THE ONE FOR BLAIR

CHAPTER TWO

“I’m meeting him today?!” Blair yelled as she got out of bed quickly.

Her dad had just come to wake her up telling her she would be late for her meeting with Jason Lee if she kept sleeping.

After getting ready as quickly as possible and putting all the important documents in her work bag, she took her car and headed there quickly, hoping to be right on time as she couldn’t be any earlier.

The grandeur of the penthouse atop the towering skyscraper was a sight to behold. It was here that Amelia found herself, nerves thrumming beneath her skin as she stepped into the opulent foyer, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She smoothed down her dress and could feel her heart racing with trepidation.

Seated behind an ebony desk, the man who held her future and the future of her family in his hands exuded an aura of power that was almost palpable. He didn’t look his age and she wasn’t surprised as he was a very wealthy man. He was probably on strict diets and worked out every other day, she thought to herself. His shrewd gaze bore into her as she approached, sending shivers down her spine. He was the scion of an industry, a ruthless billionaire tycoon known for his unyielding resolve and cutthroat business tactics.

“Miss Cornwell,” he greeted, his voice a low rumble that resonated with authority.

“Mr Lee,” she responded, mustering a smile that barely concealed her uneasiness.

“My apologies concerning your sister's death. My heart goes out to your family at this trying time.”

She nodded, mumbling a silent thank you, and Jason could see that she was still struggling with the loss.

They sat across from each other at the expensive table, their eyes locked in a silent yet loud battle of wills.

It was Jason who broke the tension first.

“Shall we get down to business?” he proposed, his tone clipped and businesslike.

She nodded, steeling herself for the negotiations ahead. “Yes, let’s begin.”

They delved into the intricate details of their impending union, discussing everything from financial assets to familial expectations. Blair found herself navigating an array of terms and conditions, each one more intimidating than the last. Despite all that, she held her ground, determined not to let her nerves get the best of her.

As the meeting moved on, she noticed Jason kept making passive, snide glances at her which thickened the air with an unspoken challenge. It was as if they were engaged in a silent battle that no one could visibly see. It felt as if they were each trying to outmaneuver each other.

“And now, onto the matter of our personal arrangement,” Jason interjected, his eyes locking with hers, seeing through Blair’s facade.

She paused, her heart pounded but still tried to maintain composure. “What do you propose?” She asked, her voice steady.

He leaned forward, his eyes concealing all emotion. “I expect complete loyalty and discretion from you, Miss Cornwell,” he declared, his tone firm and final.

Blair nodded, her resolve hardening as she met his gaze. “And I expect honesty and respect in return,” she clapped back.

A flicker of admiration flashed across Jason’s features before it was quickly replaced with his steely gaze.

“Agreed,” he said, a hint of respect lacing his words.

As the meeting drew to a close, and they rose from the table, she knew the road ahead would not be easy. Still, she believed she would persevere.

When Blair Cornwell had left his office, Mark Darnell, Jason’s confidante, snuck in after watching her get in the elevator.

“Was that her?” He asked his friend who was packing up some documents.

“You know that was her,” Jason said with a smirk on his face.

“Ooh, she’s a cute one!” Mark exclaimed. He looked at his dear friend. “Still not cute enough to make you settle down though, is she?”

Jason gave a knowing chuckle, one that Mark knew all too well.

“It’s just going to be business with her. I’m twice her age, Mark. Even if I did want to settle down.”

“Which you don’t,” Mark interjected, crossing his arms in front of him and resting on the door.

He rolled his eyes and continued, “Even though I wanted to settle down, she’s far too young.”

“So you know she’s far too young, yet you still want to marry her?”

“Well it’s not my fault her sister died.” Jason said. “Marie’s age was much more preferable. At least with her, I know the business papers wouldn’t have the guts to write what they wrote about me this morning.”

The New Jersey Papers had written a short segment on Jason Lee’s arranged marriage with Blair Cornwell, indirectly calling him a pedophile among other things.

“Was it that bad? I’ve not read it,” said Mark.

“They outright called me a pedophile for goodness! Yes it was that bad.”

Jason sighed and sat on his couch.

“You should read it. It was absolutely horrible. i***t reporters and i***t journalists are always pulling one stunt or the other. If I decide to put a baby in her, they’ll write something even more disdainful.”

“You speak about her as if she’s not human. What do you mean by putting a baby in her? You can’t possibly be thinking of getting her pregnant are you?” Mark asked, leaning close. He knew his friend was crazy and ruthless, but he didn’t think he’d be outright wicked to the girl.

“I said if. Hold your horses,” Jason said, rolling his eyes. “And so what if I decide to? She will be my wife after all, therefore her body will be mine.”

“I’m sure that wasn’t agreed upon in the terms and conditions.”

“It wasn’t. Not really. But things can be tweaked, can’t they?” Jason said, smirking again.

Mark shook his head. This was why he was happily married to his wife of twenty years with three children and Jason was still single. Sometimes he wondered why they were friends in the first place, but then he often remembered Jason needed someone with morals, else all hell would break loose in the company, and in his family.

“They can’t. The least you could do is to keep your promise to this girl. She literally lost her sister a week ago, and now she’s faced with the rather daunting reality of getting married to you.” Mark said harshly.

Jason knew his friend was already agitated and simply nodded his head.

“But I don’t know what you want me to do. You don’t want me to play around with other women when I’m with her, and you also don’t want me to get her pregnant, so what’s the point?”

Mark shook his head, coming to the realization that his friend’s outlook on women was a poor one.

“Personally, I want you to settle down. You’re not getting any younger.”

Jason rolled his eyes at that statement and chuckled.

“This again.”

“But if you don’t want to settle down, that’s fine. Carry on with your women, but don’t do it to the detriment of her reputation. Go about it discreetly.”

“And when have I ever not been discreet?”

They both immediately locked eyes and Jason shook his head, pointing at his friend. “Don’t answer that.”

“Mmhm,” Mark said, sighing. “I’ll get back to work. Take my advice.” He said, leaving the room, knowing fully well Jason wouldn’t.