Chapter 3 Lets Get Married

Lorenzo:

"Dad, what exactly do you mean?" Disbelief and wrath raced within me as I looked at my father, the words lingering heavy in the air.

My father's expression remained stern, his gaze unwavering. "I've made up my mind, Lorenzo."

My fists clenched at my sides, a surge of frustration coursing through me. "Are you threatening me now? What's with you and this... this stranger?" My voice trembled with a mixture of anger and incredulity.

His gaze softened slightly, his tone more measured. "It's not a threat, Lorenzo. It's a choice. Marry Mia Turner, and secure the company's future you'll one day inherit."

How am I securing the future of the company by marrying a pauper? This is totally illogical, Dad!

I immediately left his office as my mind was spinning. I hardly knew her, so how could he expect me to marry her? He wanted to have control over my personal life as well after I had spent years establishing my career and displaying my worth to him.

"Victoria, where are you?" - I grabbed my phone and called Victoria as I walked out of the building. Even though our relationship wasn't conventional, she was the only person who always understood me. We got together every evening to seek solace in each other's unrestricted companionship.

Lorenzo? What's the issue? She said with worry in her voice. "I'm at the office. Are you okay?"

I'm not, I swear. I said, clearly frustrated, "I need to see you.

I'll be there in a few, she said in a consoling tone. "hang in there."

I showed up at our usual hotel where we regularly met. Victoria was already there, looking at me with her gaze as her dark hair fell over her shoulders. She drew me into a close embrace and kissed me, what I so sorely needed.

Her kiss was intense and fierce, like someone cracking for me. My tongue was able to enter through a small opening in them as we struggled to undress one another. I could taste mint in her breath, which she knows I love.

The scent of her perfume, the gentle, peachy scent of her conditioner, was overwhelming, this is what I like about just having sex with Victoria.

I want you Zen - "She said."

"What happened, Lorenzo?" as she traced circles with her fingers on my back after we've done what brings us together, "sex", and chats when necessary.

I barely talk to her though, because her family business is a competition to ours, but the childhood fling we had with each other while growing up as family friends haven't left us.

"My father desires that I marry a pauper stranger" Do you believe it? He's threatening to remove me as Director if I don't comply."

Victoria's brow furrowed, and there was a flicker of something I couldn't quite make out in her gaze. "You're marrying for business, huh?"

"Yeah, I grumbled, my rage bubbling beneath the surface. "I'm at a loss for words, Victoria. I've worked my entire life to prove myself, and now he's attempting to control my personal life as well."

Victoria's lips tightened into a sardonic grin. "You realize that Lorenzo, oftentimes the easiest approach to handle overbearing requests is to turn the tables."

Her suggestion aroused my interest, so I raised an eyebrow. "What exactly do you mean?"

Her voice was low and conspiratorial as she drew in closer. "Didn't you say she is a pauper?" What if you make a counter-proposal?"

Victoria's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Propose to me instead."

In amazement, my eyes widened. "Victoria, what exactly are you talking about?"

Her fingers trailed down my arm as she smirked. "Consider it. It would send a tsunami to the company if you married me because none of both of our companies would expect it. And also your father should be excited, thinking you're wise and you're coming up with a merger that can benefit the company.

My mind raced as I stared at her. It was a risk, but the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. Marrying Victoria would not only put an end to my father's schemes, but it would also shield our families from further suffering.

"That's... not such a bad idea," I acknowledged, a smile tugging at my lips.

Victoria proudly smiled. "see?" it's a good idea.

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

Dad, I can't marry her, "I really can't." I hate her gut, what the fuck is really happening?? What's your interest in her seriously, I find myself shouting at my father again about this Mia girl after telling him about marrying Victoria instead but he said No.

You'll get to understand that she's important to this company Lorenzo. The future of our company lies in this marriage, he yelled back.

I could not help but just accept his offer, I have my other businesses that are not attached to Knightons Enterprise, but this is our family's business which it's just my dad and I since my mum and brother died.

But I won't allow my dad to go to her first, I have to state my terms and conditions to marrying her.

Brandon, please help me check this lady's background or anything you have on her, I called the secret investigator that does my dirty job for me. - What do you think? That I'm a saint? No! My line of work won't make me one.

I couldn't help but think about her, "Mia" who she is, and why she's so important to our family's business. A pauper?

Brandon didn't take time at all, because my phone buzzed as I was still in my thoughts.

She is a struggling painter and orphan, she lives with her friend named Emily and presently she has been applying for several loans to buy her mother's house back that was forcibly taken from her by her mother's half-sister.

As I read the text Brandon sent, I can't help but imagine how poor and desperate she is to have money to pay her half-aunt.

How is this girl related to my dad, the thoughts came back

I couldn't let go of my hunch, " Brandon do more investigation on her, I need more" I texted him back. In the meantime, let's get married.