Chapter 1:

LORRAINE'S POV:

   “Marriage?, of all things to bind the companies with? marriage, mum c'mon, I sigh with annoyance, “there's no way I'm getting married to that son of a bitch”.

   

 “Do you have a better idea?”, she takes off her glasses and places it on the table waiting for an answer, “that's what I thought. This is the only way to merge the companies, we'll be a strong empire, stronger than anyone here in Manhattan and the whole of DC”.

  She was right, for years we've been trying to build up our company so it gets to the top, although it's a slow process everyday we are getting there but my mother's selfish and greedy ambition would never allow her see the bigger picture.

  

 “There has to be another way. This…this can't be the only way out. Mum, I'm not ready for marriage, hell I don't even want to get married.We don't even love each other ,I….”

  

“Enough!!” she slams the table and I pause, You are a Withmore, we don't marry for love but empires, I also had to sacrifice my happiness for this company. How do you plan on being CEO if you don't want to make hard decisions huh? Enough nagging and complaining, I'm sick and tired of it. 3pm today we're going to sign that contract at the Grayson’s company, be prepared

Now, leave my office”

  I didn't need anyone to tell me mymother's various unsaid sacrifices for this company or that if I did say another word she'll have my very head on her table, so I stand up and leave with my eyes on the brink of tears.

********

  In as much as my very soul was crushed with the news I had received earlier, I still had to continue with work and try my absolute best to fill up my mind with something other than it. One would think that because my mother is the CEO of this company i would have it easy, wrong I didn't, instead I worked more than anyone, did everyone's job and still had to find time to be pretty in front of cameras, it was mentally draining.

  Everyday is the same, wake up at 4am, go for jog, return home, eat, head directly to work and not see the city until it's after dark, head home around 9 and the cycle continues, but I wasn't complaining I will continue doing all of it till my mother saw my importance.

   

  “Remind me again why HR hasn't reached out to the Simpson’s family to give them their daughter's pay?” I ask Stella as she looks confused.

  Regal Simpson died of cancer a few months ago and despite promising the family a little package as a thank you, the company hasn't done anything.

  “Your mother said it was a waste of funds, that the family didn't need our money” 

  “It's our duty whether they need it or not” I say with anger at the tip of my tongue, “and Regal was my employee my mother doesn't have a say in it, head to HR to issue that cheque now” I order.

  

  “Yes ma'am” Stella runs away.

I wasn't a harsh person and raising my voice at my employees was never an option but with the news that I heard this morning it has really messed up with me.

I take another deep breath and drink my coffee when I hear a knock on my door, 

  “Stella, if you're here to complain about anything I don't have the patience” I say, dropping my coffee and not looking up.

  “Stella? Your hot secretary? Where is she”,I hear the familiar voice that has always annoyed the hell out of me, Dexter Grayson.

  Dexter Grayson aka my enemy aka my nemesis aka the most infuriating , self absorbed son of a bitch, aka my future.. husband.

 “What do you want, Dexter?” I angrily say.

 “That is no way to greet your future husband now, is it lovely wife?” He smiles and tries to peck me but I shift away with disgust, “rude” he scoffs.

 “So you've heard then? Great. Get out” I give him a stern look.

  “Still fiesty, still annoying but sexy as ever, “he takes in a deep breath and looks at me from my head to down like as if he was planning to kidnap me or something, “Tell me how did you react when you found out that the man you hate with everything in you is going to be your husband” he says with an annoying smile on his face that even increases my annoyance.

“And how did you react when you found out that the woman you also hate with everything is going to be your dear wife” I mock him, “remember when you said you'd never be with a woman like me? How's that working out for ya? I smiled slightly even though I was boiling with anger.

 “Believe it or not I was thrilled, I mean you always acted like they'll never be anything between us but look at us now, face to face and getting married in three weeks” he laughs and claps his hand.

   I'm sorry, what? Three weeks?? The blood on my face drains and my spine stiffens. 

“With that look on your face I'm guessing you didn't know. Wow your mum really does suck” 

“she does but that's not your place to say you fucking idiot” I take a deep breath in while clutching the arm of my chair turning my knuckles white.

“Three weeks Lorraine, we're going to be legally tied in front of millions of people showcasing our love, how exciting” he sips my coffee and smiles evily.

  “Look Dexter I don't have time nor do I have the patience to entertain your rubbish today, you either leave or I will throw you out” I cross my hand across my chest, “pick one or I will and you wouldn't like what I'd pick” I sit back holding my anger before I explode.

 “Fine fine,” he puts his hand up in surrender, “I would leave but don't forget we are going to be married,” he says in a more serious tone, “gotta start giving me some love and respect, I'm not going to tolerate your bullshit in our marriage. Start acting right wifey” he says in a mocking tone and leaves.

  It's official I hate my mother