Unforeseen Love

Chapter 3

Aimee was still in slumber as the clock struck 11:14am. The gentle light seeping through the window disturbed her peaceful rest. Slowly, she shifted to the other side of her bed, her eyes fluttering open. Fixated on the time displayed on the clock, she was jolted into awareness. Recalling her impending appointment at the prestigious art gallery, where she was required to present her masterpieces for client approval, she sprang into action.

Realizing she was late, she quickly picked up her phone which was on the edge of the bed. She phoned her friend Zoe who's in charge of storage in the art gallery.

Ringing…ringing…

“Hi Zoe…I'm really sorry I was unable to make it. I…I…am home sick suffering of constipation from last night. Could you pls help me reschedule. I promise to make it up to you”

"Hmmm…Aimee if you want the world to appreciate your talent you have to take these things seriously…but I think I can help with that. This is the last time I'm doing you a favor “ Zoe sighs!!

"Thank you very much Zoe I owe you one” Aimee feeling relieved

"Actually you owe me more than just one" Zoe smiles as she teases Aimee

Aimee laughing…”I know babe and I promise to make it up to you”

"Better, later girl” She hangs up.

Feeling relieved, she detected a delightful fragrance. Her stomach emitted a low rumble. Retrieving her robe from the sofa by the window, she hastened outside. As she descended the stairs, the scent intensified, and her stomach growled more urgently. Upon entering the dining room, her eyes fell upon a lavish spread consisting of a whole roasted chicken, crispy fries, a hearty beef soup, and a bountiful fruit display. She gazed in wonder at the array of dishes, when suddenly she observed some movement in the kitchen…

Mr Phillips, their family chef, came out holding some pancakes. Sees Aimee, pauses…

“Good morning Aimee"

“Chef Philips!! what are you doing here by this time of the day?" She asked, wearing a grin, looking surprised.

"Your father called this morning, asking me to come prepare breakfast for his lovely daughter. His words” he smiles as he walks to the table, placing the pile of pancakes next to the fries. And went back into the kitchen.

Aimee's stomach rumbled at the sight of the pancakes oozing with honey. Eager to indulge, she selected a pancake and savored her first bite. "Hmm... this is truly delightful."

Chef Phillips emerged from the kitchen, catching Aimee already enjoying her meal, and offered a warm smile. Carrying a platter with fried eggs and a bowl of rice, he placed it next to the fruit fountain. Serving Aimee a plate, he then retreated back into the kitchen.

Aimee recognized this gesture as her father's subtle way of influencing her, but she remained steadfast in her decision not to yield.

Aimee heard a knock on the door.

“Yes…I'm coming”

She looked at the screen by the door to see who it was. She smiles seeing it was Fatima, her friend.

The huge door creaks open revealing Aimee. Fatima screams

“My babyyy…” They both hugged tightly

“Wow, your hair is beautiful,” Aimee said as she carefully observed Fatima.

Fatima surpasses Aimee in height by an inch and boasts a slender figure. Often teased for her petite physique, she is humorously suggested to pursue modeling due to her graceful build.

Intrigued by a tantalizing aroma wafting through the air, Fatima hurriedly makes her way to the kitchen, playfully nudging Aimee aside. Upon entering, her eyes widened in amazement at the spread of food laid out on the table.

"Are we indulging in a lavish feast?"she inquires, turning to Aimee, who lingers behind her.

Aimee chuckles, "No, my father is simply trying to please me."

Amused, Fatima quips, "Could your father possibly adopt me as well?"before helping herself to a plate. As she takes a bite of the pancake, she exclaims, "Absolutely delightful."

Aimee nods in agreement, "Indeed, my sentiments exactly,"before settling back to savor her meal.

Demond and Agatha arrived at the airport. A chauffeur awaited their arrival at the hangar. "Good day, Sir...good day, madam,"the driver greeted as he assisted them with their luggage. "I adore this hue, it harmonizes beautifully,"Agatha remarked, appreciating the Rolls Royce leather seats.

As they journeyed further, Demond observed significant transformations in the city. Numerous towering edifices, new sculptures, and, most notably, a vast football stadium now stood where a beloved park from his childhood once thrived. The entrance featured a colossal football statue, exquisitely grand and intricately sculpted, leaving him utterly astonished.

“Sir, your father said I should take you to the office before taking you home”

“That's fine…but I need you to take her home as soon as you drop me off” Agatha interrupts… "No, I am coming with you” She places her hand on Demond's, staring into his eyes to show conviction. Demond nods back in affirmation.

In the office, Mr Bernard was having a chat with his head of security, Smith. Bernard is a member of the Repub political party. The party intends to elect a new party chairman which has made Bernard a bit upright, worried about his opponent he decides to investigate him to know about his dirty side so he can use it against him during the primaries.

“I want you to find out anything you can about him,” Smith nods in affirmation.

Bernard noticed Demond and a lady walking towards his door from the transparent glass walls of his office.

He signals Smith to leave.

Demond walks into the office wearing a grin as he sees his dad. Bernard smiles, stands to his feet to welcome his son. They both hugged

“My son…how have been” He retracts to have a proper look at his son

" You've grown a lot"

“Yes Dad, you haven't changed much either but I think you lost some weight” Both men smile. Bernard noticed Agatha and

Ohh…Dad this is Agatha my fiancee and Agatha this is my Dad.

“Good day Sir" Agatha stretches her hand towards Demond's dad for a handshake. Bernard's eyes sink deeply, displeased by what he just heard. He stares at Agatha in a condescending manner and ignores Agatha's hand. Shame envelopes her as she drops her hand and clenches them hard. She looks at Demond anticipating his next action but was surprised at his calmness

Demond was unhappy by his father's actions but wasn't surprised because he knew how rude his father can be.

“May!!!May…She hastily walks in…

“Yes sir"

“Kindly escort this young lady to the bar. I want to have alone time with my son”

Demond signals Agatha to obey by giving her a nod. Agatha's face reddens as she clenches her fist and walks behind May.

“Dad, what was that all about?” Demond asked but Bernard ignored the question…

“Can you remember five years ago, when this company was in ruin. In fact we almost went into bankruptcy. But then, suddenly it all went away. Can you remember my response that night when you asked me how I was able to save the company?”

“Yes, you said sometimes we have to make sacrifices to get to the top.

“That's right my son”

“But how does that explain this rejection?”

“Be patient son, I'm getting somewhere. It was Bush that invested into the company and saved it from bankruptcy. Before he invested we made a deal that 40% of the company's shares would be allotted to him and he specifically said that he wants you my son to wed his daughter Aimee.

This is the reason you wanted me to come back home…to hear this bullshit and then what…dump Agatha and magically fall in love with Aimee.

I know this might be hard for you but I need you to understand the repercussions in breaching the contract. He currently has the highest shares of the company and still has some shareholders in his pocket. This could cost me the company.

“But why don't you just pay him off so he can go? Or I can buy the company…”

Hmm…bernard smiles

Ben's oil has quite a number of contracts with our names written on them and these contracts are worth billions of dollars. It will take more than money to get rid of Bush. He might have been a good friend who came to my rescue when I had nothing but I think he has overstayed”. Bernard thought about the change of name Bush had suggested. His eyes get darker as greed envelopes him, feeling disgusted by Bush's idea.

Demond butts in…

“So what do we do?”

“I want you to play along…act like you are interested in his daughter. Buy her gifts, take her shopping…just do anything that will convince Bush that we are on the same page. I will take care of Bush myself.

And for the meantime, I don't want to see your so called fiance…until this whole thing is resolved

“Are you saying you don't want her to stay in the house?” Demond stares at his father's eyes in dissatisfaction.

“I don't care where she stays but I don't want her to be introduced as your fiance to anyone. Not until my plan is through”. He stretches his arm to get his glass of whiskey which was still on the table.

“Is that all?”

“Yes, for now “

Demond got up to take his leave.

“Thanks son” Bernard reluctantly said

Bernard gave him a nod in affirmation

Agatha, seated in the lounge on the 13th floor, sipping whiskey, was enveloped in a melancholic state following recent events. The memory of her intimate encounter with her ex that morning lingered in her mind. Despite her desire to cease this physical relationship with her ex, her heightened libido posed a challenge, compounded by Demond's demanding work schedule that left him unable to fulfill her needs.

Demond sat next to her and ordered a shot. “Babe…I'm really sorry…”

Agatha's eyes become teary as she pulls in Demond for a hug…tears roll down her cheek.

“Let's go home and I will explain everything to you” He pats her on the back.

Aimee was in her art studio arranging some of her finest pieces that she planned to submit to the museum the following day when she was startled by a thud. Her heart started racing as she realized she was alone at home, with Fatima and Chef Philips having left earlier. Curiosity piqued as she heard another loud noise, resembling the shattering of a delicate object. She reached for an award on the shelf, intending to use it for protection.

Moving cautiously through the corridor towards the staircase, Aimee descended the steps with precision, her senses heightened, trying to locate the source of the disturbance. Unable to determine the exact origin of the sound, she decided to make her way to the room housing the CCTV system, discreetly concealed behind the bar. The entrance, blending seamlessly with the wall, led to the CCTV room just before her father's office. A flicker of light emanating from her dad's office caused her heart to skip a beat. The office was always securely locked, automatically turning off all the lights. Intrigued by the unexpected illumination, she approached the slightly ajar door, feeling her pulse quicken. With one hand on the doorknob and the other tightly grasping the award, poised for defense, she tentatively pushed the door open, hoping not to encounter an intruder.