I felt myself shifting in my seat.
Get a grip, Victoria! You can't be intimidated.
You should not make yourself appear weak in front of him.
Clearing my throat, I looked up at him.
"Mr Atkinson, don't you think you have the responsibility of informing your business partner ahead of what you planned?"
"You're finally admitting that we're partners, Miss Ford?" Aaron raised a brow, his voice filled with amusement.
"Business partners, Mr Atkinson. I said, business partners." I enunciated, my expression blank. He only smirked in reply.
An uncomfortable silence fell between us.
You have already done enough damage to my image!
Stacy arrived on time thankfully with a cup of coffee in her hands. Walking carefully, she placed the cup in front of Aaron Atkinson.
"Stacy here makes the best coffee. Mr Atkinson will surely like it." I said as I watched him ta
An hour had just passed when my phone continuously beeped like a hurricane. I stared at the screen with knitted eyebrows. Why were people mentioning me in the comments? As I opened the app, my DMS and feed were flooded with people messaging and tagging me. At this moment, a gentle voice reached my ears. "V, is what they are saying true? Are you and him..." "Ben, people love to make rumours out of everyone and everything they find nowadays." I sighed. "Then your social media..." Ben hesitantly started. "Yeah, what is it? I have been receiving lots of messages and notifications from everyone. I was just about to open my profile when I got your call." "V, you won't like it... It's better if you don't see it." Ben advised me kindly. I knew he had good intentions, but keeping me in the dark would not help anyone. "I'm more curious now, Ben. Let's meet this week. Your
"Uncle Victor." I greeted him with a smile. "How're you? Taking your meds on time, right?"The elderly man chuckled. "I was hoping you would not ask that, dear."He was sitting in a wheelchair, dressed in a dark suit and his legs were covered with a black blanket.When he was in his early forties, an accident occurred and he lost his legs. He was one of my grandfather's partners and after his death, I would come to visit Uncle Victor Fernandez at least once a month.Although my and his age was years apart, the age factor did not stop me from befriending him. He gave out a vintage vibe, similar to my grandfather which made me closer to Uncle Victor after my grandfather Eric died.I had only some supporters I could rely on and trust and those were my friends, Uncle Max, Michael, and Uncle Victor."Good girl, did someone try to mess with you these days?" Uncle Victor asked nicely. He had a smile playing on hi
"...Is she your girlfriend, Uncle?" My lips arched up subconsciously. "Were you keeping a secret from all of us?" He was 28 and almost hitting 29 this year. Settling down was not too bad. "Pretty niece, are you trying to make your uncle angry?" Uncle laughed lazily, but I could make out the warning in his words. "I dare not, Uncle." I bit back a smile. Uncle could never be angry with me, that I was sure of. "Who's she? Can you let me see her face?" "Who're you talking with!?" "Hey, what are you doing-" This girl undoubtedly was daring. Making Uncle act unusual and jolty. "Hey, this guy here, I've borrowed him for some hours, alright! You can have him later." The voice shouted on the phone. It seemed familiar but I could not pinpoint it exactly. And Uncle let you borrow him and that too for hours? Maximus was a person who got impatient with everyone except for his l
1 Week Later"Miss Ford."I whiffed out a breath as I turned around. That cologne was messing with my mind badly.Don't pay attention.We were standing on the location of Mr Richmond's land and workers were sorting out the materials that would be used in the construction of the apartments."Mr Atkinson." I nodded."A week ago when I messaged you, I was left on seen. I was incredibly hurt, Miss Ford."I cocked a brow coldly, "That means you are bound to keep getting hurt, Mr Atkinson. Since I tend to be quite busy and only care to reply when it comes to business and friends and nothing else.""Miss Ford, are you indirectly saying that you want us to be friends?"Air got knocked out of my lungs as I whipped my head toward him at a frighteningly high speed that it hurt.Disbelief was written on my face. Even he could tell easily."From where did you get thi
"No!" We both shouted. "Ahem, we aren't." Ben coughed slightly. "We're friends!" I blurted. "Is that so?" The woman owner seemed disappointed. Having finished our meal, we both went to our homes respectively. Promising the woman that we would come here again with our whole group next time. After taking a long hot shower, my mind was rejuvenated. Holding my iPad, I settled on my brown couch and started to go through the designs I received via my email box from the Empire's architects. These architects were the best in town and Empire had left no effort in hiring them. I made sure no company could ever offer them the benefits Empire delivered. I also did not let go of the ones who were not registered– the young architectural designers who helped the architects. They were youthful and fresh but people wanted an experience. However, I took them in and decided to train them under the best of the architects in the industry. They could be valuable assets to the company. I was on th
"Grandma, Mom, this is..." Aaron was about to introduce me when the young girl who appeared to be in her seventeen came closer and looked at my face deeply. She had dark-coloured hair and rosy cheeks. "Are you my brother's new partner? You do know that my brother doesn't date, right? Don't you have a taste?" She had a sassiness in her voice. "I don't know what he promises you women, but leave him if you want to stay content." I stifled a laugh. Was she really his sister? "Angela!" The middle-aged woman in her early fifties chided. I assumed she was Aaron's mother. Honestly, a pretty-looking and decent woman. "I apologise for her rude behaviour, Miss." Aaron's mom quickly apologised. Her tone was soft and kind. I instantly liked her genteel personality. "It's nothing, Ma'am." After all, it was Aaron who got dissed and not me. "What? Didn't I tell the truth?" The girl whose name was Angela grumbled. Both the mother and daughter resembled each other. "You seem to ha
My conversation with Ben in the restaurant the other day was continuously playing in my mind. "V, if you really want your shares back, you must strike when the iron is hot. The moment he asks for a minimum of help, ask him to pay back." "The payback will be your shares." Wouldn't this be too soon, though? Empire was progressing, and as I hated to admit, it required support since it was at its crucial stage. We needed basic advertising and promotion. Not too high-profile and not too low-key either. Should I execute it or not? I was mindlessly walking when I bumped into a hard wall. "Ouch." I grabbed my nose in irritation and looked up. "The h*ll." "Willingly crashing into me. Is your mind completely exhausted, Miss Ford?" "I didn't see you stopping," I answered. "And, no, I'm not tired. The day hasn't even ended yet." After saying that, I proceeded to move forward and was
28 days passed in silence. People still pinned me on stupid posts but I learnt to ignore them. I did not see Aaron much except for the important meetings with Mr Richmond. He also pretended our previous conversation did not happen. Perhaps, he had let go of me and Empire. I was happier than ever. Today, nothing could ruin my mood. "Has everything been prepared?" I got out of the lift and asked the moment I saw her. Stacy had a timid smile, but she seemed relaxed. "Yes, Ma'am. Invitations were all answered cordially and lots of investors and companies wish to join this evening's occasion.""I have talked to the media as well," Michael said as he approached us."Good job, you two." I nodded, pleased. Humming, I entered my office. After a wait of a long time, the Empire Group of Industries was hosting an event itself. The 70th anniversary! One of the city projects Empire got last year had completed too fell at this time, so this was certainly a call for a double celebration.
Maximus Leinster. A person who never once crossed my mind when I made plans, was here in the flesh."You're back 2 weeks earlier, Uncle." I walked up to him.His tall figure donning a black coat while wearing a greyish turtleneck, became clear. He put down his luggage and assessed me like he always did when he came back."Oh, is this supposed to be a bad thing considering how pale you look?" He tilted his head, his moves slow and phlegmatic."No, it isn't. I'm just... astounded. It would have been great had you informed me in advance," I said slowly."That's fine. I simply wanted to surprise my pretty niece," Uncle Max waved his hand in dismay, suddenly smiling lazily. "Anyways, what are we having here? A party?"He observed the surroundings keenly. Taking in the sight of the well-decorated lawn. His eyes were of a hawk. Observation skills were one of his strong suits.Did I tell the lawn attached at the back was a part of our old house property where Grandfather and his children use
"Today we are gathered here to witness the matrimonial ceremony taking place between Miss Ford and..." I could not take a good look at the people I knew. Jackson had a sour/betrayed face. Michael and Stacy's faces wore grim looks. Uncle Victor had some emergency regarding the troublemaker trio, so he could not come. Sarah's lips were pursed. And Ben? He was not even here. What happened in the cemetery, should not have occurred. Ben had a pained expression, something I had never seen him wearing except for the time he lost to me by one mark in our biology quiz. I was sad inside my heart, stoicism seen from my face, and blank when it came to mind. Marriage. This word kept on repeating like a broken record. I was getting married today. Victoria Ford was getting married, and people were cheering her on for it. Media coverage. News broadcasting of our marriage on television. "Sweetheart," A charming and irritating whisper invaded my ears. "You don't think you could have gone
As soon as I pressed the button and sent the text, I switched off my phone and rested my head on the steering wheel. I never thought I would come here. When my grandfather was alive, I refused to come here as I could not embrace the fact that Mom had left me. I took a deep breath as I entered the cemetery. My steps quickened as her gravestone appeared before my eyes. The water almost gathered around my orbs which I quickly blinked. Evelyn Ford was beautifully carved on the marble. Pursing my lips, I placed a bouquet in front of her, her favourite white lilies, "Hey, long time no see, Mom. How are you?" A rush of wind went past me, making me exhale. "I... I came here to tell you something," I swallowed. "Your husband, Stefan Ford, remarried and lives happily with his new wife and daughter." Talking about them left an astringent taste in my mouth. I would have to tighten the security if he
"Are you for real?! You're actually marrying a man you despise, Vicky?" Sarah's tone carried astonishment. "Is Enemies-to-lovers also your favourite trope? Vicky!! I'm going insane. Answer me, my favourite best friend!" "Sarah, I'll explain when we meet at Jackson's club, okay?" Sighing, I rubbed my forehead. Since yesterday, I have been receiving the same reactions. Social Media was hell for me. 'Why did you decide to marry Aaron Atkinson?' 'Why the hottest man of all people?' 'She's only marrying for money, people.' 'Gold-digger.' 'Is Aaron Atkinson blind? Why is he marrying such a greedy woman?' "Boss, stop reading them," Stacy placed my dark coffee before me and quietly suggested. I sighed once again and closed the phone's screen. "Can't say I didn't expect that. But in reality, it hits way worse than I pictured in my mind." All the respect I earned in my field of work went down the drain. Merely, because I decided to marry the richest and probably the most power
7 Days Ago "And what is that you propose, Mr Atkinson?" My heart thumped. Where was this dreadful feeling creeping in? "Marry me, Miss Ford." This guy, was he right in the head? Why in the hell would he ask me this!? "Mr Atkinson, I suppose we were planning on discussing cooperation against our common enemy. And, not..." I shook my head, taking a deep breath. "Marriage is not a game, Mr Atkinson, " I said again, my fingers digging into my palms. Images of my Mom and Dad's marriage began to invade my vision. "This will not be a true marriage, Miss Ford. I assure you of it." Aaron's tone was casual as if it did not bother him. "We don't have to bind ourselves with the vows." Observing my silence, he raised a brow mockingly. "Or are you like those good girls who have been convinced by this hearsay from their childhood that marriage is a sacred reunion between two partners and that no deceit or fallacy must be in between them? Miss Ford, no one believes in such anymore." I glar
"Sarah, why would you do that?" I hissed. "I can't hear you." Sarah turned a deaf ear and pushed me forward. Many people had anticipated expressions, watching me curiously. "If I can't kill you, I swear I'll stop buying your clothes," I grumbled to myself. Walking gradually, I reached Damien at last. I coughed slightly, gaining his attention. "Do you want to dance?" Damien snorted. "You," He arched a brow, unamusedly, "want to dance with me? What's the catch?" "There's no... catch, Damien." It was all because of my lovable friend's courtesy. "What if I say no?" He gazed down at me blankly. My face became expressionless. Of course, he would not leave this chance to humiliate me. "I would complain to Uncle Victor." "Childish." He rolled his eyes. "Let's go." "Where?" I eyed him suspiciously. "To a dark alley to kill you." It was my turn to snort. "You plan to kill me?" "Who knows." He shrugged nonchalantly. I stopped myself from retorting. I wanted to cancel this event now
"Happy Birthday, Miss Ford." "Many happy returns of the day, Boss." Many people came and congratulated me with identical words. Nodding slightly at people congratulating me, I gazed at the whole hall, my eyes searching every nook and every corner. "Who are you searching for, V?" I was startled to find Ben watching me with inquiries. "No one." I averted my eyes. So he wasn't coming then. Shaking my head, I got busy with further greetings from others. "Vickyyyy, happy birthday!!" Sarah embraced me tightly from back. "I can't believe you're 24 already." I laughed. "Thank you. Now where's my gift?" "Your gift... Here." Sarah waved a key in front of me. I gaped at her. "You didn't..." Don't tell me she bought the Bugatti W16 Mistral for me. I only talked about it one time. "I did." Sarah grinned, "Happy Birthday once again, Vicky. BTW, fabulous dress you're wearing." "Fabulous indeed. A very skilful designer designed it." Today, I had worn one of Sarah's latest roya
"Mr Richmond." I gave him a brief smile. I managed to arrive on time and sat on the chair. At this time, there were only a few people in the cafe with no hustle and bustle. "Miss Ford." He greeted warmly. "I assume you know the reason for my presence here." My mood became grim and I nodded, "I do, Mr Richmond." "I won't hold it against you if you want to terminate the liaise between the two companies. Now that the Empire has hit rock bottom," I clenched my fists. Aaron Atkinson, congrats on having the whole contract to you. Even the government was now wary of giving the projects to Empire. 'We will recover, though. And everything will be alright.' "I feel you will want to choose a rather strong partner. Given the circumstances, I-" I was interrupted by Mr Arthur Richmond's laughter. I stared at him, dumbfounded. Later, he stopped and took a sip from his ordered Espresso. "Miss Ford- no, Victoria. Can I call you that?" As soon as I agreed, he continued. "I won't be
3 Days Ago. "See, everyone? This is what happens when you give a huge company to an impetuous person.""I think we should change the CEO.""I also agree. Someone else needs to be the CEO.""I suggest Mr Ford be the CEO since he is more experienced." The person who said this visibly flinched when he met my gaze. I inwardly sneered. Although not here today, Father certainly had bought lots of them. "If it weren't for you, would this company be ever at this low?" "We don't care who you have a feud with. We only care about the interest of the company."Closing my eyes, I inhaled. "I also care about the 'well-being' of the company. Do you all believe changing the CEO will save Empire?" The board of directors and investors got quiet as they exchanged a look. If they were as smart as they claimed to be, then they must have been aware that changing the CEO would not lessen the problem. Instead, the company would have to go through a complete reboot which we could not afford at this mom