When Dream Meets Duty

Chapter 5: Not A Love Affair

Andrew's Pov

Mayor Philip's office is situated in an exclusive upscale neighbourhood in New York city. Where he owns quite a number of sleek skyscraper buildings that stand as a testament of his vision and leadership.

My father, Mayor Philips is a smart and intelligent politician and also has a keen interest in real estate and has invested in and managed people properties.

Getting to the entrance of the building, a pass card was requested which was handed over to the security who verified and granted us access, allowing us to pass through the gates to the parking space.

I stepped out of the Rolls Royce Phantom and made my way to the elevator, heading up to my father's office at precisely 7;58am.

I knocked on the door to announce my arrival, gently pushed the door and stepped in.

He was having a conversation with his manager which he dismissed instantly asking him to reschedule their meeting and email him the works that have been finalized.

“Andrew, take a seat,” he instructed while checking his watch. You are quite punctual.

“Good morning father, how have you been?” I asked.

He chuckled and said,“I'm doing great, son, haven't aged a bit” a cold mirthless laugh followed, sending a chill through the air.

Any latest development in your construction company ?

“Business has been steady with consistent cash flow, we face challenges like any other company but nothing we can't handle. We are managing well and staying on track.” As I stated, I stood up at the wine bar and pulled out a bottle of expensive whiskey and two glass cups.

Then I poured the wine into both cups, handed one to my dad and said, “Let’s get to the reason this meeting is an urgent one?”

He gave a dark ominous chuckle and replied firmly,“This meeting is about the Simon Media company.”

I hastily said “What about them?”

“The Simon Media company is at the verge of destruction. The company is bankrupt and is in huge debt. Their investors failed to uphold them in this crucial time. I have offered them a business deal with a mutual benefit. I'd assign Fifteen million dollars to the company and in return a marriage proposal” he stated with a cold, calculated laugh.

A marriage proposal sounded more loud in my ears than any other word he uttered.

A marriage proposal? I asked in disbelief.

“Yes, the marriage is between you and Sarah. She is a smart, educated, beautiful lady. A journalist in the making. She's a good girl and is a perfect wife.” he argued.

“I don't have time for a wife,” I said dismissively.

Mayor Philips' expression hardens, revealing glimpses of a man hardened by years of responsibility.“This is not a love affair Andrew, it's a business transaction. The main agenda of this marriage is to control the Simon's media company which is important for my political aspirations which would be useful to you in the future. Do you know what it means to marry the popular Journalist daughter? It's a great win for you and the family” he says, pouring another drink for himself.

“Did she agree to this marriage arrangement?” I demanded to know.

“Mr Simon would have to inform his daughter about the deal , I hear she has final exams next week. They are desperate people at the moment so she would be willing to jump on the contract to favour the company and then please her father. They have till noon to give me a response and I'm sure it will be positive. and who wouldn’t want her daughter to marry the heir to one of the most powerful political families in the city?” he said checking on his watch, “It's 10;30am,time they say wait for nobody.”

A growl rumbled in my throat as i asked “What if I refuse this offer, Father?”

“Unfortunately, the luxury condominium complex project with my company would be terminated so get ready to face the consequences. Probably when the news gets to the press they might dig up discomforting stories from the past dealings”. he said in a cold tone. “Be careful,I've sacrificed a lot for the company and building the family's legacy”.

Is absurd to know that a young promising lady would agree to an arranged marriage in this twenty-first century all because of money. The Simon media company thinks my dad is helping them not knowing they are trapped with this decision.

I can't let the luxurious condominium complex project be pulled down the drain because of an arranged marriage.

For me it's just another business acquisition, I giggled at my thoughts. If she thinks she would settle down and enjoy my wealth then I'd make this marriage miserable for her. In a flash, these thoughts crossed my mind.

I reluctantly accepted the marriage proposal, “Alright father, but this marriage would work on my terms” I stated coldly.

“Anything you want ,as long as there is a union bonding both families” he voiced calmly “I'd have my secretary send you a confirmation text by 12 o'clock. Then you prepare to meet her today to finalise the deal”.

I nodded in affirmation to what he said and walked out of his office excused by his dismissive waves.

As we drove back to my penthouse residence, my mind wondered about the strange woman who wants to entangle her life with mine because of her father's company going bankrupt.

The more I reflect on this, the more questions i uncover. Is she willingly participating in this plan or she's trapped just like me?

I was startled by my personal assistant voice, “ Sir , we have arrived, is there any other itinerary for today”.

“No,” I said, stepping out from the vehicle. “I'll be in my study room and I need some alone time”.

I headed straight to my study room to unwind after such intense meeting with my father. At noon I received a message from my father which reads:

“The Simons family have accepted the proposal. Endeavour to meet up with the girl to finalise the deal, don't mess this up!”.

My eyes gaze at her phone contact and address information stipulated at the end of the message. I sighed, tending to message her later or probably give her a call and probably meet her up for the final deal.

I vowed, driven by my inner turmoil over this business deal,I would not make things easy for either my father or this mysterious woman.