CHAPTER ONE:

The city lights flashed by as a black Maserati drove past at full speed. Despite it being a really cold day, it was relatively hot and the streets looked too vibrant. Or so it seemed to Robert.

Robert was hysterical. Despite the AC blasting in his car, Robert could feel sweat trickling down his spine. Goosebumps were visible on his skin as he gripped the steering wheel tightly. Hitting on the accelerator with his foot, he increased his speed and sped past red lights.

“I’ll deal with that later”, he thought.

There were pressing issues to address, including the one outlined on the printed paper sitting right next to him on the passenger seat.

———-

“What does this mean?” Robert said, his tone well-controlled, as he sat across from his father at a desk. His father sat opposite him, his fingers crossed.

He couldn’t over react, and he didn’t need to. He knew this was going to come either way. Hell, he had expected as much.

But that didn’t diminish the shock he felt after reading the papers.

“To the Orlovas? Seriously?” Robert asked, his shock evident.

“Robert Listen,” Robert's father, Kevin said, his low voice commanding attention. “The Orlovas are a family with wealth and influence. Just what we need. Jason gave reports last week on the robbery that happened in Orleans. The buildings were raided. Properties were stolen, lives were lost. It’s the third incident this month and it’s becoming too frequent.” Kevin finished with a sigh.

“I am aware of the situation, father, but how does this justify my engagement to Orlova’s daughter?” Robert said, As he raised a perfect brow in question.

“The Orlovas control this city. They know how it works. We’re building a system where our businesses can thrive Rob, with fewer targeted theft and robberies. They’ll help us protect our interests and we return the favor. The Orlovas are perfect. Exactly what we need”. Kevin said, unfolding in fingers as he sat up straight. “Plus I owe his family a debt.”

“What do you mean you owe them?”

“Think about what we are trying to achieve, Robert. I’m not getting any younger and this applies to you too. You’ve come of age and you’re now incharge of this company. I’ve held that position for over three decades too. We need more power and protection and the Orlovas are willing to provide it.” His father said, leaning forward to look at Robert more closely.

Robert looked away, sighing heavily. He re-read the papers, his eyes fixed at the signature line.

“I don’t want this, father. The mafia is dirty business and I don’t want to get involved with it.” Robert finally said, running his fingers through his hair.

Kevin stood up from his seat and walked over to where his son sat. He put his hand on his son's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. He then walked over to get himself a drink.

He had been getting frequent headaches lately. He rubbed his throbbing head and he poured the alcohol into two glass cups.

“Either way, Rob, you need to get married. You understand how important marriage is for our family and business.”

“If marriage is the problem, you should’ve told me, father.”

Robert's father set a glass of alcohol in front of his son and took a sip of his own.

“You know what, forcing you might not be the best idea. I know how stubborn you are.” He snorted. “Bring me a better option and I’ll consider it. Deal?”

This piqued Robert's interest, His father rarely offered alternatives. He said how it should be done and it must be done that way. Robert had zero options. He had no intentions on settling for marriage even though he knew it was inevitable.

That’s how the wealthy maintain their status.

Although it had been over four years since he last dated someone, and he had few prospects for a wife, he extended his hand to his father.

His father shook his hand with a grin and he heard his son reply with confidence.

“Deal.”