A TASTE OF LOVE

CHAPTER TWO

LAURA'S POV

In my room, I did'nt cry. I washed my face and called Migel. After two rings, he picked.

“ Hey Babe!" Migel greeted with His cheerful voice.

" Migel... I... “ I burst out crying.

“Laura? What's wrong? Why are you crying? Should I come over?" He was clearly worried.

" No... no.. My Mom's forcing me to get married. “

“What?"

" She wants me to get married to Adrian Black to get him to sign a contract with our company. “

“No! Baby you won't do that right? You are gonna work hard to take over your Dad's company. You're not gonna leave me right?"

" Migel... “

“I just need an assurance from you."

" I won't get married to anyone but you... “

“Good."

" Migel I... “ I stopped because I heard a female voice from the background.

“I am waiting Migel." The voice said.

" Migel, who is that? “ I asked him.

“Its... uh... the cleaning lady." Migel said.

" Okay as I was saying I... “ He cut me off.

“You know what Laura? I will talk to you tomorrow. I have something very important to do. Goodnight. “

“Wait, Migel..." He already hung up.

I lay on my bed thinking about my life. My Dad_ he pampered me to the moon. The villa was always very joyful. Even though Mom had'nt been particularly that close with me, she could still pass as a good Mother. However, gone are those days. I stayed up all night thinking of what I was gonna do on my supposed meeting.

The next day, I stayed behind closed doors. My 'family' only bothered about me when it was evening, reminding me to get ready for my meeting.

I wore a simple yellow evening gown. It was'nt something too lavish yet it brought out my awesome figure. If it was'nt for my sour mood, I would have admired myself. I work a pair of white heels and let down my long wavy brunette hair. I went downstairs to where Mom and Sophie were waiting for me.

“ Is that all you got? Don't be surprised Adrian won't give you even a second glance. Humph!" Sophie sneered.

I hope he doesn't give me even a first glance. I thought.

" It will do. “ Mom said after she assessed me.

I earned a glare from Sophie.

“Now remember to get in his good books. Do anything possible for him to fall for you. Anything." Mom stressed. I cringed. Anything huh! “Got that?" She asked.

" Got it. “ I answered and left the villa into the presumed lion's den.

I arrived at Sweet Heavens _ An expensive restaurant and hotel. It was a place for extremely wealthy people. I took a deep breath and walked to the reception.

“Hi," I greeted. “ Reservation for Laura Christiano?"

“Right this way Miss." The receptionist smiled and personally took me to a private VIP lounge.

" Thank you. “

She nodded and left me to my fate. I did'nt know whether to knock or just walk in. I stood outside for minutes. I was already late for the meeting. I summoned courage and knocked twice.

" Come in. “ I heard a muffled voice from inside.

I walked in and the view before me took my breath away for a minute. Before me was the most handsome man in the universe. Okay its an exaggeration but the dude was hot!

Styled jet _black hair, high forehead, piercing steely blue eyes, strong and well-defined jawline, lean yet muscular body and...

Oh my God! Am I checking him out? No! You have to stay focused Laura. I snapped back to reality and found him smirking at me. Let me now die...

******

ADRIAN'S POV...

My Grandpa was dieing and he was all over me to get married. Grandpa took care of me ever since my parents were killed. He made me what I am today. At the age of nineteen I took over Black corporation and at twenty-three, I took it from the bottom of the food chain to the top ten wealthiest companies in the world. So I owed everything to Grandpa but I did'nt want to get married. At least not now. Yet Grandpa was pushing. He had never pestered me that much for anything before so I guess this time he was really serious. The doctor said that Grandpa had a terminal disease and just had a few years. Five years at most. So I came up with a really great idea. I will get married for Grandpa. Of course not really. Just a fake marriage. Grandpa would not even know. I do feel bad about lieing to him but atleast both of us would be happy. Its a win-win situation. Just got to find the right girl.

******

Black corporations is a reputable company that many are willing to collaborate with. The small thing is that we - or should I say I - don't always collaborate with others. We only take the ones we see profit. I have so much on my mind right now like finding the right woman to partner with me yet this Mrs Christiano seated in my office before me does'nt seem to get that. She is just focused on getting me to sign her dumb partnership. I am barely hearing anything she was saying.

“... you won't be disappointed believe me CEO Black. Christiano Jewels is a promising entreprise we just have to... “

She trailed off

. I pinched the bridge of my nose - something I do when I'm getting pissed.

“Mrs Christiano I'm not sure I made myself clear the other day, but I will repeat. Black Corporation will not corporate with Christiano Jewels."

" Why if I may ask? “

I smirked. “What if I say its because stench of your greediness is oozing out of you right now? Hm? That you are not a trustworthy person? “

She smiled greedily. “ I would say you are pretty straightforward and you know me quite well."

" Well if you don't have anything else, you may leave. “ I began clearing my table to signal the end of our discussion.

“Wait Adrian.“ I raised a brow at her address. “Can we... talk? As family friends." She was getting desperate, I could see it. And yes, the Chriatiano's and Blacks were old family friends. I know they have two daughters. One I have met - Sophie, I think. She was my junior in school. The other one I have never met. I heard she was studying in England.

I sighed. “ What do you want to talk about?" Julianna Chrisriano visibly relaxed. She took a sip of her tea.

" I heard that Old man Black is still down. I also heard of his 'dieing' wish of you getting married. “ She paused.

" Go on. “ I knew where this was going.