NIKOLAS

Flashback...

If there is one thing I have learnt from business, it is to always have a reason for an action. I have always been the tough cookie, I listen to just a few and decide whether or not to heed through. Now was one of the times I would rather not listen.

"Almost every day, it is from one woman to the other. You need to become stable." My dad scolded. This was the nth time I was having this conversation with him and like I do everytime, I just let him have his say.

"You can't be CEO if you continue behaving in this manner. The other stakeholders have decided not to vote you in. You might have all the expertise but to them, you are irresponsible. Actions speak, Nikolas!" He says.

This was new. I have been working here since I graduated Harvard and through my stay as CFO, the company's worth has multiplied itself. My dad was about to retire, leaving me to run Galanis Foods.

"What now happens?" I ask him.

"You have two options, get married or allow me to pass this on to Pablo." He knew damm well that the latter was something I would never agree to. Pablo was his younger brother that I despised. He spent lavishly, always wanting to drill a hole in the business. He has been in constant competition with me since I started working here.

"Okay, I will get married." It was the better option and I already have a plan in my head.

"Not so fast, young man. There is a catch." I could see the devious look on his face.

"Which is?" I ask in a challenging tone, raising my eyebrows at him as I await his reply.

"Amethyst." Hesays. Interesting, that spoilt brat.

"No." She is my younger sister's bestfriend. I mean, there was no connection whatsoever for a relationship to even happen. Plus, she is a 'daddy's money spender' and a  typical spoilt brat. 

"That is the only way to this option." He looks at me one last time before leaving my office.

Fifteen minutes later, I find myself in his office, uttering the words I never thought I could "I accept."

He just smiles and replies me.

"I thought you would not come to realization how detrimental it would have been giving all these to Pablo."

.....End of Flashback

We are currently at 'my soon to be wife's house', and supposed to have dinner with family and friends; apparently, she has decided to go MIA again.

Her Dad is all smiles but I can see how he is seething with anger beyond the whole facade. The fact that I am being forced to marry this girl is annoying enough. Coping with this her character is another ball game entirely.

After the announcement, she leaves the table, stumbling and finding it difficult to find balance before she finally walks away. Does she really think I am ready to get married to her annoying self? Take a good look and think this through, Amethyst. You are not even my type, I prefer tall, red haired ladies and you are definitely not any of those.

Funny enough, I actually feel insulted by her actions. She should be grateful I even consent to this insane agreement. I am not leaving the business my dad toiled so hard to build for one loser because miss spoilt brat does not want to get married to me.

I follow behind her to her room but as expected, she is hell bent on being stubborn. Well, suit yourself. The better it is, you not consenting to this.  I guess I would just have to look for a wife real quick.

•••••

I am currently weighing the options in my head.

Diana? Or should I go for Rosa? No, that one is too clingy. What about Lolá or Isabel? The count is endless and I do not see myself spending eternity with any of these ladies. Why? They all share one thing; their love for my wealth. I could still take advantage of that and get any of them to agree for the mean time. That is not the problem.

It is all mixing up, making hasty decisions is not really my forté. I am more of the calculated person. What you acquire after many years in business.

I hit the punching bag harder, flexing my muscles. This is part of my daily early morning routine. Hit my private gym, do any activity I so wish, then have a cold glass of lemonade which I actually prepare myself, have my bath, eat a quick breakfast prepared by Mrs. Brian, my housekeeper and Nanny since I could speak. Then head for work.

"Let us go, Matteo." I give a quick order to my bodyguard / driver. We leave the gym in a haste, trying to keep all the day's activities in check.

He excuses himself to go prepare while I head for the kitchen to prepare my drink.

Grabbing two lemon fruits from the fridge, I get the juicer and extract the juice from the lemon fruits. I actually enjoy it very cold which is why I always have ice blocks in the fridge, it gives this very refreshing feel to the body.  Well, making drinks is one of the things I do best.

I sip my drink slowly thinking of the next thing to do. Married or not, I would still enjoy the freedom I believe I deserve.