CHAPTER 2 Damien Kingston.
1046 Words
"You can't force me to get married!" Damien declared, his voice calm but resolute. "I am not prepared for that, and when I am, I will marry someone of my choosing, not someone you've picked for me. My final answer is No."Damien sat on a plush sofa, with his legs crossed, speaking with an air of indifference.
His Grandfather, Richard Kingston, stood towering over him, face flushed with anger, shouting at the top of his lungs. “It’s either you get married to her or you give up being the CEO to your Uncle, Liam” The old man's fury only grew as his grandson maintained his nonchalant demeanor.
The room fell into a heavy silence.
Liam, who was Richard Kingston's illegitimate son, had managed the company for twelve long years after Damien's father passed away. Reluctantly, he handed over the reins to Damien four years ago, right after Damien completed his master's degree at Harvard Business School. Ever since, Liam had kept a close eye on the company, willing to do anything to reclaim it.
He was furious that his father had handed the company over to Damien, despite all his years of loyalty and hard work. Liam couldn’t shake the feeling of being overshadowed by Damien’s arrival. Even though his father had given him a smaller company to run, it felt like a consolation prize compared to the empire Damien now controlled.
“You won’t do that! This was my father's company; which is now mine, not Liam's, and I’ve worked so hard over the last four years to bring it to where it is now,” Damien finally broke the silence.
Richard’s eyes narrowed as he replied, “Your father inherited this company from me, and I will do whatever I please with it. It seems you take pleasure in ruining everything you've worked”
Damien’s jaw tightened. “How was I supposed to know that Dianne would go to the media and falsify stories against me?”
Richard sighed, his expression softening slightly. “This is exactly why I want you to marry Lila. Your marriage with her will help rehabilitate our image and stabilize the business. The scandal with Dianne has done enough damage, and we must change the narrative.”
Damien couldn’t believe Dianne would go as far as she did. They had dated for a year, even though he was never in love with her. She had become persistent about marriage, which he diplomatically refused several times.
She had always seemed sweet and easygoing until she suspected he was having an affair with Carlie, Hawaii’s corporation's biggest rival's daughter.
In a fit of rage, she posted a series of damning accusations on her i********:, accompanied by photos and falsified documents that painted Damien in the worst possible light.
She accused him of manipulating business deals to his advantage and engaging in unethical practices to get even with rivals, such as sleeping with their wives, daughters, and secretaries in order to get information from them.
Her posts were eloquent and persuasive, bolstered by her high status and influential connections, because she was the vice president's daughter. The media frenzy that followed was relentless, tarnishing Damien’s reputation and causing investors to lose faith in the company.
Dianne claimed that their two-year relationship was a sham, insisting he only dated her to boost his company’s status. She alleged that Damien regularly cheated on her with the daughters of other influential men, accusing him of lacking the ability to elevate his company on his own and using these relationships as leverage.
“Listen, Damien, Lila is not like the other women you've been with. She’s the daughter of an old acquaintance of your father, a struggling entrepreneur trying to make her way in the world, she will be as vulnerable as hell, which is precisely why she’s perfect. Also, the media will see that this isn’t some calculated move to boost your status; it’s a genuine connection. It will humanize you in the eyes of the public.” Richard pressed on.
Damien raised an eyebrow. “But it still doesn’t change much, how do we handle the backlash? The media is still obsessed with that story.” He stood up from the chair and paced towards the window.
Richard nodded, having anticipated the question. “Leave that to me. We’ll craft a narrative that explains everything. We’ll say that you realized Dianne wasn’t the right fit for you, that her ambitions were in conflict with your vision for the company and your personal life.
We’ll emphasize that you and Lila share common values and a vision for the future, and you will choose a resilient entrepreneur any day over a spoiled brat. The media loves a redemption story, and we’ll give them one. This is our chance to turn things around, Damien.”
Damien tightened his jaw. “So, the only solution is being stuck with someone I don’t love, forever?”
“Damien!” Richard yelled, Letting out a husky cough before continuing. “I’ve always taught you that marriage is an institution for business, not love. Your father’s downfall, which led to his death was his senseless love. If he hadn’t let his emotions cloud his judgment, he might still be alive today.” Richard’s eyes were steely.
“Damien, this isn’t just about you. It’s about preserving everything we’ve built, everything I, your father, and Liam have worked for.
Damien sighed, He knew his grandfather was right, and even if he wasn't, it was not like he had much of a choice. “And the girl in question is in agreement?”
“She has no say in this. I’ve spoken to her father, he is in desperate need of a loan from me. Apparently his wife is in dare need of a heart transplant. I promised him the money if he gives his daughter to you in marriage, ensuring he wouldn’t have to pay back the loan. You need to meet with her as soon as possible to get on the same page,” Richard instructed firmly.
Damien nodded, resigned to his fate. “Fine, set up a meeting for us tomorrow at Eleven Madison Park. 3 PM.”
He angrily made his way out of his grandfather’s residence.
- Writer
