The Game I Was Destined To Lose

"Mr. Styles, is it true that you are getting married?" the flashes of the cameras were blinding. "Is it true that you are bisexual? " a male reporter yelled and many other personal questions were raised in the nuisance the paparazzi was creating to keep up with the event which was to take place in the life of Harry Styles, the 24-year-old manager of the Styles enterprise. Earlier that morning Harry's father had disclosed the big news of his son being bisexual, Harry had been attracted to both the genders but he preferred women more but as per the news published was willing to settle and marry a boy. "Why has the marriage been announced suddenly? " was another question that reached Harry in the chaos and it drove him mad. Because I didn't know about my marriage either! Harry angrily muttered in his head. Well, turns out that was not the only news that was leaked, Harry was getting married and his father had rushed in by making it the headlines of the newspapers. "Who is the groom to be? " anger simmered in Harry's veins. I don't f*****g know you asshole! Harry's bodyguards pushed the paparazzi aside making way for Harry to enter the office. The noise was cut out once he entered inside. Ticking his jaw he pushed his aviators above his head pushing his long hazel locks away from his face. Tucking his hands in his St.Laurent coat. Annoyance and discontent reflecting on his face from the knot between his eyebrows. His presence got the entire staff's attention. Every head turned at the sound of his boots tapping the wooden floor as he walked to the elevator. "Your coffee sir. " his secretary Lisa handed him his morning coffee sharp at 8:15 a.m. just before he entered the elevator so he could be done drinking it till 8:20 a.m. and start his work but today's plans were different. He gave her a nod and sipped the coffee till the elevator stopped at the topmost floor. He angrily handed the coffee to Lisa. If it wasn't for the lid, the coffee would spill all over her dress. "DAD! " his voice boomed in the office and the minutest noise turned to silence. He angrily marched forward. " Good morning si-" Harry raised his index finger stopping the mild voice of an employee that has attempted to greet him. " Where's dad? " He asked his father's assistant, Henry. "Mr. and Mrs. Styles are in the conference room discussing something important." Harry walked towards the conference room. Henry and Lisa followed him "But he asked me to hand this file over to you." Harry turned to look at his father’s assistant in disbelief. Before his looks killed Henry, Lisa took the file from Henry’s hand. His entire life was being displayed publicly as a joke. He was going to get married to someone he had not seen in his entire life and that stupid assistant, wanted him to handle a file. Harry felt like his blood was boiling. Why was everyone so f*****g casual about it! "Thank you!" she said handling the situation before it got heated. Clueless Henry dared to speak again. "No problem. Oh and Sir, congratulations on the wedding." Mistake! Henry had made a big mistake. Harry squinted his eyes, "What did you say?" he said with gritted teeth, enhancing the beauty of his jawline. His tone sounded more like 'say it again and I'll kill you without a thought' "Congratulations on your wedding, Sir. " he smiled but in seconds he was gasping for breath when Harry yanked him by his collar," I'm not getting married you jerk! Nobody is! Do you understand me? " "Y-Yes - " Henry almost choked. "Harry let go of the boy!" his mother yelled from behind. Harry would never admit but he did whatever she wanted. Yes, it was a big advantage to Anne. But he loved his mother and respected every decision she made. "Apologize, Harry." she demanded. She was making a fool of him in front of everyone. But he’d swallow his ego multiple times for her. " I'm sorry, Henry. " He said and tapped on the man’s shoulder before fixing the crease on Henry's shirt collar, it was his contribution after all.  " Get in." he didn't say a word and signalled Lisa to stay out. "What's wrong, son?" Desmond, Harry's father the proud owner of the Styles Enterprise spoke. "You." Pointing a finger at his father " You will not talk to me." "Oh come on son, this is something big. For you. For the company. If you marry a man the people will support your courageous step. You'll set up an example for all LGBTs and their supporters. You'll be everywhere on every news. We are going to grow because of you." " He is getting married to a boy? " Anne's eyes widened " This marriage is not happening. I want grandchildren, Desmond. We've discussed this. " well it was she who was the boss at the end. " I know honey that is why I just want this marriage to last for a few years till the effect wears out and then he could have his way out. Perhaps a divorce." Anne was in thought for a while. "Mom! Dad! What are you thinking about? It's my life can anyone of you take my opinion!?" Harry slammed his palm on the huge glass table. "We can always change that." Desmond smirked, " Son what if I tell you, that on the success of this marriage will pay you well. If you make the boy fall in love with you, I will hand over the entire Styles enterprise to you. Hmm?"  Yes! The answer popped in Harry's head without a thought. Harry would do it on the blink of an eye. It has been the boys dream to own the company. In fact, with his playboy ways he could get anyone on their knees , in front of him. While Harry tried playing it cool, the spark in his eyes said it all. "I'll take the deal. But after the company is mine within a month we divorce. " The son demanded Anne frowned a bit but then she was okay with it," But I have a condition. " " What? " both the men said together. Harry was not interested in any other filter to be added in the way of him and his company. " I select my son's husband. You have already decided what you both want to do. So let me pick the boy he'll get married too. " if the odds are in my favour my son will have a good married life even if it is a short one. She completed her sentence mentally. " What! " both the men repeated together in disparity Harry thought he deserved to select his groom and Desmond was scared because the anonymous boy could be risky. "I don't even get to select who I want to marry?" Harry questioned but he was ignored. " I have the perfect boy in mind. " Before the men could speak she raised her hand signalling a ' no more arguments' to them. As she walked with her head held high and just before she shut the door behind her, "Oh! and Harry honey." "Yeah. " " Please don't fall in love with him while you get him to fall love with you. " she knew Harry would do exactly the opposite. -- *Earlier that week*   "There you go princess." the abyssal blue eyes smiled at the 5-year-old girl, who was overjoyed when he placed a crown on her head and called her princess. Louis Tomlinson was a 20-year-old graduate who was pursuing his career in event management. He had organized a Cinderella theme ball for all orphan girls with their customized gowns and crowns. Louis was very hard working he had spent so much time at the orphanage organizing this event that most of the children knew him. He loved being around them. This event was one of the biggest events he had taken up yet. And he knew that none of this was possible if Mrs. Anne Styles had not donated for the event. Even though he had a group of assistants who worked under him. He preferred distributing the crowns to each of the girls. He loved the fuzzy feeling in his heart when he saw them smile. "Sir Mrs.Anne Styles wants to have a word with you." Anne was Mr. Desmond Styles wife, Louis clearly remembered because he had done his research the moment he came to know the sum she of money donated. They had a son named Harry. From the images he saw on the Internet, their son looked handsome but Louis knew what his fancy life meant. He knew Harry's uncanny ability to rouse women in his bed. He was famous for it. It was all over the internet. People may find it sexy but Louis wouldn't feel that way. Okay fine! Maybe Louis had a tiny little crush on Harry but it was just a silly thought that came to his mind. That man had dimples to die for! "Jenna, It's Louis. " he hated it when they called him sir. He was so gentle with his words everyone loved Louis. He was always so kind and caring and he never let anyone feel like they worked under him. " Hello, my name is Anne -" Anne cut Louis and Jenna's conversation "Of course Mrs. Styles how could I not know you! " Louis have her a firm handshake. Anne smiled and Jenna's left them to converse with each other. " We are obligated to you, madam. This wouldn't be possible without your help." " It's my pleasure. Look at the event. You have done a fantastic job, Mr. Tomlinson. " While she spoke Louis's eye landed on a small girl looking around she looked so helpless with her crutches, all the girls were playing and running around but she couldn't, she looked like she was about to cry. " Thank you so much. I don't want to sound rude but could you excuse me for a minute?" "That’s no biggie. " Anne spoke in the typical 'mom' language. Well, that was because she was comfortable with Louis. She observed him as he picked up a sweet and walked to the girl. Louis saw himself in her. She looked lost and scared, "Hi, how are you, sweetheart? " He knelt and spoke to the girl who looked around 7 years She pouted and frowned," I can't run with my friends. " She looked so sad that Louis's heart squeezed in pain. But he didn't show it on his face, " Well, what if I told you that it's alright if you can't run? " He had her attention now. " Really? " " Really. What's your name love? " "Jade." she spoke shyly "I wanted to have the honor to dance with the most beautiful girl tonight. May I have this dance, Jade?" he offered his hand waiting for her. She bit her smile back and disagreed. "Please?" Louis played along. "Okay, Louis." She said and hugged him. She smiled and so did he. He picked her up in his arms and he danced with her for enough time to make her happy. The boy mesmerized Anne. She observed him all night and she was sure his kind and loving nature was just the perfect match for her son, Harry. She had never seen someone this kind and gentle. "Mr. Tomlinson" Anne said making Louis pause from his discussion with other guests " I'm afraid I'll have to leave." "Oh! It was a pleasure to meet you Mrs.Styles. I know I won't be of great use but if you ever need my help I'll be at your service. " "Actually , I do. But I need to talk to you in private. " " Sure thing. My home is close by if you don't mind?" "That would be lovely. " Jenna took care of everything in Louis absence she gave Louis updates of closing. _*_*_*_* " Would you like some water? " " I'm fine. Let me just cut the chase and not waste your time any further." You can say doing business ran in the entire bloodline. This lady portrayed elegance in each word Louis thought. " I want you to marry my son. " she announced out of the blue. Louis froze. " Pardon me? I think I didn't hear you properly. " How did she know he was openly gay? " Louis you heard it right. I want you to marry my son Harry. I know about your family. You work very hard to pay of the loans and with your dream home and family you always choose your family. So I'll help you. If you get married to my son Harry. I will pay off all the loans your family has plus I'm going to give you ten million dollars for doing this, the money will be just for you. We can talk about all the details once you’ve decided." Anne finished her sentence with a small huff. In case my son divorces you. Yet another important statement left unsaid. It turns out Jenna knew a lot about Louis's life and her big mouth had given Anne all this information about him in just an hour or two. Ten million dollars was a lot. "Why me?" there were a bunch of more questions, so much money? Does Harry agree? He is still very young? Louis is four years younger than he is? We haven't even met? "Because I just know you're perfect for it. "You'll never cheat us. And having you in our life will be a blessing. She completed in her head. For a perfect life partner like Louis for her son, she was ready to give up the idea of grandchildren. After a good few minutes of thought and silence between them "Think about it. I just want your help and in turn, I'll help you to start a new life. " And with that, she closed the door behind her and left. Yes, it would solve all the problems in his parent's life. But how would it be a new life if Louis would be married? The next day Louis explained Anne's deal to his parents and however impossible and crazy it sounded Louis's parents were desperate for the money and they convinced their son to take the offer up for their financial help. Little did Louis know he was bait for his parents. Louis was initially annoyed because his earning didn't suffice for the family but 'it is what it is' and he knew reality had always been harsh with him. Louis nervously chewed his lips as the phone rang, "Yes, May I speak to Mrs.Anne styles?" it was very late at night but Louis still tried calling and turns out she was available. "Hello. " " It's Louis. Louis Tomlinson." " Son! How have you been? What did you decide? "  There was brief pause before Louis spoke. " I will marry him, Mrs. Styles. " Louis knew that after a while things would settle down. Maybe Harry wasn't as bad as his parents were to him. He would go above and beyond his limits for his parents' happiness and somewhere he knew their happiness was him being away. " It's mom." her words made his heart fluff up. Was this really a new chance? Or was it something that was going to come at a heavy price?