Chapter 3

DAMIEN

"What the fuck is he doing here?” I exclaimed.

“Perfect timing, Seedorf. We were just talking about you,” My father said, completely ignoring my question. Seedorf pulled a seat beside me and sat down.

“Hello cuz. Long time no see.”

Yeah, unfortunately, it didn't stay that way.” I replied, not looking in his direction.

“You arrived just in time, I was just about to inform Damien about your new position in the company. Congrats on your promotion.” My father expressed.

“New promotion? What the fuck is going on here?”

“Language, cousin. And I see you still lack the ability to keep track of things around you, huh?” He smirked at me, and I made a fist to restrain myself from punching him.

“Why wasn't I, the CEO, informed about this so-called promotion?” I asked, turning to my sperm donor.”

“Surprise!” Father cheered mockingly and turned to Seedorf and I rolled my eyes satisfyingly.

“Seedorf, my dear boy, I would like to have a private word with Damien here, so why don't you go wait for me in the car? I would still like to fill you in on a few things.”

“Yeah, go on Dorf, go sit in the car, the adults need to have a chat,” I mocked, and he threw a death glare.

“See you at work, cou-sin.” stretching the word “cousin” and tapping on my shoulder, he left.

“What the fuck, Victor?”

“Mind your tone, boy, and you know I never bluff. He is now the COO. And with my influence and backing, he can easily take your place as CEO. So try screwing up this marriage, and watch your cousin become your boss.”

I shot him a disdainful look as he got up.

“Oh, yes I almost forgot,” he paused, dapping his mouth with the napkin. “We’re having dinner with them on Friday at my house. Don't leave your manners at home.”

“Friday is fucking tomorrow!” I banged lightly on the table.

“I know. See you tomorrow,” He finished and left.

“Fuck!” I cursed out, a mixture of anger and frustration coursing through me, I hated how powerless this man always managed to make me feel.

He intentionally orchestrated this knowing how much I couldn't stand that fool. I gulped down the untouched glass of whiskey on the table in frantic helplessness.

THE NEXT DAY…

A knock on my office door brought my attention back to reality. I raised my head to see Vanessa. I smiled as she modeled gracefully towards me.

“Workaholic, I’ve missed you.” She mocked, taking a seat.

She stood up again and walked to the mini bar in my office. Classic Van! Always starts the conversation with a glass of whiskey.

“Have you been hiding from the world? I barely see you anymore.” I remarked, taking the glass from her.

“How would you? When all you do is work?” We both laughed, as she took a seat in front of me.

“I've missed you too,” I replied.

“How are you? I saw the Han’s news updates, and Rafael told me something about a new marriage arrangement. Shesh!”

“Yeah, I'm practically still married to Chloe. But my father, as usual, is fucking relentless.” She stared at me for a while before speaking.

“You know… you could try to make this one work Damie. you know, actually put in an effort instead of…” she trailed off.

“I mean, I'm not sure about all the other rumors, but I know you're not the monster the media proclaims you to be.”

“What do you mean by ‘the other rumors?’ Ness, I'm not a woman, and I am certainly not dickless!” I deadpanned, and she erupted into laughter.

I shook my head in disbelief. I should have made Chairman Han take down those damn articles while I had the chance. Great Plan, Damien! Great fucking plan!

“Alright, fine. Maybe you're not ..”

“Maybe? No, I'm not.” I stated firmly.

She stared at my face, glancing down to check for a protrusion in my pants and burst into laughter once again.

“Ness…” I warned

“Sorry, s… sorry,” she choked out between laughs.

“I mean, we were married for almost two years, and I only managed to get you hard a few times and you always looked bored during sex. You might have the balls, but maybe they don't… you know..”

“No, I don't know anything. You're crazy. My dicks works just fine." I state, whilst playing with the pen in my hands.

“Of course, I know your dick works, silly!” She said, and we both erupted into laughter. As I watched her laugh, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness and shame for not trying harder to make our relationship work.

Nessa was my first everything, and it still didn't work out. I was glad I let her go. She deserved better. She was the only woman I truly ever cared about after… ‘She who shall not be named.’ Anyway, my divorce with Vanessa was enough proof that I wasn't made to be with anyone. But my sperm donor can't take a fuc-

My thoughts were interrupted by the chime of my phone, displaying my father's text. It's like he senses my happy moments and ruins them.

“Ness, I have dinner to prepare for. But first, I have to make a quick stop at the courthouse.”

“The Courthouse?”

“Yeah, Chloe's asking for half of my assets. Crazy, right? She claims that I physically assaulted her and she deserves a huge compensation. Crazy!”

“What in the… and how are you going to prove that you didn't do it?”

“Don't worry, I've got it all under control.”

“Speaking of which, I saw your weird cousin Seedorf on my way here. What the hell is he doing here? I thought he was away in Milan on some sort of business.”

“Yeah, I thought so too, but that fucking idiot is now the COO, courtesy of my sperm donor and he also threatened to make him CEO if I don't agree to marry and also act nice to my new fiancee.”

“Be careful, D… Seedorf never fails to bring drama with him every time,” Nessa said, crossing her hands.

“Typical dorf.” I scoffed and downed the remaining whiskey.

“You know, I saw your dad too. They were both engaged in hushed conversations near the elevator.”

I turned to her curiously.

“And afterward, I saw your dad hand his PA an envelope. He left with the envelope in a haste.” She said, standing up, and walking towards the door.

“Fucking Tagoe, he is probably off doing another one of my father's dirty works.”

“You know when Seedorf noticed me staring at him, he looked like he almost had a mini-stroke, I bet he thought I overheard their conversation.”

“Like I said, typical Dorf and Dad. Always with their petty schemes.” I sighed, glancing at my wristwatch.

“I have to leave now, Ness,” I said.

“Play nice at dinner, maybe get to know the girl. You'll never know. She might be the one.”

“Yeah, right! Can't promise you anything, though.” I smirked, and she shook her head, smiling.

“See you later D.” She waved as she walked out of my office.

I nodded, adjusting my tie. I removed my suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves.

As I stood there, thinking about what Vanessa had just told me. I pulled out my phone from my pocket.

“David, I want you to stop everything and track Tagoe down. He left the office about 40 minutes ago. Find him and keep me posted.”

“Yes sir,” he responded.

“One more thing, at my house, there's a pen drive on my study table. Have one of the men bring it to the central courthouse immediately.”

“Right away, sir.”

“And yes, do so stealthily. Make sure you're not seen.” I warned and dropped the line. Taking a deep breath, I left my office.

“Brace yourself Chloe