THE MARRIAGE TRAP

“ No. No. No. This cannot be happening.” As Serena Moreau scanned email after email in her inbox her fingers shook as she saw the same heartbreaking message. With immediate effect we are pulling out of the Moreau Enterprises investment. A tight knot formed in her stomach. She selected the next email. The partnership agreement will not be renewed. Serena was dazed. She almost fell from her chair in shock. No! This wasn't real. It's not possible. It's a dream. One she will wake up from. But the figures didn't lie. The most recent financial report had been devastating. Moreau Enterprises was loosing alot of money. For months investors were scared but she reassured them that everything was under control. She was wrong. The company was bankrupt! With her fingers Serena pressed her temples together. She had fought to keep her mother's business empire for the past five years. Battling to prove her leadership skills and strength. It was slipping through her fingers day after day. She was startled out of her thoughts by a knock on the door. Her P.A Cassandra poked her head inside. “Ms. Moreau, Richard Calloway is on the line. He wants to speak with you.” Serena stiffened. She boiled up in rage and her heartbeat slammed against her ribs. Richard Calloway was the last person she wanted to talk to. What the hell does he want? That old coot. “Inform him that I'm occupied.” Cassandra hesitated for a moment. “ He insisted that he must speak with you.” “I'm not interested. She spoke in an icy tone. Tell him that I don't have time for his nonsense!” Cassandra nodded quickly and walked away leaving Serena clutching the edges of her desk and breathing sharply and quickly. Why was he calling her now? She had severed all contact with him after the death of her mother. She didn't want to have anything to do with the Calloways, they can burn in hell for all she cares. She wanted nothing with the man responsible for her mother's death and destroying her family. Her eyes flickered back to the screen. The Moreau Enterprise was in ruins. She needed to do something before it's too late. But what could she do at a time like this? Uneasiness spread through her spine. *** When Serena finally made it to the gala she had forced herself to maintain her usual cool composure. One would think she had everything going smoothly for her. If it weren't for the special invite she had received from an important socialite. She wouldn't have showed up for the event. She was tired of everything. Attending parties and events was not ideal at the moment. But here she was, putting up an appearance before she'd become they next topic for gossip in the tabloids. Well, if she doesn't save her mother's company soon enough, there would be enough gossip to last a century. Hotel Royale was the very definition of luxury and splendour. Glistening chandeliers, velvet drapes and a hall teeming with the most wealthiest and most influential individuals in the country. Hotel Royale was the epitome of luxury. Men wearing tuxedos that were well tailored. The gentle radiance of golden lights glistened on women wearing diamonds. Since her teenage years Serena had been going to these events. She was familiar with the routine. The air was filled with fake smiles and carefully planned conversations with everyone searching for the next deal or chance to make it in society. After adjusting the emerald-green gown that embraced her body she grabbed a glass of champagne from a waiter who was walking by and moved deeper into the crowd. Act as though you're not drowning, shake hands and smile. She thought to herself. “Serena.” She froze at the sound of the deep voice. The blood in her veins went cold. Turning slowly. Several metres away, Richard Calloway watched her with piercing calculative eyes. He was the last person she was hoping to see. Although, this was the kind of event he frequently attend. He was older than the last time she saw him. Was it three….five years ago. During her mother's funeral. She was in tears and too heartbroken to speak. There were deep lines on his face and his once dark hair had turned grey. But there was still the quiet authority in his posture and the power he commanded. She gripped the champagne flute tightly.She ignored him and tried to walk away. But the way he gazed at her, pinned her to the spot. He stood watching her like he has been waiting for this moment. “ I see you've been avoiding me,” he said in a calm tone laced with amusement. A tight smile came to Serenas lips.” I have been so occupied.” Richard looked at her his face unreadable. “Are you too busy to return my calls?” “ I had no idea we had anything to discuss.” A smirk appeared on his lips. “I believe that we do. “ Serena scowled. “So what do you want?” Richard sipped his whiskey while keeping his eyes fixed on hers. “Your company is about to crash. I was reliably informed.” A dull pang throbbed in her head. She wasn't surprised. Richard Calloway was a man with contacts in every industry. Then Serena raised her chin.” What are you talking about?” His eyes darkened. “ You can't fool me with your pretense. Your company is about to crash, girl.” The words glided out of her mouth and she felt like slapping him hard across his wrinkled face. Then he continued. “The company left in your care is failing. It's such a shame.” Then he took a sip from his whisky. His words made her frown deeply and she crossed her arms. “And what? You came here to gloat?” “No,” he said bluntly. “You need help.” “Help? From you?” Then she burst into a humorless laughter. Which was sharp and bitter. He c****d his head. “I'm certain you don't want your mother's legacy to crumble. She worked hard for it. I can be of great help.” Serena clenched her jaw. No. She didn't. She was determined to bring Moreau Enterprises back to its former glory. To show everyone that she was capable of continuing her mother's legacy. She hated Richard Calloway. But she hated the thought of losing Moreau Enterprise more. “How?” She asked anxiously and her eyes sparkled in curiousity. Richard sipped his drink slowly and then placed it on a nearby tray. “ Lavez Resort. Monday. 10 A. M.” Then he turned and left without saying another word.