Chapter Twelve — Really Not Interested

Will’s POV:

I was about to ask Irene to join me for lunch at the King’s place as a treat for her first day at work when Ike interrupted and said I had an urgent call from my dad. I rushed out immediately. My dad never calls while I am at work and if he was calling it was certainly urgent.

“Hello, Dad"

“Will, have you made your decision yet?"

“What decision dad?"

“About Megan and your marriage"

“Now? Dad I don’t know if I am ready to make the decision now"

“You have to do it now so I’d know what to tell her parents when they come over for dinner tonight"

“They are coming over for dinner?"

“Yes. Because Megan just flew in and will be coming over with them as well"

I let out a sigh. I can’t believe I have to do this now “Okay, Dad. Yes, I will Marry Megan."

“Hmm, okay then. Don’t miss dinner. Be there by 8 pm."

“Yes sir,” I replied.

I don’t know why a part of me was against the decision I just made. Like I was going to regret it, But the Megan I know used to be a good person and if truly she really likes me then we should be able to make things work without any problem.

The day went by fast. I was quite busy with a lot of things in the office so I couldn’t talk to Irene and apologize for rushing out on her. I already had three missed calls from Megan but I didn’t answer the call because I knew she would talk for long and I didn’t want such distraction at work.

*****

It was thirty minutes to the dinner and I was just getting to my dad’s place. I had set a timeline for getting a certain project done and today was the deadline, I didn’t want to take it home so I stayed at the office till I was done.

I would opt out of this dinner and just go to my house because of how exhausted I feel, but that would only break dad’s heart and I already said yes, I can’t go back on my word. I rushed to my room immediately and found something presentable to wear for the dinner.

“Sir, they are here” one of the maids said.

“Alright, I would be down in a minute"

I got down so see them already seated at the dining, I turned my gaze to Megan immediately and our eyes lock as she also had her gaze focused on me. She stood up and walked over to give me a hug.

“I’ve missed you so much Will” she wrapped her hands around my neck and placed a soft kiss on my cheek.

“You look great” I replied as we parted. She looked just as beautiful as always.

“Thank you” she smiled as she walked back to her seat and I followed taking the seat beside her.

“Look at you! You’re all grown now,” Mrs. Brown said from across the table. I didn’t give a reply and just smiled and nodded.

“So how has taking over been for you? Any challenges so far?” Mr. Brown said.

“Oh, well. It has all been going smoothly” I smiled. Not like I could tell him what my challenges were. Getting married to his daughter before I could become the CEO officially was one of the biggest challenges, but I was pretty sure he wouldn’t want to hear that.

“Great. Maybe Megan could come learn a thing or two about managing a company at your place before I hand over to her"

“Oh, that would be nice” I laughed. A fake laugh obviously.

So agreeing to marry her wasn’t enough, they want her to be all up in my face. I know it’s not about her learning to manage a company but they feel we would get to know each other better, But at work? How do these people think?

The rest of the dinner was boring and all about Megan, the company, Myself and our relationship. I wish parents wouldn’t make decisions for their kids and let them freely decide what they want to do with their lives.

*****

I got to the office with a migraine. I thought about my decision to marry the Brown’s daughter all night and she was to resume work at my company the following week. It was almost lunch time. Maybe I could make up for bailing on Irene and still treat her to lunch. I invited her to lunch in a note and asked Ike to go deliver it to her.

I was a bit late to the restaurant, and by the time I got there, Irene was already being questioned by Mrs. Grace, one of the executives and one hell of a busybody. I wonder where dad got most of these people from. I watched and was hoping Irene would tell her that she was with me but she stuttered and didn’t know what to say.

“She’s with me” I uttered. Grace didn’t give a reply and made her way to a table far from I and Irene.

“That was close” Irene said.

“Come on, she couldn’t have done anything. Like you she’s also an employee, I call the shots around here” I smirked.

“Right, you’re the boss” she smiled. “Why did you ask to eat here? I could just eat in the general restaurant for staffs"

“Because you’re the only friend I have here. Most of these people don’t like me, they think I am the rich spoilt brat so they all just fake their relationship with me” I replied.

She really was the only friend I had in the office, and I was pretty sure I was all she had too. And I wouldn’t want that jerk ex-boyfriend of hers to come and harass her with his toxic words again.

The meal was great; it was fun eating with somebody here. And the truth was this was only the second time I had eaten here. I always had Ike get me takeout from my favorite restaurant outside the office. But I just wanted to treat Irene to this; she deserved it and even more. She asked to pay for the meal we had but that wasn’t possible because of how we didn’t have to pay here. But I promised she would some other time.

“So, I’m guessing this is the Irene you kept asking me about” Rachel said as she approached us while we were walking out of the restaurant.

“Yes. Irene, meet Rachel. The head of HR department and a friend,” I smiled and gestured my hands towards Rachel.

“Hi, Nice to meet you” Irene stretched out her hands for a handshake.

“Uhm, I should head back to my office, I have things to do” She added and walked out of Our midst leaving us alone to talk.

“Hey.” She smiled. “You know, the company sent me on a two-day trip for a project. That’s why I couldn’t be here to welcome you."

“Thanks Rachel. And welcome back,” I replied.

“Erm, so who is she to you?” she asked.

“A good friend,” I answered.

“Okay. Look, I like you and I know saying this here is wrong timing because we’re at work but I’ve always liked you and I was…"

Before she could complete the sentence I cut her off. She must be crazy.

“Rachel, I’m getting married. Don’t you ever do this again and know your place in this company,” I uttered.

If I didn’t cut her off like that she would keep making crazy advances at me and I didn’t want that. I didn’t like her the way she liked me and I would be getting engaged soon.

“Uh…oh…okay,” she stuttered.

I saw the iota of hope she had in her eyes fade away. It’s not like I hated her or anything, She is a friend and friendship is the only relationship I wanted with her.

I made my way to my office and worked on one of the project’s Dad sent to me through his P.A. sometimes I wonder why he didn’t just remain the CEO and do these works himself. But he is someone who sticks to a goal. And one of those goals was to retire at 65 so I knew for a fact he was really done with work and I was all he had to take over his place.

It was closing hours already. Ike was passing by Irene’s office when he saw her sleeping and came to my office to tell me.

“Irene? Irene, are you ok?"

“Will,” she muttered. “Omg, I’m so sorry I slept off while trying to get a ride home"

“You shouldn’t apologize to me. I mean, it’s fine, you must have had a long day. Get up lets go home,” I said. She paused and gave me a confused look.

“I mean, I would give you a ride home,” I added.

“Oh, thank you so much,” she replied.

“Where’s your ride?” She asked as we got outside. I guess she had no idea I was the owner of the limo that was always parked here.

“This is it” I replied.

“Wow” she scoffed. I smiled and gestured my hands for her to go in. my birthday was tomorrow but as usual nobody would know. I always celebrated my birthday alone. Nobody knew the date asides dad and the maids.

*****

I stared at the beautiful Lady standing in the conference room presenting. She was really beautiful, why did she have to go through such heartbreak in the hands of a good for nothing man. If she was my woman she would never have to worry about anything, I will always be there to take care of her. Wait, did I just say if she was my woman? What is wrong with me? I snapped myself out of such thoughts and continued listening to what she had to say. I loved the idea she came up with. Now I see why she was able to make it past the executives and have them love her idea enough for her to present it to me.

“What do you think?” one the executives asked.

“I love it” I nodded as I stood up to head to my office. I was low-key scared for Irene at first I know how tough the executives can be. I’m glad she was able to get it.

I got to my office to see my dad’s assistant standing at the door. “Have you been waiting here for long?” I asked her.

I have asked Ike to always leave the office door open it was one of the office rules, only if you had to talk about something private and though I was exempted from it I just felt strange having the door closed. I mean, everyone here had their bad sides but they would never do anything crazy like stealing or something. They were all well paid and classy.

“I actually just got here’ she replied.

“Okay, then what's the news?” I asked. I gestured my hands for her to go in after Ike opened the door.

“You will be travelling tomorrow. I have booked the flight tickets for you, the head of Ads department and a few other executives. I have forwarded the details to your mail” she said.

“What! Doesn’t dad know its…” I paused.

So he really did forget my birthday yet again and like that wasn’t enough he wants me to go on some work trip?

I scoffed. “What time does the flight leave?"

“At 7 am,” she replied.

“It’s for a meeting with Payton Mobile. They want you present before they could sign the deal and they would also want a short presentation on whatever ads idea we have. That’s why the head of the ads department will be coming with you and few of the executives."

“It’s fine. I’ll go,” I muttered. Not like I wanted to, but I didn’t have a choice.