CAUGHT IN BETWEEN BILLIONAIRES

Orion “I can’t believe that you are going to force me into a union that I am vehemently against.” I said to my father who has just delivered the worst news of my life to me. “It is not about what you want, it is about the image of this family. You do not expect me to go back on my words, how do you want people to see me after that? I am a business man and in business, there is no sentiment. You will marry that lady, I don’t care how you are going to live with her for the 3 years, but you will do so. After 3 years, you can do all you want, but this must be done.” My father reiterated his stand. “Dad, you are the one this family is owing. You can cancel the debt or even use any other means to get the money they owe you.” “And have every family and organization take me lightly? This is about honor and not sentiment. This discussion is over.” I watched with mouth agape as my father trudged to his room. So, I have to sacrifice my life on the altar of honor, I thought to myself as anger engulfed me. I was still trying to grasp the information I just got when Owen, my elder brother, came in smiling. “I am grateful that I am married, I would have been the one feeling the way you are feeling now.” He chuckled sitting down. “You don’t need to rub it in.” I snapped. “How many times have I advised you to find a lady and settle down? Well, you can still enjoy life while married. The only difference is until the 3 years are over, you can not marry anyone. More years to flirt.” Owen mocked. “How is your hotel building coming up?” he asked further. I glared at him contemplating between answering his question or giving him a jab for his mockery. “The hotel is moving well.” I answered as reasoning won, “I am thinking on launching it one month from now.” “By that time, you will be a married man.” Owen scowled. “Hey come on, look at the brighter side, you can use your new image to push for more contracts for your hotel. The new married man in town launching his hotel a few days after his wedding.” “A few days, what are you talking about? The wedding isn’t that soon.” I blurted out in rage. “Actually, the wedding is tomorrow evening.” Dad’s voice boomed in. “And here are the details of the lady, she is okay for you.” He finished handing over a portfolio to me. I glanced from the portfolio to Dad’s face, unsure of what to feel. Dad, tired from waiting for me, dropped the portfolio on the seat and walked away. Owen picked up the portfolio and flipped through it all the while chuckling. “Owen!” I screamed. “Hey! Don’t take it out on me. I am just an onlooker here, but she is beautiful. You will like this one even though she is not on the thick side. I know you like your women thick.” I snatched the portfolio from him and stopped when I came to the picture of the lady who by tomorrow evening would become my wife. Anger and hate flooded through me. I tried to talk, but no words could describe the hate I felt. I squeezed the portfolio and walked into my room, the cackling laughter of Owen bidding me farewell. “Hi Wilder, I need a drink at our usual spot. I am heading there now, no need to come to the house.” I finished speaking on the phone, picked up my car keys and walked out of the house, feeling a little relief when I didn’t see Owen in the sitting room. I drove to the bar with the face of the lady lingering in my mind. She was not bad looking, so it was not about her beauty. I was angry that 3 years of my life was going to be tied down to a stranger that I was going to meet tomorrow. I entered the bar, sited Wilder at our usual spot and stomped towards him. Taking his hand for a handshake reluctantly, as I had my seat. “What is wrong with you?” Wilder, who was already sipping his drink, signaled to one of the waiters to come. “My dad is setting me up with a lady that the family is owing him.” I watched confusion flicker on Wilder’s face. “Set up? Owing? What are you talking about?” Get him the same thing I am taking, he instructed the waiter and started staring at me. “This is the portfolio of the woman who will become my wife tomorrow.” I said, dropping the portfolio on the table and watched as Wilder erupted into laughter. He continued, pointing at me, “You? Get married! Of all the bachelors in the country? You need to explain better.” I sighed “My dad said it had to be done so that other partners would honor their deal with him.” “But you of all people?” “My brother is married. Who else but me? I am so angry I don’t know the word to use to describe it and the wedding will be tomorrow.” “This is serious.” Wilder gaped at me, adjusting his seat. “How do you want to survive that?” “3 years.” I snarled. “I am expected to stay 3 years with a stranger just because they are owing my dad. What kind of family can’t pay their debt and is dragging me into this mess?” I hollered, hitting my hand on the table. “Why am I getting burnt by the fire they started in their family?” “Wow! What are you planning to do?” “I don’t know, I can’t even stand her picture.” I mentioned gesturing at the portfolio which Wilder picked up and started flipping through. “She is not bad.” “I hate her. I mean, what use are you if you can allow yourself to be sold off because of a debt owed by your family; does it mean none of them is working?” “Hmm, now you have mentioned it. I think you can make money off her too, you are going to be her husband, so she has to obey all your words, right?” “Of course, I don’t even know what to think, the time is too short for me to come up with any idea on how to handle her.” “Well, since you are going to own a hotel, she can work as one of your staff.” “I don’t understand.” I edged closer to Wilder. “Pimp her.” Wilder mumbled to me.