Chapter 2 DAMIAN

"Grandfather, no!"

"Don't you dare raise your voice at me." He snapped, leaning back in his leather chair. "I have made my decision, and you have no say in this matter."

"I have no say in who you want me to spend get rest of my life with?" I asked.

I couldn't believe he was doing to me what he did to my father, an arranged marriage with someone I barely knew. Memories of the nights I spent hudling in the corner while my parents fought each other till whoever drew the first blood flashed in my head. I made a promise to myself to never ever be in that situation, but here I was, and worse was that I had no say in this.

"Mr Morales has been a very important partner throughout the years, we at least owe him this. If you and Loretta get married then that would not only save their company, but would save ours from a damage that I am not sure we can easily recover from."

I arched my brows, staring intently at him. "Mr Morales has not only been arrested as a suspect of fraud, but his company is under serious investigation. Don't you think us getting involved would cause a bigger scandal?"

My grandfather glanced away, letting out a sigh. "Mr Morales has something on us that could put us in big trouble. Now before you ask me anything, that is beyond confidential, even for you."

He glanced at me, and it was only then I noticed the strain on his face, the tiredness in his eyes. My grandfather was a strong and proud man, and he'd be damned to let anyone see him weak. Devon Reinhart was a difficult man indeed.

"What is so difficult about an arranged marriage? You're both getting married for the betterness of your assets."

"Do you not hear how ridiculous that sounds? I don't want to live in a house with a someone I barely know, just so we can completely feel nothing for each other but spite."

He shook his head at me, faint dissapointment in his eyes. "I am going to be retiring soon Damian."

"What? Why?"

He chuckled. "I'm way pass the normal retiring age, and I don't want to spend whatever time I have left in this stuffy box."

But that was a lie,my grandfather loved and enjoyed his work. It was the only reason why he never gave my father the head of presidency all these years. He wanted to be here as long as he could, unless...

"Are you...are you sick?" I asked quietly.

His head fell back as he let out a loud laughter that echoed through the room.

"You really are letting your imaginations get the better of you."

He cleared his throat, the smile clearing from his face. "I'm retiring, and it's because I just really need a break. I've been doing this for over 50 years. Damian, even though your father has tried for this company, I have never seen anyone work as hard as you. You rose to the top on your own, and deserved everything you have today."

I felt my chest tighten at his words. This was the first time he had said this to me, the first time he has actually commended me for getting to where I was now. I had spent my life working, trying to be the best, for him and....for her.

He finally stood up from his chair and headed towards me. "When I retire, I want you to take my place as president."

"Wh..what?"

"But that can only happen if you marry Loretta Morales." He placed his hands on my shoulder and squeezed it tightly. "Your one last task, and this could all be yours. The moment you get married, by immediate effect, you will be the President of Reinhart Law Firm, son."

I felt conflicted, angry, tired. But I also didn't want to dissapoint him. I didn't come this far, just to turn back because of my feelings that I have done so much to bury.

I sighed. "Fine, I'll marry the Morales girl."

He grinned and patted my shoulder. "I knew you'd make the right call."

Moving away from me, he headed to the large windows that showed the entire city.

"This world is yours Damian, you just have to want it enough."

"If there isn't anything else, I'd like to leave. I have a meeting in 15 minutes." I said, and turned to leave.

"The wedding will be set in two weeks."

Now I had to turn back to face him, my mouth agape. "Two weeks? You just want me to get married to someone in two weeks? That's not possible I need longer time, I need to clear my schedule, maybe get a house..."

"You have more than a dozen apartments, I don't see how that's a problem."

I let out a controlled breath, forcing my tone to remain normal. "That's not the problem. I just need time."

He turned to look at me, his eyes now holding anger just like mine. "Well, we don't have the luxury of time. We're going to take on the Morales case and see what we can do to prevent him from spending his life beyond bars."

"You can't do this. Give me a month. A month, grandfather. There are so many things I need to get in order before throwing her into my life."

He sighed and shook his head. "One month, Damian, or you won't like my next course of action."

"Like hell I wouldn't." I muttered under my breath and turned to leave.

"Your mother will be at the wedding, Yes?"

I froze in my steps, anger swirling in my veins. "I don't think so."

"Where is she these days? Bali? Mexico? Italy?"

I turned to him, my tone clipped. "I don't know what she does these days. We haven't kept contact since she left."

He stared at me quietly for a second before nodding. "Twelve more minutes till your meeting."

As I walked out of his office, I still couldn't quite believe what was happening. A month from now, I would get both my dream and a nightmare.