03

Clark’s POV

My head is spinning, thoughts running through my mind as I make way to the office in my private car, tailed by two of my very best bodyguards.

The emergency meeting I told Lai I was having was truly an emergency, but not truly a meeting, depending on what you define a meeting has. I had to meet up with my parents to discuss some shocking revelations that threaten to destroy all I’ve ever worked for.

As the only child of Carson and Jane Rique , I have been trained all my life to inherit Dames, the company that I head as the CEO. 

Flashback to the meeting with his parents 

“You need to get married before the year runs out or we’ll have no choice but to hand the company to someone else” dad says, running his hands through his hair.

“But the year will end in a month and a half. How do you expect me to find a wife in that short time? And besides what is the sudden need to get married, you’ve never required me to do so, so why now?” I ask.

Mom smiles, “it’s really not our fault Clark. Your father mentioned that you’d be taking over the company to the board, but the board expressed their doubts stating that your father couldn’t leave the company in the hands of a person who isn’t married and therefore not responsible enough.

“But haven’t I shown them I’m responsible enough where it truly matters, our revenue has increased by 200% since I became CEO” I retort.

Dad nods, “we know, but they believe that you need to be married to show that you’re responsible enough, in their defence that was the way it was done in our days”

“Your Uncle Fernard is contesting for the position. He has his eyes on the position I fill and unfortunately it seems he has swayed some members of the board of directors”

My face crinkles at the sound of Fernard’s name, I’ve never liked him for one bit, very greedy man. If not that he’s dad’s brother I would have suggested he was kicked out of the company but I know dad has some type of attachment to him. But hopefully that’s dead now with his betrayal.

“I can definitely make you the owner, but you know how I like things to be fair. So what I need you to do is to get married before 20th of December in time for the inauguration on the 29th of December”

I nod, “I will dad”

Back to the present 

“Where in the world am I supposed to find a wife in 35 days” I mumble, deep in thought.

“We have arrived sir” the driver says, pulling me out of my thoughts. I nod, “thank you, please instruct the bodyguard to remain in the car till I’m ready to head home” I say, alighting the car and heading straight for my office.

I hear Lara’s voice which causes me to stop in my tracks. 

“You’re just saying that because he’s your boss and your closest friend. You won’t be singing the same tune if you weren’t friends with him”

“Absolutely not, I’m saying this because I truly admire him. I couldn’t have asked for a better boss” I hear Lai say, which makes me smile.

“Sure, keep telling yourself that. I can’t imagine dating a person like him, his aura is so cold and he’s extremely serious. I’d be bored out of my mind” Lara says.

I nod, “I’m glad to know you hold me in such high esteem” I say, walking past her. I’ve always wondered why she avoids me so much, at least that partly explains it.

“Oh you heard all I said?” she asks. 

I smile, though she can’t see me as I’m backing her, “don’t worry, I won’t fire your brother because of that but maybe you should limit your visits to the office. I won’t want you to poison your brother's mind against me” I say, before walking into my office.

In a few minutes, Lai walks into my office, “she’s gone?” I ask. He nods, “she had some work at the office”

I nod, “I wonder how she has time for gossip when she’s busy running a business, a fairly large business at that”.

He chuckles, “well you know what she says, she’s the only business person that has a work life balance”

I shake my head, “your sister is really something” I comment. He laughs, “I won’t have it any other way”

“There’s something I need to discuss with you” I say, my face getting serious. He nods, “what is it?” He asks, taking a seat opposite me.

What I love about Lai is his ability to switch from playful to serious, he’s never playful when it means business.

“It’s highly confidential” I say, he nods, waiting for me to speak. “It’s about me inheriting the company”

“Are you inheriting sooner than we thought?” He asks, excitedly. I nod, “but there’s a problem, I need to be married before December 20th for the company to be handed over to me” I say, slumping in my seat.

His eyebrows crease, “but that’s 35 days from now and as far as I know, you’re currently not dating anyone”.

I nod, “that’s the dilemma” I say, thinking deeply. “So what do we do now?” He asks.

I smile, “an idea just popped up in my mind but I don’t think you’re going to like it that much” I say, leaning forward.

“Go on” he says, eyeing me apprehensively. “I’m thinking of a contract marriage with your sister Lara”

“You’re joking right?” He chuckles. I shake my head, “I’m not. This works best between us, I know she doesn’t like me so there will be no complicated feelings between us. I’ll give her what she wants, it’ll basically be a marriage of convenience”

He shakes his head, “I’m not down with this idea. I think the two of you deserve to fall in love and get married to the person you’re in love with, not this marriage of convenience”

I nod, “we do. But you know your sister avoids dating and your parents want her to get married. This is a nice way, we’ll get married with our interests protected” I say, feeling sure of my plan.

He shakes his head, “I’m not in support of this but you two are grown adults, so if she accepts then I’ll back down”

I smile, “thanks, I’ll be coming over to your place this evening. I need you to please make up an excuse to leave us alone, so I can have this conversation with her”

He nods, “sure, I’ll be getting back to work now”