Forced to Love the CEO

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Meeting Brian

Brian Eastwood was a businessman. He was the man in charge of the business operations at the company. A silver-haired giant, he was feared and respected for being cold, hard-nosed, and a w***e when it came to business. He was also one of the wealthiest men in New York City. He was why people insisted that this particular fashion show couldn't have been all about a man's suit.

"I'm so sorry," Jenn stuttered." 'I didn't mean to bump into you." Brian finally looked up at her; his eyes resembled ice, and he nodded with approval. 'Thanks for the apology,' he said, 'but it's unnecessary.' His voice sounded wind-edged and commanding.

Jenn was not quite intimidated but curious about this man. Growing up, she'd heard stories about Brian Eastwood, but now, before her, he was a different person. There was something intoxicatingly powerful and coolly confident about Mr. Eastwood that opened up new possibilities for her.

"Are you enjoying the show?" Brian asked, breaking the silence.

"Yes, they're impressive," Jenn said, smoothing her voice.

“The designs are very beautiful." Brian shifts his gaze to the gown they're standing next to. "What do you think of this thing?" he asks, his voice flat.

Jenn looked at the dress for a few moments. 'It's great,' she said. 'The detail and the fabric… it's something else. It's classic and modern at the same time. I love those wide straps and those thin, tall flowers on the skirt. The smoooth keepaage. Real good stuff." Brian raised an eyebrow. "So what do you think?' he asked. “Seems a bit of an expert in fashion to me."

"I do my small line," Jenn said, "I'm a fashion designer." She laughed and looked back at the stage as though sorry she had intruded. "Of course, it's nothing like what they're showing here, but I love it." Brian nodded thoughtfully. "Passion is important. It's what drives us to succeed." He replied.

She was too disheartened to hope, but his words sent something like a tiny flame to light up the hope in her heart. Perhaps Brian Eastwood was more than the vicious shark cutthroat of commerce he was rumored to be. "Yes," she said, "that's always kept me sending."

Their discussion stopped when they heard someone call Brian's name. It was a man who looked as if he was dressed in his Sunday best. He looked surprised to see Brian. "Brian, I didn't expect to see you here," the man said, extending a hand.

Brian nodded, picked up the man's hand, and, smilingly, said: 'I couldn't help but peek. I was just curious to see how the other half lives." The man chuckled and glanced at Jenn. "And who might this be?" He inquired, looking at Jenn.

"This is Jenn Denver," Brian introduced her. "She's a fashion designer."

"Pleasure to meet you, Jenn," he said. 'Richard, one of Brian's business associates."

"The pleasure is mine," Jenn replied, shaking Richard's hand.

As the men launched into their business discussion, Jenn felt sidelined, and just as she was about to excuse herself, Brian turned back to her. "Jenn, may I talk to you alone for a moment?"

"If it's about taking me up to your room, you'll have to dream on. That room's filled up," she said, laughing at her wit.

Brian chucked "I'd like to talk to you later. Tonight, say, over a drink?"

Jenn was surprised by the invitation but nodded. "Sure, that sounds nice."

Brian smiled slightly. "Great. I'll find you after the show."

Brian and Richard gave a half turn and disappeared, leaving Jenn a bit dizzy and thinking, "I have met Brian Eastwood, and he wants me to have a drink with him. What! Is this real? She muttered.

The show's second half began, and Jenn considered running away when her mind wandered back to Brian and the boredom in her small, simple brown apartment. I can actually wait to talk with him. She muttered. After the show, Jenn went to the bar area to look for Brian. He was there within moments, already holding an alcoholic beverage and wearing an abstract expression.

"Thank you for waiting," Brian said as he approached her. "It's good to have you along."

"Of course," Jenn replied, taking the glass he presented. "Tell me about yourself."

Brian chuckled softly. "Most people ask. But tonight, I'd rather hear more about you."

Jenn raised an eyebrow in surprise. "About me? There's not much to tell."

"I'm having trouble believing that," Brian responded, putting down his drink. "When you said things were tough, what did you mean by that?"

Jenn hesitated for a minute, not knowing how much to tell. But from Brian's eyes, she could tell she could be all right and talk a little.

"It's my brother,' she said." He's been accused of embezzlement in his office . I know he didn't do it, but we can't afford to pay the lawyers to defend him."

Brian's expression softened slightly. "That's a difficult situation. I'm sorry to hear that."

"Thank you," Jenn said softly. “, I don't know how else to help him." She continued.

Brian sat for a long moment, clearing his throat. "What if I told you I could help?"

Jenn looked at him in surprise. "Help? How?"

"I can pay your way and get you a lawyer for your brother," Brian said, "And I will get something for you if you will help me out with something."

Jenn's pulse quickened. That wasn't her idea at all. She didn't even believe what she was hearing. "What favor?" she inquired.

Brian's eyes locked onto hers, his expression serious. "I need a wife."

Jenn blinked in shock, her mind raced to process his words. "A wife? Why?"

"It's complicated," Brian replied, the tone in his voice was firm and resolute. "But believe me when I say we will both benefit from this. And that means the same thing.'

Jenn looked at him. This wasn't what she signed up for! 'Shall I lower my dress a little and take you to those girls?' She teased.

“Think about this, Jenn, this arrangement will be a temporary one, you get what you want, I do the same, then we divorce and both have our freedoms.” Brian pressed further.

Jenn thought for a while, could she take a man she hardly knew as her husband to save her brother? What kind of absurdity was that? David in prison – she couldn't bear the thought. She needed to think

about it.

"What's your answer, Jenn?" Brian asked, his voice low but urgent.