Dark Hearts

Bastian Monore’s POV,

“I'm not getting married.” I spat looking into my mother's jade green eyes. “It's just not possible. I can't marry just anyone for the sake of the business.”

“Bastian, our backs are against the wall right now. I cannot let your uncle swoop in and claim everything that we have worked so hard to accomplish in this family. And that is exactly what is going to happen if you don't step in and take your place as the heir of Monroe Companies.” My mother screamed. I'd never seen her so unhinged and ruffled.

Her eyes flashed with frustration and she continued. “ You have a responsibility, Bastian. You are my first son. I love you and I have let you run wild for far too long. We cannot do that anymore. It is time for you to come to your senses. You cannot afford to be selfish.”

“I refuse to sacrifice my happiness for the sake of tradition and wealth.” I retorted, my voice rising. My tie felt like a noose on my neck.

I pulled at it with vigor.

“This is not about your happiness.” Mother's voice rose, the control she usually wielded like a knife was missing today.

“And even if it were. We both know you're not truly happy. You go to parties and you laugh with people you can't even call friends. I know happiness and you, my boy, are not happy.” Her face was rapidly all shades of red with anger, voice laden with fury.

“I can't let you ruin everything we've built over the years. You will do as I say, Bastain. You will marry the woman I've chosen, or you will be disowned. Do you understand?

It was an ultimatum. I knew my mother wouldn't actually disown me and even if she did cut me off, I still had my own money.

But I loved my family and not being able to see my mother or Candice again would kill me.

Mother stared at me for a beat, then her fist unclenched and her face softened. She walked up to me, placing a hand on my chest and looking up at me as she delivered the final blow.

“Your father wouldn't want this. He is always rooting for you and he wants you to succeed. He wants you to be happy. But he also wants what's best for the company. Please, help me make him happy in his last moments.” She said with tears in her eyes.

I sighed, the weight of my responsibilities settling on my shoulders.

I pulled away from her. “I'll do it. I'll get married.”

The relief that shined in her eyes was almost palpable.

“But… don't choose for me. I have someone.”

Mother's eyebrows almost touched her hairline in surprise. Her surprise quickly melted into confusion but before she could resound, I stormed out of the study in the family mansion.

I needed to think. Or go for a drive.

I readjusted my tie and put my coat on.

I walked to the garage, got in my car and drove off to the Sweet and Sultry bar in town.

I had to find a solution, if not for myself but for my dad.

******

Melia Rixe’s POV,

I looked into the foggy bathroom mirror, putting the finishing touches on my lipstick, stepping back to appraise my looks. I couldn't remember the last time I'd applied a proper lip gloss. The woman staring back at me was a stranger.

I managed a small smile at my surprisingly good looks.

I grabbed my purse, put on my shoes and walked out the door of our dingy apartment. Beatrix was out doing God knows what with Pete, or was that Simos? I wasn't sure. It was hard to keep up with her numerous conquests.