Chapter 3 Bomb and anger

CHRISTINE'S POV

WHY IS HE HERE?

This is so strange seeing him in our meeting. What sort of

meeting involves him? Well, I guess I'll find out soon.

But it's so infuriating staring at my mortal enemy's face.Yes, he is my mortal enemy. I just wish I could burn holes

into his perfect, annoying, infuriatingly perfect face.

He's annoying, but he still has such a beautiful face. I

wish he were ugly. But no he has the kind of face that

suits a player. The arrogant jawline, perfectly styled hair,

that smug smirk that always looks like he's one word

away from teasing me. Did I mention he's annoying? Yes,

that's Adrian Kellerham once the annoying little boy, now

the annoyingly successful CEO.

But I have to admit, he's also a very admirable one. I

can't deny how well he took over his father's company.

ADOVE has only risen in value and reputation ever since.

I actually look up to him. I want to be a good CEO like

him...

But he will never hear those words come out of my

mouth.

He's been my mother's best friend's son and a pest in my

life since birth. I can't believe I once had a crush on him

but let me believe that was just a little girl's fantasy. Katyand Angela still think I do. Those girls can be so annoying

sometimes. They're lucky I love them to death.

I know my mom has always wished Adrian and I would

end up together, but I don't see that ever happening. Any

of our conversations always end in a spat or a quarrel.

That's a recipe for disaster. Everyone's tired of getting

caught in the middle of our fights. I know they've given

up trying to make us grow up.

Honestly, I've tried to be cordial with him, but he's just

so... uptight and annoying!

Even just looking at him pisses me off.

Okay, now I'm making it sound like a personal problem

but really, it's not.

And whatever childhood crush I had died the moment he

picked on me in kindergarten just because he was older

and claimed he was "protecting me." Ugh. I hated that.

Always acting superior.

And then there's his stupid best friend, Mark, who's much

kinder. I've always liked Mark. He's funny and easy to

talk to. I wonder how they're even friends. Adrian's likewinter cold, sharp, dramatic. Mark's like the very

opposite .

I was expecting Adrian to make some snide remark the

moment I walked in, as he always does. But I'm surprised

when he just gives me a smirk and stays quiet. Maybe

he's also walking on eggshells around me. Or maybe his

mom threatened him to behave while he's here. I know he

definitely knows about the breakup I expected him to

gloat. He never particularly liked Brian, although I never

understood why.

But who really knows what goes on in that brain of his?

Either way, he's silent now oddly silent. It's strange. I

appreciate it, but a part of me wants him to say

something, just so I'll have a reason to react.

God, his being here is making me worked up. That's what

he always does. Anytime he's nearby, I have this urge to

argue. He just riles me up so much. I wonder what Dad

was thinking inviting him to this meeting. Maybe it's

finally about the partnership I overheard. Honestly,

partnering with his company would be good for us;ADOVE is currently number one. But that just gives him

more access to my life and more ways to ruin it.

I don't want that. Especially not at such a crucial time.

I need to stay focused. I don't want those old men on the

board judging me again saying I'm too emotional, too

impulsive, too childish to handle an investor. Another

group of people that infuriate me in this damn office.

Dad walks in, looking all dapper in his suit. I just know

Mom picked it out for him. They're so in love. It's kind of

disgusting and sweet at the same time. Dad, already in his

early sixties, still looks young and sharp. Still handsome. I

see why Mom can't take her eyes off him.

I've always aspired to be like my dad in work, in love, in

everything. He's my number one role model.

He starts the meeting, and to my surprise, he's talking

about retirement. Already?

My heart races a bit. He's finally going to hand it over.

The company. DREAMSPACE.Everything I've worked toward, fought for, bled for.

I glance around the room, trying to gauge the reactions of

the board members. They're always watching me, always

weighing whether I'm "worthy." But I don't care about

them right now. I care about Dad's words.

But then my mind drifts to Brian.

I remember when he used to work with us, and how we'd

have fun doing late nights at the office. But after the

breakup, he quit. Said it was too hard. And honestly, I get

it. I would've done the same. Imagine having to stare at

your ex's face every day. That's a new level of torture.

Still, part of me wishes he hadn't left. Not for love God,

no but just because everything is changing so fast. One

minute we were planning a wedding, and now... he's

gone, and I'm sitting across from Adrian.

My thoughts are pulled back when Dad beckons to me

and speaks directly to me.

But the next words out of his mouth?They leave me in complete and utter shock.

Dad just said-for me to inherit the company and become

CEO-I have to be married before my next birthday.

Which is in eight months.

Eight. Months.

What?

Where does he expect me to find a husband?

Does he not know I just broke up with Brian?

Or is he expecting me to get back with him?

The room is silent, but I can feel the tension pressing

against my skin. Like everyone's holding their breath,

waiting to see if I'll explode or fall apart.This bombshell he dropped I can't even begin to process

it.

Does he think I'm a magician? I haven't even healed yet

from that breakup.

And he had to say this in front of those stinky old board

members.

And worse... with Adrian in the room? This really sucks.

I'm sure Dad didn't mean to hurt me. He wouldn't do that

especially not after seeing how hard I've worked for this.

I know this clause had to have come from those old men.

I've never heard of it before.

I can't even muster a response. My only instinct is to walk

out of the meeting without looking at anyone's face

because if I do, I might just burst into tears.

So that's what I do.I stand up, straighten my jacket, and walk out heels

clicking sharply against the floor trying to keep the only

shred of dignity I have left.

I can feel Adrian's eyes on me the whole way out.

And somehow, that pisses me off even more.