Chapter 1

Carly´s POV

I rolled up the car at the parking lot, setting out only to sigh at the car once more. It was a McLaren Speedtail this time, reportedly one of only two in the world, and I wondered how my grandfather had obtained it.

A car so fancy that it draws attention was a typical way for my grandfather.

 Upon hearing that I was into sports cars, all the cars he had bought that I refused to use were changed in my parking garage. What a creative way to tempt me.

“Ms Carly,”

I looked at Mr Harrison, the manager of the 5-star restaurant. Gina must have told him about the date I had, for him to know the timing to come down. I stepped out of the car.

“We have prepared an excellent room for you. Your date, Mr Johnson, is waiting inside.”

I nodded and followed him inside. Unlike others who had entered through the front door of the 5-star restaurants that stood in the middle of country S, I followed the back door to avoid unnecessary interruption. It was all part of keeping my image from the media. While it may be hard to identify me, some reporters were too smart to avoid.

“Mr Johnson asked for a room that has a city view, though I insisted on you liking a close room, he won't compromise.”

“Let it be, I will be done in a few minutes anyway. Please ask for a bottle of red wine to be sent later.” Mr Harrison nodded as we got to the room. He bowed slightly and I entered the room.

 Mr Johnson stood from his chair upon seeing me. He was handsome, his face cleanly shaved as if he wanted to impress.

“Ms Carly, I finally get to see you. You look even better in person.” He said, stretching his hands for a handshake. I stared at his hands and smiled before taking my seat. He sat down.

“Your Grandfather said you frequent this restaurant, and I thought to bring you here. While it isn’t the top restaurant in the city, it sure has a great view.” He commended.

“Hmm.”

The city view wasn’t bad to look at. But unlike others who find great pleasure in this, I would rather stay in a space that is closed. 

“I'm Johnson Calanthe,” He tried again, introducing himself.

 This time, I looked at him as he introduced himself. Before getting here, I've read about him. A young man who has an ambitious heart guided by his mother. Mr Johnson has daddy issues, and that is why I was curious to see him.

I turned when the door opened. Mr Harrison and a lady who wasn’t familiar entered with our meal, a bottle of wine sat beautifully in his hand, and I smiled.

“Château Lafite Rothschild is our new collection. I hope you enjoy it. ” He said and poured it into a glass, and handed it to me.

 I took a sip. It tastes sending my tongue to heaven.

“You always knew the best wine for me, Mr Harrison. Thank you.” I said with a smile.

“Always my pleasure. Now I will leave you to enjoy your date.” I nodded, and they left the room.

“You sure know your wine, Ms Carly. I personally enjoy white wine more than red wine.” He picked up his glass and took a sip, his eyes boring into mine.

It was a conversation to have, but I didn't want to have it. Picking up my fork, I dug into the steak, taking a bite.

“The media described you as cold and ruthless, but they failed to tell how beautiful you look.” He laughed at his words as I waited to be done with the date. 

These were all plans of my grandfather. He was worried about me being twenty-four, wanting me not to be alone forever, but my grandfather was a bad judge of character, and he won't understand that I chose to live this way. He doesn't understand that these people were fixated on our family wealth, they all saw me as a gemstone to be acquired.

And once again, I listened as Mr Johnson spoke about the benefits of our marriage to the business world.

I dropped my fork.

“You told grandfather that you were interested in me.”

“Uh, yes.” He gave a sheepish laugh. “I saw you the first time at a company opening, so I...”

“Then you got close to my grandfather, and lied to him that you love me and wanted to talk to me.”

“I did and...”

“But you didn’t let him know that you only have eyes for my business, right?” I asked with a smile, and he swallowed.

“It isn’t like that.... Ms..” He shuttered.

“I wasn’t expecting much when I came in, and you didn’t disappoint me, Mr Johnson. Next time, when you want to talk about business, spare my grandfather and visit my secretary instead.” With that, I stood up, wanting to leave.

 I needed to go home and rest my bones from the busy day.

“I'm sorry, Ms Carly, I shouldn’t have lied to your grandfather. I genuinely wanted to talk to you. Please give me a chance.”

He stood up, attempting to stop me. He walked forward, standing between the door and me.

“Mr Johnson, you didn’t get your facts checked. This was your only chance, and too bad, we have finished the meal.” I pointed to the table filled with barely touched food. I sighed. “I will ask someone to send a gift to your place later. Please make sure not to show your face to my grandfather anymore.”

I picked up my bag, wanting to leave the room.

“Does being rich give you the right to act this way?” He suddenly yelled, and I took a step back.

“You don't want to offend me, Mr Johnson. Please move away from the door.”

My words must have brought realization as he suddenly grabbed my left arm.

“I didn’t mean to say that......”

My eyes blazed with anger at his touch. I jerked my hand away from his and glared at him. He moved out of the way, and I stormed out of the room.

My eyes burned as I sprinted to the bathroom. I turned on the faucet and placed my arm under, letting the water rush over my arms as I scrubbed away his touch. Tears streaming down my face, as if the touch could be scoured away.