RICHARD'S POV
I got out of my car and headed toward the company's lobby. My employees greeted me, but I could sense the tension in the air. I already knew why, but my face gave away nothing as I walked to the elevator leading to my office.
My secretary awaited me as soon as the elevator doors opened, stress written all over his face.
"What is it, Greg?" I asked, already knowing what the issue was.
"Uhmm, boss... we have a problem," he said, handing me his tablet.
I looked at the screen, seeing exactly what I expected.
"What do you think, Greg? Do we look good together?"
"What?" he blinked in confusion.
"I don't think this picture does us justice. She's more beautiful than this."
I saw him visibly tense, clearly anxious.
"Relax. I have everything under control. Now, prepare for the meeting."
My phone lit up—Madison.
Madison: Why did you do that?
Me: Do what?
Madison: You know what I'm talking about.
Me: There's nothing to it.
Madison: It's going to cause an uproar.
Me: That's the whole point. Listen…I'll call you when I'm free. I'm currently busy.
I stood up, but my phone started ringing again. It was my mom.
"Mom, how are you?" I asked, already knowing the reason for her call.
"What is this I'm hearing? You're engaged?"
"Wasn't that what you all wanted?"
"Yes, that's why I sent you on a date with the youngest daughter! I do not approve of this union," she said sternly.
"Mom, I'm about to attend a meeting. I'll call you back, okay?"
"No need for that. You're coming home. Let's address this issue."
"Alright, fine. I'll be there after the meeting."
Turning to Greg, I told him to cancel all my other appointments.
After the meeting, I got into my black Rolls Royce, and my driver took me to the Benjamin mansion.
"Welcome, young master," the maids and butler greeted as I walked in.
I spotted my parents and grandmother on the couch in the living room.
"Hello, Grandma, Mom—how have you been?" I said, kissing them both on the cheeks.
"Am I invisible, young man?" my dad asked playfully.
"Of course not, Dad." I hugged him, then sat opposite them.
"So… why was I summoned?" I asked with a grin.
"You brat! When were you going to tell your mother you're engaged?" Mom said, her tone sharp.
"I was going to tell you," I replied innocently.
"When? After you've already walked down the aisle?"
"Of course not. When we pick a date," I said, noticing her stressed expression.
"You've always wanted me to get married. Why are you unhappy now?"
"Because you're about to marry someone we know nothing about."
"Don't exaggerate, Mom. It's not like I picked her off the street. She's the first daughter of the Harper family. They're high status."
"Enough. You should bring her over for dinner so we can meet her," Grandma said. "Let's see the girl who managed to win your heart. Now, let's get ready for dinner."
"Thanks, Grandma, but I can't stay. I'm meeting her for dinner. And Mom, take care of yourself. Stress isn't good for your health," I said, excusing myself.
Just as I was about to leave, my sister Ava came home from shopping.
"Mom, Dad, Grandma…I'm home. Brother! What are you doing here?"
"You troublesome child, I came to greet the parents. I was just on my way out."
"More like you came to explain yourself. And I'm not a child anymore.I'm 26!"
"You'll always be a child to me. Now, I have to go. I'm meeting my fiancée for dinner."
I got into the car and told my driver to take me home.
MADISON'S POV
Richard called at 5:30 p.m., telling me to get ready that he'd be picking me up in 30 minutes.
I threw on a pair of jeans and a tank top, topping it off with a black leather jacket since it was a bit cold outside.
At exactly 6:00 p.m., he called again.
"I'm here."
I snuck out and saw a sleek black BMW.
"Is that yours?" I asked over the phone.
"Yes. Now get in."
"Impatient much."
I got into the passenger seat, but screamed when I saw an unfamiliar face in the driver's seat. He screamed too, clearly startled.
I realized I was still on the phone.
"Richard! There's someone in your car!"
"Yes, that's my secretary. He's picking you up." He ended the call.
"I'm Gregory Stone,you can call me Greg. I'm Mr. Richard's secretary. Don't worry, I'll take you there safely," he said, and started driving.
It was a one-hour and thirty-minute drive uphill. When we arrived, the gate opened automatically to reveal a beautiful Victorian mansion with several luxury cars in the yard.
"We're here. You can go in,he's waiting inside. I'll be on my way."
"Oh, thank you."
"You're welcome. Uh... sorry if I'm being nosy, but have we met before? Your face looks familiar.not because of your status…like face to face."
"No… I don't think so."
"Oh... okay. Sorry for disturbing."
"It's okay."
He got into the car and drove off.
Taking a deep breath, I walked into the house.
The living room was empty.
"Hello? Richard? I'm here."
I started checking each room until I opened one that looked like his bedroom.
My jaw dropped.
I stood frozen in shock, eyes wide open