Chapter 2

DAMIEN

THE NEXT DAY…

‘Fuck! How did this idiot get appointed as the chairman?’ I asked myself as I watched Chairman Han smoke away his pathetic life while attempting to flirt with a waitress who was old enough to be his daughter.

I had cleared my schedule for the afternoon to play golf with this old hag, hoping to convince him to take down the tabloids. But for the past hour, all he has done was fail woefully at golf, while shamelessly trying to pay the waitress into his bed. I glanced repeatedly at my wristwatch in utter frustration until finally, I saw him stand up and walk towards me.

“Oh, pardon me for wasting your time, my dear boy.” He apologized, taking a seat in front of me.

I responded with a blank look which I planned to maintain throughout the conversation.

“Your father informed me that you’d be meeting me, but I had no idea it’d be so darn early.” He remarked, smiling.

“Pardon me, I wasn't informed that 1: pm was considered early for you. Nevertheless, it's good you know why I took time off my busy schedule to play with you today.”

“Oh, come on, you barely played.” He laughed, creating an awkward atmosphere.

I retained my blank stare. He noticed my lack of amusement and stopped.

He cleared his throat as he recomposed himself.

“I know why you are here, and as I promised your father yesterday, you can rest assured that I'll get to the bottom of thi…”

“No need for that. I am here in contrast to whatever you might have discussed with my father. You see… I have no interest in clearing those rumors.” I interrupted him.

His mouth fell open causing the cigar in it to fall out. He stared at me like I had just grown three heads.

Ignoring his shocked look, I added. “Thank you for your time, Chairman Han,” I added, walking off.

“But your father.. aren't… won't you….” he stammered, and I turned back to face him.

“Humor me, Mr Han…. You happen to own the best publishing company in the country, right? So it is only natural to assume your reporters are closely selected, and as they often say, every rumor contains a grain of truth to it.” I paused, staring at his confused face.

“And as the CEO of Don-Russo Communications, I can effortlessly ensure that any news originating from your media company never sees the light of day again. Now, we wouldn't want that, would we, Mr Han?” I gave a sinister smirk, raising an eyebrow in question. He took a nervous gulp before shaking his head no.

“Good… And I trust you'll be kind enough to inform my father of your inability to take down the tabloids, as it is simply out of your hands.” I added, giving him a smirk.

“Wouldn't you, Mr Han?” I asked without looking away from him, causing him to flinch.

“Hu.. Y…Yes, you a..are right son there is simply nothing I can do about those articles?” He quickly replied with a frightened look on his face.

“Absolutely nothing,” I replied before walking away to my car.

“John, please get me out of here.” My chauffeur sped off, leaving the still-frightened chairman watching my speeding car in horror.

My phone chimed, suspending my thoughts, it was a message from my father inviting me for dinner. “Ugh!” I groaned, tossing my phone aside.

I am sure you lots might be wondering why I pretty much fucked up the only opportunity I had to clear those crazy rumors about me, and also why I may or may not have given Chairman Han a mini-stroke in the process. Well, the plan is quite simple! As long as those crazy rumors continue to circulate, my sperm donor won't be able to find anyone on the face of the earth willing to marry me. And I can live the rest of my sad, cold life alone in peace. An absolute foolproof plan!

OR SO I THOUGHT…

Stepping out of the car and into the restaurant, I released a sigh of relief. There weren't many people in it. Knowing my father, he probably booked the entire restaurant for our meeting. I preferred that. I disliked people, and I absolutely despised crowded places. I spotted my father and walked towards him.

As I got closer to the table, I noticed a woman getting up to leave. It was the same woman from my father's office last week. She wore a mischievous smirk and gave me a sly glance as she passed.

“Ugh.. women.” I muttered and sat down.

“Who was that?” I asked my father, and he shrugged.

“Your new mother-in-law.” He replied casually, my throat tightened and my eyes widened in disbelief.

“How are things at the company? I've not really had time to visit, I have been busy with my re-campaign.”

“How about we stop the fucking pretense? We both know you don't care about all that. Why did you call me here, and what do you mean, new mother-in-law?”

“I called you over to meet your new mother-in-law. But unfortunately, you were tardy, and she had important things to attend to.” He replied with a shrug and I almost laughed.

Was this man fucking serious? My heart raced at the possibility that he has arranged yet another crazy marriage without my consent. I was halfway through a divorce process, for Christ's sake.

“You can't be serious? I'm not in the mood for your jokes, Dad. I don't have time for this. I was on my way to a board meeting when you called me. And... I’m not getting married again.”

“Hmm… we’ll see about that,” he replied, putting a mouthful of filet mignon in his mouth. He held his fingers out whilst he chewed.

“Are you trying to object to my decisions? Why did I even expect you to understand? Of course, you're still the same imbecile you've always been.” He paused for effect, and I unconsciously made a fist.

“Now listen to me very carefully, you idiot. In case you've conveniently forgotten, the re-election for town Mayor is a few months away and your indiscriminate divorces keep bringing me bad PR. You know Dean just informed me that Joseph Mayers launched his campaign on Friday, and his team has been spreading rumors about how if I can't even help my fucking son maintain a wife, then how can I be trusted to govern the city.” He paused, inching closer to me.

“You listen and listen carefully. Don't you dare fuck with me boy! All you do is mess up, and I have to spend a fortune fixing up after your dumb ass. But since you're too dumb to understand, I'll break it down for you.”

“This is a very reputable family. Marrying into this family is going to create a very good public image. Only this time, this marriage is going to work!” I glanced up at him sharply.

Reputable family, my ass! No reputable family would willingly marry their daughter to me given the amount of bad PR surrounding my name. It had to be another Chloe, another gold digger.

“Yes! You are going to make this marriage work. Now, this is not a suggestion, it's a command. Psyche yourself and think about how to make me proud for the first time in your pathetic life.”

“No Victor! I am not doing it.” I replied with an expressionless face.

“Do you really think you have a choice? News flash, my dear boy, you don't.”

“You can’t force me this time. I simply won't do it. I am tired of the fucking marriages!”

“It's such a shame I have to resort to such measures. So here's what I'm gonna do. If you refuse this marriage, I am going to make sure that my company is transferred to a much smarter and competent person like myself.”

“Bullshit!” I scoffed. “And who might that much smarter person be?” I mocked.

“Seedorf.”

I scoffed, and he nodded very calmly.

“You can't do that. The company operates with shares. And I have the approval of the majority of the shareholders so you're bluffing.”

“The only reason you have their approval is because of my influence and backing. What if I pull all that huh?” I banged my hand on the table.

“You wouldn't da-”

“Hello, fam.” A familiar voice greeted behind me, and I reluctantly turned.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. What the fuck is he doing here?” I exclaimed