The CEO's Naughty Curvy Girl

POV Kais's: What is such a gorgeous lady doing all alone in this food court? May I sit? This place is way too crowded," says a tall, blond man with deep, dark eyes and a half-smile, addressing me. I don’t usually talk to strangers. You don’t do that when you’re the daughter of one of the most powerful CEOs in America. And even less so when you’re being watched by more than three bodyguards… However, this man doesn't look like the type seeking favors with hidden motives; he looks just as lost as I am in this place. "I’m waiting for someone," I reply politely. The man looks at me and makes a move to sit down. Quickly, one of my bodyguards appears, blocking his path. I give him a subtle sign that there’s no danger, and the man nods to me in thanks. "My name is Freddy. I’m waiting for my best friend. He invited me here because he’s going to propose to his girlfriend," he adds naturally, watching me, waiting for a response. "I’m waiting for my father," I say slowly. I don’t even understand why my father asked me to meet him here; we never frequent malls for security reasons. And sometimes, I feel like he’s ashamed of me. I’m his "fat daughter." My mother wouldn't allow me to have a relevant position in the company or the hotel. I’ve always worked on projects and gained experience from home, in the shadows. "Do you mind if I stay? What’s your name?" the man asks casually. "My name is Kais," I blurt out, evading his first question. His presence makes me feel comfortable, though it’s not something I plan on telling him. "Lovely name. Sounds familiar," the man remarks, distracted by a family sitting right next to us. "Do you like sushi?" I ask without thinking. My stomach is growling; I’ve been waiting for a long time. I left without breakfast—it was the only way to fit into the tight dress my mother insisted was appropriate if I was going to see my father. "I prefer a burger," he answers with a laugh, standing up without warning. "Goodbye, it was a pleasure," I say. I rarely get the chance to chat with someone who behaves naturally, who isn't judging my physique, my personality, or my character. The man waves at me, and I watch him walk away. I stay seated, suspended in my thoughts. It’s always been this way. No one has ever been interested in getting to know me because I’m not… what would be expected. It’s what my mother says constantly. It’s not that it affects me; I have mirrors, I have eyes in my head. Yes, I’m a curvy, overweight woman, but I like my body. I like who I am. If only… I could be free from the world I had to grow up in. A world full of suits, slender figures, tight dresses, corporations, elite universities, and the press. If only I hadn't been raised in a family like the Pritzkers. I’d trade all the luxuries I grew up with to have been a normal girl. Someone who could have friends and go out to dinner with them, go to the movies, have a boyfriend—all without being watched. At twenty-four, I’ve never kissed anyone. I’ve never spoken to a guy alone. And I’ve certainly never traveled by myself. While I’m lost in thought, the man approaches again. I watch him, his hands full, making me nervous. "These are my favorite burgers," he adds, holding one out to me. I’m speechless. I know it’s just a burger… but never before has someone… never… "Thank you…" I say faintly and begin to eat. He does the same. This is the closest I’ve ever been to a date in my entire life. I feel the flush rising to my cheeks. "Do you like it?" Freddy asks, seeing me enjoy the burger. "I’d never tried them. They’re actually very good," I admit shyly. The mall is inside one of my father’s hotels, but I’m never allowed to eat in this food court. "Every time I come to Chicago, I eat here. I stay at this hotel. It’s been nice of you to give me a spot at your table, Kais. Besides, you’re stunning," the man murmurs, wiping the corner of his mouth. "Thank you… I…" I say weakly. "You don’t have to thank me. Do you live nearby? Are you a student?" "I have a degree in Business Administration, I work from home…" I add softly. "I’ve loved meeting you… Kais." I freeze as I see the imposing figure of my father coming toward us. Walking beside him is a man with black hair, tall, with a body far too sexy to process as real… every muscle of his frame fitted into a custom suit. His expression is serious, his lips full, and his eyes a blue so deep they’re impossible not to notice. I think it’s the first time a man has made my father, Carlton Pritzker, look insignificant. "I think you should go, Freddy," I whisper. My father won’t like that I’m eating a burger here, let alone with a stranger. He looks at me with interest. "I’d like to have your number, Kais… if it’s not a sign of disrespect, of course," the man adds, standing up and fixing his gaze on my father and his companion. I blush at his words. I quickly write my name and number on a napkin. I hand it to him under the table, and he tucks it into the inner pocket of his suit. "Elton McMillan!" Freddy exclaims, enthusiastically hugging the man accompanying my father, making me feel uneasy. A man so pleasant and natural doesn't seem to belong with the man standing next to my father. "Kais, wipe your damn mouth and stand up," my father instructs in a furious whisper. I do so reluctantly. I don’t even understand what I’m doing here. I never have meetings with my father. Since I graduated from university, I’ve been the most constant fixture in the Pritzker Mansion. "Hi, Dad," I add with sarcasm. "Elton, this is my youngest daughter. Kais Pritzker. We’ve already spoken; I hope she is to your liking," my father says, ignoring my greeting and acting as if he’s ignoring my entire presence. "Hello," I say simply. Freddy’s gaze is fixed inquisitively on me and the man I’ve just been introduced to. "Is this your girlfriend, Elton?" Freddy asks in a low, barely audible voice. I don’t even understand why we’re in this damn mall. Or why my father is introducing me to this man. Or what any of this has to do with the nice man who just asked for my number… "Correction. Kais is Elton McMillan’s fiancée. Kais, meet your future husband, Elton McMillan—my new partner and the son of the owner of this mall and the most important wheat flour conglomerate in the country," my father adds casually, as if what he’s saying is the most normal thing in the world. "I don’t know this man, Dad. What are you doing?" I ask, feeling indignation rise through my body. I am not an object or a factory to be negotiated. To me, a person’s worth doesn’t lie in titles, properties, or influence. "You’re meeting him now, and he’ll be your husband in two months. I won’t accept any tantrums, Kais. I’m tired of your tantrums. For once, act like a lady," my father urges. "Hello, Kais. It’s a pleasure to meet you in person," the man who is supposed to be my husband finally addresses me. "Allow me to introduce my best friend, Freddy Cargill." My heart skips a beat at his words. I just had a nice meal with a man who was incredibly pleasant and down-to-earth, and he turns out to be my future husband’s best friend. Could my luck be any worse? "I’m sorry, but I have no intention of marrying you," I say fiercely. "We’ll see about that, Miss Kais," Elton challenges with a self-assured smile. My father nods proudly. "Kais… I’m sorry, I didn't know you were Elton’s fiancée… Truly… I…" Freddy approaches, getting too close, sending my nerves skyrocketing. "Why are you supposed to be sorry, Freddy? Did you hit on my future wife? Is that why you’re like this, Kais? Relax, he does it to everyone. Don't get your hopes up," Elton intervenes, maintaining his upright posture and perfect smile, making me feel utterly humiliated. "Don't be a jerk, Elton. You’re just scaring her," Freddy tells his friend, clapping him on the shoulder and saying, "Congratulations." My eyes well up. I feel humiliated. "Don't make a scene, Kais. The press will be here. We’re supposed to be celebrating an alliance," my father adds, taking me by the arm. This feels like a cheap, distasteful scene. I can't agree to this. Just as I’m about to walk away, Elton takes my hand firmly, and one of the bodyguards hands him a perfectly arranged bouquet of lilies and peonies. One of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. The sight of this man holding the bouquet out to me feels surreal. The attention they were giving me confused me. This is how you feel when no one has ever noticed you before. Would this man love me? Why does he want to marry me? Is it right for me to accept just because it’s been impossible to find a boyfriend on my own? Why do I feel like being okay with this proposal betrays what I felt while enjoying lunch with the stranger? Have I fallen for my future husband’s best friend?