Chap. 3: CANCEL THE APPOINTMENT

**Easton's POV**

“Marry me, Mr. CEO,” She begged, and my eyes widened. What the heck? Did I just get proposed to? “Please, marry me.” She pleaded once more and I held her.

“Ma'am, you're drunk.” I cautioned, but she held me tighter.

“I'm sorry, I'll take her away from you.” Maven, my personal assistant, gasped and yanked her away from me.

“Let me go! I want to marry him. Let go of me!” She snapped, and I gestured for Maven to let her go because people were watching.

“You're creating a scene.” He snapped and let go of her.

She stuck her tongue out at him and rushed to me once more. I have to admit, she's adorable acting this way. “Please, marry me. I promise you won't regret it.” She begged and I massaged my forehead.

“Maven, what about the lady we're waiting for?” I asked.

“She isn't here yet.” He answered and I frowned.

“Cancel the appointment. I hate when someone disvalues time. I asked her to come here at 6pm sharp, so we could get this over with, but she's joking with me. Cancel it!” I ordered.

“But you need her and must show her to your father the day after tomorrow. You know what's going to happen if you don't bring a girl, do you?” He asked.

“I am Easton Ferdinand, Maven. I do not need anyone. She can go to hell for all I care. I'll look for someone else to fill that void,” I said and looked at the drunk lady in front of me. “Well, I think I've found someone already.” I smirked.

“But she is drunk.” He protested.

“Didn't you see that she just proposed to me?” I frowned at him.

“She has no idea about what she's doing.” He argued.

“When she is sober, I'll discuss with her better. For now, I need to accept her proposal.” I drawled with a smirk as I looked at the cute, slender figure in front of me.

“Have you accepted to marry me?” She asked.

“Yes, Miss…” I trailed off.

“My name is Nicole Brennan.” She answered with a smile and I nodded.

“Yes, Miss. Nicole. I'll marry you,” I accepted, and she leaped for joy. “Why don't we go in there and make it official?” I suggested, pointing to the court, and she smiled.

“Sure.” She beamed.

I led her to the court and in a few minutes, we finalized the marriage process and were given copies of our marriage certificate and documents.

“Congratulations, Nicole Brennan. You're officially married to Easton Ferdinand.” I wrapped my hands around her waist and led her out, while Maven followed behind us.

I gave her a copy and she smiled at it.

“Do you think this is a good idea? How do you think she'd feel when she becomes sober?” Maven asked.

“She will realize what she has gotten herself into. After all, she was the one who proposed to me,” I sneered. I turned to face her. “Where do you stay? I'll drop you off.” I offered.

“I stay at 42nd Street.” She answered calmly, holding tight to the marriage certificate.

She entered the car and Maven drove off. During the drive, she fell asleep and placed her head on my shoulder, but I pushed her away. Maven turned on the news and my eyes widened at what I saw.

It was news about her. As I read the headlines and listened to all that happened, I wondered if she truly did all that. I also read a part where her fiancé called off her wedding and turned to look at her sleeping figure.

Could that be why she drank so much?

When I looked closely, I saw tears roll down her eyes as she slept. “Turn off the news.” I ordered and Maven nodded before turning it off.

When we got to her place, I woke her and she stepped down. “Thanks.” She bowed and walked into the gate. It seemed she had sobered up a bit.

“Drive,” I ordered, and Maven drove us to the family mansion. I would have gone to mine, but I needed to show Father proof that the company was safe in my hands.

When we got to the mansion, I stepped out of the car and entered to see them seated at the dining table. I sighed and wanted to walk past them.

“Easton dear, join us for dinner. I'm sure you must be famished after the day's work.” Arianna, my stepmother, flashed me a smile.

I looked at her then averted my gaze to Carson, my stepbrother, and then to my father, who didn't even act like I was in the room.

“I'm not hungry.” I answered.

“Nonsense! Come on and eat. You're working so hard and deserve a treat.” She flashed me her fake smile again and I scoffed.

“I deserve a treat because I'm a dog, or what are you trying to say exactly?” I asked.

“Easton!” Father snapped. “She's your mother, do not talk to her like that.” He warned.

“She is not my mother, Father, and she will never be.” I answered, and she burst into tears — the weapon she always used in turning my father against me.

“I don't know what else to do to make you happy, Easton. I know you love your late mother so much, but I want to fill that gap—”

“Like you filled the gap in my father, right?” I scoffed. “Thanks, but I'm not interested,” I said, and she burst into tears again.

“Easton, you can't keep talking and acting this way. It's been 3 years—”

“Yeah, I know that, father,” I cut in. “Three fucking years of torture for me. I'm glad you've moved on, but I won't get over the fact that this witch here,” I pointed to Arianna. “Killed my mother.”

“Stop that!” He snapped.

“And now, they're trying to take my inheritance away from me,” I snickered. “I wasn't even interested in your company anyway. I have mine, and it's the most feared and successful fashion and modeling company in all of Los Angeles. I'm going for this because I don't want this rat you call a son to lay his hands on it and reap where he hasn't sown.”

Father scoffed. “Then get married and prove your worth!” He snapped.

“I am already married.” I threw a copy of the file with the marriage certificate on the floor and walked out, leaving them shocked.