Chapter Three - Zion

Tapping my feet impatiently on the hard floor, the elevator door dings open and I stroll out, taking long eager strides toward my office. I plan on calling Laura to my office and putting an end to whatever is going on with her and my grandmother.

I don't know if she's in on this with Grandma especially when I met her there yesterday. Although, she looked as surprised as I was when Nana dropped the bomb. There's one way to find out. And that's demanding her to tell me what's going on

I don't know what Nana is thinking, the idea of getting married is disgusting enough for me to feel bile rising in my throat. Not to talk of getting married to my assistant. Does she know how ridiculous that sounds, the company and media will go into a frenzy if they get a whiff of that. I grimace at the thought.

My thoughts wander to yesterday's event at her house. She had called me and demanded me to marry Laura. I knew of her close relationship with Laura, she always sang praises of her and I got curious at some point, I wanted to meet the lady my Nana cherished so much and I also knew something was up when she was so adamant about employing her to be my assistant.

I knew something was up but I couldn't figure it out probably because Laura didn't throw herself on me nor get distracted while working with me. I began to rely on her more, although she was clumsy at first which aisses me off but she proved to be exceptional and diligent in her work quickly.

I give a frustrated sigh ignoring a greeting from one of my staff

We had a serious argument about it and I left her place fuming with her anger. Nana is just so infuriating and annoyingly persistent. She's one of those who believe marriage brings happiness.

I scoff at that. As if. If that was true I wouldn't have lost my family.

My chest tightens at the memory

I don't believe in love nor would I ever believe in it. I would never be committed to anyone. I don't think I can be with someone romantically. I don't think I'm ready or will ever be ready. The idea is horrifying and it scares the shit out of me. I guess I haven't fully recovered from my childhood trauma.

Tears well up in my eyes at the memory

I won't end up like them

I pull open my office door and step into my office. I drop my briefcase on the table as I walk around my desk to my chair as well as pulling off my suit. I drape the suit on the chair and slouch in it with a sigh before tapping on the intercom. It rings for a while before she picks it up.

"Miss Rose"

"Yes sir" she replied calmly

"Come into my office now" I instructed sharply

I drop the receiver without waiting for her reply. I need to end this quickly before it gets too serious

First, I need to know the deal between her and my grandmother and secondly, I need to terminate this as soon as possible. I have a plan already and I'm confident it would work, not that she has an option, she's my staff so she must listen to whatever I say.

Knock! Knock!

I glance at the door as Laura strolls in, her hands folded in front of her. I lean back in my chair watching her as she walks towards my desk slowly, avoiding my unwavering stare. She looks nervous I noticed

I'm not the type who notice people's expression or outfit but I do when it comes to Laura and now I notice she's not wearing her usual signature smile. She's a happy lady and always smiling, it's as if my rudeness doesn't get to her which always ppissesme off. I continued to stare at her as she stood right in front of my desk dressed in a straight black dress that clung to her body. Not revealing in any way but right enough to display her figure.

My eyes trail down her body to her beautiful long legs. She is also wearing a cover shoe. I chuckled at that. Who still wears that? She shifts nervously from one foot to another and twirls the hair that must have fallen from her tight bun making me wonder what it would be like to see her hair down and how soft her hair would be in my hands

What the heck? I groan internally ruffling my hair. Yeah, this is another reason why I dislike her. She distracts me and makes me want things I shouldn't imagine

"Good morning, Mr. Ace" she greets making my eyes snap to her face again

"Good morning Miss Rose, please sit". She quickly drew out the chair opposite my desk to sit

I sat back in my chair, crossing my hand on my chest, and cleared my throat as I began "Miss Rose, I'm sure you are aware of the reason I called you" She went still and gave me a stiff nod. Still staring at her, I continued. "Good! And I believe this marriage was arranged without both of our consent. Right?"

"Yes sir" she whispers, still avoiding my eyes

"Good! I have no intention of going through with it, it's not something I desire which I'm sure it's the same with you so I'm prepared to offer you a substantial sum to end it." I lean forward, placing my elbow on the desk.

She sits composed, though a tint of nervousness lingers in her beautiful eyes. "Sir, I know this is unexpected but.."

"I'll pay you $100,000" I cut her off. Feeling confident, I slouch back in my chair examining her face

"What?"

"Do you want me to repeat myself" I replied harshly

Nana keeps pestering me and I want to prove to her that marriage and love aren't for everyone, that is why I drafted this plan last night and I'm confident it will work. I'll prove to her that money can buy even the humblest person and it seems it's working already because her expression changes from confusion to realization and then she gasps softly, clamping her hand over her mouth with wide eyes. I roll my eyes and smirk

I was right. Is there anything money can't buy?

But what I didn't expect was the sudden sound of a chair being pulled back roughly. My head snaps to her and I watch in shock and confusion as she stands up, her face calm but her body shaking with anger as she fists her hands tightly by her side

What the hell

She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath as if to calm her rage. Then she opens it back slowly with a smile "I'm sorry sir, I don't know what gave you the intuition that I can be bought nor the impression that I want this marriage. I have no intention of going through with it as well. If anything, I will implore you to talk with your grandmother to put an end to this herself."

I lean backward, watching in fascination as her piercing green eyes glare at me. I never knew she was this fierce and bold. She's the type who's always calm and submissive, seeing this side of her is fascinating to watch

As much as I'd love to explore her new side, I need to get this done as soon as possible so I can go back to the pile of work waiting for me on my desk. I don't understand why she's upset when I'm offering her a huge amount of money that would have shaken anyone.

I rub my forehead with a sigh as I try to control my rising anger due to her sudden rudeness. I need to stay calm since I need her help to stop this outrageous marriage proposal. " You know Nana is persistent and unyielding when she sets her heart on something, that is why I want you to end it yourself. I can double the amount if that's what you want"

She glares down at me as soon as I complete my last statement, her voice gentle but firm. "With all due respect, Sir, I don't know why your grandmother wants us to get married but I respect her. She believes I can make you happy, I know that sounds crazy, but I feel the same way and to be honest, I've never envisioned your type of man for myself. I'm against this marriage as you are, I'll try my best to convince Nana to stop this so I would love it if you don't try to buy me with your money again"

She straightened her back "If you have nothing more to say, please excuse me sir" With that, she strides confidently to the door and close it behind her as she walks out.

What the hell just happened

Anger course through me as I glare at the door with my hands in a fist

How dare she act like that with me. Has she forgotten I am her boss

And what does she mean that I'm not the type of man she envisioned for herself? What does that even mean

Nobody has ever said that to me. Girls prance around me just to get noticed

The buzzing sound of the intercom jerks me out of my reverie. I groan before unclenching my fist to pick it up. As soon as the receiver touches my ear, I pour all my anger into the one word that comes out of my mouth

"What!"