THE PRODIGAL HEIRESS

Once Bitten

“Eric is a smart young man. He understands why. Besides, we finally stand a chance of getting better shares in their investment. What do you think, honey?"

Eric Blaine ate quietly at the table as he listened intently to his parents' discussion about him. They were right. This marriage will serve as a door to expanding his company.

“Well", Mr Blaine began after clearing his throat. “We can only hope he understands what we're doing for him and why we are doing it."

His mother's concerned eyes quickly met with his and he lowered his almost instantly. He was tired of all the decisions that look had made him take but it seemed this was the best recompense.

“I understand. Perfectly", he stated blandly and sipped the sparkling red wine.

His parents smiled broadly at themselves, and then him.

“I always knew you'd make us proud, Eric.” His mother praised him. "The Browns have made a name for themselves and they have owned the business world for a long time. Getting married to their only daughter will guarantee you becoming their heir soon enough.”

Mr Blaine sipped his wine quite uneasily. Mr Brown had included in the contract that the company could only be inherited by their son if he could stay in the marriage for five years, and Mr Brown still held the position as the CEO of the establishment. He knew this part quite well but he was sure his wife overly trusted their son to be a good husband.

"But there are conditions though”, he hinted as he put his glass back on the table. "You haven't been quite good at sticking to the rules of the game and playing by them, Eric. That's why you always get into a mess.” He let his words drop with the gravity he intended. "Can you?” He raised an eyebrow.

Eric's grip on his fork tightened as the threat from his father's question came to him. He swallowed his mouthful cautiously to keep from choking.

"I don't need to prove anything to anyone."

His mother reached out and rubbed the back of his hand, realizing how tense he was. They exchanged glances. Mr Blaine seemed a bit disappointed. He cleared his throat one last time and focused on his meal. A dark mood settled over the family.

“I'll be off now", Eric announced after clearing the dishes. “I'll drop by the day after tomorrow for dinner." He stormed out of the mansion into his car without waiting to hear his mother's reply.

He got into his chrome colored Maserati ghibli and shut the door forcefully. He gripped the steering tentatively as he clenched his teeth and reared the car out of the premises.

As the night breeze blasted against his face, he went down memory lane. So many times, he had fought to gain his father's approval but he failed woefully. If his elder brother was still alive, he wouldn't be a near consideration for the family's heir. And it pained him even more that his father was always right. His mother was the only one who ever gave him some real support. His late brother had been so busy living the ideal life, and didn't consider him worth indulging. He turned up the music as his thoughts almost tore him apart.

Once in his apartment, he stomped to the bar and grabbed a bottle of Chardonnay. Perhaps that's all that could maje up for the offense he had to bear that evening. Just then, his phone rang.

“Prepare for your wedding tomorrow. The heiress fixed it so."

Eric took the phone off his right ear and looked at the caller id. He wasn't drunk yet, and he had only left behind the source of his anger. He swirled the sparkling drink and ended the call. He dialed his assistant, Tom's number.

“Put my schedule for tomorrow on hold. I might not be available."

“Is it something related to health, sir?"

“No, I'm fine. Just clear everything. You can represent me at the board meeting. I just need some time to cool off. I'll be off the grid till the day after tomorrow."

“Noted sir."

Eric ended the call and lifted the tall glass of wine above him once more. It suddenly seemed that he couldn't resist the allure of the Chardonnay. He dimmed all the lights and went into his room.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Emily? Emily, wake up: it's your wedding today. You know we don't want to keep the groom waiting for us!" Mrs Brown called from downstairs.

Emily groaned and rolled over, pulling her pillow over her face. In her mind, her parents didn't care what she wanted or how she felt. All they cared about was the greater good.

She swallowed the tears and sniffled. Thoughts of reaching out to Camille came to her mind. All she wanted was to stay indoors and vent to someone who understands. She grabbed her phone from the other end of the bed.

“Camille, do you mind coming over for a bit? Just tell my parents that you're here to wish me well on my wedding."

The pause on the other end of the line was already unsettling Emily.

“Hello?"

“Yeah? Wedding, Emily? You never told me about that. Is that what friends do to each other?"

Emily exhaled heavily and clenched her first.

“Just come over. I'll explain everything."

Emily hung up. Yes, Camille had been her friend from college. She still managed to squeeze out time from her busy schedule to attend all the parties and hangouts she was invited to. Yet everytime, Camille always tried to guilt trip her over very trivial things. They always ironed things out anyway though it took a lot of effort on her own part. She shook her head and sat up. She called the butler.

Emily lay back on her bed, wondering if her husband-to-be was elsewhere, getting ready for this wedding. She hoped she could be late and he would give up on her and cancel the wedding, perhaps.