Chapter 3 3

The Condition

*ASHER'S POV*

My morning was a whirlwind of back-to-back meetings with department heads. Each discussion was a battlefield where I dissected reports, challenged budgets, and made decisions that could mar or make the company. My office quickly turned into a war zone of papers, and phone calls, and I thrived in the middle of it all. My focus unwavering. Just as I was gearing up for another round of negotiations, Trevor knocked on my door. I looked up from my paperwork in his direction.

"Mr. Asher," he said, his voice steady. "Your father is on his way. He asked to see you immediately."

I frowned. "My father? What could be so important that he couldn't say on the phone?"

"He didn't specify, just that it was urgent."

"Alright, Trevor. Let him in when he arrives."

***

*An Hour Later*

"Asher," I heard my dad's voice call, breaking my focus.

"Dad, what brings you here on such short notice?"

"Can't I come to see how my son is faring?" He questioned.

"Of course you can," I said smiling at him. "But we both know that isn't why you're here," I added, giving a light laugh.

"You know me too well Asher," he chuckled.

"well I've come to talk to you about my decision on who my next successor would be," he added with a straight face.

"Being a responsible married man is a commendable thing, " he lectured, his tone carrying the weight of experience. He paced back and forth in my office, his hands clasped behind his back.

" I was younger than you when I married your mom and you've just turned twenty-eight," he added.

"But dad how does that have anything to do with running the business?" I challenged, frustration seeping through my voice.

" I've been doing just fine all these years. Where is all this coming from?"

"Asher," he called his voice firm, cutting through my protests. " you seem to take what I'm saying lightly"

"I'll have you know that I will only name you my heir when you're married."

"But Dad."

"The company is like a family and not just a business, and till you've grasped what it means to run a home you won't be fit to be my successor," he said, his voice unwavering.

"I love both you and your stepbrother. And I know you have proven yourself capable but that is not the only reason I'm considering you as my first choice" he added, his tone softer but no less resolute.

"So what other reason is there?" I asked

"Your mom Asher, we started this together and I promised her I would take good care of you before she died."

"Your stepbrother, Scott also has his eyes on your position, so just heed my advice, so when I name you as my heir no one will question my decision."

"Dad," I muttered.

"Even if you're opposed to my decision, do it for your mom," he said, his voice tinged with a plea before he left my office.

I sat alone in my office, my father's recent words echoing in my mind. He had left only moments ago, the door closing behind him. But his words hung heavy in the air. However, what stood out the most in all he said was when he brought Scott's name up.

"That sly fox and his mother" I muttered gritting my teeth in frustration.

"It would be over my dead body if I let those two get their way."

I needed to find a bride as soon as possible. "Trevor!" I called out for my assistant.

The door to my office opened, and Trevor walked in. His expression was carefully neutral, but I could tell he sensed the gravity of the situation as he stepped inside.

"Mr Asher."

"Have a seat," I said, gesturing to the chair across from my desk.

"I need you to handle a very important task for me, I have a lot riding on it and it needs to be accomplished as soon as possible."

Trevor's eyebrows arched in curiosity. "What exactly do you need me to do?"

I leaned forward, resting my elbows on the desk. "My father has made it clear that marriage is a condition for me to take over as his successor."

Trevor's eyebrows raised slightly. "You're serious?"

"Dead serious," I confirmed. "That's why I've called you here. I need you to find me a wife." my voice steady. "Not just any woman. I need someone who fits the image and can handle the responsibilities without causing any issues."

Trevor leaned back, his eyes narrowing slightly. "How am I supposed to do that? Women don't grow on trees."

"I don't know figure it out. Pay someone or something. What do you think I pay you for," I snapped.

And that's when it hit me. "What about Discreet Duos? Don't they offer services like this?"

"Yes but how sure are you they will deliver in such a short space of time?" He asked with a look of uncertainty.

"It's either that or nothing," I said sternly. "Just reach out to them and spare no expense."

Trevor made a call to the agency immediately our conversation was over, making sure to relay to them the kind of woman I was looking for.

After a few minutes, Trevor concluded his call with Discreet Duos. He looked up from his phone, a hint of relief in his eyes.

"So when would she be available?" I asked.

"They said you can meet her next week on Thursday, by 3 o'clock at the Royal Crest. All that needs to be done now is to draft the contract, and once she signs it, you both can proceed to sign the marriage certificate."

"Great. Trevor, I want you to handle everything. I don't have time for these matters."

My mind shifted to another pressing issue. "I want my focus to be solely on gaining the contract for the Grand Horizons Hotel. I can't have our competitor, Row-Construction beat us to the huge deal," I said sternly.

"Alright sir" he responded, taking note of my instructions.

"Inform me immediately she signs the contract, and we'll go get the marriage certificate right after," I added.

As Trevor left my office, I was left with the weight of the tasks ahead.

I had to bag the huge hotel contract and a wife to marry.