Sweet Deception

Chapter 3 - Routine

Oliver

I stood in front of the floor to ceiling windows of my penthouse apartment, gazing at the city skyline. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow in the room, I looked around my apartment despite everything one could wish for and the breathtaking view ; I felt empty. Unfulfilled.

My eyes drifted to the bar on the left side of the room. “s**t” I cursed under my breath, I had promised myself to ease up on drinking but I felt like I needed it today. I walked over to the bar and took a bottle of whiskey, poured myself a glass, took a sip savoring the familiar burn.

I wandered over to the couch and dropped onto the plush cushions, running a hand through my hair. My life had become a stale routine- wake up, go to work, attend meetings, shake hands…. It was all so predictable. So boring.

As the silent CEO of OLB Inc. a subsidiary of my fathers company, I had the freedom of making key decisions without being the public face. My friend Noah; whom I’d known since I was 8, handles the public media appearances while I focus on the strategic direction and operational management of the company. It was a setup that worked well for me allowing me to maintain a low profile and avoid the scrutiny that comes with being a high profile CEO and God knows I need to avoid it; I’m not exactly spotless. But sometimes, like now, I felt like I was going through the motions.

My phone buzzed on the coffee table breaking the silence. I picked it up glancing at the screen. A text from my fathers assistant; Rachel, who everyone knew he was banging:

“Oliver, Kai needs to see you in his office by 2pm today”.

The familiarity wasn’t lost on me.. “Kai” like she knew him.

I sighed, rubbing my temples feeling another headache coming on, I grabbed my painkillers and used the leftover whiskey to take them. What now? Another lecture on my responsibilities, Another reminder of my duties as the future CEO?

As I stood up to head to my fathers office, a fleeting image crossed my mind- a woman with piercing brown eyes and long curly brown hair and a number that I had tried to forget all these years popped up “120”. I pushed the thought aside focusing on the meeting ahead. I grabbed my jacket and headed out the door, making my way to my fathers office.

The car ride to my fathers office was quick, and soon I was standing outside his office door. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for whatever lecture or task he had. I pushed open the door and stepped inside.

My father looked up from the papers on his desk, his expression looking serious. His eyes seem bore into mine and I felt a familiar sense of unease. It’s been months since I last saw him but he still looked exactly the same just little wrinkles to signify he’s aging, he was still a ruthless and cunning businessman with a chiseled jawline and piercing brown eyes his slick back hair and tailored suits that exude confidence and power, commanding respect from those around him even his own family; especially his own family.

“Oliver thank you for coming in”, his voice firm but controlled. “I need to discuss the upcoming merger with you”

I hated this part, this play, this acting where he behaved like we are the perfect father and son but still I played along.

I nodded taking a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk. He launched into a detailed explanation of the merger but my mind began to wander. I felt a sudden urge of anxiety and reached into my pocket for the small bottle of whiskey I kept there. I took a quick sip feeling the burn spread through my chest.

My father’s eyes narrowed “ Are you even listening and I thought we decided to stop this” my father’s eyes stuck on the small bottle voice filled with disdain cut through the air.

I did stop this but you brought it back. I thought to myself.

I give him my boy scout smile “ Just little sips for the road to take the edge off, nothing you have to worry about and yes, I am listening, Noah has been working on the merger and I am keeping up with the progress ”

That seemed to tick a bomb cause next thing Mr level headed gets up hits his table, grabs my drinks and hauls it to the other end of the room.

“It’s your company, a BLACKWOOD company not a DAVIS company and very soon you’d have to step up, why can’t you be like your brother Cal, why are you always a constant reminder of my shortcomings ?”

Here comes the lecture, I felt a stinging sensation in my jaw as I clenched my teeth, more than anything I hated being compared. “I understand father, and I’ll make sure to take a more active role in the merger”

My father leaned back in his chair , his expression unreadable. “See that you do Oliver, I expect great things from you”.

I nodded.

As I stood up to leave, my fathers voice stopped me. “Oliver?”

I turned back to him. “Yes father?”

“Don’t force my hand again Oliver, I’d hate to have to put you in line, to take….measures ” my dad said with a frown.

He had the glint in his eye and it reminded me of all those years ago he looked like he knew something but I know he’s bluffing there’s nothing he can use to hurt me anymore but I felt uncomfortable still cause Kai Blackwood isn’t someone that gives empty threats.

I felt a shiver run down my spine at the veiled threat. “Sorry dad, my mistake. I’d get back to you with further information and this merger should be sealed within the week ”

“You can go” he says waving his hand towards the door.

I get up and take long strides to the door needing to be out of the same space with him. “I need another drink and a lay” I thought as I walked to my car. This is why I always keep an extra in my car. It’s not 4pm but already a long day.