Chapter Three•

Leonard stared at the lady in front of him. She was Aphrodite reborn. She had a milk honey like skin befitting a brunette which was inviting to soft sweet caresses. 

Her full small lush lips begged to be kissed and he wondered how it will feel under the pressure of his.

Her tailored suit couldn't disguise the curves that was beneath. 

Kylie gazed at him. She was probably gawking without her realization. He had piercing silver eyes that seemed to penetrate deep into her very soul. And those chiseled jaw and slightly broad shoulders. Where has she seen this face before?

Leo cleared his throat realizing that she was having a grip on him than he least expected.

"I presume that you were taught not to leave a visitor standing by the door." he said rudely snapping her out of her thoughts.

How rude!she thought to herself and disliked him immediately.

"You presumed wrong mister. I was rather taught to leave visitors standing by the door. It is left to them if they wanna come in or keep standing in the cold." She retorted and with that retreated back to the dinner table.

Leo had a glint of amusement in his eyes. People cowered at his mere presence and when he speaks they trembled,but not her.

She didn't have any hint of fear when she retorted. He didn't like it one bit but he was intrigued.

He walked into the house. 

"Sorry I'm late." he said when he got to the dinning room.

Kylie huffed. "Now,who's trying to be mister nice guy?" she muttered bitterly to herself.

"That's an habit you need to work on son." Rio said.

"Now,now,don't scold the poor boy,"Carina said charmingly. "Come sit down dear." she said and he gave her the million dollar smile.

Kylie huffed again. If only this dinner would end quickly.

Leo kissed his mother on her cheek.

"Carina,this is Leonard Michaelson,the CEO of LM Tech. The brain behind all these technologies we use in this our modem world." She said clearly proud of her son's achievement.

Kylie rolled her eyes. Mothers!always wanting to show off their children's achievements and...wait,did she just say LM Tech? Kylie leaned back in chair. 

LM Tech was the biggest technology company right here in London. Her company even makes use of some of their products.

Now she knew why he looked so familiar. She has seen him on TV and cover pages of magazines.

He was enlisted on one of those magazines 'the most eligible bachelor in London'.

Her mother was so thrilled while her father complemented him. 

Leo's gaze remained fixed on Kylie when he was introduced to her. 

For no reason,Kylie suddenly lost the urge to continue eating. Could this night get any worse?

"Let's make a toast." Carina said still beaming with smiles. Everyone raised their glasses.

"Cheers to the new union between us." she said.

"Union?" Kylie and Leo said at once.

Kylie looked at her father to give her an hint of what was going on but he stared at her aloofly. 

Oh yes,it just got worse.

Her mother giggled. "Oh silly me," she said taking a sip from her glass. "Carina here and I have decided to bond our friendship by getting you and Leo married." she said smiling without a care of what impact it would have on Kylie.

"What?!" They yelled in unison. Shock on both their faces.

"You have got to be kidding me." Kylie said trying her best not to react badly in front of the guests but she couldn't help it. 

"You want me to marry him?!" she said in a brittle tone.

Leo leaned back. So this is what this was all about. He thought to himself.

He gave a look at his parents,his eyes held questions and fury but he would rather remain conserved than make a scene.

Henry rose to his feet. "Thanks for coming Mr Rio." he said and Rio stood up too. "The pleasure is ours Mr Henry,"he adjusted his necktie. "I believe it's time to take our leave." he said again.

Carina gave Lucinda a hug. "See you soon dear friend." she said. 

"Thanks for having me for dinner Mrs Shell." Leo said to Carina.

"You're welcome anytime." she said still beaming without thinking of what Kylie had in mind.

Kylie was seething in rage as she watched the Michaelson's walk out of the house.

Immediately they were gone,Kylie turned to her mother ready to explode her anger.

"What did you say about my marriage with some stranger?" Kylie asked angrily.

"Oh that,"she said reluctantly. "Martha,tell Mary to come clear the table." she said walking out of the dinning room.

"Mom I'm talking to you." Kylie said following her.

"Sweetie,you heard me clearly when I said I want you married to Lucinda's son." she replied nonchalantly.

"How could you go behind my back,arranging for some marriage with a total stranger for me? How could you mom?!" Kylie questioned in rage.

Her father sat on the couch watching them both.

He recalled telling Carina that this arrangement would never go well with Kylie but she had assured him everything would be fine. He makes lots of fuss,she had said to him.

"Cause it's what is best for you." Carina said,her tone slightly rose.

"Best for me?!"Kylie flared. "You don't know what's best for me."

"Kylie." Carina said,underneath her tone was a clear warning she was crossing her limits.

"Oh mom please spare me,"she said feeling exasperated. "And dad,"she said turning to him. "You're in this too?"she questioned.

"Don't look at me,it was all her idea." he said shrugging his shoulders.

"You both know I have someone in my life."Kylie said as a matter of fact.

"Like I've said before,Rex is not someone worthy to spend the rest of your life with."

"You know what?"Kylie said picking up her bag. "I'm done with this discussion. To hell with this damned marriage. To hell with the Michaelson." she damned as she walked out of the house.

Carina called after her but she paid deaf ears to her.

"To hell with this house if possible." she said underneath her breath as she drove out of the house.