Terms of the Heart

“Well, Karla, you know what’s at stake in this matter. This marriage is important for the company’s future,” Greg’s voice crackled through the phone speaker. “I’ll figure something out, Grandfather. You’ve just got to have confidence in me,” Karla said with a sigh, struggling to make herself sound believable. As he spoke, Greg’s gruffness melted away and he said, “I trust you, my dear Karla but we don’t have much time left.” She shut her eyes, feeling his words’ heaviness. “What do you think about it, Ms. Randolph?”, one of the board members asked and snapped Karla back to reality. She sat up straight swiftly, switching her thoughts to focus on the business meeting. Karla Randolph was seated at the head of a highly polished mahogany conference table; her steely blue eyes were unwavering. For a moment, she’d almost lost track of everything else after hearing her grandfather’s outrageous condition of marrying within a year or giving up control over Randolph Holdings. She clenched her teeth, refusing to let the burden of her sentiments and problems be seen on her unassuming face. “Our primary goal is to secure the international partnership. It’s important for our growth and expansion. I will personally make sure that we secure this deal,” Karla affirmed assertively. The board members nodded in unison, mesmerized by her determination. As the meeting was going on, Karla’s phone vibrated, “Charity Auction Tonight” in bold letters displayed on the screen. A good opportunity had presented itself to finalize an international deal and save herself from a personal dilemma. “I guess I’ll be killing two birds with one stone,” she mumbled. ---- Liam stared angrily at the empty canvas; his creative block being one of the major causes of his seeming frustration. He felt more worried about scattered paint tins all over his floor and unpaid bills stacked high on his desk. Why can’t things go well for him, even if it’s just once? What was he doing wrong? These were the questions that swirled around inside him as he lifted his brush slowly up and down, occasionally glancing at his watch. “It is 3pm now; an hour before pizza deliveries peak. Just another day, just another chore… And my back aches so bad from riding that damn bike every day! Anyway, let me…” The loud ringing of his phone interrupted his thoughts. Letting out a sigh, he saw the name of his friend and biggest supporter on the screen. A smile instantly spread across his face as he greeted "Hey " "Hi, Liam Moore. There's a charity auction happening at Muse & Palette art gallery. The owner called to see if I wanted to display my artwork. I had to decline since I'm helping my mom with her fundraiser on the other side of town. However, I mentioned you to him and recommended you for the opportunity. So... you've got the gig now mate. I'll send over the invitation to your email shortly. It's an event with many important people attending so this could be your moment to shine. I'll swing by your place in an hour with a tuxedo borrowed from my brother. I know you'd use not having something to wear as an excuse so consider it sorted. Get ready sir," Natalie rushed through before ending the call, leaving Liam stunned. Liam smiled at his phone. “She didn't even let me speak. Typical Natalie. I guess I have to call in sick at the pizza place today,” he said as he jumped to his feet, knocking over a tin of yellow paint. “Oops! Now I have to replace that. Another expense added to my list.” ___ Karla paced her office, her mind replaying the conversation with her grandfather again. She stopped and stood staring out the window. Her phone buzzed again with another reminder for the charity auction. Her heart felt heavy. She sighed because she knew very well how hard her grandfather's resolve can be. “He’s stubborn. Nothing I say will change his mind. It's marriage or nothing,” she said as she adjusted her blazer, her gaze hardening. Almost immediately, her assistant knocked and glided into the office with a thick stack of urgent documents. “Ma'am, you definitely need to see this,” she said as she placed a financial report on the desk. Karla's eyes widened as she scanned the pages. “This can't be real. How could this happen?” she muttered. “I don't know ma'am but somehow it's all over the news.” “What? Grandfather was right. Our investors no longer trust my decisions so they're pulling out. All because I'm a woman and unmarried? This is crazy. I have to act fast,” she fumed as she stormed out of the office. Her grandfather's ultimatum now seemed more insurmountable than ever. ___ “Here, put this on. You need to eat too. Have this,” Natalie chided, handing Liam a sandwich and the tuxedo. He smiled subtly, thankful for her presence amidst the chaos and instability of his life. Deep down, he felt the chance of his art being recognized was very slim but then, Natalie Dawson is always right- always been, always will be. “Thanks, Nat. You're the best.” Liam picked up the newspaper at his doorstep. “Trouble looms as Randolph Holdings loses its biggest investor to rival company, Reed's Enterprise. Wait, is that not the company sponsoring the auction?” Liam questioned as he read out the headlines. “Yeah, it’s either they don't want to lose face in the public eye or it's a ploy to attract potential investors. You know how these big shot companies run their stuff,” Natalie answered as she glanced at the stack of bills on Liam's desk, her eyebrows creasing with worry. “Don't bother yourself with their problems. They always have a way to sort them out. After all, they're rich. As for you, seize whatever chance you get at the auction. Go with your best work. Blow your own trumpet as loud as you can. Do not present yourself as inferior and most of all, do not even bat an eyelid when discussing any offer.” Liam nodded with determination rising in him. He looked in the mirror and adjusted his tie. “You're right. It is my time.”