Chapter 3

Noah’s pov

“Who were you with last night!” my mum barged into my room, waking me up.

“What time is it?” I grumbled as I hid my face under the pillow trying to block her out.

“It is time for you to get out of bed and come down now,” she said and walked out of my room.

I sighed as I got out of bed, picked up my robe, and walked downstairs. I could have completely ignored my mum but something told me that this was going to be an interesting morning.

I got down to the living room to see my mum, my sister and of course, Hennessy all seated. Hennessey looked like she had been crying all night as her head lay down on my mum’s shoulder.

I took a seat on the sofa at the far end of the living room. I turned and ordered the maid to get me a coffee. My assistant brought forward the business news for the day and I carried on with my morning like I wasn't called down.

“Noah, are you going to ignore the question I asked you?” my mum said after a while.

I drank my coffee and dropped it on the stool as I picked up the papers, without looking at them, “What question, mum?”

She scoffed so loud that I could feel the contempt in her tone, “WHO WERE YOU WITH YESTERDAY AT THE GALA?”

I brought the paper down, my eyes darted from mum to Hennessey and to Anastasia, my sister who did not seem to bother about what was going on.

“I think you already know the answer you are looking for.”

“Oh yeah, we do. I just need more information on her so I can ask where she dyed her hair, it is so beautiful.” Anastasia blurted out but one look from my mum shut her up.

“What? I was just stating the obvious.” Anastasia grumbled

“Go to your room…” mum commanded

“Mum…”

“Now! Anastasia!”

She got up and walked to her room but not without mouthing to me about getting Isabella’s contact.

“So…..”

I took a deep breath, “Her name is Isabella and she is my girlfriend.”

“What!”

“What!”

They both echoed the word at the same time.

“But….but, you said she was just your date!” Hennessey countered.

“Oh, she is much more than my date. She is my girlfriend.” I said I picked up my cup of coffee.

“And when did this…..thing start?” Mum asked, her eyes filled with disgust.

“Hmmm…..for a while now. I have wanted to introduce her to you but I didn't know how, I guess you had to find out the way everyone else did because Hennessy has you wrapped around her fingers.” I said with a bored expression on my face.

“Enough!” Mum stood up in anger and I rolled my eyes at the dramatic display.

“You have no right to speak to me and your future wife that way,” she said to me and I could see she was seething with anger.

“Future wife? Did you give birth to another child and I did not know about him? Because if you think for one second that I would be marrying her.” I said looking at Hennessy who was staring daggers at me, “You are utterly mistaken.”

“I won't let any gold digger come up into this family to have access to what she did not build or work for,” Mum said as she clenched her fist.

“And Hennessy worked for it?” I asked her, my eyebrows arched.

“Hennessy’s family has been friends with us for the longest time and you both were promised to each other during childbirth, I won't let you throw away the promises that both our families made.”

“You would have to….mum because I am not going to marry anyone who I don't like.”

Just then my assistant walked in and reminded me of my schedule.

I stood up from the chair, “let me know when you want to talk to me about something important, excuse me I have work to do.”

I turned on my heels and left the scene. I could feel Hennessy staring at me but I could care less.

When we were out of earshot, I turned to my assistant, “Get me in contact with the girl I was with yesterday and bring her to my office by 12, understood?”

“Yes sir…”

My assistant nodded and quickly stepped aside to make the call. I continued walking towards the elevator, my mind already focused on the meeting ahead.

As I stepped into the elevator, I couldn't help but think about Isabella. I had been drawn to her from the moment I saw her, and last night had only reinforced my attraction. I was eager to see her again and get to know her better.

The elevator doors opened, and I stepped out into the bustling office. My assistant was waiting for me with a cup of coffee and a nod.

"Sir, I've arranged for Isabella to meet you at noon as requested. I shall have her escorted to your office?"

I nodded, taking a sip of my coffee. "Yes, please do. And make sure we're not disturbed."

My assistant nodded and discreetly stepped away to make the necessary arrangements. I turned my attention to the stack of files on my desk, my mind already racing with the possibilities of what the day might bring.

At noon sharp, there was a knock on the door. My assistant poked her head in, a discreet smile on her face.

"Isabella is here, sir."

I nodded, standing up to greet her. The door opened, and Isabella walked in, looking even more stunning than she had the night before.

"Isabella," I said, extending my hand. "Thank you for coming."

She smiled, her eyes sparkling as she took my hand. "Of course, Noah. I'm happy to be here."

I gestured for her to take a seat, my eyes never leaving hers. "I'm glad you could make it. I wanted to talk to you about something."

Isabella's eyes narrowed slightly, but she nodded, her expression curious. "What is it?"

I smiled, leaning back in my chair. "Let's just say I'm interested in getting to know you better. And I think we could have a mutually beneficial arrangement."

Isabella's eyes sparkled with intrigue, and she leaned forward, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm listening.”