05

"That is debatable."

"You don't even know my name!" I rationalised.

"Yes I do Ms. Carter," He retorted.

"My first name!" The silence verified my argument.

"You don't even know my name!" I repeated, even more aggravated than before. How could he even think about a wedding without knowing my bare and basic information?

"My name is Caden. Caden." I huffed, with my eyes narrowing in.

"Well Ms. Caden, this isn't as dramatic as you're making it out to be, it's merely the easiest solution." He attempted to reason.

"You can't force something like this upon me!" I firmly restated my point. This man was hard to figure out. He was oddly sarcastic and unemotional for a man who represented a company who advertised themselves as amicable.

"You know; I'm not forcing you to do anything. Although your other options aren't very promising. I bet, very soon Ms. Carter, you will stand right by my side and smile for the world, no negotiations." He remarked, a serious yet threatening tone lacing his voice.

"I don't take orders from annoying snobs like you, Mr. Norman!" I countered confidently, while maintaining eye contact.

"Then I guess I'll have to add that to my agenda, teaching you to take orders." He snapped back. My nails unconsciously dug into the palms of my hands.

Grabbing my hand bag, I decided if I didn't leave soon, I'd most definitely do something I'd regret. Turning around in one swift motion, I felt a warm strong hand grip my arm in attempt to stop me from leaving.

Looking over my shoulder, I saw his eyes slightly widen seeing the look of fury deep within my eyes. He quickly removed his hold on me.

"Since you've saved me the trip of going to find you, and your father and I have already discussed the proposal... let's put on a show. James?" His outstretched arm rushed past me to reach a black velvet box from James. I hadn't even realised someone else has been in the office all this while. Staring at the small, black velvet box in Mr. Norman's hands, my brows furrowed. What on earth?

"Give me your hand." He commanded while opening the box. A silver band with a diamond laying on top. Is he being serious!? Why on earth did he buy this!? Neither my father nor myself agreed to the arrangement.

"Have you understood a single thing I've said since I've been here? I said this whole scheme isn't going to happen. I'm not going to marry you..." Disregarding my words once again, he grabbed my left hand forcefully, and before I had time to react he slid the ring onto my ring finger. The shining diamond held my attention.

My head was spinning. My life had just done a complete 360 turn. In the span of less than a day, I ended up with this lunatic who thinks he owns the world. I ended up possibly engaged with a man who I don't know without it being my choice. Is this even a common practice anymore?

Looking back up to him with the most surprised slash vexed expression on my face, I realised this man was truly insane. I shook my head in disbelief as I attempted to take off the ring which strangely seemed stuck and difficult to take off.

He must've noticed my struggle. "Think about what you're doing Ms. Carter," he sneered.

"Once that ring comes off, there are countless people getting laid off. You lose your fortune of an inheritance. You and your father will struggle financially. That simple gesture changes so much, so just wait a minute before you ruin so much, for many more than just yourself."

My jaw dropped. Is he guilt tripping me into agreeing? The thought of making life harder for not only several employees but their families is the only thing that made me stop. My father had dug his own grave, but those people didn't deserve to face the same fate. One look into his eyes and I could see he meant it. My heart pounded so loudly within my ears due to the rise of my blood pressure. It was so frustrating to feel this helpless. I've never felt this way in my entire life.

"You seriously need to learn some boundaries dude! This is borderline harassment; I could report you!" Huffing, I straightened out my posture to seem more threatening.

"I dare you. Do you really want to start the legal procedures? I already have my best lawyers ready, I don't want to tear you down, but if saving you is at the expense of my company, I will spare no expense at fighting. Your dad's life work is at stake. This is up to you Ms. Carter." Leaving me speechless once again. Knowing I've stated my case, I turned away from him and hastened my pace towards the door.

"One more thing, Ms. Caden." He suddenly interrupted just as I took hold of the door knob. I stood still, forced to hear whatever cock and bull story he has next to say.

"You have to be here tomorrow morning by ten. We have a conference to attend. After all, the world needs to know of our decision." He stated but each and every word uttered from him enraged me further. Immediately, I turned the knob, pushed the door open and quickly walked out, slamming the door behind me. Suddenly, I felt overwhelmed with tears as I realised that I might have to marry an insufferable man without any real choice.