THE CRUEL CEO IS MY BABY DADDY

The wife of your youth

A black Mercedes-Benz pulled up to the front door of a beautiful mansion. It was quite secluded, a bit out of town. The house itself was huge, but pretty small when put in contrast to the surrounding land, all of which was owned by the Goslings. It had enough land around it to build a farm, do hunting activities, hide from intruders, you name it. In the back seat of the car, Killian Gosling sat with his iPad going through the activities of the week. With a schedule like his, it was hard to stay calm and not run mad.

His grandfather knew this. The goslings are an old aristocratic family, but in a sense they were new money. Undoubtedly, the Gosling family had a great deal of wealth in ancient society. But the family survived two world wars. By the time his grandfather was born, there was only enough for him to maintain his status and get a good education.

After finding out that the age long aristocracy that was his family had run into debt, he joined the army so as to avoid becoming a burden to the rest of the family’s finances. Only two years after his enlistment, he had to retire because his father, Kilian’s great-grand-father, had passed away.

He went home, got married, and together with his wife, built the beauty and entertainment empire now known as the Gosling Group. He had expected to have his hard-working mind set etched into his children’s personality. But to his great disappointment, not one of his sons showed the same determination. The older he got, the more anxious he became that the next generation of this bloodline would lose the power and influence he worked hard to build for them.

"Sir, we are here. Do you need me to come in with you?" Killian’s assistant asked as he opened the car doors for him to step out.

“No, wait here. Don't even go to the parking lot. Just wait at the front door. I'll only be in for a bit, and then I'll step right out." I replied as he fixed his suit and walked up the stairs into the oversize mansion.

His grandfather and grandmother stayed there but had extremely opposite hobbies. Grandma liked to spend hours in her garden plucking, weeding, pruning, watering and caring for her flowers like they were her own kids, while his grandfather preferred to read quietly in his study.

Killian walked straight to the study. That was where his grandfather would be at this time.

“You’re here, you're here early. I didn't expect to see you until about an hour from now on. Did something come up?" the old man in the s the old man and the seat ask.

“I don't know what you're talking about. I'm always early." he replied, bowing in respect and then taking a seat right opposite him." You wanted to see me? Is it urgent? I hope we can be done with it. I have a lot to do." No one would expect this to be the relationship between a grandfather and his grandson, which was very perfunctory. Business-like.

“Yes, well, it was not urgent . I told your assistant to take his time. Originally, the conversation was supposed to be about you and your marriage, but I just received a call from your uncle. He was wailing. You should be gentle to the board members. How could you call him by his first name? He is your uncle after all."

“He is just being hysterical because I called out his lies. He keeps trying to sabotage my work. This time he went and found some shady lab and tried to get board members to approve working with it. I asked him to prove to me why he was so sure about their product, and he practically lost it."

“Knowing you, he probably didn’t need to prove anything." The old man chuckled at his firstborn’s stupidity.

“You’re right, he didn't. Because, unlike my uncle, I am thorough. So I already knew he was trying to get us to contract Denver because he was promised shares in their company and with Denver working with us, their stock price would rise, and he would be able to own major shares in another company. That would be fine ordinarily, except he was in such a hurry to make a profit that he failed to see how this plan would fall out in the long run. a genius he is. That uncle of mine."

"Well, I knew that, and you did too. Relax. You should be gentle to your uncles. He complained that you called him Martin. He's your own uncle after all, at least add the title to his name.”

“Of course, he's my uncle. I will address him as such. But only when he has earned that respect from me. As of now. Martin is just a member of the board. Mr. Martin. Sounds better in my ears. I think that's what I'm calling from now on."

“Ha! of all my, my sons. It turns out only my grandson copied my demeanor. Good at least I feel safe with the company in your hands. But one thing needs to be discussed. Your marriage."

“Oh, not this again." Killian sighed, his index finger and thumb pinched his nose bridge as he sat there in frustration . He knew it was going to be a long talk, so it would be better to just shut up and listen quietly.

“Yes, this again. Everyone is complaining. This is part of the rules, and you are the very first chairperson to take over the board without having an entire family. We need to think about the future. Think about it, OK? Even if you work hard now. Even if you spend every waking hour toiling in the sun, it's useless. Because if you do not have children to take over, children that you will be able to train to see and do things the way that you do, then the company will fall in the hands of useless people like your uncles and their sons. And then what? All your hard work will go down the drain. You need to be like me. I had so many options of children and grandchildren. Because I didn't get married late. In fact, I had your father when I was 20, OK? And his younger brothers before I was 30." His grandfather rambled. It seems old age makes you talkative. The old man he knew growing up was a man of few words but there, he was spiraling on and on about marriage and children.

"You didn't have them, grandma did."

"Your grandmother and I are one, it doesn't matter who carried them."

"It actually does." An old lady's voice came from the door. “I see my grand baby is here. You're welcome, my baby. I have missed you. You should visit more.” She said, cupping his face. With her softly wrinkled hands.

"of course, Grandma. How has your health been? I hope you're taking your supplements." He rose and hugged her. When he was standing, his 6 foot 5 frame towered over almost everyone. He had a big physique, broad shoulders and a broad chest. Hugging his little over 5 foot 3 grandmother, made it look like she was being swallowed by him.

"Of course I am, my sweet boy. Don't worry about me.” She smiled at him. It was hard to believe her little boy had grown so big in almost no time. “I couldn't help but eavesdrop on the last part of the conversation. You said it doesn't matter that I spent months carrying children and hours of intensive labor, because we are one?" she addressed her husband with a glare. He tried his best to look away from her.

"Of course not, love. That's not how I meant it. You know that's not how I meant it. I'm. What I was talking about was his marriage. He's turning thirty-five. Not a single child. So now we're worried. They have rumors on the board. Are you gay?"

“What’s wrong with being gay? Killing replied in a taunting way, like he had a secret male lover somewhere. He knew that saying that would just trigger his grandfather, but he couldn't stop himself from annoying the old man. A bit.

“Nothing, certainly. But if you are, then you need to come out clean. At least you need to tell us, so we can know how to arrange it. Maybe you could get a surrogate and have children with her. Everyone has one of those test tube babies these days. I mean, you can adopt a child too. The point is we need you to give us great-grandchildren. And you need to start this now so that when you are my age, you can have A lot of competent people to choose from. Imagine if I had your father and his siblings when I was forty, That means everything in this timeline would be delayed by at least one decade. You would be too young to take over the company. I would be stuck with either having to overwork myself in my seventies. Or, get one of your incompetent uncles to do the job. It's important to have a family and to settle down while you're young, OK? You need to do it during your youth."

“He’s right, child. I mean, the Bible does say rejoice with the wife of your youth. Of course, we wouldn't be mad if it was the husband of your youth, but you need to give us something. You're not that young anymore. I also think it would be best for you to settle down now. I understand you were looking for a girl at some point. What happened to her?"

"She left the country." He replied coldly, a twinge of guilt tugging at his heart as his face delivered no emotion at all.

“That’s fine. Sometimes people we love can't be with us. When that happens we need to grieve, move on and try and meet someone else." his grandmother comforted him.

“That’s right. And it is for that reason that I have organized a bunch of blind dates. Over the course of six months, you will be going on twelve dates. Yes, so your assistant will have the information about these women and where to meet for the date. You should attend. Because if you miss anyone, I will take away 2% of your shares in the business. For every date that you miss, 2 percent shares will be deducted from you. After 12 missed dates, 24%, shares would be gone.” And there it was, the ultimatum. Suddenly, his grandfather was very recognizable. The ruthless businessman in him had never aged a day.

“Why do you really need to take such drastic measures?” Killain asked, trying to get sympathy from his grandmother. She just shrugged. She, too, had to agree with her husband on this. Kilian was her first grandchild. But, aside from his cousin, who was currently studying abroad, he was the only one who had not yet been wed. In fact, growing up, he had never shown any interest in women. For him, these things were too easy. He would date whoever he needed to date for business. But since he became chairman five years ago, things seem to have gotten worse. He wouldn't even take someone as a superficial date to an event. It was almost like he was afraid of hurting someone. The old lady could only pat her boy on the back. Who knows the weight of the burdens on his heart?

“Because I've been nice. I've spoken gently to you over the last couple of years, but you don't want to listen to me, so there you have it", kilian's grandfather continued. "Now, I’m speaking to you in the only language you are willing to understand. I certainly hope you know that these are no empty threats. As the founder of the company, I still have the power to take away your shares. Don’t push me to action.” he threatened Kilian more.

“I have a meeting to attend now. I'm going.” Kilian stated and rose from his seat. The decision had already been made, so, there was no need to argue. A confirmation was not necessary either, after all he didn’t have much of a choice.

“Can’t you stay for lunch?” his grandmother asked, saddened by his departure.

“Next time, nana, I promise”. He held her hands in his and kissed her on the cheek.

“Alright baby. Don't forget to eat something, dear.”

"The first date is in two weeks. Make sure to attend if you forget. I can't help you." his grandfather yelled as he left.

“Hi there, my name is Heather. I'm a designer. I'm supposed to be attending this event.” Heather said to a young receptionist at the entrance to the venue of the mixer.

"Oh yes, miss Heather Wayne? I see your name on the list. Could you please show me some identification? And I will help you get settled in."

“oh yeah, sure. Here is my ID, card.” she replied, handing her card to the little receptionist, who read through it a bit and then ushered her in.

"Yes, OK. Thank you so much for your help. I will show you in. this way miss."

Heather walked slowly into the beautiful hall that was hosting over 12 different design companies from across the world Gosling textiles really didn't play when they decided they were willing to pick someone. They would only go for the best. Even if they were not a household name.

The mixer was just an opening party, a lot would need to be done over the next few weeks before the winner is decided. So for the first day everyone was just required to acquaint themselves with each other and it was not anything important or set up. Everyone was just required to mingle and get to know each other as designers as well as the company. In the days that would follow, they would take turns showing their designs and their plans for the project. The event had a cocktail party type of vibe and Heather had her first glass of champagne as she walked around, trying to look for someone that she could network with.

Around the same time, Kilian walked in. The purpose of this measure was simple. His presence would serve as a welcome for the designer and show his approval of project Cupid. It would also embed in the minds of all there that he expected it to be a corruption-free and impartial selection for all participants.

As he walked in, his eyes were taken by a figure in the distance, a woman in a powder pink blouse over cream beige formal trousers. Everyone here was dressed almost the same way. It wasn’t some red carpet anyway so there was really no need for anyone in attendance to go overboard with their attire.

This woman, she was not dressed extravagantly the color parten she had chose for her outfit was nothindg special, yet it seemed to have caught his attention. So he walked towards her. And as he slowly approached her, he noticed something stuck in her hair. Instinctively he reached out to take it out. His sudden movement must have startled her. Because the minute she felt his hand on her head, she spun around and spilled the red wine in her glass all over his white shirt.

“Oh my God, I'm so sorry.” She gasped, grabbing the attention of almost everyone else in the hall. Now, everyone else was gasping as well. A few of the people could recognize Killian to be the CEO. And even though she had not known who he was, looking around was good enough for her to realize that he must be someone of great importance. So she scrambled to get tissues to clean up his shirt all the while not even bearing to look up at him.

Killian, however, was not too worried about the wine or the shirt. He was rather more interested in seeing the face of this woman in an attempt to understand why he felt so drawn to her. So as she scrambled to wipe his shirt, he kept trying to get a glimpse of her face. And he did, for a brief moment, catch a glimpse of her. She's the woman that he had spent five years looking for. The one that he had had a one night stand with. The one that he had greatly misunderstood.

“Heather?” He called out in a very soft voice. As if doubting himself. As if in