Exquisite Romance

I walked into the Anderson's boardroom with calculated steps. I was ready to take up Dad's position in the group. Unfortunately and kind of fortunately, he passed away during the early hours of the morning. The atmosphere was... cold. Everyone seated here hates me. Funny how I was going to be asking for their votes. I had to be the next Chairperson. I made myself comfortable on the late chairman's chair making everyone fix their gaze on me, waiting for an explanation. "My Dad won't be coming..." I was still saying but the murmuring in the room made me stop. My cold eyes wandering around the room, it stopped on Mrs Martins who looked like she had a lot to say. "You have something to say?" I asked, my voice taut. She matched my stare before breaking away after a long while, nodding negatively. "At least, not yet" she mummbled, loud enough for everyone in the boardroom to hear. "Good. Clarissa?" I beckoned to my personal assistant and when she was close enough to hear me, I ordered her to pass the meeting agenda around. "My Dad died this morning and according to his will, I'm to inherit his shares. His lawyer would be here soon. Currently I don't have the highest share. But the next time we'd be meeting, try to come with a wine and be sure whose side to pick." With that I stood up wanting to leave the boardroom when my Dad's Lawyer stepped in, stopping me on my track. He spoke up before I could. "There's a clause as regards your Dad's share being yours after his death." I didn't know him. I just know he's some dude called Mr David or something. His voice was loud enough for everyone present to hear. Oof I'm embarrassed. Once I become Chairwoman, he's definitely going to lose his job. My heart sank as his statement registered, I hope it's something I'll be able to do. I nodded for him to continue his statement. The atmosphere in the room changed, I could see the lopsided smile on some of the faces of the board members. This position isn't going to slip out of my hand, as long as I'm not in a similar position with Dad. "...produce a positive pregnancy result within the next one month after his death." That was all I could pick from his statement. What the f**k?! Is this old man kidding? Not even me getting married or some other weird stuff like that. Thank goodness he's dead, I'd have tried killing him myself. I didn't let my expression falter or give them any hint of what was going on in my head. "Is that all?" I asked, my expression calm and void of any look whatsoever. Mr David who shows nothing but indifference towards me, even while my father was still alive seemed taken aback at my response. "Ye.. yes, yes." He stuttered avoiding my eyes. I headed out of the boardroom, the tip of my gold stiletto heels hitting the ground softly. Clarissa and some other members of staff followed closely behind me. "Prepare a private meeting with all of the board members. Spread it throughout next week. What's next?" "Okay ma'am. You have a meeting with the CEO of Walmart Enterprises." She replied trying to match up with my walking pace. "Mitchelle? What's it about again?" "You decided to celebrate the success of your just concluded project together and hope to work again soon." We already made our way to the ground floor. The members of staff were still trailing. It's only normal they see me off right? They should if they don't enjoy anyone messing with their paycheck. "Call to cancel it, my father just died." I stated my voice icy as always. "Ma'am...." Clarissa says softly, pursing her lips. "Anything else on my schedule today?" "Yes, the grand opening of the boutique is by 3pm." "When's my flight? Do you have my suitcase packed?" "At exactly 10am, yes ma'am. Just what you need." Daniel, my bodyguard was there to open the car door for me. I got inside my car, totally unconcerned with the bowing heads of the staffs and Clarissa. "Take me to Michelle. I should say hi" The ride to the restaurant wasn't so long. I got off my car with my phone in my hand and headed inside the five star restaurant. Fernando's was boldly written in front. An attendant was at my side, taking me to the reservation under my name. Mitchelle was already waiting. She was dressed in a black glittery gown. "You're late". Was her first sentence. "You're early." I sat down and ordered some Risotto alla Fernando, a creamy risotto with mushrooms and truffle oil. "Congratulations to us" She said breaking the peaceful silence in the room. "And just how do I get pregnant within the next one month?" I thought. "What?" Mitchelle asked looking appalled. I didn't say that out loud, did I? I should really get going. My mind isn't in one piece. "Oh it's nothing... Just business. I'd be leaving now. I have something to attend to. Have fun" I was out of the door before she could even mutter a word. I just care about the company, that's the only reasons why I showed up. She's useful to the growth of the company, that'all. I don't really care about riffraff's like her. She'd never be able to measure up to me any way. And the company I care so much about is asking for a freaking pregnancy result. Or it's not actually the company asking but my Dad. Goodness, goodness!!! I'm loosing my mind at this rate. I got the airport and without much stress, I was directed to the first class boarding lane. Just me. Yeah, I had Clarissa book every seat. I'd hate to seat with rich commoners. The uniformed air hostess took my orders and served me steak and champagne. I got to my Dad's penthouse in Switzerland and had a very refreshing bathe. The boutique launching event started not so long after I arrived and all they really needed me was for the official opening and the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon to mark the official opening. I walked around after the whole official works were done, three assistant following closely behind me. I rounded up the jewelry and my eyes caught a set. A very classy one. 'pregnancy test' A voice in my head reminded me. Damn, I need a break. "Pack that up and have it delivered to me while I figure out this pregnancy s**t" "Okay ma'am" She answered moving along to pack up the set I had just picked out. I finally got to the dress section. Hmm, I didn't like a lot of what I saw, but I bought it anyway. Heard it's some sort of good luck when you buy things from someone first at the exact price or something around that line. Not sure. Shop until you drop? Definitely not me, I made my way out of the boutique, the manager and some other attendants trailing behind me. They bowed respectfully when my car moved out of the parking lot. * * * * Finally...I was in my room, on my Queen-sized bed in New York of course. As I laid on my bed , the reality of Dad's departure finally set in. The lonely feeling that I'd always felt rubbed in a lot more now knowing that he wasn't going to randomly drop in to apparently catch me with a man. Funny man, I guess. I mean he wasn't the best Dad but at least he'll call once in every 4 months just to tell me to reduce the way I spend his money and get a life for myself. That was way before I started working in his company, obviously. Honestly, I tried to force the tears but not even a drop fell off my eyes. He just wasn't there when I needed him, same as my tears, please. I rolled on the bed trying to get some sleep but yeah, I have insomnia, and I quit seeing my therapist two years ago. The dude wasn't helping one bit. I'm exhausted and I really need to sleep. It took a while but I finally did sleep and like 2 hours later, I lied awake, not able to fall asleep again. It was just 1AM in the morning, goodness. I've been battling with insomnia since my mum left. I woke up one morning and she was just gone. Twelve year old me woke up all night waiting for her to come back knocking on the door the next night, and the next night after. Now, my staying awake isn't about her, but it started because of her. My Dad wasn't around when she left, just the Nanny, someone very special to me. He apparently was on some business trip. When he got back, he was with Sophie Walker, some weird woman whom he introduced as my step-mum. Business trip? Oh please! He didn't say a word about Mum. I didn't ask. I do wonder if she'd come for his funeral. He's still her ex-husband after all. I busied myself with my work till my alarm finally rang indicating it was time to get dressed and go to my father's company like he didn't just die yesterday. "Good morning ma'am" Clarissa greeted when I got downstairs. I answered with a curt nod. "The late Chairman's funeral has been scheduled to happen tomorrow. Would that be okay with you?" She asked grabbing my coat and bag for me. "Sure. Tomorrow's a Friday." I said not talking to anyone in particular. I'd better prepare how to force the tears before those God damn reporters tomorrow, if I didn't want to see my family and the company dragged online for my ruthlessness. And I do have to get ready to face the stupid people I'm related to. Whew!