Chapter 8 THE MARRIAGE

Author's Narration

It was a quiet evening at Caldwell Industries, and Lillian had received a message from Grayson to meet up at the office, as they had something important to discuss. She was hesitant about going; it had been a week since the incident, and she had tried her best to avoid Grayson at all costs, even at work.

Although sceptical, she still agreed to answer his call, as he was still her boss. She didn't want to risk losing the job her father got her with so much hard work. She feels it's the only thing she has left that was connected to her late father, and she's going to try her best to maintain it.

As she reached the entrance, Percy, Grayson's PA, allowed her to go in, since she had been informed beforehand about her meeting with the CEO. She knocked with shaky hands. Come in", his baritone voice came ringing in her head. She muttered a word of prayer and went in while closing the door behind her.

Immediately Lillian saw him, her heart skipped a beat at how astonishing he looked. She could see him typing away on his computer and used the opportunity to admire him, from his broad shoulders to his silk hair and well-designed suit. There was no doubt she still had feelings for him; her anger all vanished the moment she set eyes on him, a little too much in fact. Still, she knew she couldn't have him, especially after what happened the other night.

Thinking about it again made her feel sad all over again. You asked to see me," she finally said, breaking the silence.

"Hmmm, have a seat, this is quite important." Grayson was sceptical about how to put his request in words. He's in love with Lily, and asking her twin to marry him under the circumstances was too much for him to handle. We could feel his heart shattering into a million pieces at the thought of it. But, he had no choice, he needed to put his position before his desires, that's what his father would have wanted.

"Let's get married", he blurted out."

What!!???" She shouted in shock. Her heart skipped a bit as she heard him say those words. She couldn't make sense of it. Why would Grayson Caldwell want to get married to her when he was dating her sister?

"I don't like repeating myself, you heard me the first time," he replied coldly.

"I don't understand, why do you want to get married to me? You are currently dating my sister, remember? If you want us to get married because of the guilt from the other night, it's fine; you don't need to be guilty. It was just a mistake, that's all," she said all in one breath.

Grayson thought of what he could say to persuade her and stop her from asking questions, and then decided to lie, "Cos, I like you, I like you. And no, it's not because of the other night, I've had feelings for you way before then".

Lilian was astonished that she didn't know what to say; the words were just stuck in her mouth. "It's fine, you don't have to give me an answer now. Will give you till tomorrow, let me know your answer by then," he said, turning back to his computer. As if her mouth was glued shut, Lillian still couldn't say anything and decided to leave the office before she embarrassed herself further.

Grayson breathed out a sigh of relief and convinced himself that he was doing the right thing. They knew Lilian might not want to agree, so he decided on another plan to push her. He took out his phone and placed a call through to Lily. Hey, please, I need your help," "It's important, my position as a CEO depends on it", he said again. Lily, on the other end, was irritated when he said that he needed her help.

"What could he need her help for? To sleep with Lilian?" she thought angrily. Immediately, he made the CEO's statement; she went on high alert; Grayson couldn't lose his position. Not without her achieving her mission. What do you need?" She asked.

*******

Lilian closed early for the day; she decided to leave the office as soon as possible because she didn't want to run into Grayson, at least not when she didn't have an answer yet. While driving, she got a call from her sister. Excited, she picked up the call on the first ring, but before she could say anything, Lily's voice rang,

"You have to get married to Grayson if you ever want to mend our relationship". Lilian was confused.

"How did you know, and why exactly would you want me to get married to your boyfriend? You were so angry about the other night that you chose to sever our relationship, so why?" Lilian asked. Something fishy was going on, and she was going to find out.

"You don't need to know the details, either you get married to him, or forget about us", Lily said coldly and ended the call.

Lilian could no longer focus on driving; she was torn between mending her relationship with her twin and pursuing her happiness. She didn't want to get married to Grayson, even though she had feelings for him; getting married to him was on a whole different level.

Upon arriving at her apartment, she was overwhelmed; she knew she had only one choice. An opportunity to mend her relationship with Lily. She wasn't going to let choosing her happiness keep her away from reconciling with her sister. She took her phone and sent a message to Grayson, "Alright then, let's get married." The deed was done, and it was irreversible. She was going to marry her sister's man.

Grayson was relieved when his phone lit up with the message Lilian sent. The tricky part was over, thanks to Lily. He doesn't understand why Lily agreed to his plan, though. She should have been furious and thrown a tantrum, but she just agreed and played along. He decided not to dwell much on it since things were going his way.

Day after day, he feels even more alone in his relationship with Lily. If their relationship had been different when he hadn't gotten married to Lilian, what would it be like after? The more he thought about it, the more devastated he became. He called his lawyer and told him to prepare the marriage papers; no celebration would be needed. They were only going to sign the papers and take some pictures to convince the public of the marriage.

He picked up his phone and dialled Lillian's number. "Hello", came Lilian's husky voice.

"Get ready, we are getting married tomorrow."

"Sorry?" She said in shock. How can we get married tomorrow when you only just told me last week, that's impossible," she blurted angrily, not considering who she was talking to.

Although she refused vehemently the other night, there she was dressed in a white gown with her brown hair falling down her shoulders, making her look even more beautiful. It was happening; she was getting married, and she wasn't even the least bit happy.

Then, she saw Grayson from afar, looking as handsome as he has always been. They walked together to his lawyer and then signed the papers, finalizing their union. They took some pictures, and then it was over.

When they were alone in the car, Grayson said coldly, "Do not expect anything from this marriage-I married you only to maintain my position as the CEO. We are only married in public, but when we are alone, we remain strangers to each other. Do you understand?" Lilian could not say a word. This was going to be the beginning of a miserable life for her.