CHAPTER ONE — CLASSIFIED.

Chapter One.

CLASSIFIED.

Julian's POV.

I put my hands in my pocket as I stared at the Kimura Corps building through the tempered glass in my office. Although, it stood some miles away, but it felt closer this time. Perhaps because I was about to sign the biggest deal of my life, and the biggest the city had ever seen.

I sighed.

Meanwhile, the door creaked open, and I looked over my shoulder. It was Adrian, my personal assistant.

“Mr Kenji Kimura has just arrived.” he informed. “He will be with you shortly.”

“Thank you.” I replied, returning my gaze to the Kimura Corps building.

Just then, I heard the door close.

“You've got this Julian.” I closed my eyes, and took in a deep breath. “You have got this.”

Having done that, I turned around, took a few steps forward, and settled on my chair. About a minute later, the door opened, and Kenji Kimura walked in. Upon seeing him, I got on my feet.

Meanwhile, he didn't come in alone: he was accompanied by a young woman holding some files in her hand, and two other men in black, who I believe were his escorts. On the other hand, the board members of my company followed in behind him.

“Good morning Mr Kenji.” I greeted, holding out a hand for a shake.

“Oh, just call me Mr Kimura.” he chuckled, receiving my hand.

“Sure, you may sit.” I gestured with a hand.

“Thank you.” he replied, settling on the first chair on my right.

Then I settled on my chair. The board members all settled down too.

“So, Mr?” he raised a brow.

“Mr Julian Ashwin.” I reminded.

“Right.” he snapped his fingers. “I hate wasting time. So, I'm going to be brief about this.”

He put his hands on the desk, and leaned forward, just enough for the scent of his cologne to hit my nose. He smelled like a freshly baked bread.

“Alright. I'm listening.” I replied.

“Good. $4.2bn, that's a lot that I'm investing, and as I hear it's your biggest deal yet.” he said, looking at my face. “I need to be sure you can do this.”

“I am certain that I can do this sir.” I replied, nodding my head. “You are right: it's my biggest deal yet. But I've also managed some other deals in the past, and I did well. So, I'm sure that this won't be any different.”

“I must say that I love your confidence.” he rested a hand on the armrest of the chair, and leaned back, all while looking at me. “And I'm ready to make this happen as much as you are. But there's something I'd like to ask.”

“Sure. You can go ahead, sir.” I replied, smoothening my tie with a hand.

“Are you settled?” he asked, in a very curious tone.

“Pardon?” the retort sprang out of my lips on its own accord.

“I am asking if you've a family.” he said. “Wife… kids? Do you have any?”

I fell silent for a moment. Among other things, I wasn't expecting him to ask about that. I mean, what has that got to do with signing a deal? As much as I know, it's always been about being professional. Never has it had something to do with family.

“Uh,” I rubbed the base of my neck for a second. “I am sorry, but I have none.”

“Is there a reason for that?” he narrowed his gaze. “A reason why you don't have a family of your own?”

“Yes, there is.” I replied with a brief smile. “However, it's personal. So, I'd appreciate it if we don't talk about it.”

“Alright. I get you. But you see,” he leaned forward, and clasped his hands on the desk, all while looking at me. “I have more faith in men who're settled, than those who aren't.”

“I–I don't understand.” I stuttered, sounding more confused than I looked.

“Of course, you don't.” he said, stroking his beards with a hand. “But here's the thing: I hold so much value for family. I believe men who have a family of their own, can handle such deals like this.”

I turned to my left, and raised a brow as I looked at Bernard: the board chairman. I mean, if something like this was going to happen, didn't he think it was best to let me know so that I would prepare for it? Meanwhile, he shrugged a shoulder. I scoffed, blinking my eyes in confusion.

“So, if I understand what you're trying to say,” I replied, taking my words one at a time. “This deal isn't possible, is that it?”

“Exactly.” he nodded. “So, if you really want this deal to go through, then get settled. When you are, we'll talk better.”

“But sir…”

“Claudia?” he called, as he got on his feet.

I watched the young woman who came in with him pick up the documents from the table: the ones she was holding when she walked in. She got up from the chair.

“If you really want this deal, then you've got until the 26th of December to get settled.” he said, and made his way to the exit.

Every other person in the hall got up from their chairs, and began to leave one after the other. However, Bernard stayed back. When it was remaining just the both of us in room, he drank some coffee, and got on his feet.

“I am sure you know quite well that we can't afford to lose a deal like that.” he said, adjusting his tie. “You heard him, right? You've got until December 26th to do something about it.”

That said, he walked to the door, and exited the room.

“Damn it!” I pounded a fist on the desk, and sighed. “Until December 26? You've got to be kidding me.”

“Is the meeting over sir?” Adrian asked as he opened the door, and walked in. “I just saw Mr Kenji Kimura leaving. It's barely ten minutes that he got here.”

“Yes. The meeting is over.” I turned to face him. “However, I need you to put up an advert.”

“What for?”

“For a wife.” I sighed, unbuttoning the top button of my shirt. “If I don't get one by the 26th of December, then I'll have to kiss my chances of signing that deal goodbye.”

“A wife?”

“You heard me Adrian, or do I need to repeat myself?” there was an edge to my voice.

“No, sir.” he dropped his head.

“Put up an ad, and do it now.” I said with ice in my voice. “$200k for anyone who agrees to be my wife for 25 days.”

“That's a huge amount sir.” he gasped.

“Do you need me to fire you?” I asked, raising a brow. “If you don't, then don't say another word, and do as I've asked.”

“I am on it.” he brought out his phone right away.

I pushed my fingers through my hair, and sighed, while giving him some minutes to do what I'd asked him to do.

“All done sir.” he said.

“Good.” I righted myself from the chair, and pressed a document against his chest. “Make sure someone shows interest. If not, I'll fire you.”