Chapter3
1118 Words
Aubrey
It's 10 pm, and I'm lying in bed, still staring at the contract from Blackwood Industries. After the CEO, Lucas left my company, Tim and I looked at the contract. He’s urging me to sign it. It’s not like I have a choice if I want to save my father’s company.
I dialed my best friend’s number. I haven't spoken to Lucy since the funeral.
“Hey baby girl,” she says.
I release a slight chuckle. That is why I love her, always wanting to cheer me up.
“Hey. How are you?”
“I should be asking you that. How are you holding up?”
“I’m trying my best…have you heard about Blackwood Industries?”
“Yeah, my cousin works there.”
“Oh.”
“Any problem?”
“Well, my dad owed them a lot of money and the CEO is asking me to marry him or to go to court.”
“You’ve got to be kidding, right?”
“Nope.”
She lets out a scream that almost deafens me.
“Do you have an idea of who the CEO is?”
“Well, I met with him today, and he seemed …bossy.”
“Girl google Lucas Blackwood. He is New York's most wanted bachelor. The Dude is a freaking billionaire.”
“Oh.”
“Is that all you can say? You have to sign that contract.”
“I’ll be meeting with him tomorrow to discuss some things before I make a decision.”
“Keep me updated, okay?”
“Sure, goodnight.”
“Goodnight baby girl.”
As I end the call, I open my Google and type in his name. There he is, looking all bossy, like he owns the world. I checked his net worth and damn, he is a billionaire.
He appears to have a lot of flings and is not a relationship person. His father is alive, but I don't see anything about his mother.
I exit Google and let out a sigh.
This is going to be hard, but I don't have a choice if I want to keep my father's company.
The next morning, I woke up early and got dressed for the meeting. I look at myself in the standing mirror and I look good.
I'm putting on black dress pants that hug my curves perfectly, paired with a blue silk shirt with black heels. I let my hair down today. I've always loved how black and thick my hair is. I got it from my mom. The thought of her makes me smile.
I pick up my keys and head downstairs.
Pulling into the parking lot of Blackwood Industries. I head for the lobby and I see Tim there waiting for me,
“You look stunning Aubrey,” he says, smiling.
“Thank you, Tim,” I replied with a smile.
We took the elevator to the top floor. There, we’re met by his secretary. She introduces herself as Ava.
“Mr Blackwood is waiting in the conference room,” she says, showing us to the conference room.
I give her a smile and a nod of appreciation. As we got into the conference room, I saw Lucas sitting at the top of the table staring directly at me.
“Welcome, please have a seat,” he says.
“Thanks.”
“So have you made up your mind?” he says, staring at me with those piercing blue eyes of his.
“We first need to agree on some terms.”
He gave me a nod to go ahead.
“I did a bit of research about you. I can see that you have been involved with a couple of flings.
I would like, for the period that we are together, you should keep a low profile. I don't want to be paraded as the pathetic wife who just watches her husband cheat.”
I maintain direct eye contact with him.
He nods.
“Secondly, I know we have to live together, but we must stay in separate rooms. "This marriage is for the show, so we don't have to sleep in the same room.”
“So we won't be consummating our marriage,” he says with an evil smile. I gave him a hard stare.
“Do you have any other requests?” he asks.
“None for now.”
“Well, now you're done listing your rules. "It’s time for me,” he says, giving me a hard glare.
“You have to move into my apartment as soon as possible.”
“Why do I have to do that?” I reply, matching his glare.
“Well, we have to be seen together before announcing the wedding. We have to be seen at a couple of events or seen having dinner. Something to feed the press. It makes our marriage more credible.”
I nod. It makes sense.
“About the wedding, can it just be a quiet one?” I ask.
“No. My father won’t have that,” he replies with a tone that gives no room for argument.
“Fine. I'll be moving in by the end of the week.”
“Great, you can leave the contract papers with my secretary.”
He stands, gives me a handshake, and walks out of the conference room.
“You're making the right decision,” Tim says, giving me a small smile.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes Aubrey. I will be here for you every step of the way,” he says, giving my shoulder a squeeze.
It makes me smile a little.
I sign the papers and give them to his secretary.
On my way home, I called Lucy and gave her the update she requested. She screamed throughout the call. She was so happy, and I still don't get why.
I’m getting married to someone that I have no feelings for. I have no plans of developing feelings for him.
Maybe we could be friends at some point, but I doubt it. He strikes me as someone who has a terrible character, and I'm not about to put up with that.
I got home late. That’s been my routine lately: going out as early as possible and coming back late to avoid thinking too much. But tonight, it hit differently.
I wish my parents were alive right now. I can't imagine getting married without them being here.
And just like that, the tears flow and I don't hold back.
I let them out. I cry so hard until I can't breathe. It hurts, it hurts so bad. I stop crying and I just fall asleep.
- Writer
