CHAPTER 3
1214 Words
It’s been a few weeks since the dinner. Gray and I haven’t seen each other. I was quite pleased that I didn’t have to act nice in front of the Smiths.
However, my mother had something up her sleeve that she was going to announce today.
“Natalie, go get ready, we are going to a business party! My mom shouted.
“A party? Where?”
“Tony Enigma Empire!”
“Isn’t that Gray’s company?”
“Yes!” she yells back. “Now get ready!!”
I did as I was told. Looking decent, I went downstairs to be greeted by my smiling mother, who seemed very excited.
“Are you ready, darling?”
“Yeah, mom.”
We drove to the Golden River Hotel where the party was being held. The ride was peaceful, with my mom acting weirdly excited.
As if something grand will be happening.
We arrived at the hotel and were immediately greeted by flashing cameras and random journalists. Questions were asked until security escorted us inside.
After a few minutes of useless conversation, I spotted Gray and Nathan talking at the corner of the hall. Both brothers looked very handsome and were both dressed in formal but stylish suits.
I move off in the opposite direction to the snack corner, trying to distract myself.
“You’re drooling over him,” Emily commented, showing up behind me.
“No, I’m not!” I yelled loudly, swatting her away.
“I must say the brothers look handsome.”
“Why didn’t you tell me you were invited?” I asked, cutting her off.
“I thought it was obvious,” she replied, narrowing her eyes.
“You should be happy that I’m here as your emotional support. Who knows what you’ll dop without me.” she scolds pointing her finger at me.
“Sure”, rolling my eyes.
“Come on, let’s get back to the party before people start looking for us.
We headed back to our designated table and sat silently.
It seemed as if my family had been placed on the Smiths table as Gray was situated next to me.
Coincidence? I think not.
“Don’t they look like a cute couple?” my mom gushes, looking over to her friend for support.
“Oh definitely,” Mrs Smith emphasized.
“Swoon-worthy I’m certain.”
Our mothers then shared a laugh, raising both Gray and I suspicions.
Gray’s father is curtly introduced by the MC and is asked to come on the stage.
“Thank you for joining us at this wonderful event today,” he began.
“Today isn’t only about celebrating the success of the Tony Enigma Empire but also to make a great announcement about what is happening in our family.” He finishes with a huge smile prominent on his features.
I waited impatiently for the next statement.
What is so important that Mr Smith had to divert the main celebration of the party?
I did not like the churning feeling in my belly.
Something was wrong.
“It’s my great pleasure to announce the official engagement of my son Gray Smith to Ms Natalie Holland of Stone Gold Enterprises.”
I felt my soul go cold. I blinked multiple times, trying to process what Mr Smith had said.
I am getting married to who??
Roaring cheers made me look around me. Everyone was up on their feet, smiling widely and muttering congratulations to the returning Mr Smith.
We, the ‘engaged’ couple, remained seated, most likely falling back down if we stood up.
That’s how shocked we were.
Gray’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion, anger? Both
“What is going on?” Gray asks sharply, in a low voice.
“We will talk later, son.” Mr. Smith urges.
I looked over at my mom, confused, a helpless expression on my face. She just smiled widely and continued clapping.
So this was the great big announcement, huh?
Our families, including Emily, were now situated in an empty conference room, the ‘couple’ waiting for a reasonable explanation.
Gray’s hand was crossed across his chest and was pacing impatiently, waiting for his father to arrive.
While I was glued to my chair, my friend massaged my hand in support.
Gray’s father entered the room, making everyone snap their head in his direction.
“Father, what is going on?” Gray asks, not wasting a moment.
“What do you mean, son? “You’re engaged”
Gray unclutches his hands, not sure how to react.
“I know I’m engaged. But why?”
“You confirmed you were ready.”
I send a betrayed look to Gray.
“I did not!” he defends. “Dad, what are you talking about?”
Mr Smith joined hands with his wife. “You agreed to go on a date with Ms Holland. You have never agreed on a date before. I assumed-”
Gray cuts him off. “You assumed wrong. I only agreed because you kept pressuring me.
You also told me that the Hollands were old family friends, and out of courtesy, I agreed. Not because I was interested.”
“Gray dear,” Mrs Smith turns to calm him, but it doesn’t work.
“Why on earth would you assume that after one date, I would gladly accept being married?”
“Natalie and I don’t even know each other that well. " Why did one date put us in such a situation?”
“Isn’t there a way to cancel this whole thing? " I mean, Gray and I could make up some story about what we weren’t meant to be,” I suggested, looking at Mr Smith.
“We could, but it would cause a ruckus. Journalists already have the announcement. By now, it’s already been published on the news.”
“It would make us seem foolish if we were to back down a few minutes after the announcement,” Mr Smith added.
“So we just follow the route because of a few journalists? Dad, are you serious?”
Gray rubs the back of his neck in frustration, looking over to his parents with disappointment in his eyes.
“Bad publicity ruins business. "You know that, Gray,” his dad added.
“Especially in the businesses we run. Journalists are crazy. They will formulate some bizarre story on why the engagement was called off. It will ruin the company's stocks.”
“So we continue this whole thing for business?” I scoffed.
“Natalie honey,” my mother began.
“No mum.” I raised my hands.
“I get it.” I mumbled and lifted myself from my chair.
I quickly exited the room with Emily trailing behind.
The next morning on the news
It has been reported that Gray Smith, current CEO of Tony Enigma Empire, is engaged and will be getting married to Ms Natalie Holland, the daughter of the CEO of Stone Gold Enterprises.
This news left a shock to the business world as everyone was not expecting it. Then again, Mr Smith and Ms Holland were found in a restaurant chatting.
Is this a marriage of love or convenience?
Rumor has it the marriage is to merge both companies to become one.
- Writer
