THE CEO’s MISFIT

CHAPTER 4

CAUGHT IN THE MIDDLE.

The light of dawn seeped into Derek's room as he rubbed his blurry eyes and yawned in fatigue.

He suffered a partial stroke and made Harry the acting CEO of Lion Microfinance Bank until he fully recovers from the ailment.

67 years of age, dark-skinned, and curly-haired. After his late wife passed away when Harry was just 15, Derek shouldered Harry's responsibilities and ensured he never lacked anything.

And when Harry turned 20, his father employed him as staff in Lion Microfinance Bank to have an insight about the company's day-to-day operations.

The risky decision he took years ago finally paid off and contributed to Harry's knowledge. With Harry as the CEO, Derek is confident his empire is in safe hands.

"Good morning, Dad. I hope you had a wonderful night's rest. I already called the nurse. She'll be here shortly." Harry walked inside his father's room and met him awake as his eyes shone brighter than a morning sun.

"Ok. Thank you. I'll be waiting for her.” Twisting his lips to the other side, Derek slowly spoke and appreciated Harry for showing concern about his health.

Despite his condition, Harry always briefs his father about the bank's progress. For some reason, he considered his father as his best friend.

"What about Mabel? Now that she has accepted your demand, don't you think you two should move into the mansion? Regardless of the clause guiding the marriage, you two are still couples,” his father suggested.

"I doubt that will be necessary. Besides, I don't even love her. We are just doing this to secure the deal, and we did. I can't believe we bagged the biggest deal of our lives, which put our company, Lion Microfinance Bank, on the world map. This is the biggest achievement of my career. I wouldn't have made it without you. Thank you so much, Dad. You're the best,” Harry applauded his father and deviated from the actual discussion.

"I see what you did there. Deep down, you know what I'm talking about. But it's cool. Try to think about it, and you'd see I'm making sense. Do have a nice day ahead of you." Despite taking an eternity to speak, Derek still made his point and dismissed Harry.

"I've heard you, Dad. Let's stop talking about me. I can't wait to see you get back on your feet again. The nurse just texted me. She'll be here in a bit. See you when I get back." He kissed his forehead and dashed outside.

Approaching the Bank, Harry got a call from the Chinese counterparts congratulating him for sealing the anticipated multi-billion dollar deal after he sent them proof of his marriage with Mabel.

At first, it was a bit difficult for them to believe, but after an in-depth investigation, they reached an agreement with Harry and signed the contract.

"We are hosting a business summit for couples in Los Angeles, and we would love you to be there, alongside your wife. The red carpet starts at 9 am, while the main events begin at 10 am. That would allow us to know each other better. You also get to meet other stakeholders there,” the Chinese explained.

Harry wasn't surprised. He knew a situation like this would surely emerge one day, and here it is. Just when he was about to make the contract of marriage a secret, here comes a platform that will project his marriage to the world.

Aware of his status in the banking sector, Harry is confident his face will occupy the front pages of newspapers by tomorrow.

"Mr. Harry. Are you there? You're not saying anything,” the caller prompted after Harry completely went blank.

"Yeah, sure. Just text me the address, and we will honor the invitation." Reluctantly, he agreed and walked to his office.

He immediately grabbed the landline and requested amberept, unlike other days when he usually runs thorough checks on recent activities.

It all appeared like the business summit meant a lot to him. After cunningly securing a mouthwatering deal, Harry believes it's only natural that he will fulfill his end of the bargain.

"Sir, you called.” Mabel showed up and positioned her hands behind her. Not even the contract of marriage was enough to stop her from acknowledging Harry as her boss.

It would be difficult to convince an outsider that these two are a couple, despite the lack of chemistry between them.

"Yes, I did. Go home and get dressed. We are stepping out for a business summit for couples. I know you're not familiar with this type of lifestyle. At the same time, don't let your background be the reason your back should be on the ground." Don't say a word unless I ask you to. Is that understood?” her briefed her.

"Yes, sir. I'll just rush home to change.”

"Good! Once you approach the bank's premises, send me a text, and I'll come join you.” he instructed, as Mabel obeyed.

It didn't take Mabel too long to get dressed up for the occasion, as she pulled up outside the bank and sent Harry a text to announce her presence.

It was as though she had been yearning for an opportunity like this to attend an occasion where top dignitaries would be present.

As Harry was getting ready for the big occasion, the unexpected happened that nearly restricted his movement.

Despite being aware of Mabel's presence, Harry was still stranded in his office, ransacking the whole place searching for something.

Mabel kept calling, but he wouldn't pick up until he found the missing piece.

Suddenly, Beverly walked inside like a ghost. “Looking for this?" She raised her arm.

"Give me that, you bitch." Harry was tempted to snatch the wedding ring, but Beverly quickly pulled one step backwards.

"What the f**k is wrong with you? Are you stalking me? I can see you're bored. You should go get a life,” he fumed.

"You took that life away when you dumped me for that rat. Can't you see? She's no match for you. I love you, Harry. What happened to us? We were cool and happy,” Beverly bemoaned and played the victim card to Harry, but he didn't fall for her tricks. She edged closer and kissed him, yet he wasn't moved.

“There was never a us.” He finally succeeded and snatched the ring from her.

"Now, leave my office this very minute. If this shitty attitude repeats itself next time, I'll have you fired,” he warned and chased Beverly away.

Immediately she opened the door to leave; Mabel showed up and met Harry, breathing heavily.

"What just happened, Beverly?”

"Maybe you should ask your anonymous husband. Bullshit. Get the f**k out of my sight." Beverly brushed Mabel's shoulder and went away.

“I thought I asked you to wait outside? What are you doing here?” Harry transferred all aggression to Mabel.

"But I was …"

"No, but let's just go. We are going to be late." Harry raised a hand to prevent Mabel from speaking as they both stepped outside and drove off for the occasion.