Chapter two

Ryan Claude, only son and heir to the Claude's empire, stood in his opulent office, sipping a glass of whiskey and gazing out the window at the Manhattan skyline. His assistant, Nelly, walks in with a radiant expression.

"Ryan, your father's assistant is here to see you."

Ryan's curiosity piqued, a chill crept up his spine, his mind raced with thoughts as to why his father's right hand man would come to see him. He turned to see his father's assistant, Mr Turner.

"Ah! Ryan, it's good to see you again." They share a handshake.

"Same here Mr Turner." Ryan smiled. "Please have a seat."

"Thank you." Mr Turner says as he proceeds to have a seat. "I'm afraid I have some news. Your father has chosen the one you shall marry. I advise you adhere to this if you want him to see that you're able to take up this kind of responsibility."

Ryan scoffed. "If I want my father to see that I can be responsible and get married, at least let me choose my bride, right?"

"Your father knows what is best for you Ryan, besides this lady in question is well brought up, responsible, has etiquettes, is from a reputable family and so much more. I bet if he lets you choose your bride, you may end up bringing one of your many concubines with a mortifying background." Mr Turner replied.

Ryan amazed at the manner Mr Turner spoke to him "Mr Turner, you will not speak to me in that manner. I respect you but I can loose that respect in a matter of seconds."

Mr Turner stood and handed Ryan a folder. "This is all the information about your bride to be. Including photos of her. You can go through it and find anything about her that interests you at least. You both may even have a lot in common. I shall take my leave now."

Ryan raised his eyes towards Mr Turner with no words proceeding from his mouth. He couldn't counter anything Mr Turner had said because he had decided to be on his father's good side and his father's decision was final. Immediately Mr Turner took his leave, Nelly his assistant entered with a bunch of files. She dropped them on his table and noticed Ryan's countenance fell after he had spoken to Mr Turner.

"Ryan, you okay?" Nelly asked calmly.

"Yes!" he replied harshly.

Nelly felt the tension in his voice and in the air. She thought to give him some space as she gently withdrew to her office. Ryan, realizing he wasn't so nice called her back.

"Nelly!" he called "I'm sorry for raising my voice. Actually, I'm not okay. It's my father, he's driving me crazy. He wants me to settle down."

"Wow! That's great!" Nelly giggled "But what seem to be the problem?"

"He already found the bride to be, I mean my bride to be. The problem is I'd have loved to choose my bride. I don't even know the lady he chose on my behalf"

Pointing at the file on Ryan's table, Nelly said "Well, there you have it, her details. You will go through it of course, you can even set up dinner so you both can formally meet and introduce yourselves. It can't be that bad right?"

Ryan scanned the file, unimpressed. "She seem boring. Highly educated, she's from a wealthy family too. This makes me wonder why she agreed to this marriage. Her family is wealthy, what could she possibly gain from this marriage."

Nelly's interest piqued. "How can she seem boring from her profile? What exactly do you want, what are you looking for in a woman?"

Ryan smirked. "Since you asked, I want a woman who can keep up with my insatiable appetite, a woman who can drive me wild with pleasure. I desire a woman who can unleash my inner beast. I crave a woman who can match my passion and intensity. All these and more"

Nelly was not impressed in the slightest at what Ryan uttered because he didn't mention reasonable qualities that he wants in a woman. Everything he said was just lustful. She expected him to talk about physical and emotional companionship and more. Nelly was quite disappointed, she glared at Ryan with disdain.

"Look, just do what your father wants." Nelly said as she stood up to leave Ryan's office.

Ryan underwhelmed by Nelly's response, "I'm not quite sure but we'll see."

After Nelly left Ryan's office, he was alone and lost in thought. He leaned against the chair, muttering to himself while tapping his fingers. At this point, he really didn't know what to do. He needed a distraction from his present dilemma. Ryan picked up his phone and called his best friend Maurice.

"Hey Maurice! What's good? Just checking if you're free and want to hang."

"Yeah, I just finished from a meeting and I'd kill for a drink or two right now." Maurice replied with enthusiasm.

Ryan picks up his keys, already heading out "Alright then, I'm leaving the office now, see you in a "jiffy. Our usual spot right?"

"Yeah man, sure!" Maurice responded.

The rooftop bar offered breathtaking city views and exuded a sophisticated ambiance with soft jazz melodies and flickering candlelights. The sleek glass shelves showcased an impressive whiskey collection with vintage beer posters and antique distillery equipment that adorned the bar. Aromatic smoke from the cigar lounge wafted the air, mingling with hints of oak and vanilla. Laughter and conversation filled the air as friends and acquaintances gathered at the bar. Maurice walked into the bar and sighted Ryan sitted at the counter while the expert bartender crafted intricate cocktails, blending premium spirits with fresh fruits and herbs.

"Hey man! What's up?" Maurice asked in high spirits as he pulled a stool to sit.

Ryan already in a drunken state but trying hard to show that he's sober, "I'm good man"

"Are you drunk already?" Maurice asked showing concern.

"Of course not." Ryan countered.

Maurice still not convinced "Yes Ryan, you're drunk"

"I'm fine Maurice, I can handle it" Ryan insisted.

"Come on, let's go. I'll drive you home, you can't drive like this. You can leave your car here, I'll pick it up later. Let's go!" Maurice said adamantly as he helped Ryan to stand.

Ryan mumbled and had a disoriented look. He became aggressive towards Maurice but Maurice held him firmly, he didn't budge.

They got into Maurice's car and began to drive off. Ryan still mumbled words that Maurice couldn't comprehend.

"He...he...he wants me to get married." Ryan mumbled.

"What? Who? What are you talking about?" Maurice was confused. He tried to get a hold of what Ryan said but he couldn't.

"My d..dad." Ryan burped loudly "He has everything planned already"

"Wow man! That's huge!" Maurice said excitedly.

"I don't know if I'll go ahead with it though. Man! I don't even know what to do" Ryan emphasized.

"Anything you choose to do man, I'm right behind y..." Maurice declared until a loud crash was heard.