The Merger

For a second, I couldn’t breathe and I could feel the ground shake beneath my feet.

My phone slipped from my hand as panic took over.

I started dressing frantically, fumbling with the buttons of my shirt.

“I don’t know what you just heard,” He said, stopping me at the door, “but let my driver take you. You look out of it.”

I barely managed to say a “thank you” before rushing out.

The hospital smelled like antiseptic and something else I can't pinpoint. Dread sat heavy in my chest as I rushed inside.

Seeing my Dad motionless in the hospital bed, with tubes, wires, machines barely keeping him alive broke something deep inside me. I knelt beside him, tears streaming down my face and soaking the sheets. I can’t lose my Dad like this. I refuse to lose him at all.

A knock on the door jolted me up; I turned towards the door and saw Victor making his way to me. I stood up and met him halfway, launching myself into his arms; I broke down the second time today.

“They don’t know when he is going to wake up.” I cried into his chest. “They don’t know anything at all! I can’t lose him like this, Victor”

He held me while I cried into his chest, patting me.

“Your father will wake up soon. That man is one of the strongest and most stubborn people I know. He will fight death and win, I promise you.”

Victor is my haven. He is my father’s associate and his closest friend; I’ve known him since forever.

I remember how he used to help me with my assignments whenever my Dad got too busy with work, sneaked me cookies and chocolate behind his back, and guided me through business classes when I started my degree; He practically raised me with my Dad.

He pulled back and wiped my tears, “You have to be strong for your father right now, Aria. I need to discuss some things with you. Let’s go somewhere more private.”

I followed him to the hospital’s rooftop. “What do you want to tell me, Victor?” I asked him.

He sighed and then said, “It’s the company, Aria. I need you to listen carefully to what I’m about to say.”

I nodded at him, and he continued, “Your father’s accident has reached the press.” He paused, “The stock reacted faster than we anticipated.”

My stomach clenched, “How bad was the dip”

“Fifteen percent two hours ago. It’s dipping fast; the investors are worried, Ari.” He answered solemnly.

I shook my head, “Why is it dipping so fast? He is still alive.”

“Yes, but he is incapacitated. The board needs

stability.” Victor met my eyes, “You have to step in as the heir.”

I laughed weakly, “I’m barely holding myself together.”

Victor sighed, “Aria, you are a Valen, Sebastian’s only heir; it doesn’t matter if you’re ready or not. You have to take your father’s place to save the company.

The weight of his words pressed down on my chest.

“So what happens when I take over? Surely, that’s not the only thing that’s going to save the company. Fifteen percent is a big loss.”

Victor let out a wry smile. “Smart girl. You are truly your father’s daughter.” He smiled proudly.

I frowned, waiting for his response.

“A temporary merger.” He finally answered, “With a stable, well-capitalized company. It would reassure the market, freeze the decline, and buy us time until your father recovers.”

I nodded, “What company are we talking about?”

Victor hesitated, just for a moment. “Blackwood Holdings.”

That sounded familiar, and then it suddenly clicked.

“Isn’t that our rival company? Why would we want to merge with them?”

“Their CEO is known for clean takeovers and discretion,” he continued smoothly, “Aligning with this company will give us the stability that we direly

need. It also brings about stability and a clear growth strategy.” He finished.

I frowned; “So what’s in it for them? He is a businessman, surely he won’t agree to this unless he’s going to gain something from it.”

This made Victor shift uncomfortably, “He made a request, Aria.”

“Tell me.” I urged.

“He will only agree to the merger if you marry his son.”