James and Martha Maringo were hands-on parents who insisted on knowing their children's whereabouts at all times. Megyn vividly remembered an incident from when she was just eight years old and still an only child.
Her aunt June, James's only sister, had taken her out for a treat in town—without her parents' permission. Amanda, their house help, who was with her was left to explain the whereabouts of Megyn to her parents.
Amanda could hardly believe the reaction from her employers when they realized Megyn wasn't where they expected her to be.
They ordered Amanda to go into town immediately and bring their daughter back. Amanda was stranded and overwhelmed. Eventually, when Megyn was brought back to church, they found her sitting calmly on a bench near the entrance, waiting for them.
Her father took Aunt June aside and said firmly, "June, I would prefer that you leave my child out of your whims. My child is my responsibility, and I don't want anyone—anyone—interfering with how I raise her. Am I clear?"
After that day, Aunt June never took Megyn or any of her siblings out again. James had made his point.
Megyn remembered that moment and chuckled softly to herself.
So, when her father stormed into Hotel Sunset and caused a scene at the reception, she wasn't surprised. But Antonia, the receptionist, was taken aback when he demanded, loudly:
"Where is my daughter?"
"Good morning, sir," Antonia greeted politely.
"Morning. Megyn is my daughter. Which room is she in?"
Antonia hesitated. She knew Megyn as Benjamin's girlfriend—the same girl Benjamin clearly adored. The girl for whom she had already prepared two special outfits. The one Benjamin spoke of like she was his world.
"Sir, may I please have your name?" she asked.
"James Maringo," he answered sharply. "Now may I see my daughter?"
"Kindly have a seat, Mr. Maringo. I'll reach out to her."
Thinking quickly, Antonia called Toby. "Please confirm if the guest in Room 10 has checked out. Her father is here and would like to see her."
Meanwhile, Megyn and Benjamin were already in the hotel dining hall, having breakfast and waiting for their helicopter ride. When they heard about the commotion, they both walked to the reception and greeted Mr. Maringo.
James pulled Benjamin aside.
"You've grown far too fond of my family to the point of disrespect," he said, sternly. "We welcomed you into our home, but now it feels like you've overstayed your welcome."
"I'm sorry, Mr. Maringo…" Benjamin began, but James cut him off.
"My daughter is still a student. I won't allow you to derail her future. Leave her alone—effective immediately."
He then turned to Megyn. "Let's go."
Without waiting for a response, he walked towards the beach, where he had left his boat.
Megyn quickly reached for Benjamin, gave him a soft kiss—one he readily returned.
"Goodbye, Benjie. Have a safe flight. Call me when you land," she said.
Benjamin nodded, gazing at her with the look she had grown to know well. "I'll bring you back to me, Princess," he said, gently lifting her chin. "And your father's right—I'll call and apologize."
Within twenty minutes, Megyn and her father arrived at Randi Pierre. He drove her home in silence and then left for his office without another word about what had happened.
Megyn stayed indoors, deeply unsettled. Amanda noticed.
"Meg, what's wrong?" she asked gently.
"I didn't hear exactly what Dad said to Benjamin, but I know it wasn't good. I don't know how to face him now."
Amanda came and sat beside her, holding her hands warmly.
"I'm sorry you're feeling this way," she said, letting Megyn lean on her shoulder. "Your father was trying to make a point—and you have to respect that, even if it hurt. Everyone knew the bridge at River Ole collapsed and the lake was unsafe. The important thing is, you were safe."
"I just wish I knew what's going on in his mind," Megyn said with a sigh. "He hasn't spoken to me properly."
"Give him time. He'll come around," Amanda reassured her. "But Meg, why didn't you call us? The storm wasn't that bad, and there was no power outage or network issue."
"It honestly slipped my mind," Megyn admitted with a small smile. "I didn't even look at my phone yesterday. He took me to Gazelle Park… you know he calls me 'my Gazelle.'"
Amanda smiled and nodded, encouraging her to keep talking.
"I didn't want to go near Lake Randi or River Ole - I was not ready to see the turbulence in them, these scenes triggered panic attacks—I had a major one after a thunderclap."
"Not again, Meg," Amanda said, her face filled with concern.
"It was scary," Megyn whispered. "It happened in the middle of the night. Benjamin was there."
Around lunchtime, Mrs. Maringo arrived home. The two hadn't heard the door open and were still deep in conversation when her voice surprised them.
"…And who had a panic attack?"
Megyn lit up with joy. She had tried calling her mother earlier that day, but assumed she was too busy to respond. The embrace between them was warm and full of relief.
Amanda looked on with a smile, grateful to see Megyn comforted.
"Mum, Megyn had a panic attack during the storm," Amanda explained.
"Is that true, my dear?" her mother asked, worry creasing her brow.
"Yes, Mum—but it wasn't serious. The worst one happened while I was asleep. Benjamin was with me."
"Oh, poor girl!" Mrs. Maringo sighed. "We're going to see your counseling psychologist after lunch."
"I'm ready as I am," Megyn said, spinning around playfully in her dress.
Her mother noticed the new blue dress—knee-length, with puffed sleeves and a neat row of buttons down the front. She looked stunning.
"How's Benjamin?" she asked with a mischievous smile.
"He's fine. Actually, he's having lunch at his parents' place right now. Dad told him off before the helicopter arrived. Otherwise, he would've dropped me home in it."
Mrs. Maringo smiled knowingly. She suspected her husband had said something hurtful. But if Benjamin's love was real, he would pursue Megyn no matter what.
On their way to the counselor, mother and daughter talked like they always did—but this time, the conversation took on a different weight. Her mother repeated the same guidance she had always offered, then added:
"My daughter, it's possible to get married while a virgin. Do you believe that?"
Megyn hesitated, then nodded slowly.
"Mmm. I understand your hesitation," her mother said gently. "I'm sure you haven't done anything yet. But if you must, please use protection." She cast her a sideways glance.
"Mum, don't worry. It won't get to that," Megyn replied. "Benjamin is flying back to London today. He won't be back for two years."
She knew that by the time he returned, they would either be planning a wedding—or going their separate ways.
After the counseling session, Megyn couldn't stop thinking about her mother's words. They echoed in her heart:
"If you have to, use protection."