When Dream Meets Duty

Chapter 3: Lies And Secrets

Sarah's Pov

The following morning, as I stepped into the impressive skyscraper, memories of my childhood flooded back.

I recalled the excitement in my father's eyes when he completed this building project, envisioning it as the hub of the biggest media outlet, and will be renowned for its creative excellence.

Witnessing the bustling scene, filled with activities and energy, I couldn't help but to smile.

I walked down to the receptionist stand. The receptionist area was sleek and modern, with a large desk positioned in the center, flower decoration and a huge monitor.

Behind the desk was a young lady with a warm smile,dressed in a beautiful office attire, she had light makeup with a heavy red lipstick that was noticed from afar.

She was typing away on her keyboard, but looked up as I approached. She greeted cheerfully “Hello, how may I help you?”

“Hello, I'm Sarah Rick, here to see Mr Simon Rick, the COB of this company, I have an appointment with him ” I said hesitantly.

“Okay” she said. She put a phone call across and at the end of the call. She showed me to the office.

As I entered, I watched my dad consumed in thoughts, sipping strong Vodka in the stillness of the morning. My dad rarely takes alcohol in the morning, then I realised something is not right.

“Good morning Dad,” I greeted going in for a warm hug.

“Good morning Sarah, my daughter, how're you? You came in on time. He said.

“Dad, at least you are still sober, what's going on? It's 9am and you're drinking heavily. I expressed my concerns.

“I only had a few sips, trying to stay focused and think straight, I'm happy to see you, come on, have a seat let's talk.

He took a deep breath, clearly his throat, then he began, Sarah, the company is at the verge of destruction. We are bankrupt at the moment and this can cause the company to shut down any time soon.

We did some investments in order to fund the company and consider other alternatives thinking it was the best option but the outcome was bad.

As at this moment we are unable to pay the company's debt,and its been two months we haven't paid salaries to the employees of the company. He sadly narrated

I was silent for a while trying to recollect my thoughts. I was devastated when I heard him talk. Looking deep into his eyes, I saw pain and the feeling that he couldn't bear to see his long-term establishment go dark.

Sarah! he called, jotting me back to reality. “We have a proposition,” He muttered.

“What's the proposition, dad?” I spoke abruptly

“Do you recall Mayor Philip, the business tycoon and also a politician in this city? He promised to offer the company a deal of fifteen million dollars” he voiced.

I widened my eyes in shock. “That's a huge amount of money and where did he get such money from? Dad, are you sure about this?

Fifteen million dollars is a staggering amount for charitable giving and…

The offer comes with a condition, he interrupted, he wants you to marry his son, Andrew.

Immediately I heard his last words, I feel my heart leap into my throat. I thought I misheard him at first but looking at his face, I saw a strong expression of pain

This is a joke right? Dad! And you agreed to the business deal to marry me out to a stranger.

“This is not just an ordinary kind of deal. The company is at stake here and there's no other alternative.” He replied quietly. “Trust me, I've given it much thought as your father, my hands are tied to this matter.”

Arranged marriages like that are a thing of the past. I can't deal with this Dad, it's absurd to hear that Mayor Philip will consider having a business deal if only I marry his son. This is the twenty-first century not like 1780 where such happened a lot. And what do Andrew think about this marriage?, I demanded to know

He gave a hesitant shrug “Andrew would definitely agree to his father's wish. Major Philips quoted his son being divorced with his wife putting him in a dilemma and he needed stability and a good girl to take care of the family . It's not like you're going t77o suffer in the marriage. They are wealthy and can take care of you.”

I stood up pacing to and fro, trying to absorb this disoriented information. A rage of anger engulfed me.

“Why is this happening at this crucial moment? I have just one week away from my journalism finals - the culmination of four years of work! I don't know this man, he doesn't even know me, it's going to be a loveless marriage with a stranger.” I spoke aloud. “There are lies and secrets in this business deal because I don't get why this is the only condition they came up with.”

“Don't see it like that, Sarah. There's no such thing and when you marry you'd continue with your academics. I'm just…asking…” he stuttered

“Dad I'm not ready for marriage yet, I'm just twenty-seven years old. Let's search for other options. Can the company get a loan from banks and other investors?”

“I've explored every option available, Sarah. You're left with a choice of marrying Andrew or see this company fall. I've worked hard and made sure this company grows. The company is my life, my legacy which I planned to leave for you. If it falls, nothing is left for Rick's family.” He said, fighting back his tears.

His words weakened me and I sat down on the seat behind his desk. I was speechless and gently wiped away the tears on my eyelid. There was a knock on the door.

“Come in”, he instructed, clearing his throat.

The secretary entered, I'm sorry to interrupt, “Sir, you received an email thirty minutes ago from Major Philips.”

My dad hesitantly checked his laptop and read out:

“Mr Simon, the deal ends by 12 noon. Remember this is genuine and it's for the family's mutual benefits” __Mayor Philips

“I have just one hour to decide on such crucial matters?” I asked with emptiness in my voice

“Sarah, please do this for me” he cuts in

“I need time to think about this. This is like sacrificing my happiness, my dreams for the company.” I whispered

I rushed out of the office ignoring the constant call of my father. I needed time to think things through for myself, to reflect on what is and will be in future. I fled to the isolated balcony where I wept bitterly crushed with the weight of every conversation that had taken place in that office.