Chapter 311: Six months. (1/2)

Lucas felt like his ears were ringing as he processed his father's words. He knew that he would eventually have to go. All his brothers went, even Jason who was not doing anything related to business had to do it.

In both their cases they did an intensive course that they completed in a year, of course, they had to give up the holidays they got in between terms and Jason was on a hiatus when it was his turn.

He had tried to resist their father with the argument that he already did his degree and it wasn't necessary for him to get a master's degree as he wouldn't use that degree when he is singing or acting. Their father did not budge, and their mother acted like she did not know what was going on.

Jason thought he just had to convince their father until his manager didn't show up to take him to his schedules the following day. He then found out that James had halted all his activities and he could only resume once he finished his studies.

James had defended him when his father had called him to talk about Jason, but he was later convinced and was even more brutal than Noah. It seemed like it was now Lucas' turn and as his father had said; it was better to do it now rather than later.

He also figured if his father was mentioning this to him now, it meant that he had already made arrangements for him, or was in the process of doing so.

”When?” Lucas asked, and Noah raised his eyebrows in slight surprise. He was expecting some resistance, so he was caught off-guard when Lucas easily accepted the order.

”You'll start in the next academic year. You still have time,” Noah said with a happy smile.

”Wouldn't I need at least two years of working experience?” Lucas asked, hoping to buy himself some time even though he knew that his efforts were futile.

”You do, and you've been working for five. So don't worry about it,” Noah said, referring to the fact that Lucas had worked since he was in high school. Lucas became quiet and Noah looked at him as if he was reading his mind.

”Are you worried about Jen?” Noah asked, hitting the mark instantly.

”Mmh,” Lucas responded, focusing his gaze on his father.

”You want to take her with you?” Noah asked and Lucas nodded, making Noah laugh.

”I don't think that will be easy. Unless you can convince her to transfer to Plette,” Noah suggested. But he knew that the chances of her transferring were very slim, much less Lucas.

”Does it have to be Plette?” Lucas asked and Noah raised his eyebrow with an expression that said that he was daring him to say something stupid. Lucas swallowed the words he was about to say when he noticed his father's expression. His whole family had studied at that university, if it wasn't because of the inconvenience of studying abroad he would have gone there for his undergraduate as well. So he knew that there was no room for negotiation regarding this matter.

”You have another six months, so you both have time to decide on your arrangements. You can also do what your brothers did if you are so anxious about Jen,” Noah suggested and picked up a stack of papers on his desk, which was a clear dismissal.

He did not think he could live without Jen even for a week, much less the year it would take him to complete an intensive course at the university. It would be fine if he convinces Jen to go with him, but it would be too far from her family, and since she was the breadwinner, she would not feel comfortable being so far away from her family.

Lucas stood up from the office chair and said goodbye to his father before leaving the office. His demeanour was gloomy from the moment the office door closed behind him. He was not aware of his surroundings on the whole trip back to his office.

David could tell something was wrong from the moment Lucas passed through the office door, but he said nothing in front of Michael, who was preoccupied with the mountain of work he had in front of him.

*

On the other side, Jen was unaware of the dilemma Lucas was experiencing and was just having a good time hanging out with her friends. They had found a café close to Rachel's new headquarters, and the five girls met to catch up.