Anna’s POV.

My father threw his glass.

“You are crumbling this empire I built with blood and sweat,” he said angrily.

It had been months since Don made me CEO. Things were getting worse. The banks were closing in. Partners were pulling out. I was not doing something right.

“I am supposed to be retired and not baby sitting you.You are a grown woman.”

“I am trying Don, I am.”

It took another minute of silence.

Then my father gave me the shocker of my life.

“You have two weeks,or get ready to be married to Adrian.”

“What? Married?Who is Adrian?” I gasped, “What do you you mean Don?”

“Adrian Angelo.”

Don Raph Angelo was one of the most successful cartel owners.He ran banks, casinos.He was in the government.Untouchable.With influence,he had successfully pushed and kept people put of business.

My father believed marrying into the family was going to give us a tie that would stay unbroken forever.

”What do you mean marry Adrian? We could reach him for partnership.”

“Basano holdings owe too much already. And the big men no longer look at us. The marriage is sealed.”

There was no way I would marry Adrian,he never had a good record.His controversial lifestyle kept him in and out of the blogs.He had two failed marriages.His first wife, Adoa,she was of African origin.They were married for just six months and she filed for divorce. She never granted interviews and the reason for their failed marriage was somehow kept from the public.

In less than three months,he married the most popular model,Arie.She left barely after four weeks. Was this what my father really wanted for me?

“Don,I will get a deal.”

“You have two weeks,” He said sternly and walked out of the room.

I headed over to Sofia’s.The only place I ever found solitude away from my world of business and trouble.It was a long drive with thoughts in my heart.I was going to crumble a business that took Don years to build.

I arrived at her apartment and sank straight into the couch. I told her about the planned marriage to Adrian and every bit of the shock I had gotten that morning.

“Come on Anna,you will always figure it out.I trust you,” Sofia said handing me a plate of scrambled eggs and a cup of coffee.

“But I have just two weeks Sofia,or Don will whisk me into that life,”I said savoring the tasty plate of eggs.

“Anna,what about Michael?” She asked.

I let out a frown. She continued, “ I know you guys aren’t cool but come on,he might be willing to do business.”

For a moment,I thought about it. “What if he humiliates me?”

“You have to try every option you have now. Or you are gonna marry celebrity boy.”

“There has to be a way out Anna,why does going to Michael or marrying Adrian have to be the only solution anyway?’’

And suddenly,Sofia let out what I considered the dumbest idea ever. “Then maybe marrying Michael is a better idea.”

I choked on the eggs and had to force it down with the coffee, “Wait,what?”

“You don’t have to marry Michael for real. But you know maybe start of with dating him or even an engagement.That way,you don’t have to marry Adrian for real and somehow may be able to get partnership from Michael.”

It sounded like it made sense but at the same time it did not. “What makes you think Michael will agree to a partnership anyway?”

“Well you can only try,” she said pouring me more tea.

“He will humiliate me.”

“And you think marrying Adrian would not do worse? You have two weeks.”

I decided to take a bath. And as every bit of water ran down my skin,Sofia’s plan looked like the reality.I had to choose my poison. I had to try.

Time was running out.And I was going to do what I dreaded most. Go to Michael for partnership.

I walked into the Alonzo Limited that morning with my mind clouded with thoughts. Thoughts of hate, disgust or maybe defeat.

My mind drifted back to the day we graduated high school. Brestan high usually did the yearly prize giving for the best graduating student and scholarship into college.

As I sat in my chair,my heart raced. Some of the students chanted Michael.And to the few ones who still held loyalty to me,whispered Anna.

Michael sat at the end of the row,he turned to him and make the “gun” sign with his fingers.My heart pumped faster.

The principal climbed the podium and gave a speech I did not hear most of.I was brought back to reality when I heard,”The best graduating student of Brestan high this year,is…”

He took another few minutes of unnecessary suspense.Sofia,my best friend sat beside me holding my hands.She whispered,“It’s going to be okay.”

“Michael Alonzo!”

The crowd cheered. A lump filled my throat. I see Bella screaming her lungs out. The principal handed him over the plaque and an envelope.

From the podium,Michael glanced coldly at me.

And right now,I sit at the reception of that same boy. His secretary walked up to me, “You can go in.”

I walked steadily and slowly into the office. And I see Michael seated behind his massive table. There is the portrait of the prize giving day on the wall, his baseball competition and plaques behind him on the shelf. Michael looked a lot different,I may not have paid so much attention at the bid Gala. He looked nothing like he was at Brestan high. His features were more defined,a chiseled jawline, sharper blue eyes.

He looked up to me,letting out a smile.

“Interesting.Have a seat,”He said, laughing.

“Good morning,”I greeted and took my seat.

“How can Michael Alonzo help you?”

I hand him over a proposal. For partnership. I had the facilities,he had the money and the connection.We could make it work.

He glances at the file,closes it and hands it back to me, “Alonzo is not opened for partnership at the moment.”

“Look,I understand we had a rough past.Can we bury the hatchet and talk business?”

“Frankly,this is not even about you. You are not my competition,we are not opened for partnership and especially not with unnecessary baggage with less value,”He said,lighting a cigar.

I took every inch of his word.Bit by bit as they struck my heart but I managed to put more words forward.

“Can we get a loan?”

“A loan? You are bankrupt already.Why do you think I will throw my money into what may not measure up a collateral? ”

And I say the word I hated the most, “Please.”

“Please? This is business Anastacia Basano,” He said looking at the door indicating I leave.

I get up humiliated. I crept slowly towards the door.

And then, Sofia’s dumb idea flashed through my mind. I was between the devil and the red sea.

I turned back to Michael.

“Did you leave something?”He asked.

“No,you have to help me.”

“I already told you I cannot help you,” He said.

“I know,but this one is different.It’s something you can do. You can see it as a rebound or something.”

He raised his eyebrow.

And gathering every breathe I could to let out Sofia’s dumb or maybe useful plan,I let out the words,“Let’s get married.”