The drive to the villa was silent
The CEO sat in the back seat with a solemn expression as the gates slid open,the grand house standing as it had always had
It was not just a home,it was a place where power was passed down from generations, where power ruled despite age.
His father was already in the study when he arrived
He was sitting behind a large mahogany desk with piles of files and contracts that controlled empires. His hair was turning silver obviously beaten by age, but not his presence he still possessed the coldness and authority that ruled.
"Sit" he ordered, without looking up from the piles of files on the table
"You are late", his father said
"I came as soon as my schedule was free" Andrew answered pulling out the chair opposite him to sit.
Then his father finally looked up, with the same coldness and intensity that everyone feared, even in it's current leader then he spoke
"I'll be passing on my shares to you in the next two weeks, there will be a banquet to announce the new leadership "
Not a surprise
"The press would be there,all the prominent families here and abroad will be present, ambassadors and people that matter will be there"
Then he continued "that day you would no more be the acting CEO but the real CEO"
Then he paused
A deliberate pause
"But you aren't coming alone, you are coming with her the engagement will be announced on that day"
Andrew froze
"My fiancee??" he asked
"Your future wife" his father corrected
"She isn't ready for that kind of attention father besides she hasn't been consulted yet" Andrew said bewildered
"You had months to meet her but you choose to delay the meeting, you must bring her and that is final",the father said
Andrew was confused
Engagement
How would she feel
Their first meeting was so awkward for her,how would she even face such a sudden reality
"Remember she has to be there so that the people will be sure that there'll be continuity and your position would be stabilized " his father continued
"But father she is human not a prop at least she needs time to get used to all of these" Andrew said
"Be careful don't mix things up,I can see you are already defending her" his father said then smiled and continued
"But she must be there two weeks is enough to prepare",his father said
Andrew stood firm"you are asking me to bring her to the spotlight without warning"
His father smirked then said " it is not a request it is an order"
"Father at least let's hear from her"
"No",his father said firmly, that is final
"Father if she is standing with me she deserves respect at least , this is too sudden" Andrew argued
Bam!!!
His father hit the table
"It's okay" he shouted
"Now Andrew Stuarts listen,it is either she comes or the ceremony is cancelled till further notice or maybe it'll be passed down to your uncle". His father growled
"Never" Andrew stood up
"This company is my blood and sweat why should it go to them" he growled loudly
His father laughed, a mocking laughter
"Now you choose between the CEO and her standing as your fiancee in public"
He father said firmly and stormed out of the study
Andrew fell on the chair exhausted, His mind kept racing
What if she rejected him
Would she be able to stand with him and bear everything with him??
He was just confused
He had no other choice
He couldn't lose the company
That was his blood and sweat
With that he headed out of the study room, and then out of the villa.