Nora's mother had been keeping tabs on her since she turned 13, where she went, what she did her friends..... everything.
The only reason she accepted her dealings with Ivy was because Ivy was from a prestigious home, that didn't mean she was friendly either.
Her early morning arrival caused a big stir and Nora was ready in 43 minutes time,she got in the car and they were driven to the Storm mansion.
Nora stepped out of the sleek, black sports car and onto the manicured driveway of the opulent mansion, her mother's stern voice echoing in her mind. "Don't disappoint me,"
They had gotten into a small talk during the drive, that's when Nora found out she was going to be given a business proposal and her mom flatly tod her not to disappoint, like she even had a choice.
Nora's shoulders squared slightly as she gazed up at the sprawling estate, its columns and arches gleaming in the sunlight like a symbol of the wealth and status her parents craved.
With a determined stride, she walked towards the entrance, the sound of gravel crunching beneath her heels a reminder of the carefully crafted facade she was about to enter. As she approached the massive wooden doors, they swung open, and a dignified butler greeted her with a bow. "Welcome, ma'am."
She smiled politely, a mask of confidence hiding the flutter of anxiety in her chest. Her mother's pressure weighed heavily on her shoulders as she swept past the butler into the grand foyer. Her eyes scanned the lavish decor and sweeping staircase, her mind racing.
She was here to secure a business deal, one that would please her mother and further their family's interests, so she was told. With a sense of resolve, she made her way deeper into the mansion, her heels clicking on the marble floor.
"Let's do this she thought".
******. .************. .**************. .*********
Ryan West,Chairman of Master Class international hotel (the leading chain of hotels)groggily opened his eyes, disoriented by the bright sunlight streaming through the windows of his luxurious suite. He reached for his phone, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and was greeted by a flurry of notifications. Among them, a call from his friend, Leo.
"Dude!""Leo's voice boomed through the line. "You're running late! You were supposed to pick me up 15 minutes ago and go to the golf course in 30 minutes, don't tell me I woke you up?!"
Ryan chuckled, despite his grogginess. "Sorry, man. Overslept. Give me 20 minutes, and I'll be there."
With renewed energy, he threw off the covers and rushed through his morning routine. He and Leo hadn't played golf together in ages, and he was looking forward to catching up.
Both met during a golf season, funny enough,it was their first thing in common.
They both played golf when they wanted to release stress or anger, judging from this he was sure Leo had something eating him out, most likely at home....It was always at home
As he dressed quickly and grabbed his golf bag, he couldn't help but smile. This meeting was exactly what he needed – a chance to relax and enjoy some friendly competition with his buddy.
He headed out the door, feeling invigorated and ready to take on the day.
Ryan pulled up to the curb, and Leo burst out of the gate, looking frazzled. As Ryan leaned over to unlock the passenger door, Leo dove in, exhaling heavily.
" 'the hell's wrong with you man, I was meant to be out of her since,Mum would be out any minute".
"You know how she has been nagging me about the company"
" Sorry man, I overslept "
As they pulled away from the curb, Ryan noticed Leo's mom waving enthusiastically from the window. She blew a kiss in Ryan's direction, and he smiled and waved back.
"Hey, Mrs. Callahan" Gray called out, chuckling. "You're looking lovely today!"
Leo rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Yeah, she's got a crush on you, Ryan. You're the perfect son she never had."
Gray laughed. "Hey, I'm flattered! Maybe I'll make you a stepson instead, and she can relax."
Leo grinned, feeling grateful for the distraction from his mom's nagging.
"Let's play a good game and think about your marriage proposal "
Both laughed long and hard.
" But dude....." Leo started
"... how come you overslept, if I can remember you left hurriedly speaking gibberish."
"Well I was hurrying to met someone."
" Who?"
" A lady, I lost her waited at the gate house doing a car- to - car check in the name of some stupid register but I didn't see her, I ended up going home late last night"
" A lady?!!!.... You're crazy "
" Right?"
"Well it seems last night was a night for meetings"
" Did you see someone?"
"You'll know if it gets important "
Ryan pulled into the parking lot of the club
" Okay sir"
****. .*******. .**********. .***********.
The dining room was formal, the breakfast spread immaculate, but the atmosphere was tense. Nora sat quietly, sipping her coffee, as her parents discussed the latest business news.
It almost seemed as though she was eating just for it's sake , Everything tasted bland in her mouth.
Her father, stern and distant, suddenly turned to her.
"Nora,we've been discussing and we've made a decision," he said, his voice devoid of emotion. "You're to marry Knox Wilder, the son of our business partner. This alliance will secure our company's growth and stability."
Nora's s eyes widened , her mother looking unperturbed."But...I despise him," Nora protested, feeling a surge of panic.
Her father's expression remained unyielding. "You'll get to know him soon enough. This is a business arrangement, Nora. It's time you understood your responsibilities to the family."
" But dad I don't like him, he's egoistic, arrogant, everything but a husband material, most importantly I don't love him.
" I want to marry someone I can have a life with"
" You seem to think I am asking you, I'm telling you that you are going to marry him.
" That's final!"