Chapter One

Jasmine's POV

“What did you just say to me, Dad?” My breath hitched as my eyes widened with shock.

“You heard me, Jasmine. It has been finalized, and there's nothing we can do about it. For the sake of both companies, you will have to go along with this plan.” My Dad said, and my butt hit the office couch as I stared into the air, trying to process what I just heard.

I sat there in a daze for minutes, replaying what my dad said in my mind. I stood up and paced around the office for a while, tapping my fingers on my thighs.

“Come on, darling, it's not as bad as it sounds. You both are compatible and have the same social status.” My dad said, trying to convince me, but I wasn't having it.

“You don't know what you are talking about, dad. I can't believe you actually set me up with Blake Remigton. Despite knowing how much I dislike him, yet you want me to marry him?” I asked, and dad stood up from his seat and walked up to me.

“I'm telling you he has changed. You both are no longer children. I can't believe you carried the hate you have for him into adulthood.” My dad held my shoulder and shook me.

“Incase you have not noticed, the feeling is mutual. He hates me as much as I hate him. He's arrogant and thinks the world revolves around him just because he's the heir to his father's empire.” I dished out my words in a single breath.

“Well… I don't know what to tell you, but this marriage is going to happen. It has been arranged between both families, and you will just have to accept it.” My dad insisted, and I groaned in frustration.

“I don't know what is happening and why you decided this out of the blue. But I'm not going to be a part of this. I will never get married to Blake Remigton.” I retorted and stormed out of my father's office. 

My PA was outside the door waiting for me. She followed after me like some breeze. I pushed my office door open and stamped my feet on the floor.

“Urrg!!” This is really driving me insane. How in the world is this happening to me? I have hated that boy since we were children.” I groaned, breathing heavily as my chest moved in rhythm.

“It's not enough that we attended the same elementary, high school, and even college. Now they are trying to get us both in an arranged marriage? This must be the joke of the century.” I snorted and found my way to my seat.

“I don't care what Dad says. I'm not marrying that immature and arrogant goose.” I vowed and turned on my laptop. But no matter what I do, I can't seem to concentrate. 

My mind drifted into my imagination, and a flash image of Blake and I walked down the aisle flashed through my mind.

“No way!” I shrugged and quickly stood up.

“No! No!!” I screamed my lungs out. My cheeks burned as my blood boiled in anger. I clenched my fist together and slammed them on my office table. 

I drew in sharp breaths, hoping that helps me keep calm.

“I have to straighten this out with Dad. He needs to understand that I would rather die than be hitched to that man.” I said and stormed out of my office. 

“Ma'am, you've not had your coffee. Also, you have a meeting with the chairman and some of the board of directors in about ten minutes.” Julia, my assistant, explained. 

“I am the CEO of this company. And right now, I'm about to get super busy. So make them wait or postpone the meeting. Because guess what? The chairman, who happens to be my dad, won't be available for the meeting as well.” I said and snatched my coffee away from her.

I didn't even get the chance to resume work when I was informed at the reception that my father had asked me to come to his office.

My yellow pants dragged through the white office floor as my heels scaled the floor. Some of the employees greeted me as I walked by, but I wasn't interested in them.

“Dad….” I was about to yell when I heard his voice over the phone. The door to his office was not shut, so I could hear his voice faintly. I'm not the type to eavesdrop, but I felt the need to do it today.

“I promise you, Mr Remigton, my daughter is ecstatic to marry your son. Ever since I told her about it, she has been asking to see him.” Dad's words peirce through my ear, and I frowned.

‘ What the hell is he saying to Blake’s Dad? ‘ 

‘ And why are they even talking to each other? ‘ I quirried in mind, but couldn't find the perfect answer. 

“Please let's keep what happened two nights ago between us. It would ruin my company and family reputation if words were to get out. I already gave you my daughter, and now it's time for you to keep your part of the bargain.” Dad said, and I furrowed my brows in anger. 

I felt confused and lost. I stepped into Dad's office but quickly retracted my steps. Something is up, and I'm going to find out.

“Let's head over to the conference hall. And you would be working late tonight. I will need you to keep an eye out for me.” I said to Julia, who looked confused. 

“You don't have to understand. Just do as I say.” I stated and walked along.

Later that day, I waited till the company closed. Dad offered me a ride home, but refused and told him I would take my car. He thought I was still upset about the marriage talk and didn't push it. 

It was just Julia and I left in the company. We pretended to work so as not to raise suspicion. I have a spare key to every office in this building, so I made way to Dad's office. 

“You go to the financial department and pull out the records we have for the past one week. Here is the key, make sure not to leave a trace behind.” I ordered and sent her off while I opened the door to my dad's office.