01
“Oh my goodness I’m getting a headache. We have the fashion show next week and we still have a lot to do”
“Ma’am I have contacted Mr. Williams and he said that he will bring everything right on time”
I looked at my secretary, Sarah and saw that sweat was trickling down her face. None of us had a good night’s sleep. I pity everyone including myself. Days of sleepless nights gives me so much stress that sometimes I feel like buying a cottage in a village and taking care of cows for a living.
“I employed Mr. Williams because he is known to be the best. But what is he doing now? On time? Now is the right time. What is he waiting for?”
I tried massaging my temples but the headache wouldn’t go away. Even though I come from a rich family, I made this company from the ground up, by myself, at such a young age. So I never got to experience what other girls did. All I did was work and get stressed.
I might have dated some men but never found love. I was sure that I would grow old with a cat beside me.
“Oh ma’am, today your dad contacted me and said he has a problem in his business and would like it if you could help”
“I don’t know how to solve problems related to hotels. Does he not see I’m already busy with my own stuff?” I gestured towards the stacks of papers lying on my table.
Why is everyone trying to piss me off these days?
“But-”
I raised my hand and stopped her before her chattering gives me more of a headache.
She was not only my secretary but also a good friend. She was hard working and prefer everything to be spotless. I appreciate it a lot but sometimes it gets in my head.
“Fine fine I’ll call him” I threw my hands up in defeat.
….
“What? Dad nooo! Why would I marry a stranger” I was utterly pissed right now.
“Didn’t I tell you about this earlier? The director board want to have a promising bond with the Empire group. I know that I’m forcing you to do this. But you also know the risk. RJ group is not stable these days. Just pretend your husband is not there and do your own work”
“Wow I can’t believe you just said that” I laughed sarcastically. “And dad you are the head of the RJ group. But why are you always pressured by the director board? I know this wasn’t your decision. You have to stand up against them someday”
“I know. I know” Dad exhaled loudly. “But I’m also doing this for your own good. You’re the one that’s going to be benefiting from this. Not me”
“Me and the director-” I was cut off as his voice grew louder.
“And you also knew this was going to happen someday. You knew that the RJ would arrange your marriage since the day you joined the business. It’s either today or any other day. That’s the price everyone under RJ has to pay”
“That’s because RJ is the only group in the states with an ancient mindset.” I rolled my eyes.
“Camilla” I could hear dad’s frustration in his voice. “You agreed to this several times in the past few days but then you pretend like you never heard of this. Why-”
“Okay stop. I will marry him. You don’t need to bother me by repeating the same thing over and over again.”
“And you keep forgetting it every time. When the RJ group become more stable you can divorce him. Just try it out”
My father talked like he was telling me to try on some dress and change it after I get bored.
“Anyways even though I marry him I won’t care about his existence because I’m too busy and dad right now I’m busy too. So bye” I cut the call before he could reply.
“Ma’am” I turned around as Sarah called me. “We have sent invitations to the Empire group, YJ group and the Bolton’s to the fashion show. I’m sure they will invest in our new product”
Wait the Empire group? It means that I would be meeting my future husband soon. Well if he has ill intentions then it’s great time to show him that I don’t give a shit. I just needed him against the toxic RJ group. That was it.
…..
I was rubbing my hands with anxiety. I have done many fashion shows before but this was a big one. We were opening a new chain of stores around the world and this helps to attract investors.
For the event I wore a white backless jumpsuit with large hoop earrings and light make up. My 5’8″ height had always appealed my figure and today it fits perfectly to my outfit.
“Ma’am you should go and talk to the guests now. Anna will soon be giving the welcome speech”
“Okay. Uh shit my palm are sweating. How will I shake hands?”
Sarah chuckled at my anxiety “kiss them”
“I’ll fire you” I chuckled and walked to the front.
“Oh dear here you are! Come with me”
My mom dragged me to a group of people and I recognized my dad and Mr. Anderson. And there was a handsome man next to Mr. Anderson. My mouth started watering as I stared at his tone body underneath the white dress shirt. He was tall and had dark hair with mesmerising green eyes.
From the corner of my eyes I saw my models checking him out. I narrowed my eyes and they quickly turned away looking frightened.
“Mr. Anderson, here is my daughter Camilla”
“Camilla this is Mr. Anderson, head of the Empire group and this is his son Marcus Anderson”
My dad narrowed his eyes, silently telling me to smile.
And so I did. I scowled.
I saw my mom face palming from the corner of my eye. Marcus narrowed his eyes and looked away. Thankfully Mr. Anderson didn’t notice my rude gesture.
” Marcus this will be your future wife. Isn’t she so pretty and loveable? I already like her as my daughter in law. So capable. Look at this fashion show , it’s living proof”
Marcus gave his dad a forced smile. “I have a call to take” He excused himself and stormed away.
I watched him walk away and then turned around to go find my investors so that I can take my mind off this marriage.
As I was talking to a group of people I saw my mom running to me like a chicken on fire.
“The wedding is next week!” She squealed in joy.
“What the fuck!”
“Language! You ungrateful child. I’m so happy. Mr. Anderson liked you a lot today and said he is looking forward to work with us sooner. So we both decided to have the wedding next week”
” Congrats mom. I’m happy that you are marrying him. Poor dad ”
Mom frowned and slapped my back before walking away.
I chuckled and turned to the stage as Anna cleared her throat grabbing everyone’s attention.”Ladies and gentlemen. Please you may sit down. I want to thank you all for being here. The event will start in a short time but first of all our main designer Mr. Paul Belier would like to give a short introduction”
After Mr. Belier’s speech the fashion show started with a music in the 60’s. The theme today was the hippie style in the 60’s and the Vixen industries was never the one to disappoint. The female models were the first to walk in with their flared Jeans, Bandanas and boots. The male models looked equally appealing or I might say hot.
I felt a pair of eyes staring at me. I look to my opposite and saw my so called gonna be husband staring at me with a scowl on his face.
I rolled my eyes and focused my attention back on the show.
Finally it all came to an end and Sarah told me the happiest news in ages.
“Ma’am so many people have already bought shares in our company. We are gonna be double rich” She was jumping up and down, I was in tears screaming along with her.
“Sarah I’ll buy you the world”
“That’s so sweet but a raise in the salary would be enough” We both laughed until someone came and ruined the moment.
“Sister!” My brother came hopping towards me. “Your man looks hot but not as much as me” He teased.
He was twenty six and two years older than me but he acted so immature. My mother told me that Marcus was the same age as Jake and I prayed to god wishing he was different. Cause I can’t marry a child.
Even though Jake was playful and funny, he was a very strict and responsible man when it comes to business. He runs the RJ group with my dad. He would have been a brother I could be proud of, if he had more neurons in his brain.
“Get lost” I scoffed.Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.
“You know that he’s been shooting daggers at you with his eyes”
“Yeah I saw”
Sarah came to me and scowled at Jake before looking at me. “Ma’am Mr. Marcus Anderson said he wanted to talk to you ”
“So?”
“He wanted you to come outside”.
I scoffed. “What the hell? Tell him to come to me if he wants to talk to me”
My brother chuckled and walked away giving me a thumbs up.
I was so pissed at this arranged marriage that my anger management went down to zero percent. Most of the CEO’s under the conglomerate RJ were forced into such marriages for business deals. We had no free will even though we all belonged to the privileged part of the society. So my anger was directed more towards the director board instead of Marcus who at the moment was itching to be at the top of my most hated people list.
I turned my head and saw Marcus striding towards me with an angry face. He was gritting his teeth so hard that I was sure his face would split into two.
“God you are so annoying” He hissed angrily.
“Did you just come here to say that to me?”
” No, I came here to tell you that even though I’m marrying you, don’t get attached to me because I’m never gonna love you or anything like that. You are just a disturbance in my life. Mind you own business after you marry me. Let’s not talk at all if it’s possible.”
Did he think I was love sick or something?
” Are you dumb? Why the hell would I get attached to you? I’m so busy and I have no time to pet a wild dog. Bye!”
I winked and walked away waving at him.
I turned my head to see him looking shocked. Guess he doesn’t get rejected very often.
He doesn’t know what he’s getting into. I’m an unstoppable rolling barrel.