Chapter One - Laura

It took a while before Nana's statement sank deeply into my brain's understanding. I blink once and twice and when it is finally absorbed, I open my mouth like a fish, glancing at the other figure in the room

"What?" Zion exclaimed loudly in disbelief. His cold eyes briefly glanced at me and then back to Nana "You can't be real right?"

"Do I look like I'm joking? I want you and Laura here to get married as soon as possible"

"You must be out of your mind then, to make up something as ridiculous as this" Zion said standing abruptly from his seat

"You don't talk to me like that young man. You are going to do what I want if you don't want to watch me die of a heart attack"

"And what if I don't want it? I won't marry Laura and that's final"

I sat quietly, trying my best to fade into the background as the two exchanged bitter words. My head rang as I tried to comprehend what was going on. Just this morning, Nana called me to see her only for Zion to enter a few minutes after I arrived. I felt something was amiss when I met the cold glare of my boss and Nana's nervous smiles

Nana (Elsa Ace) is my friend while Zion Ace her grandson is my boss. You might be wondering how this happened. Well, this is it. Nana is an old woman I met a few years ago at a hospital. Our first encounter was not on good terms. She was rude to me and I kept my calm even though I was close to tears at the situation life threw at me at such a young age. We eventually became friends and along the line, she found out about my situation and helped me pay for my mom's surgery and hospital bills.

Pain tugs at my heart at the memory

This is a memory I would never forget and I had vowed to be indebted to her for life. But this, this thing she just threw at me is not what I envisioned, it's ridiculous and unfair

The sudden sound of the door slamming shut jerks me out of my reverie. My eyes snap up at the sound only to find Nana standing alone with her back towards me. However, I knew she was crying from the movement of her shoulder. My eyes dart to the entrance where Zion had stormed out and I wonder what he would think of me. Would he think I'm in on this with Nana? I hope not

"What do you think Laura, do you also think I'm being inconsiderate?

My eyes widen and I blink rapidly, noting her teary eyes. "Huh, I.... I don't know. I... I don't" I nervously stuttered, my eyes roaming everywhere except for her. Why would she ask me that when she very well knows the answer? Who throws a marriage bomb without discussing it with the two parties? Not to talk of Zion being my boss. Does she want me to lose my job

She hums with her eyes closed. She took a sit beside me and I stiffened

"You know he was a happy boy before he lost his family" My ears perked up and I glanced up at her, waiting for her to continue. She squeezed her eyes shut like she was in pain "And God knows I tried becoming the parent he needed, I swear I tried". I was disappointed she diverted the topic again. She's always careful when it comes to how Zion's parents had died. I only knew his father was Nana's first son and that Zion became like that after. That was the only information I knew although I do not believe Zion became cold because of his parent's death. I lost my dad too but didn't become bitter. I feel he's just being himself

Nana turns to face me squarely, her cold hands sorting mine. I stiffen at the contact "You are the light he desperately needs. I know what I'm saying believe me. Your energy is contagious and I know you can make him happy. I knew from the day I met you"

I shift nervously in my seat. My heart pounding wildly in my chest as if it will soon burst out.

What is she saying?

Is she for real?

Do I look like a fucking sun

"He's my boss, Nana. Have you forgotten that I work with him and dating between an employer and employee is prohibited in the business world, it could cause a problem for the company. What if people start gossiping or think I got special treatment?" I said trying to make her see the levity of what she just proposed even though my heart was in a frenzy

Shocked is an understatement

I'm scared

I'm scared because this is not what I envisioned for my life and it came as a shock.

I have never been in a relationship before and I am a virgin. I've never had time to make friends not to talk of dating. The only friend I have is Anne and we've been friends since we were little.

And Zion is my boss which makes whatever Nana has in plan ridiculous. How can I date my boss? How?

Is it the fact that I'll be living under the same roof as him or the fact that I'll be acting couple with a difficult and cold man or the fact that it's just not possible? The man is impenetrable and doesn't care about anybody.

When Nana got me a job at his company I was so excited. First, because I wanted to see the precious grandson and when I finally saw him, I was dumbstruck. He is a fucking Greek god. I had secretly admired him from afar but I got to find out about his cold demeanor, his disinterest in dating or getting involved with anyone, especially ladies. Despite knowing all that, my crush for him didn't depreciate until he showed me his true colors by shouting at me and tormenting me with loads of work.

At first, I thought it was because of my clumsiness, I was very clumsy and that's because I was new to the job. But with time, I got better, I thought myself to be swift and professional. However, all that was in vain because that didn't change anything, he just hated me for no reason and my crush on him faded away with the breeze.

"Nonsense, my dear! Love can blossom in the most unexpected places and about people talking. Don't worry about that. People will talk no matter what. What matters is your happiness and his. You deserve a good man, and he's a gem.

I scoff inwardly at that. Have you seen the man

"Have you ever thought about the reason I persuaded him to make you his assistant despite your educational status?'