His Unwanted Bride

Chapter 4

Summer took in the large building. A mini rise skyscraper, with windows that shimmered under the sun. The block letters ‘M A X I’ were strategically set, standing on the roof. This was supposed to be the company of her soon-to-be business partner, if an agreement was reached. She had to admit, the company impressed her. It’s work ethics and marketing expertise were second to none. Their increase in sales and prestige was enough proof. It was a shame; she totally despised the CEO. She’d heard tales of his escapades from the lips of many. But she hadn’t cared to bother with him. He was just fodder for the media to munch on, what was the media without celebrity gossip? Until, the proposal for a business partnership, came up and she’d actually started to listening.

‘Billionaire CEO, Adam Mayers in affair with popular model, Trisha Hayes.’

‘A-list actress sighted in mall with billionaire, Adam Mayers’

‘Adam Mayers tops the Saveour’s list of 10 ten richest bachelors in New York.’

He was everywhere. The tabloids blared his name every now and then, he was on every blog on social media, it was ridiculous. She even heard he had a fan club dedicated to him. For what? Because he was rich?

The way he carried himself with an air of empty pride infuriated her. Now, as she sat in her car, the motivation she had sizzled to nothing. She couldn’t stand him.

Summer took a deep breath. The reason why she was here, was for her company. Nothing more or less. So, she should focus more on that.

“Er…ma’am. Have you changed your mind about the meeting? We can turn back if you like.” Her chauffeur said, looking back briefly.

“No. It’s no problem. Thank you.”

Just as her heels hit the interlocked ground, her phone blared with her ringtone.

‘Dad’ It reflected on the screen.

Summer watched the phone buzz in her palms. Why was he suddenly calling her when she was about to close down a deal? She swiped at her phone and placed it on her ear.

“Hi, Dad.”

“Hello, Summer. I got some information on the business partnership with MAXI. You’re to close the deal today, am I correct?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I trust you know what to do. I let you have that position because I know what you’re capable of.”

“You say you know, but it’s been six years and you still don’t trust that I can do it. Why did you call me, Dad?”

“I know you have done many things in the past. But you still need it to be drilled in your head. The Kennedy’s never lose. You cannot afford to fail. Remember that.”

She clenched her fist, blood bubbling under her skin. “Okay.” She said and cut the call. Her steps were brisk and sharp as she moved into the ground floor of the building. They never thought she could do anything. Even with all her achievements, they still doubted her. As she walked, she drew the eyes of everyone. Her confidence was glaring and her gaze was sure.

“Summer Kennedy, I have an appointment with the CEO today.” There was no need to mention it really. Almost everyone knew about the pending collaboration that could or could not happen. The receptionist, smiled in recognition and bobbed her head.

“The security guard here will show you to the conference room.”

She nodded and was escorted to the elevator. Inside, her reflection stared back at her. She was a 5’2 woman in a tall world. But she’d managed to create her own ladder to stand above everyone else. Her eyes gleamed with the colour of molten bronze and her lips were thin, set in a straight line. She didn’t know what to do with her hair most of the time, so, she had cut it short, only curling the tips.

They finally reached the floor. This place was different. Where it was loud and busy on the ground floor, with bright tones in your face, this place was placid. The lighting was low and the walls were in tones of grey. Moreso, the corridor was empty, with only the sound of her footsteps and the ones of the security. Soon, another footstep joined.

A man appeared with a confident smile on his lips. “Summer.” He threw out his arm for a handshake.

“Hello, Richard.” She took his arm in a firm grip, studying him. This was Adam Mayers’ right-hand man. He was much taller than her, with a slim build and an air of cunningness. His eyes always looked like he was about to play a prank on you or he knew something that you didn’t know. Even now, the corner of his cheeks, lifted up into a slow smirk.

“You look really beautiful today.” He said and lifted her palms to his lips, looking at her from under his lashes.

She drew her arm back and forced a smile. “Thank you. I’m on my way to the conference room now.”

Men and their audacity. Anyone in a 10-mile radius could perceive he was flirting with her. The nerve of him. They were business partners. Not friends.

As she walked off, she had a feeling he was watching her from behind. She could feel his eyes on her.

The conference room was on full blast with cold air. And empty. She’d feared she came late, but she was here alone now. Summer kept to time. Every minute that passed was a waste of her time. She didn’t have that luxury of time-wasting. Time is money.

She set herself busy with her emails on her laptop, but every now and then, she checked her wrist-watch. Twenty minutes had passed. Did she have to put a call to the reception downstairs? Was this how working with the company was going to be like? No respect for agreements and time? She was about to stand from her seat when the door swung open. Adam Mayers walked in.