CHAPTER 002

JAMES 

I walked downstairs with an annoyed expression on my face after Stella had informed me of my mom's presence. I ignored her calls on purpose because I knew why she was here. She was going to lecture me on getting a wife as soon as possible.

But I didn't want to.

I wasn't ready.

And I wasn't sure I was going to be ready to settle down with anyone. All my freedom will be taken away and I loathed the thought of that.

The moment my mom's eyes landed on me, I immediately braced myself for her loud screeches and lectures. And I was right.

“You unfilial child!” She started as she walked up to me and I rolled my eyes in frustration before turning to look at her with a lazy expression on my face.

“Mom, we're in a public setting. Can you tone it down?” I asked in annoyance as she suddenly slapped my arm, causing me to wince slightly.

“Why have you been avoiding my calls? Even went as far as telling the security to not let me in. How did I raise a child like you?” She asked with her usual dramatic tone and I rubbed the space between my brows gently.

“We both know why you're here Mom. And I'm not in the mood for that talk. So if you don't mind, I'm a little busy upstairs.” I said as I turned to walk away but froze in my tracks when she pointed her phone at my face.

“What is this? Do you have any idea how much this is spreading?” She shrieked, and my eyes rounded in horror as I stared at a picture of me and Freya, a famous model, holding each other intimately.

This was probably taken yesterday because the bimbo I was talking to Stella about was her. Freya. She was beautiful. She had everything a man could ever want but she just wasn't what I wanted. And no, her sex drive wasn't as good as I hyped it to be.

In fact, I regretted taking her home last night. And now a scandal has erupted from it. How perfect.

“You know reporters will do anything to get famous, Mom. None of that is real. It'll die off very soon—”

“She's not denying the allegations!” She countered and I froze in shock. “If it wasn't true then why isn't she denying it? She has admitted to every reporter out there that the images are true. What do you have to say to this?” She yelled and I ran my hand through my hair in frustration after hearing her words.

Freya would do anything to try to stay by my side, and this was the perfect opportunity for her; of course, she wouldn't let it go. That damn model. I didn't even like her, what was her deal?

“Mom, relax. I'll handle it. I'll have the PR team take it down as soon as possible.” I said, trying to convince her to relax but she wasn't having anything I was saying.

“I don't care how you want to handle it but there's only one solution to this madness. You have to get married and that's final.” She said sternly and from the way she spoke, I knew there was no getting out of it this time.

“Mom, please—”

“I have the perfect girl for you and I don't care what you have to say. You will get married and that is final. I'll set the wedding date and inform her parents.” She said as she took out her phone and I panicked.

I didn't want to get married. Especially not to a woman chosen by my mom. That will be the worst kind of hell. I had to find a solution before she did something crazy.

“I'm in a relationship, mom.” I blurted out and she froze, her finger stopping over her phone as she looked at me in confusion. 

“What relationship? With Freya?” She asked in horror and I ran my hand over my hair before shaking my head immediately.

“No, Mom. I'm in a lovely relationship with…” I pause for a moment, realizing how dire the situation was and the consequences. “With Stella,” I announced and I could have sworn that I heard her jaw drop to the floor.

“How dare you try to lie to me? I don't care—”

“You don't believe me? Fine, I don't care. Maybe you'll believe me if you see it with your eyes.” I mumbled as I turned around and headed upstairs with my heart in my throat.

What did I just do? Stella was just my secretary. Yes, I have eyes for her, but I just want to get her in my bed. Nothing more.

My mom was right behind me so I quickened my steps and barged into Stella's office to see that she was working a pile of documents.

I didn't think twice before pulling her into a kiss and I could feel her stiffen against me in shock. The door barged open again and I could hear my mom's shriek as she saw both of us kissing.

“So it's true? You're dating Stella?” She asked in horror and I pulled away to see Stella staring with a confused expression as her face flushed red. Fuck she looked so beautiful like this.

“I told you the scandal wasn't true. Stella and I have been together for months now.” I lied as I turned to look at Stella whose confused expression immediately twisted into a smile, as if she understood what was happening.

“He told me not to tell anyone, my apologies, Mrs Hawthorne.” She apologized and it was my turn to look surprised with how well she immediately fit into the role.

“See? I told you I'll take care of it, Mom. Maybe it's time to finally reveal our secret relationship—”

My words were cut off when she suddenly slapped Stella hard and I froze in shock.