Chapter 006

You have been arranged in marriage with Harper, you can't contest that decision." leaving no space for discussion.

I looked at both my mum and dad in disbelief then I burst into laughter.

"You're joking, right?" I questioned as I took notice of their serious expressions.

My father looks right at me, his eyes unwavering with his serious business face, "Does it look like I'm joking?"

At that moment I realized my father that he's completely serious.

I was livid at this point as I turned to my mother "Mom, you can't just stand by and let Dad do this. He's talking about this woman; she is stubborn, arrogant, and…" I stumble over my words, unable to express my feelings.

"And smart. I like her for you," he said as a matter of fact.

"You will get married in two months, and there is no place for negotiation.”

I suddenly got up from my seat, looked between my mum and dad in anger, walked to the door in a long stride, and slammed the door behind me. I walked out of the house with many ideas racing through my head.

All through my drive home, I wasn't myself. I was grateful I got home in one piece seeing that I couldn't explain how I got home, my mind was consumed with thoughts.

I was pacing back and forth in my living room. I can't fathom why my dad would come up with such a decision. I instinctively clench my fist and punch the wall to let out my frustration. My hand feels a piercing pain.

I unexpectedly pick up the phone and dial a number that I know I shouldn't be calling.

"What's wrong, Josh?" Madame Rose asked with concern as she stepped out to the living room, she might have heard the punch to the wall.

Madame Rose lives with me. She was my nanny while I was much younger. I love her as much as I love my mum.

I insist she moves with me to my penthouse.

"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine," I said, looking at her emotionlessly.

She looked at me with so much love in her eyes. "Anytime you feel like talking about it, I'll always be here," she said, hugging me.

Moments later Madame Rose left me to my thoughts.

Just then, Chloe rushed in, looking at me with concern. "What's wrong, Josh?"

Immediately, our eyes locked, and real tension filled the air. With fierce aggression, I cupped her breast, squeezing it. She shivered, as my lips on hers gained dominance. Not breaking from the kiss, we moved towards the bedroom, taking off our clothing along the way.

Our bodies are in synchrony, moved by an insatiable lust for each other.

I had my way with her with everything within me, The edges of the world blurred as we shared the depths of our intimacy.

Moans of ecstasy filled the room as we dug through new depths of passion, our bodies moving in a way only we could understand. We both climaxed. She took my face in her hand and asked me with concern, "What's wrong?"

Looking at her, lost in my thoughts, I stared into space without saying a word.

We both drift off to sleep in each other's arms.

As the morning sunlight peeked through the curtains, I groggily opened my eyes.

Panic surged through me as I saw Chloe lying beside me, and then realization dawned on me of the events of last night.

I put my hand to my head regretting my action as I recall the kiss with Chloe and the intimate encounter.

I had let my guard down and allowed myself to get carried away in a moment of weakness.

I had allowed my emotions and desire to cloud my judgment.

"Good morning, handsome, last night was amazing. Your action shows how much you've missed me. I'll have to admit, I liked it."

"Damn it, what have I done?" I quietly whispered to myself, a mix of regret and disbelief.

"This can't be happening," I said to her.

"Relax! Stop being paranoid. Why are you assuming there is more to it? We used to be friends, can't we hang out and have fun?" she said, attempting to ease the tension in the air.

A wave of relief washed over me. She knew the impact she used to have on me, and she was intentionally using it.

"Friends? We were friends with benefits, but all the same, thanks, but I'll respectfully decline," I told her as I wasn't interested in any friendship with her.

She casually walked towards the bathroom to freshen up, leaving me to think about what just happened.

I made my way to the kitchen and prepared a steaming cup of coffee for myself and one for her as well.

While sipping our coffee we catch up.

"How's Axel?" she asked.

"Doing great" We have rolled in the same circle since high school.

But I was feeling uneasy. I haven't seen her for close to two years. What was I thinking, asking Chloe to my house and having my way with her?

"As much as I'd love you to drop me off, I don't want to be late for my modeling gig today," she said, picking up her bag.

"Oh, okay," I muttered, glad that she was out of my house.

"See you, baby," she said, kissing my forehead and leaving.

I needed to get a grip on my emotions and focus on the important things in my life.

As I got ready for work, I couldn't stop thinking about my meeting with my dad last night. How could he even think that I'll have to marry Harper?

I don't think I'll give in to his request.

I know he has been bugging me about settling down, which I don't think I'm ready for. With all that transpired between my ex-fiance and I.

It was a traumatic experience for me.

Chloe is just a distraction, and I intend to keep it that way."

Getting to work, I called for a meeting and realized something significant had happened.