Falling for My Billionaire Dad's Rival's Son

Chapter 4: Fighting for a chance

Damon's POV

I had only slept for an hour when the blaring alarm jolted me awake. I groaned as I stumbled towards the bathroom.

I opened the cupboard and gazed at the medications I knew I ought to use. They looked like they were begging for attention and I was beginning to hear their voices.

Exhausted I shut the cupboard.

I had a meeting with the staff scheduled for 9:00 AM, worse still my dad was going to be there.

I stood in front of the mirror and adjusted my tie. Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I brushed my hair, making sure every strand sat perfectly.

My phone buzzed. A notification. I slowly reached to check the message. It was a link to an article. I groaned.

I stepped away from the mirror and grabbed my favorite cologne; yes, I wanted the cool, fresh scent today.

I gazed at the perfume Lara got me, remembering her cool, seductive voice as she said, "this will remind you of me."

That was the only perfume I hadn't touched. I didn't want it but I was too polite to dispose of it. How sad, she wanted me but I wanted nothing to do with her.

I stepped out of the room in a stunning dark blue Alexander Amosu Vanquish II Bespoke suit and into the dinning room.

My assistant was waiting and my breakfast was set. Taking a few bites of the wagyu steak, I stared at the chickpea, tomato, onion and cucumber salad. I dug into the steamed rice and savored it's bland taste.

I chewed slowly and quietly with the cutlery being the only sound heard. I brought the glass cup slowly to my mouth salivating at the electrolytic taste. I exchanged glances with Calvin.

"I got a text yesterday, late in the evening."

"And why where you up that late?, if I may ask?"

I chewed.

"No reason, I sighed, couldn't sleep."

"Perhaps something was on your mind sir"

"Enough of this. Brief me on the details of today's meeting.

"You have a meeting with your dad, your associates and top stakeholders by 9:00 to discuss the new business pitch from a start-up company."

"By 10:00 you have another meeting involving Seawalkers and Sons."

I sighed.

"You have an hour break and then it's lunch with the miss and her family," Calvin my assistant reminded.

He walked towards me with his blazer hung on his left forearm slowly reaching towards the dish I had just finished.

I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding, interlocked my fingers and stared into the air.

"Which of these can be rescheduled?"

"None sir. They all are top priority."

Getting up from the table, adjusting my suit, I added, "We'll be on our way then," disappointedly.

* * *

Aurora's POV

I was greeted by a warm cup of coffee. I sniffed and savoured the aroma, batting my eyelids as the smoke brushed my face.

When I finally arose, although begrudgingly, I was met with the adoring eyes of my sister.

"I brought you breakfast," she invited with a smile.

I groaned and stretched, taking the duvet off my legs.

"You didn't have to Lilie, where's Charles?"

"Oh, I know. Just wanted to be the one to greet you first, so, I sent Charles on whatever other butler duty he had"

I smiled and squeezed her hand.

"Come on now, it'll be cold"

As I slipped into my comfy panda slippers, I sat at the mini table in my room to enjoy the steaming hot cup of coffee.

Although there was a three-year age gap between us, we had always had a twin-like bond which stemmed from our love of the same ice cream since childhood. Mint chocolate chip and bubblegum.

Liliana stared at me in silence from the edge of the bed, hesitating to say why she was actually there.

She bit the corner of her lip and mumbled. She took quick glances and I could tell she wanted to say something.

She paused, seemingly scared. Nevertheless, she spoke.

"Arie..."

"Yes?"

She sighed, "the real reason I'm here is because... Look there's no easy way to say this but dad is "selling"( she made air quotes)you off to Brian."

As soon as those words came out, she regretted it.

I choked on the steaming coffee, burning my tongue.

"What?!"

"I overhead him talking to Brian and apparently Brian is set to marry you in less than a month"

As if adding fuel to fire those words sent me to a spiral. I got up so quickly that the chair I sat on fell backwards.

I staggered, clutching my forehead. Ignoring the splitting pain in my tongue.

Liliana hastily rushed to my aid.

"I know Arie, I tried to talk to dad privately but you know how he is."

That statement flipped a switch in my head. I was livid.

"I will not marry Brian, even if it means I'll have to jump off the balcony!"

She was sympathetic, offering comforting words as she stroked my hair.

"I have an idea. Go with dad to his meeting today. Brian will be there too.."

I interrupted.

"Relax. He's having a meeting with Cloud Corps. Sound familiar?"

"No," I muttered, tears in my eyes.

"That's the Greys' company."

"Greys'?"

"Yeah..." she muttered expectantly.

"Damon Grey!," we blurted in unison.

"Okay, what does he look like?"

"I think I have a picture of him here. He was at the rooftop party"

Liliana scrolled on her phone and was about to show me the picture when she was interrupted by a call.

Conversing with the individual, she motioned for me to get ready. She whispered, "go take a shower"

Accompanying me, she sat on the edge of the bathtub, glancing occasionally at me as I undressed. After a few minutes in the bathroom she informed me that she had to leave. Her son, my nephew, was injured during his playtime with the nanny.

"Be safe Arie, I have to go now. Good luck!"

It was 9:00 and I was sure my dad had other meetings. I wanted to check with his assistant but didn't want to raise suspicion. He had his break by 10:00, so, I guessed his meeting with Cloud Corps would be by 10:30 or 11:00.

I hurriedly got out of the bathroom and calculated that the drive to dad's company would be about an hour due to traffic in the overly populated area.

I was ignorant of the fact that my sister had suggested I went with our dad.

I dried off my dripping body and put on some deodorant, body lotion, oils and contemplated on using the same perfume I used for the party.

I walked into my closet and picked a fitted fuchsia high waisted trouser suit.

"Perfect"

I dashed into my room and began putting on my make-up. I went for the natural or no make-up make-up look.

I glanced at the digital clock on the wall. Taken aback, I looked at it again, staring. Time was far spent and I wasn't done.

I grabbed my phone and called my sister. It was unanswered.

I hastily put on my outfit and heels, grabbed my phone and car keys- good thing I knew how to drive-and hurried to the dinning.

I took a few bites of the chia pudding with coconut cream, coconut flakes, sliced bananas and chunks of apples.

I was set.

I ran to my car and overlooked the fact that I didn't see my dad's Monday ride, his BMW.

I strapped my seat belt and placed my water bottle in the cup holder, igniting the engine.

It was 10:00.

Unbeknownst to me, the meeting I was headed to had already started.

I met with traffic. Just then, my sister's call came in.

"Hi Arie, I missed your call. We'll talk about that later. The meeting is in a few minutes"

"I'm stuck in traffic!. I'll need at least 30 more minutes to half an hour."

"I don't know what you'd do or how you'd do it but it seems this is your last chance to meet Damon Arie. He's leaving the country tomorrow!"

I jammed my hand on the steering and hit the brakes. The clock struck '30.

I felt defeated. With my marriage to Brian set in less than a month, I knew I couldn't give up.

I sighed heavily and checked the time, if I had to order a motorcycle, even though I'd never ridden in one, I would.

Just when I was about taking off my seatbelt, contemplating on looking for a different route and parking, the vehicles began moving.

Liliana, sent a text.

"The meeting is over."