CHAPTER ONE; PROPOSING TO HER LOOK ALIKE.

Jaden's p.o.v

"Get on your knees," I look at her as she slowly lowers her naked self before me. She holds her hands out for me to hit.

I hate it when she disobeys me, but a part of me gets bored when she doesn't. "Do you know what you did wrong?" I run the whip through her body and watch her quiver as I linger between her legs.

"Yes," she whispers, her sweet voice melting me. "How many do you think you deserve," I place the whip under her chin and lift her face. "As many as it pleases you master," her caramel eyes look softly at me.

I hit her, and watch her wince in pain and slight delight. I hit her until I see tears welling up in her eyes. "I am sorry," she says, holding them back.

I can't help myself but kneel before her. I cup her cheeks in my hands. "I know you are," she lets the tears fall and I wipe them. Her eyes are glistening at me and that is as much as I can take. I lift her from the floor and carry her to bed. 

*************

The alarm wakes me. I open my eyes to an empty bed. I keep wishing one day I will wake up and see her sleeping on my chest, her curly hair all over it. I hate who I am becoming without her. 

I go to the art room as I usually do each morning after waking up. I draw her from memory. She is fading and all I have are these drawings of her filling my art room.

I look at today's drawing. It still bares her resemblance but her face is getting blurry and vague compared to the first drawings I did. 

I am losing her and I am scared that if I do, I'll also end up losing the parts of myself I found with her. 

I lock the room and head for the shower. I have many employees around but I rarely see them. I hate having people around me so they try their best to keep out of my way. 

I have a strict routine so that makes it easy. If I ever need anything I let them know through my assisstant Alex. "What do we have today?" I ask Alex who is standing at the entrance of the dining room. "Just the usual meetings,"he says. 

The drive to work is quiet. I close my eyes until I hear the car stop. Alex opens my door and we walk into the company. 

I wish my employees here had the same tendencies as my employees back home. At work it feels like everyone is always trying to get my attention and approval. "I don't want anyone to disturb me for the next three hours," I tell Alex as soon as we get to my office. 

I have reports to look over, sign and virtual meetings to attend. I don't look up until I hear a knock. "I told you I didn't want to see anyone before three hours are over," I say when Alex opens the door. "It's been three hours Sir," he gets timid whenever I reprimand him. 

"Oh, okay. What's next?" "Lunch, Sir," he looks down. He is hiding something from me. "Get me anything," he looks up and smiles sheepishly. "You're having lunch at The Penal Green, Sir," here it comes. "Why?" "Your father requested it," he says, coming closer to my desk.

It has been a year since my father retired leaving the company to me. I have suggested he travels around the world to avoid things like this. "Cancel it," I say with finallity but he doesn't budge. "He has been trying to see you for a month now Sir. He said he will visit you at your house if you cancel this time," I know when I am defeated. 

My father and I are alike in the worst ways. That is why I try to stay away from him as much as I can. 

I find him waiting for me in a reserved room. "Hello father," I take a seat across from him. He looks better than the last time I saw him. Retirement is good for him, not that I would ever tell him. 

"I have full meetings in the afternoon," I say, hoping that will make this lunch as short as possible. "You have been avoiding me Jaden Baker," I hate it when he call me by my full name. "I have been busy. You know how it is," I am lying and he knows it. 

He looks at me, weighing whether to argue or not. He chooses not to. "You look thin," he says, looking out the window. I don't know what to say to that. "What are you having?" he asks, looking back at me. "I'm good."

"You still can't watch other people eat, can you?" the sound of disappointment in his voice hurts my feelings but I don't let it linger. "What did you want to talk about?" I ask, trying not to sound as annoyed as I feel. 

"You need to get married," I am shocked. "I have selected a few girls with impressive educational and family backgrounds. The person you choose won't only be your wife but also your partner," he continues. "I am not getting married," I shift in my seat. 

"Oh, but you are," he says. "Where is this coming from?" I need to remain rational, that is the only way I will get anything from him. "The stake holders and board members are old fashion. They don't trust a bachelor," he says. 

"But I am doing a good job." "Great job," he replies. "Can't that be enough?" I know it can't but I still hoped it would be. "You can't be that naive," he says in a patronizing manner.

"I became CEO without being married," I argue. "You became CEO because you're my son. And they have left you alone for a year because they wanted to see your work. You have managed to triple our profits absorb small companies and merge with large ones in only a year. You have taken care of business and surpasssed my expectations. Now it's time you take care of your personal life."

I hate that he is right. I am the youngest CEO of such a large company. They need evidence of my stability. A way to know I won't just sell the company when it hits a rough patch. 

"I am not marrying one of those spoiled brats though," I cannot tolerate them. "Fair enough, but I also know if I leave it up to you, you'll have excuses all the time," he's right about that. "You have one month. Not to find her, but to marry her."

"Never do that again," I say to Alex as soon as we're in the car. "I'm so sorry Sir," I know it was beyond him but I need someone to blame. "Is there anything specific you want for lunch?" he asks looking for hotels that are on our way. "Anything is fine."

We stop at a small hotel I have never seen before. He goes in to order. There is a milkshake shop near it. I don't like going in to places like that but it has been a long time since I have had a milkshake. 

I try not to look at the people eating. I look at the cashier. At first I can't believe it. I rub my eyes just to be sure that I am not seeing things. It is her, standing there smiling, my Delilah. But how can it be? She's dead isn't she?

The only difference is the girl standing in front of me has blue eyes. Other than that she looks exactly like my love. "Next," she calls out, a smile plastered on her face. I can't get myself to move let alone say anything. 

"Next," she repeats, looking straight at me ths time. I feel like my throat is closing up. My heart is beating faster like it might explode. "We'll take one of each," I look next to me to see Alex standing there. 

She prepares the drinks as I try my best to regain my composure. "Here you go," she hands Alex the drinks and Alex gives her the card. "Anything else?" she asks giving back the card. 

I can't let her go, not again. Even if it's not her, even if it's just a reminder of her. "Marry me."