Lexi : Scorned Childhood Love

Theodore (Theo) Radcliff

Theo POV

At 28 years old, he was ready to take over for his father. The family owned a very successful law firm and Theo was one of their top earners. Winning almost every case he tried. He wanted more though, he wanted to be at the top and have everyone know who he is and how important he is. Not that they didn't know who he was, he was a Radcliff after all, but it wasn't the same as being the man on top. He was actually getting ready to head to a meeting to discuss his ascension. He was tired of waiting and was going to demand his father at least give him a timeframe. He had just gotten out of the shower and dressed in a tailored Armani suit. Going to the mirror, he ran some mouse through his dirty blonde locks, but giving it the run through messy look. All the ladies loved the messy look and his eyes, they would comment on the blue. He was ready and just needed to shoot a text to his love, let her know he was going to work for their future.

T:Hey babe, heading to a meeting with parents, going to get us what we need

Candy: So a ring should be expected soon!

Theo didn't respond to her. He didn't know what to say. Yes, Candy Roberts, his long-time girlfriend, was expecting more. He wanted to give her everything she wanted, but his parents did not approve of her at all. Called her a gold digger just because her day job was as a waitress in a gentleman club. They wanted him to marry someone from a well-to-do family. They wanted him to marry that little twit he used to have to be friends with. Lexi, he would have to see her on Saturday and pretend once again he was her long-time friend. It wasn't that she was a bad person or even bad to converse with, but he hated her. He was always an obedient son, so at 15, when they demanded he look out for little Lexi, he did, but because of it he had to be teased for helping and missing out on so much a normal high school boy should be doing. I didn't totally miss out, I had so much fun, but it wasn't the same I had to worry about baby sitting a stupid love-sick 5-year-old. How pathetic! He wanted to take over the company and marry Candy and didn't want to be stuck with babysitting a little girl anymore.

Leaving his condo, Theo gets in the black sedan his parents sent for him. They were to have dinner at his family's estate, which was located in upstate New York. They were definitely your stereotypical rich snob, at least in the eyes of anyone watching. They were loving in their home but outside it was all about appearances. After all, what crazy rich businessman would put his legal business in the hands of us?

The sedan dropped him off at the front entrance and the butler, yes, an actual butler, answered the door and showed him the way to the dining area. Both his parents were seated and awaiting his arrival. He was an only child, so he was all they had. His mother was in her early 50s, but his father was in his mid 60s. He never questioned their age gap because you could see just how much they loved and cared for one another.

"Oh Sweety, how wonderful to see you, it has been so long. Please sit, they will be bringing the first course out soon." His mother almost sang to him in her perfect hostess voice.

"I didn't really come here to eat, mother. Father knows why I am here and that is all I'm looking to do. I'm 28. How long are you going to make me wait? I know that you are ready to retire. Enjoy mom a bit before you kick the bucket!" Theo snarled towards his mother.

"Well, son, I was hoping we could enjoy a meal together as a family. Your mother has missed you. Seeing as that isn't going to happen, sit, eat, and I will tell you my requirements for your promotion should you not do what I say, you won't receive the company. I will find someone more worthy and be done with it". Theo's father commanded him this time, so Theo, like the obedient son he had always been, sat and was ready to hear what was to be said.

"Fine Father, tell me what I need to do. It will be done. I am ready to step up." He huffed, exasperated, knowing that whatever his father said would be law. It was the way it always was.

"You must get married, and not to that floozy you are dating right now. She is nothing but a gold digger, and that I know to be true. I would prefer you marry Alexandria. She is very intelligent and from a very influential family. It would be a good union to think about it. But if not her, someone of her caliber. You have to actually try to be happily married. I will never accept Candy Roberts, so get her out of your head. Get married and after the honeymoon I will hand over the firm and retire. What say you?" His father once again commanded.

"I am in love with Candy, and she is not a gold digger. Why treat her less just because of where she comes from or what her family is worth? I love her and want to marry her!" Theo was shouting towards his father.

"That's fine my boy, then you won't receive the company. The choice is yours. I have given you my stipulations. Any other bride aside from Alexandria would have to be approved. We are done, and your mother is upset. You need to leave! Thank about it and let me know your decision. You are still required to attend Alexandria's party on Saturday, so we will see you there. I want your decision by then and don't bring that thing with you as a date either." His father was finished and he waved him off. The butler was there to make sure he exited the estate.

Theo had no idea what he was going to do now. He was in love with Candy, so maybe he just needed to give up running the company. He wasn't going to be forced to just marry someone or Lexi! He would text her and let her know that they were going to get married but her wouldn't be head of the firm.

T:Hey babe, so we can get married, but there is bad news about it.

C: Yes, about time we could get married. So when is the old man retiring?

T: That's the bad news. If I choose you, then I can't get the company

C:OMG! Your dad hates me. I knew it. You can't not get the company. We have to figure out another way. Can't you just marry some dumb girl your family likes and just pretend? But still love and be with me? At least until you get company, then you can divorce her.

T: I couldn't do that to someone. How can I pretend to get someone to love me enough to marry me and then break their heart?

C: What about that little girl that followed you around? Your dad loves her. She should be an adult by now right? Who cares if you hurt that thing, and she already loves you, so it wouldn't be hard to get her to marry you!

Theo thought Candy would be happy. He was willing to give everything up for her. She loved him so much, so she was willing to do anything for him. She really was the perfect woman and he was considering her suggestion. He definitely could convince Lexi he cared about her and that he loved her. Hell he had to go on honeymoon so he would get a taste of her now that she is an adult. Something to pay him back for all the years he spent as a babysitter. So let's get to Saturday. The sooner he could convince Lexi to marry him, the closer he was to being able to get everything he ever wanted. Life was going his way finally!