Chapter 1

Carly

I rolled up the car at the parking lot, stepping 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 of my grandfather. Attention seeking, loud.

“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.

“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.

“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.

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 down at his hand and sat down, without taking it.

“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.

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 was why I was curious to see him.

The door opened and Mr Harrison and a lady whom I wasn’t familiar with entered with our meal.

A bottle of wine sat beautifully in his hand.

“Château Lafite Rothschild is our new collection. I hope you enjoy it. ” He poured the wine into a glass as the lady placed the food on the table.

I took a sip. It tastes like 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.” With that, 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 who was worried about me being twenty-four. He was worried that I would turn old alone, 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'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 as he walked forward, standing between the door and me.

“Mr Johnson, 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.

“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 voice was stern but I was afraid of the sudden outburst.

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

“I didn’t mean to say that......”

But it was a wrong move.

I panicked and jerked my hand away from him, and glared at him, my eyes blazed with fury at his touch.

I stormed out of the room.

My eyes were burning with each step I hurried 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.