Chapter Seven
1002 Words
The atmosphere in Jack's apartment felt heavier than usual, mixed with the strong scent of expensive cologne and the lingering smell of alcohol from last night's events. The city skyline glittered through the large floor-to-ceiling windows. But the beauty of city felt distant to the two people inside the room.
Jack sat sat at the edge of the bed, running his fingers through his messy hair. The previous day's event kept on playing in his mind. From the reckless marriage vows they made under the influence of alcohol, to the media taking pictures of every scene that unfolded. And now, their drunken stupidity is on every news channel in the city, creating a huge storm of troubles.
Eleanor sat at the other side of the bed across from Jack. Her expression looked pale and confused, as she wondered if everything that happened was a dream or a reality.
Jack turned his eyes around to look at Eleanor and she looked as disheveled as he was. Her hair was a mess, and her eyes showed that she was still not believing the situation. "Welcome to my life." Jack muttered dryly.
The sharp sound of the ringing of Jack’s phone disrupted the room's causing Jack's muscles to tighten. Jack glanced at his phone’s screen and the name that flashed on it caused him to shudder.
Victor Sinclair.
Jack's fingers rested on the phone's screen but he did not answer the call.
Eleanor noticed the sudden change in Jack's expression. "Aren't you going to answer the call?" She asked
"It's my father," Jack replied clenching his hands around the phone, hesitating to pick the call.
The continuous ringing of the phone sounded like a time bomb to Jack's ears.
Eleanor raised her eyes in curiousity and worry in them. "And you're hesitating because...?" Eleanor pressed on.
"Because he never calls unless he's about to ruin my life." Jack spat out with anger and bitterness evident in his words.
The ringing sound came to stop and silence took the entire room.
Jack exhaled sharply, a sense of relief washing across his face.
But his joy was cut short.
The phone lit up again. Victor Sinclair—Calling.
“Persistent bastard,” Jack cursed under his breath.
"Just answer and hear what he has to say." Eleanor raised her eyebrow.
With a low growl of frustration, Jack swiped to answer, bringing the phone to his ear. “What?” he snapped, his voice a sharp blade.
Victor's voice passed through, his tone was calm and filled with the authority that had control Jack's entire life. "Good morning Jack," he said. "Or should I say... congratulations?" Victor continued, this time with sarcasm in his voice.
Jack's grip tightened around the phone. "Just cut to the chase, old man. I know you did not call to send me your blessings." Jack said with a tight voice.
Victor's chuckle was cold and sinister. "You are right. I called to tell you what is going to happen next."
Jack's back straightened. "What's going to happen, is that we are going to ride with the storm until it blows over. That is all. End of story." Jack spat out through clenched teeth.
But Victor's sharp tone sliced through Jack's resistance. "Not happening Jack. You are going to publicly announce your marriage to the press, that's what going to happen."
"Not a chance. We are not turning this mess into some circus show to create hype." Jack spoke in a low tone.
Victor's voice dropped to an icy calm tone. "You don't have a choice."
"I have a choice. We'll keep a low profile, let the media continue to speculate, and move on. This is my life, not yours to control." Jack spat out, his grip almost crushing the phone.
"Wrong," Victor's sharp tone cut through. "This concerns the family business. And I will not allow you to destroy it with your recklessness."
Jack's expression hardened with frustration. "You are not using my personal life for your own gains."
Victor's next words was cold without emotion. "But I am. You'll announce it and we will use it as a fairytale story. Imagine the headlines, Jack. The heir to the Sinclair empire, choosing a woman for love, not status."
Jack's chest heaved with anger. "This is not some business deal, old man! You can't manipulate everything into power play."
"I can, and I will. Because if you refuse, the media will tear you apart. The scandal will hit the Sinclair empire and our stocks will plummet. And we both know what that means." Victor said in a calm and menacing tone.
A heavy silence fell upon the both of them.
"So which is more important to you Jack, your pride or your reputation?" Victor's sharp voice went on, cutting through the heavy silence.
Jack's hand shook with extreme anger. He knew this was Victor's way of trying to manipulate him and force him to do things he doesn't wish to do.
Jack turned his gaze towards Eleanor. He could see the curiousity evident in her eyes.
"You win, old man. Fine. I'll play along." Jack chuckled bitterly, forcing the words out of his mouth.
"Good boy." Victor chuckled through the phone and hung up.
The phone went silent, leaving Jack in an uncomfortable silence.
Jack slowly dropped the phone, his body trembling with suppressed anger
"So, what did he say?" Eleanor's soft voice filled with curiousity broke the silence.
Jack's throat tightened, his voice laced with resentment. "He wants us to publicly announce the marriage. To sell it as some fairytale romance, all for the sake of his empire."
Eleanor’s brows rose in surprise. "And you agreed?”
Jack's gaze met Eleanor's, and she could see the anger filled in them. "I had no choice." Jack said with a low voice.
Eleanor pressed her lips in disbelief. "So, we are just supposed to pretend in front of the medias?"
Jack's lips curled into a bitter smile. "Not pretend. Perform. Welcome to the Sinclair family."
- Writer
