Chapter 193 - MEETING THE DUMRIQUE FAMILY AND THEIR FRIENDS II

As soon as they sat for lunch, people shared their business ideas and other thoughts but some of them still wanted to focus on the woman that Stefan chose. It's not that they were against his choice – they have no reason to do so, but they wanted to know what kind of person will be shouldering half of the responsibility that will fall on Stefan's shoulders.

"Ms. Ardolf remained a secret to us before and now that we've finally meet you, we're a bit curious. How did you meet Mr. Dumrique?" one of the guests asked her.

Cayenne was prepared to answer this question when Stefan held her hand under the table to give her courage. "I am working in one of his hotels. I got scolded by him on the first night of my shift but I never thought we'd end up together. He just approached me one time and we got to know each other."

"How long have you known each other?"

"Four months, I believe but we just have an official relationship not long ago."

"What course in college did you finish? And what –"

"Hey!" Stefan interrupted the man immediately which caught everyone's attention. "Why does it seem like you're asking too many personal questions?"

"Sorry Stefan. We just wanted to know what kind of woman she is. After all, she will become the lady boss."

"What kind of person she is, is none of your business. She's my girlfriend. She'll be my wife but I don't intend to expose her to my businesses. It's a hassle matter and stressful, too. I don't want my her to be stressed out. So, just give up asking about those things. And also," he looked towards everyone except Travis; his eyes hold a clear warning and threat. "don't investigate my girlfriend. If I found out that someone's investigating her, whether we're business partners or not, I will destroy you."

"Son, you don't have to be so aggressive." Magnus reminded Stefan but Stefan glared at him instead.

"I can be aggressive if I want because I have to protect someone. Just be mindful how you will act in the future." Stefan told them before he continued to eat his food. From time to time, he would ask Cayenne what she likes to eat but she will only eat the food that he likes to eat.

After lunch, the old men still stayed to play several rounds of chess and other board games. Some were talking about their business and some were talking to Cayenne, telling her to look for them if ever she'll have some issues and Stefan wasn't around. On the other hand, Stefan and Travis were talking at the back garden of the villa where a large swimming pool was located.

"The old man is planning to read his will this afternoon and he will announce it directly to his business partners here." Travis told Stefan about what he knew. "Are you ready to take your family's empire and become my equal?"

"I don't really care about it. If they insist for me to take it without asking for anything in exchange, I don't mind. If they will ask me to give up on Cayenne for their wealth then, I have to say sorry and refuse it. Cayenne is everything to me. No amount of wealth can be an equal to her value."

"I understand." Travis replied. "I am supporting you two but – but, are you really sure of your decision? You married her without even knowing her that much."

"It's fine. I can still get to know her along the way."

"And what if you found something that's terrifying and unforgivable, will you still love her?"

"C'mon. Why are you asking me these questions?"

"These are just examples because I went through these questions before, too."

"Nothing can break us apart." Stefan responded confidently. "My love for her will never change and that the promise I told her when I married her."

"I hope you won't break your promise."

Stefan frowned and looked at his best friend. "Why are you so concern about my wife? And I won't ask you why you know about our marriage but I want to know why you're very interested in her." He couldn't really understand why Travis was very attached to Cayenne when they have no relationship at all. And he wouldn't think of his best friend cheating on his wife because Travis isn't capable of cheating. He loves his wife so much that he's willing to give up his life for her. So, why?

Travis sit on the rattan chair while facing the clear water in the swimming pool. "My wife likes her so much. You know that my wife went through a lot of things when she was young and she used those experiences to help other people this time. When we met Cayenne over a year ago, she couldn't take her eyes off of the lady. She felt like she was seeing the younger version of herself who was trying her best to live her life to the fullest despite the circumstances she was facing in life. My wife promised that she will keep an eye to Cayenne and help her when needed."

"Then, were you the ones who paid her mother's medical bill?"

"Nope. We didn't do that. My wife didn't like helping someone through financial means. We only sent someone to guard her from a distance, making sure that she gets to work unharmed and making it back home without meeting any danger on the road. We also sent some people to offer scholarships to her brothers, either they make it or not, it's up to them."

"So, you've been taking care of her already when I was still fooling around." Stefan commented with a deep sigh. "I don't really know how to make it up to her."

"Just don't hurt her and don't leave her. She's might be strong and reliable but she's also a very fragile woman." Travis stood up after checking the time on his watch – it's time to go back home. "Also, if you mess with her, you will have to deal with my wife, Riley and Evan. They really like Cayenne so, you should know what position you are in."