Chapter 6

ALEXANDRIA POV

I run out of my dads office, closing the door behind me harder than I intended to. My heels click loudly against the floors as I make my way back in haste to my office. My chest feels tight and my breathing has changed and now feels ragged. I feel like screaming so loud. Marry Adrian? Of all the men in the world ? Arian Kellerham . No, I’ll rather chew my own tongue.

Once I reach my office, I yank the door open ignoring the startled look from angles as I pass by. I slam the door shut and lean against it, close my and trying to let the tears not fall. I won’t cry I can’t Cry. Not here Not now. But as much as I try my heart keeps hammering on my ribs like it wants to break free.

I push myself from the door and walk to my desk sinking myself into my chair. I feel like my entire body has become so weak and heavy with so much disappointment and betrayal. My dreams of becoming CEO feel like they’re slipping through my fingers and going far from my reach. All these years of work. All the nights I slept in the office, all the friends I lost because I was too busy, all the pain of losing Brian. Was it all for nothing?

I bury my face in my hands, feeling the tears slip through my fingers despite my efforts to hold them back as I try my best not to cry Why does my marital status even matter in leading this company? Why does it matter to anyone whether I am married or not ? This is all so crazy

Suddenly, there’s a knock on my door. I quickly wipe my tears trying to put myself together. Angela shows herself in. She enters without waiting for a reply. She closes the door behind her and walks to my desk, placing a cup of warm coffee in front of me. I look at it, then at her, and she gives me a small, sad smile.

“I thought you might need this” she says referring to the coffee

“Thanks” I respond

She sits across from me and watches me for a while, giving me time to gather myself and hold myself from Crying . She finally asks gently , “Do you want to talk about it?”

I sigh and lean back in my chair, staring at the ceiling to keep the tears from falling again and crying all over again . Then I tell her about the boardroom meeting “My dad wants me to get married before my next birthday. If I don’t, I can’t become CEO. Can you believe that?”

Angela’s eyes widen. “Wait, what? That’s crazy. What does marriage have to do with running a company?” How would it affect?

Exactly,” I say bitterly. “Apparently, it’s been there as a clause since my grandfather’s time. Dad never told me because he assumed I’d marry Brian.”

Angela scoffs. “Brian? The same Brian who ran away because of your responsibilities? Oh please ”

I laugh softly despite myself. Trust Angela to always say something to make me feel better . I stare down at my coffee, my mind racing. “And now Dad wants me to consider marrying Adrian.” I admit to her

Angela blinks. “Adrian Kellerham? The same Adrian you hate with every fibre of your being?”

I nod, feeling a headache begin to throb at my temples. “Yes. Apparently, he offered to marry me. Like it’s some business merger or something.”

Angela goes silent for a moment, then she leans forward, her eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “Okay. Let’s think this through. You have eight months to get a husband right?”

“Yes.”

“Then here’s what we’re going to do,” she says firmly. “We’ll find someone else. Anyone else. You’re beautiful, smart, and independent. Men would be lining up once there’s a chance” “We can do dating apps or any thing”

I roll my eyes. “I don’t want just anyone. I want someone I actually like. Someone who loves me.” Angela knows my stand on love

“I know, sweetie. But right now, we need to focus on your CEO position first. We can figure out the love part later.”

I stare at her. “You’re suggesting I marry just anyone ?”

She shrugs.“ You they say Desperate times do call for desperate measures. Besides, it might not be that bad. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone who sweeps you off your feet.”

“Then I may as well just marry the Adrian now” “ You do know this stuff actually happens only in the movies right?” I tell her

Then let’s make your life a movie,” she says with a grin. “Leave everything to me. I’ll set up some dates for you. Good, decent men. No jerks like Brian. And definitely no Adrian.” “In no time you should find a suitable partner

I smile sadly at her joy and enthusiasm , feeling a little hope amidst the mess in my heart . “Thank you, Angela ”

She stands and pats my hand. “What are best friends for? Now drink your coffee, freshen up, and send me your free evenings this week. We’re going husband hunting.”

I giggle , feeling better than I have all morning. As she leaves my office , I take a sip of the coffee. It is sweet, just the way I have liked it. But beneath the sweetness lies the bitter truth. I am about to go on dates not for love or happiness, but to save my dream. And now everything feels so different like I am loosing it both The position and my dream life all together.

My heart aches at this thought, but I just push it down. I have to do something . Anything is better than marrying Adrian Kellerham. Even if it means putting up with so many dates with others and starting all over I will do it.

Or so I tell myself.