How it all started

“Why did you tell her, Harvey? We agreed to keep it a secret, my father cautioned my mother before she spilled any more news about how much danger we were in.

“But she deserves to know Reagan! We can't keep on lying to her. I told you not to agree to Elliot’s terms but you did. Now our daughter has to bear the consequences of your actions.

“Papa, I stormed and they both looked at me. What is Mum talking about?

“Cora, it's not as your mum says. The company is going well, it's just some inner issues. “Papa, I cut him off before he told me any more lies. I'd advise you to think twice before lying to me. He felt ashamed and placed his head down. Then he began to explain how bad the company has been doing for the past three months that I've been away. The company's core technology got hacked and stolen and we've been running on a deficit. The only way to save the company was a merger with Keith’s company but his father, Elliot demands a wedding between the families before the merger can take place to strengthen the bonds. My heart raced as my father's words sank in. My father's company was in that much of a bad shape and I had no idea and now, a wedding, a merger. Everything sounded more like a sentence than a solution. I had heard of Elliot, Keith's father, to be an enigmatic man and his reputation spread all through the business industry. Now, my fate was trying to be tied to him and his family. No way!

“I'm sure the marriage doesn't have to happen, there can be another way to convince Keith's father about the merger. Keith won't want this also” I said, my voice shaking despite how composed I stood.

“Cora, your father has picked a date for the wedding. It happens in a month” My mother added and gauged my face to know how I'd react.

“You did what Papa? I paced around the house, stamping my feet angrily on the ground in annoyance. This can't happen. I need to see Keith and try to talk him out of this mess.

“Don't do that Cora! My father abruptly stood in front of me. You can't do anything Cora. The company comes first.

“And I come first too Papa, I responded with the same intensity. I refused to be tied down to some sort of insanity Papa.

“I agree with Cora, Reagan. Something else can be done. My mother said, taking my hands in a tight squeeze.

For a moment, there was silence in the house. Papa looked like he was thinking about something. The only thing I could hear was everyone's racing breaths. I was about to talk when Papa's voice broke the silence.

“Cora, the wedding is in a month, be sure to get prepared. He said and stormed into his room.

“Papa, how can you say — my mother tapped me on the shoulder and shook her head. She meant I shouldn't argue further with my Dad and that everything has been decided.

“But mum, This can't happen," I jerked almost in tears.

“I know, my mother suddenly whispered and talked silently. There's something that can still be done, Cora. Your father mustn't know I told you about this. There's a grand opening of an art exhibit tomorrow at ten by Elliot's company. Keith is going to be present. This is your chance to talk him out of it.

“Are you sure he is going to be there mum? I asked, wanting to be sure before I got stuck.

“Yes, my sweetheart, Your father says he would be. She said and gave my hands another tight squeeze.

The next day, I found myself at the grand opening of the art exhibit, one that Keith was rumored to attend. It was a public event, yet the air buzzed with an exclusivity that made me feel out of place. I wandered through the gallery hoping that I wouldn't run into anyone. I stumbled upon a painting that captured my attention. It was a clear drawing of a phoenix rising from the ashes, its hues of gold and crimson burning with resilience.

As I stood there, lost in the artwork, a voice broke through my thoughts. "It's beautiful, isn't it? The artist's portrayal of rebirth is quite moving."

I turned to find a man standing beside me, his gaze fixed on the painting. He was tall and he carried an air of casual elegance. His eyes had a deep shade of brown and it held a warmth that didn't suit his demeanor.

He smiled, a genuine curve of the lips that reached his eyes. "You must be Cora, fancy meeting you here.

"Keith??" I said, my voice steady despite the little flutter in my chest.

I started to laugh out loud and he followed. “Is this you Keith? I asked him, still laughing hard with a drop of tears rolling from my eyes.

“I'm glad I caught you by surprise, " he said and coughed down his laughter. You haven't changed a bit. He said and I felt his gaze surveying me.

“Oh please, I implored, still laughing. I've changed a lot. I couldn't be more shocked to see you. You look so different from the small boy who used to play hide and seek in our compound.

“What was you must be Cora for? that didn't suit you, " I added mockingly.

“I besiege you to be careful, this little boy is now dashingly hot and has an empire he rules. You could be in danger. He said and adjusted his watch.

“I'm scared, I playfully teased and we both laughed again.

I got engrossed in my talk with Keith and lost track of time. The event had come to an end and everyone had almost gone. The night drew to a close and I felt the weight of reality pressing down on me.

As we exited the gallery, a sudden downpour caught us by surprise. We dashed for cover, finding shelter under a nearby awning. The rain hammered down heavily and he placed his suit on my shoulders to prevent me from the cold.

"I'm glad I met you here," he said, his voice barely audible over the rain. "I never attend these events. I came tonight hoping to meet you."

My eyes widened. "Why?”