Her father made her marry an absolute stranger, and for six years, he abandoned her, ignoring all of her advances to make their marriage work out. Now she wants a divorce, but he refuses to let her go. "Fine. If you're not going to let me go, I'll make sure this works out for all of eternity, Mr Damon. You're mine."
Lihat lebih banyak"You look like a lamb led to slaughter, girl!" Aunt Clara snapped, seeming irritated with her trembling Niece.
" I... I don't know what to do." Naomi replied, her hands shaking slightly. "You have nothing to do. Just stand there, smile, and say "I do." "But... but I don't even know him." Naomi swallowed hard, a knot forming in her stomach. How is she supposed to smile and pretend she wants to get married to a stranger? Aunt Clara leans closer narrowing her eyes on her. "You will learn to know him! Your father made this decision for you and you must live with it." Aunt Clara scanned Naomi in disdain. "I wonder why you get to marry into that family and what the rush is all about!” She wipes her hand with a napkin, wiping in between her fingers with vigor. "I'm out of here. You clearly don't need my help getting ready. And you better do as your father says or you can kiss your college dreams goodbye!” Aunt Clara clears her throat, straightens up, and walks away. Naomi’s grip on the rather scanty boutique of flowers tightened as she stared at the double doors in front of her. “I don't want to do this.” She muttered, glancing from the doors that would spell the rest of her life and the gate behind her, promising freedom. Her lips quivered, her hands shook with fear of the unknown, and her vision blurred. Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead as she glanced at the gate behind her once more. She could just leave. Run. Her gaze returned to the wooden double doors in front of her where she could hear the wedding hymns from the organ in the hall on the other side, hinting at her walk down the aisle. “There's no one here. Run.” Naomi shut her eyes, and her grip on the bouquet tightened. What about her dreams of college? How is she going to afford the expensive tuition? Her father said he would let her go to college if she married this man. All she has to do is marry him and she would be on her way to college the very next day. Naomi took a deep breath, she had to do this. Or she'll never get a chance to become an architect. The doors swing open making her jolt in shock. Aaron Pearl stood by the entrance, a subtle smile on his face as he stretched his hands towards her. Naomi approached slowly, taking her father's hand as soon as she was close enough. “You look beautiful my dear. I am glad that I get to see you like this.” Aaron said. Naomi remained silent, refusing to acknowledge his words. She had nothing to say to him. She couldn't believe that her own father had held her college dreams ransom in exchange for this bloody marriage! She had absolutely nothing to say to him. They both walked down the aisle, watched by a handful of guests in the hall. A lot of the guests were her father's business partners and the rest were unknown people. Maybe they were her ‘husband's’ relatives. She didn't get the chance to meet the man she was supposed to marry either. She would be meeting him for the first time. At the altar. Everything had been in a rush. Her father told her about her wedding two days before, and it had been an ugly back and forth until she gave in to him. Naomi’s eyes roamed the room until she caught something…someone that made her breath seize. He was at the altar, a striking figure that got every woman in the hall staring. Even Aunt Clara couldn't keep her eyes off him! Is that him? The man she was to marry? In a tailored black suit? Tall, slightly built, with a presence that seems to make her world pause for a minute to admire. Her eyes followed every feature that made up his face: his chiseled chin that looked sharp enough to cut through paper, a strong masculine s2xy jawline, his long eyelashes and thin eyebrows, those captivating eyes that glanced at his wristwatch-like he'd rather be anywhere else but here. Naomi swallowed. He is definitely the man she's to marry. She could tell he was fit; the suit didn't hide that either, and goodness, those red luscious lips. Seductive. Perfection. A man straight out of her fantasies. Naomi's chin colored, but she couldn't look away; he was worth admiring a million times over. His amber eyes settled on her fixated, almost as though studying a prey. There seemed to be a look of irritation that faded with time as he watched her. His dark brown curls seem to hide his brows which would have given away his thoughts right there and then. Naomi looked away, her grip on the bouquet seemed to waver. That's him. Her husband-to-be! And goodness he is so…breathtaking! But why? She wondered. Why would he agree to this? Hell, she was no different from a lanky teenager experiencing a very late puberty! No boobs, no ass, nothing! He must know that right? Naomi swallowed, glancing down at her wedding dress and wondering if it hid her lack of assets well enough. Goodness, it's all happening at once! Aaron hands Naomi over to her husband, who holds her small, soft hand in his firm and broad palm. The feel of his skin on hers felt electrifying, making her weak in the knees. What is this? One minute she was planning to run, and the next, she found this man attractive. “Take care of my daughter,” Aaron said, his voice filled with emotion. “I'll do my best.” Naomi felt his voice wash over her like a cool breeze on a quiet evening. Deep and yet reassuring. This man isn't making it any easier to hate him. Aaron heads back to his seat and the couple to be stood by the altar as the priest proceeds with the ceremony. Naomi could barely hear a word the priest said! Her eyes stared down at the bouquet of flowers in her hands, refusing to stare at him in the face. How could she when she could barely stand up straight! His cologne filled her nostrils, reminding her of his presence every second. There was something about him…something she couldn't explain. But it made no sense! She had cursed this man the night before for agreeing to marry her! Hell, she cursed her father, too. Behind closed doors. Here she was, barely able to hold the damned boutique of flowers straight without trembling. “You may kiss the bride.” Naomi's head snapped up in shock. They had exchanged rings and this was bound to happen next. Why didn't she think of that? “There will be no need for that.” He said. His voice calmed every anxious nerve in her body. But then it dawned on her. Naomi stared at him, her brows creased at his request. Does he find her unattractive? His eyes met hers briefly but Naomi looked away immediately. She bit her lower lip in annoyance. Now he knows she has a thing for him! Damn it! The preacher nodded and went on without question. “I now pronounce you husband and wife.” Their guests applauded them, standing on their feet. The ceremony was over and they could all go home. The point of this all was for witnesses to see the union happen, and they could all call it a day after. Aaron approached them both, holding his daughter's hand in gratitude. “Thank you, Mr Damon. For agreeing to do this.” Aaron said in gratitude. Damon? That's his name? Damon nodded. “I'm glad I could be of help. I should be on my way.” He said simply. Naomi glanced at Damon and then her father. What is going on here? “Sure. Have a safe trip back to Manchester.” Aaron said. Damon stepped down from the podium and was soon on his way out of the hall with a few people right behind him. That was it. Even the priest was gone and she was all alone in the hall with her father. “I did what you asked. Can I leave now?” Naomi asked, her eyes staring at the entrance. “Yes. You’ll go to college like we discussed. A deal is a deal.” He replied. Naomi yanked the veil off her head and stormed off to the exit. “Naomi.” She paused, glancing over her shoulder. “ You might not realize it now, but he's doing us a great favor, my dear. A huge one.” Naomi scoffed. “You mean he's doing you a favor, right? You thanked him for helping you out. Did you beg him to marry me like I was some charity case?” “Naomi..” “I did what you asked. I'm going to college and I hope I never get to see you or him during my time there!” Naomi stormed out of the hall, tossing the bouquet of flowers in the trash on her way out. She's so done with her father, her aunt, and every fucking person in this bloody family! Aaron watches his daughter leave as Reed approaches him quietly. “You should have told her what this is about, sir,” Reed said. Aaron smiled and shook his head. “She's just a child, she wouldn't understand. The only thing that's of value to her is her freedom, nothing else matters.” Reed sighs, Aaron had a point. “The car is ready sir.” The old man nodded and they headed towards the exit. Aaron staggered as his mouth opened to release a nasty cough. “Sir?” Reed called as Aaron leaned on his hands on his knees, coughing. Reed wrapped his arms around the old man to steady him before offering him a white handkerchief to cover his mouth. “Should I get the doctor, sir?” Reed asked, eyes filled with concern. Aaron stared at the handkerchief, which was now soaked in blood, and sighed. “What is the use of that now? It's already too late.” “But sir..” Aaron stands on his feet, taking in unsteady breaths. “They successfully poisoned me. There's no way out of this and you know it.” Reed’s fist clenched, brows furrowed with a dark look in his eyes. “All you have to do is say the word, sir. I'll do what needs to be done.” Aaron shook his head, a faint smile on his face. “We're better than that.” “Sir..” “All I need you to do is keep Naomi safe. She's all I've got. And when the time is right. You tell her what she needs to know.” Reed exhaled. “Do you trust Mr Damon? He is your rival’s son and the history between you and his father is nothing to write home about.” Aaron folds up the bloody handkerchief, a proud smile on his face. “I don't trust his father but I do trust Damon. He wouldn't hurt my daughter even if he had a gun to his head.” “How do you know that for certain sir?” Reed asked. “I saw it in his eyes,” Aaron said, leaving Reed more confused than ever.Naomi leaned back on the sofa, not sure what else to do with her time. She'd spent the last four hours sleeping and eating since Damon told the chef, Aria, to feed her all day! She's down to another bowl of soup, and she's about to binge-watch another series she so much loved.Her phone beeped, vibration echoing through the glass side table. It was a call from Didi, which is quite unexpected.“Hello?”Naomi said, wondering what the call was about.She could count the number of times she had made contact with coworkers outside of work, and this was certainly out of the blue.“Ms Naomi? Thank God you picked up! We have so much to tell you, and we don't even know where to start!” Didi said with a child-like excitement.“We? What do you mean we? What's going on?” Naomi asked, glancing at the wall clock.Phones are not allowed in sight during work hours safe for breaks or they would be given a week worth of suspension.Thankfully, it was past twelve, the designated break time.“You're on
Patrick placed the tablet in front of Tita and placed a CCtv clip of her tossing a cup of coffee at Naomi.‘Are you dumb! I said I want it warm! Lukewarm. Not too warm nor too lukewarm!’ Tita had yelled at Naomi who glanced at her shirt in shock. 'But you said lukewarm and I only followed your instructions. I wouldn't intentionally make a mistake like this and you know it!’ Naomi tried to explain but Tita tossed the cup in her head instead.“Shut up you liar! I told you lukewarm and you know exactly how I like it!”“You didn't have to throw the cup at me, you know? I could get you sued for this..” “Then be prepared to lose your job along the line! You forgot what the rules here are right? You signed them, remember?” Tita threatened.In the video, Naomi was quiet and moments later she walked out of the office only for Tita to burst into a hideous laughter afterwards. Tita glances up at Damon in shock..“It's…it…it's not what it looks like! Naomi is not exactly a sweet person either.
“Excuse me?” “You heard me loud and clear! You think you're the only one who's tired? My job is at stake, and you think this is the time to pretend to be sick?!” Naomi took a deep breath, she's not going to let Tita get into her head so early in the morning.“I called in sick because I was sick. And Mr Damon told me to take the day off..” Tita laughed in mockery. “You think I'm going to believe that THE DAMON SINCLAIR, told you to take the day off?” Naomi exhaled, why the hell did she mention Damon out of the blue? What good is this going to bring to this conversation? “Look, forget I said that. I asked the HR about taking the day off, and she told me I could.” “I don't care what she told you! Your discretion should have told me that this is a horrible time for a break! You were doing just fine hours ago, and all of a sudden, you're sick?!” “I…” Naomi stammered “You're lying, aren't you? If you're sick, why don't you show me the reports from the hospital then uh? You're tellin
All she could do was cry. No matter how hard she tries to bring herself to explain, tears seem to roll down her face regardless.“I…I was…” She stammered but words failed her again.“Who made you cry?” He asked calmly but she could see the almost evil glint in his eyes as he stared down at her. “It's my fault. It's all my fault. I…” Damon dropped his umbrella, got on one knee and lifted her off the ground effortlessly. Naomi leaned in, sobbing still.How on earth is she supposed to explain to him how she was feeling? Would he care to listen? Damon placed her into the car and took over the driver's seat seconds later. He turned on the warmer and took off his coat, hanging it around her shoulders.“Why are you here?” She asked quietly.Damon froze, he wasn't expecting her to ask him that question.“I was driving by and I saw some random woman crying in my parking lot. I have the right to investigate, don't I?” Naomi exhales and turns away from him. “Of course. It's your company aft
The elevator doors swung open, and Damon stepped out of the cubicle first with a sulking Patrick right behind him.A few of the staff turned their heads as Damon walked by, eyes fixed on the ridiculous childish pink lunch bag their boss was holding.“Mr Damon. I do believe you rejected Ms Naomi's offer earlier this morning. I would like to know why you forced me to hand it over when we got into the car.” Patrick started in his office tone. All serious and business-minded.“I have to give you a reason for my actions?” Damon asked once more. His grip on the lunch bag tightened like it could be yanked off by someone else.“I believe so.” “Simple. My wife made me a pie, and I want to eat it.” Patrick smiled. “Are you admitting she's now your wife?” Damon froze. What the hell did he just say? No! He's trying to get her to leave! To pack up her things and walk out of his house! Not give her reasons to stay! “When did I do that?” Damon snapped.Patrick regarded him for a moment. “Like t
'Do I need something else? Hell, I need something and it's driving me nuts.' He thought.Damon heads down the hallway, trying to catch his breath. No matter how hard he tried to remain calm, he couldn't.Fuck, he had a boner he couldn't even hide it! He pushed the door to his library open, Patrick was waiting for him already, coat in hand.“I would like to sign out for today sir. I need to get started on Diaz's new branch as instructed.” Damon nods, heading towards the huge leather chair tucked under the huge desk that took up most of the room.Patrick's eyes caught something beneath Damon's grey joggers, is that…He made eye contact with his boss who knew what he was about to ask.“Sir..” “Don't!” Damon warned, cutting him off. Patrick tried to hide a laugh as he bowed his head politely. “I'll be on my way now sir. And you should try Ms Naomi's pie; it tastes fantastic.” Before Damon could complain, Patrick was out the door within a blink of an eye.Damon leaned back on his sea
The front door swung open, and moments later, Naomi could hear Damon's voice in the living area.She glanced at the meal she had made for him, a smile on her face. As much as she wanted to lie to herself that she was doing this to puss him off, she couldn't deny that it was very far from the truth.She heads out of the kitchen, plating the last meal on the dining table. “You're back,” Naomi said, placing the food on the dining table, and, Dam9n pulled to a stop, genuinely confused.“Did you stop by somewhere?” Damon heads to the dining room, Patrick right behind him. He looked earner astonished.“You made this?” He asked“Yes. I was thinking you wouldn't mind a nice meal, so I…” “Why?” “Is anything wrong in preparing something for my husband?” “The maids are here to cook. You don't have to do anything. You don't even have to be here.” “Why don't I? I'm your wife. It's only reasonable that we live under the same roof.” She said smiling. “You're my husband after all.. “ “Stop…”
That made no sense but from the look in Soonies eyes, Naomi could tell she believed Damon was after her. “I don't think that's the case. I can't believe you're getting transferred to a different branch!” “And it's to take effect tomorrow. I know he's your husband but I want to curse him out so bad!” Soonie muttered.Naomi sighed; she wouldn't be able to see her friend again. Judging by the fact that it's a new branch, she's about to get really busy.“I'm going to miss you..” Naomi pouts.“Can you tell your husband to reverse this? I mean, he should be able to do at least that for you.” Soonie asked.Naomi whined. Of course, Damon wouldn't give a rat ass about her friend. He clearly doesn't care about her enough to make things ‘convenient’ for her. He made that pretty clear.“I'll try. But I doubt he's going to hear a word I say.” Naomi sighed.Soonie shook her head. “Don't worry about it. We can always make arrangements right?” Naomi nodded, a smile on her face.“Yes, we can. I'm s
Great! Just excellent!Does he have to call her out in front of everyone like that? Why the hell did he feel the need to establish the fact that he might even know her? Nomi's eyes met him, a tight smile plastered on her face like a mannequin. “Yes sir.” She replied.Damon moved away from her. “Like I said, we strive for excellence in his part of business, and if I feel you’re going to drag us down, I will graciously relieve you of your duties. One thing I hate…” His eyes land on Naomi once more. “Is leeches. People who don't want to work but they are ready to take..” Naomi arch's a questioning eyebrow, she knew damn well he was referring to her! “Do I make myself clear?” Damon asked, his attention switched to som39ne else.“Yes, sir.” Everyone in the room chorused.“Meeting dismissed. You will be making that presentation on Thursday.” Damon announced and everyone headed right out the door, slowly.As much as she wanted to avoid Tita, she had questions that needed answers from Da
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