizing my abrupt pause, he softly whispered, "You're so pretty, Hanna. Incredibly stunning," Jackson complimented, his words laced with genuine admiration. The air around us seemed to shimmer with his heartfelt words.

Twirling my hair back, I blushed at the sound of my racing heartbeats. Jackson's words played in head, wrapping me in his warm embrace of unexpected flattery.

"Thank you," I murmured bashfully, my words tinged with a hint of shyness. Jackson's compliment had caught me off guard.

As Jackson intertwined his fingers with my delicate hand, a wave of tenderness enveloped him, mirroring the blossoming affection in my enchanting gaze. In that fleeting moment, his heart sang a melody of love, it's rhythm dancing to the tune of our intertwined souls. Despite his tough facade, his heat surrendered to my touch, beating with an intensity that echoed the depths of his emotions.

Amidst the bittersweet realization that I was the daughter of his Parents nemesis, he found solace in the profound connection we shared. With unwavering resolve, he embraced the divine timing, seizing the moment to follow through with his and his Uncle's plan by asking me to be his girlfriend.

"Hanna..." His voice trailed off as he stood spellbound by the symphony of his quickening heartbeat, a silent declaration of the love burgeoning within him.

"I...I have to leave, Hanna," he stammered, shocked by the sudden thunderous pounding of his heart.

"Why, Jackson? Did I do something wrong?" I inquired, my voice laced with concern.

"No, you didn't, we'll chat later," he replied hastily, rushing off with his hand pressed against his chest, leaving me in great shock.

Jackson rushed off in bewilderment, arriving at Victor's place, seeking answers to his sudden situation. This feeling was entirely new to him, unlike anything he had experienced before, especially for a lady. He was desperate for answers, and Victor seemed like the perfect person to provide them.

"Victor, open up!" Jackson hollered, pounding on Victor's door. The urgency in his voice echoed through the hallway.

Victor emerged from his house to seeJackson knocking on his door. Spotting Jackson, he exclaimed. "Jackson, what's going on!".

Jackson paying no attention to Victor's presence, strode past him looking all puzzled.

"What's the matter, Pal?" Victor inquired, his tone filled with concern and curiosity.

Jackson turned to Victor and began recounting in detail everything that had transpired between Hanna and him, leaving no aspect unexplained.

Victor, with a gentle touch on Jackson's back, whispered softly, "Oh Jackson, it seems like you've fallen in love with the girl."

Shoving Victor's hand away forcefully, Jackson declared, "No way!"

"There's no other explanation to this, Jackson! Your heart racing says it all— you've fallen for her. The girl, whose father took out the lives of your parents!" Victor exclaimed in disappointment and anger.

With a fierce glare and a tone filled with both seriousness and anger, Jackson bellowed, "Impossible! Just like I said before, Victor, falling in love with her would be the end of me!" He stormed out in a fit of emotion.

Right after Jackson's dramatic exist, a brief moment of silence hung in the air, only to be broken by a distinct sound of a dialing tone as Victor attempting to make a call. The dialing echoed ominously in the room.

"He couldn't tell her," Victor said with a sinister grin just right after the person on the other end of the phone picked.

"And one more thing; I think he's in love with the girl."