Her Only Choice

Chapter Three - The Woman For His Empire

“I'm sorry, I won't be getting married to some guy I know nothing about because you got yourself into a debt. You did it to yourself, so get yourself out of it!” Chloe shouted.

“I would watch how you speak to me, young woman!” Charles shouted back.

“No, you watch how you speak to me. All my life you've always had a leash on me, telling me how to live my life. I've always done what you wanted and carried the cross for the things you did, but I won't do that anymore. I'm your daughter, not a slave that takes every of your beating” The tears she fought hard to hold were now starting to drop.

“What do you mean? You've never obeyed my instruction. You've always been the rebellious child I prayed never to have. When I told you to go into business management you refused and went ahead to study theatre because of some promise you made to your stupid little friend”

“Don't you dare call- -” she was cut off by Winston.

“Enough!” Winston banged hard on the table to get their attention. “I have had enough of the back and forth between you duo. Charles, you can't force Chloe into a marriage she is not interested in. She's an adult now” Winston said to Charles like he was reprimanding a child. Chloe looked at her dad with a glare, grateful that someone was on her side.

“And Chloe you've to get married to my son for your own good,” Winston said.

“What?” She asked not believing what she had just heard. Was he bipolar or something, she thought?

“You heard me right. You see…everything your father owns including the houses, the car, and the connection that had also gotten you into that film school you so much brag about will be taken the moment you refuse to get married to my son. And I'm well informed that you own nothing- -”

“No, I don't” she cut him off

“You don't talk while I talk,” Winston said in a stern voice. “As I was saying, if you don't get married to my son, you lose everything because you own no investment of your own. You depend solely on Daddy over there, whether you deny it or not”

“I- I don't even know this guy you're talking about. How can I get married to someone I know nothing about”, Her voice cracked. Winston could hear the resolve that was beginning to form in her voice. He smiled.

“My dear Chloe, of course, we aren't going to shove you into the hands of someone you barely know anything about. I have arranged a date between you and Chad, my son. All you have to do is to look pretty and open for conversation. You don't have to fall in love with him now but I know my son, he is as charming as they come. By the end of your first three months with him, I bet you'll be head over heels for him”

“Is there any other way Dad could repay you? I would work for you till I'm able to repay his debt”

“Even if you worked for me till you turn 78, you still won't be able to pay his debt. So no, you have no other option” Winston replied.

“But how does marrying your son pay the debts then? I'm surely not worth the amount my dad owes” she cringed inwardly as she reflected on what she had just said. But she shook her head to forget it. She would say or do anything to get out of marrying whoever his son is. She looked at her dad and found his eyes already on her.

“You're right. You're not worth the amount your dad owes” She glared at him but he only chuckled in response, “But our alliance is enough to drive my rivals in the business, underground. Don't bother to ask what that means, you won't understand. Just do what I say, your Dad and I will see to the rest” Winston stood up, getting ready to leave.

“When's the date?” Chloe asked

“Tomorrow” Winston replied.

************

“What do you mean I have to get married to his daughter?” Chad's face tightened in confusion.

“Exactly what you think. You have to marry Chloe Elliot. I have arranged a date between you and her tomorrow.” Winston said nonchalantly.

“In case you don't know. I'm in a relationship with someone and going out on a date with this so-called Chloe will be considered cheating on my girlfriend”. Winston laughed hard, knowing Chad had never been the faithful type.

“I don't care who your current girlfriend is, but the deal has been made. Chloe Elliot will be getting married to you as a payment of the debt her father owes me and you're going to dump the woman you claim to be your girlfriend even though I'm sure you've never been faithful to her seeing how much of a Cassanova you are”

“I'm not getting married -”

“You refuse one more time and I'll be calling a board meeting and your position as the current CEO of this company will be revoked”

“You can't do that. I have worked too hard and brought this company to a place of a very high hierarchy for you to take it away from me because of your selfish reasons” Chad stood up from his seat ready to challenge his father.

“I'm aware of that. But those efforts will amount to nothing if you refuse to do what I say. I've waited long for you to bring a woman and introduce her as your fiancée, but all you have done is w***e around and held up the reputation as the most promiscuous bachelor in town, proudly”

“I never said I wasn't going to settle down. I was just waiting for the right time. I'll bring my girlfriend for dinner this night and introduce her as the woman I want to marry. You don't have to arrange a marriage with a woman I know nothing of” Chad said.

“You think I'll let you marry someone who knows nothing about the business world and whose only motive to marry you is just to be close to your money and then destroy mine and my ancestor's hard-earned wealth? That's not going to happen. I have watched Chloe and she seems to be the kind of responsible lady I've always wanted for you. She will assist you in building your empire. That's my final decision. Prepare for your date tomorrow” Winston said and walked out of Chad's office.

“f**k!! How dare he?!” Chad hit the table with so much force the files on it went flying.

“Hey, Brian. I need you to do me a favor” Chad said