Emilia

Emilia Peyton

"Mum, no please, no, Daddy no..." I scream as I wake up sweating profusely. I feel the tears on my face as I realize that it was another nightmare. This has been happening every night since the incident from that dreadful night 15 years ago. I know I should have forgotten the incident considering how long it has been but the image of that night is still fresh in my head, almost like it happened just yesterday.

I check my phone and realize it's still 6am, which means I have two hours to prepare for work. I get out of bed and head to the bathroom. I take my clothes off and stand in front of the mirror. I sigh as I take in my appearance.

"It isn't as bad as the last time I guess." I say looking at my reflection. The bruise is already beginning to fade away and I'm thankful to my uncle for only leaving one bruise on me. He always made sure he never left a bruise that will be noticeable to the others because he couldn't afford to put a stain on his image.

I do my lady stuff before stepping into the shower. A few minutes later I leave the bathroom with a towel around my head and a bathrobe on my body. Walking towards my closets, I take out all the lotions I normally use, apply them and take out out a pair of matching underwear.

I realize that I still have a towel on my head so I take it off and dry my hair quickly noticing that I don't have much time left. I straighten my hair with my stretcher that I got as a gift from Grace,my assistant. Once I'm done, I hold it up with a ribbon so I could wear my clothes.(I love doing my hair before I get dressed by the way).

I take out a semi casual ruffle white shirt and pair it with a beige flared pants. " Looks good to me." I mutter to myself before taking out a nude pointed heels to complete the look. Putting them on quickly, I decide to add a white belt to the look, feeling satisfied with how I look, I pull my hair down and straighten it out again for final touches. I'm not really a fan of makeup because I know I look prettier without them. I just apply and eyeliner and mascara to give my eyes a different glow. I don't bother using a lipstick as I head downstairs for dinner.

I arrive at the living room which is really quiet and I smile, loving the calmness. You're probably wondering why, my uncle and his family are currently on a one month vacation in Switzerland. Normally, people feel sad when they are being left behind while the others travel around but not me. If anything I am happy that I am not going to be seeing them for a month.

I look around and notice that all the workers in the house are gone. Aunt Claire must have given them the month off to make me do all the work, certainly not something I haven't done before. I check my watch and realize that I'm running late, so I just decide to have breakfast at work.

The drive to work is faster than usual, there's no traffic and I'm grateful for that. I arrive at the company in 30 minutes as I see the 36 storey building of Peyton Enterprise.

" Good morning miss Peyton" Larry, the company's chaffeur says as I give him a curt nod and hand him my car keys. Walking into the office, the workers get tense seeing me as they all start greeting me. I've always been feared by people and I don't have an issue with it because its better that way. I don't want people to think I'm a weakling just because I let uncle Aaron hit me, not that they know that he does but still. I make my way towards the elevator and go towards my office which is on the thirty fifth floor. The elevator opens and I make my way to my office.

" Good morning Emilia." Naya, my assistant says to me as I approach her. Her office is before mine as you have to get through her to see me. Naya has been my assistant for 4 years now and I really liked her. She was an African American woman and of course,beautiful like all black women. I I've always loved black people maybe it's because my maternal grandmother is a black woman. Naya was six years older and despite her being my assistant, I always respected her.

" Morning to you to Naya." I say with a genuine smile as I walk into my office with Naya.

" You have a meeting at 11:am with Mr Albert Davidson, the owner of Stars Tower." Naya says as she immediately switches into her work mood

" Stars Tower?, I don't remember setting am meeting with them. What do they want now." I say annoyingly.

Stars Tower was a publishing company, I have never liked the CEO, Albert Davidson. He was a disgusting old man who received several bribes from people to write good things about them, mostly fake news. His company was also known for taking fake news about people and publishing it in other to get payment from the people in other to take it down. He was a cruel man and I wanted absolutely nothing to do with him.

" The meeting was fixed by Mr Aaron, but since he isn't available, he suggested you handle it." Naya says.

" What could they possibly want from us." I say. But then, this meeting was set up by my uncle, so it could only mean one thing, he wanted stars Tower to publish an article about him, praising him for the success of Peyton Enterprise when he had absolutely nothing to do with it. But Uncle Aaron could do that with him l over the phone so why does he need to come here and moreso discuss about it with me.

" Okay, anything else Naya." I ask as I open my computer.

" No, that's all...for today." Naya says and I look up.

" For today?" I ask with a confused look

"Yeah for today, your schedule tomorrow is really full Emilia and just a heads up, you will be going to Switzerland the day after tomorrow. Orders from sir Aaron." Naya says with a pitied look.

I don't even know what to think right now. Why does he want me in Switzerland all of a sudden, whatever it is that he has to say he could very much say it over the phone so why does he want me there. Deciding not to think too much about it, I dismiss Naya and get on with my work for the day. By 11am Naya returns to the office with a knock.

"Yeah, come in." I say with my mind still buried in work.

" Mr Albert from Stars Tower is here Emilia. Are you ready or should I tell him to wait for a bit." Emilia says noticing how engrossed I was in what I was doing.

" No no, of course not, send him in." I say as I organize myself.

" Okay." Naya says as she leaves. A sigh leaves my mouth as I try to brace myself. Albert from Stars Tower was never a good man, he isn't at all and the fact that I'm going to be in an office with him, alone, scares me.

A knock on the door brings me back to reality and I already know who's behind the door.

"Come in." I say with a bold voice to seem authoritative. Mr Albert enters the office and looks around until his eyes finally sight me.

" Aha.... If it isn't to infamous Emilia Peyton." Mr Albert says with a creepy look and it takes all the self control in me to not send him away. His wrinkles show how old he really is and nit the fake age he puts in the internet.

With a brown hair that I'm sure had been dyed thoroughly because there wasn't a strand of white hair. He puts in so much effort into looking younger than he already is, so that he could go around flirting with young girls, not that he even needs to look younger to flirt as his money can do it for him.

" Good day Mr Albert." I say with my most professional look as I extend my hand to his for a handshake, not that I even want to touch him. I just do it out if courtsey

" No need to get all serious with me young miss, but my my, if I must say those pictures in the tabloids do you no good my dear, you look ravishing in reality." He says and I inwardly gag at his disgusting attitude.

" Thank you Mr Albert, please sit." I say hoping he gets that I don't plan on chatting with him.

" So Mr Albert, what brings you to Peyton Inc, as you already know, this meeting wasn't discussed with me so I don't know what it's about." I say with a stern look.

" Ah yes, it was discussed with your uncle a few weeks ago, but seeing how you weren't informed, I doubt the relationship between the both of you is as they say." He says with a mischievous look. I already know where he is heading to. He was an expert at manipulation and he was going to do anything, even if it meant bringing other people down to benefit himself.

" Well, Mr Albert, the relationship between me and my uncle doesn't concern you. If my uncle wanted me to know about it, he would have told me, the fact that he didn't tell me implies that it wasn't anything serious, so please enlighten me." I say not giving him a chance to pry for information that might benefit him.

" Hmmm, if you say so Emilia, well, a few months ago, I called Aaron, your uncle, asking for an investment in my company, as you already know Stars Tower is on the rise these days and I'd be doing Peyton Inc a favour by letting you guys invest." He says with a smug look. I laugh inwardly. If his company is getting as much profits as he says then he most definitely doesn't need our investment. This means there's something else involved.

" I don't quite understand Mr Albert." I say. " Why are you telling me this, if your company is on the ' rise ' why would you be going around looking for investment like a start up company." I finish looking at him. I notice him tense up but he quickly covers it up with a cough. There's definitely something.

" This has already been discussed with your uncle and since he is the CEO, it has been finalized with him. You should be thanking me and not asking questions dear." He says and gives a victory smile. I lean into my chair with a smile.

" Okay, so why are you in my office Mr Albert. Like you said, it has been finalized with Uncle Aaron, so why are here with me and not him." I say with my hands in my face, pretending to be thinking. I know fully well why he's here and not with my uncle.

My uncle might be the CEO on paper but in reality, I run this company. He doesn't even understand how it works or knows what to do except spending the company's money that I work so hard for. So he can't get deals done without me being aware. He might abusive with me but he doesn't do anything that would bring loss to the company. I had a degree in Business Management from Havard University. He was forced to send me there because it was in my dad's will and he couldn't do anything about it.

That actually confuses me because according to the will, Peyton Inc is supposed to be mine but a few days after I read the will, it miraculously changed from my name as the benefactor to Uncle Aaron. Every other thing was left intact but the company's ownership was changed. I couldn't access the other assets till I was 25. Uncle Aaron doesn't know about this because it was in a different will that wasn't given to him. He doesn't even know that those assets exists, if he did, he would have coveted them already and given them to me to run for him as he is too lazy and stupid to run anything properly.

Back to Mr Albert who was sitting in front of me. He looked annoyed and I knew exactly why. My uncle might be stupid and easy to fool but I wasn't and everyone in this business world knew that, which is why they always went through my uncle whenever they wanted something from us, this was because I always looked into every company that wanted an investment or partnership with Peyton Inc as I didn't want anything thing to do with fraudulent people. But of course going through my uncle doesn't guarantee that they'll get what they want as Uncle Aaron would always send them back to me because he didn't have any idea how things worked in the business world and this was no different.

" Well, for some reason, your signature is needed to get things done around here. I don't understand why, when you're not the CEO." Mr Albert says with an annoyed look.

" That's correct Mr Albert, and I think you already know that I won't be signing any document from your company." I say.

" Why not, this has already been finalized and your opinion isn't needed, all you just need to do is sign the damn papers." He says raising his voice.

" I'm sorry Mr Albert, but I refuse to invest in a company as corrupt as Stars Tower however profitable it might be. I would not be entangled with a company like that. I have done my research on Stars Tower and believe me, the results aren't good." I say looking at him. He looks insulted and is about to say something but I cut him off.

" You can't be ser-." He starts but I quickly interrupt him.

" Your company might be profitable but that's only because of the illegal activities going on. I am well aware of all them you know. Like how you took 2 million dollars from Nova hotel to cover up the Rape case that was supposed to have them sued. But of course, your company published an article, after threatening the girl involved, saying that nothing of that manner happened and it was consensual." I tell him with a smirk. Sweat forms on his forehead and I can tell that he is scared.

" H-h-how do you k-know about that." He stutters and I smile at him.

" You see Mr Albert, I did my research well and judging by the look on your face, I'm very correct." I say

" I also know that you need this investment because your company took a loan of 10 billion dollars from Kings Corp seven years ago and are yet to pay. So you see, I just can't help you." I say with pitiful look. Kings Corp was the richest company in the country and beyond. The CEO, Liam King who inherited the company from his father, Richard king, was a very ruthless man according to the tabloids. I had never met him in person but I had heard a lot about him. I also knew that he was 4 years older than me which meant that he was really young.

At the mention of kings Corp, blood drained from Mr Albert's face and he started trembling.

" With that said Mr Albert, the door is that way."

Liam Kings

" I'm not sure Liam, things aren't looking good on their side. I doubt they can even pay one percent, not to even ask for a full payment." Ian Cooper my best friend and business partner tells me over the phone. He invested in Kings Corp a few years ago, so now his shares are big enough to call him a partner. I still had more shares than him and I could finalize decisions without him or anyone for that matter but Ian has been more than a friend and he's really good in the business world. We know literally everything about each other so I have no issues seeking advice from him. He was the director of Cooper Hotels, a company that was owned by his father but will soon be his.

We were both good looking and we knew it. I had a get black hair while he had a chestnut brown one. We were both tall but I was taller by 2 inches. He was 6'2 while I was 6'5 and of course we were both bachelors. Ian and I were single, Ian was the playboy between the both of us whereas I was the workaholic. I didn't have the time for women and their annoying attitude. They were always throwing their selfs on me like they worth nothing and I hated it. I had only one thing on my mind, work.

" Look Ian, whether or not the company is in crisis or not doesn't have anything to do with me. He has been owing ten billion dollars for 7 years and he hasn't even payed a hundred thousand dollars off. It looks like Albert Davidson doesn't know that I'm not like Dad. I won't be so nice as to over look this Ian." I say angrily.

" He will pay every single dime and it will happen this year." I finish off and head back to my seat.

" Look man, whatever you want to do, I'll help just don't cause a scene Liam, cause I know you're more than capable of doing that." Ian says with a laugh and I join in, allowing the anger to subside.

" Well that's it for now, I gotta go, get out of my phone." I say playfully to Ian

" Yeah, go bury yourself in more work idiot, but remember all work and no play makes Liam stupid." Ian says while laughing.

" Yeah nice one, Go away dude." I say as I end the call.

A few minutes later, I hear a knock on my door, already knowing who it is, I speak.

" Come in." I say and Lucy my secretary walks in with an expression that said ' sorry '

" What is it Lucy." I ask her knowing that it's never good when she has that look on her face.

Lucy is a very wonderful lady. She was in her early 40's and worked for my dad before I took over and I could see why dad could never let her leave. She was damn good at her job and since she was married I didn't have to worry about her seducing me like how my previous assistant tried doing while I was the director. I also respected her as much as I would my mom and she never took it for granted. She was a lovely soul.

" Mrs kings is here." She says and I stiffen. Now, I was feared by a lot of people but I was this woman frightened me, she's the only one who can make me go against my will, the only woman asides my sister that I love. That woman is my mother.

" She doesn't look happy Liam, you're in trouble." Lucy says in a playful tone. I immediately start thinking of what crime i had committed against her these past few months. Adjusting my position, I speak.

"Let her in Lucy, she wouldn't kill her only son now will she?", She won't right? As soon as Lucy leaves, the door opens to reveal a very angry mum.

" I was beginning to wonder if I really had given birth to a son." She starts and I know that she wasn't going to leave here without giving me an earful for not visiting her for almost 6 months.

" Good to see you too mom, you look amazing." I say trying to change the topic, knowing that she loved it when I praised her. But she wasn't falling for it this time around.

" No no no, Alessandro, don't you dare change the topic." She says calling me by my Italian name. Her Italian accent coming out strongly. This only happened when she was really angry.

Both her parents were Italian, so she was a pure Italian but she got married to dad, who was Canadian. I got most of my features from my mother, that explained why I looked more Italian than Canadian. While my sister Hailey, got her features from dad so she looked Canadian.

" Six months Alessandro, six months, no calls, no texts, no visits, no nothing!" She says fuming. I leave my seat and walk towards her, she was right and I knew it. I was avoiding her and she knew why.

" I'm sorry Mom, I really am. I love you but whenever you see me, the only thing on your mind is marriage, and you know fully well that I don't want that." I say with a pleading look.

" So you cut me off because of that?" She says with a hurtful expression and I immediately regret my actions.

" I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking Mom. I missed you." I say with a sincere look and her anger subsides. You see, I told you she won't kill me. I'm her son. I sigh in relief.

" If you missed me why didn't you call Sandro." She asks, using the short form of my name that she only is allowed to use.

" My baby looks so pale, you haven't been feeding well." She states while touching my face with a pout.

" This is exactly why you need a wife dear. For things like this. She would at least make sure you're healthy. And by healthy I mean food wise not just exercise Liam." She says and I'm immediately reminded of the main reason I haven't been in touch with her.

" There you go again mom. You say things like this and then you wonder why I avoid you." I say looking at her with a tired expression.

" Of course Liam. If I don't who will, your father, Hailey, you're all too busy to look after each other, so I have to do it." She says.

" Please Liam, listen to me this time, I won't ask you to do anything you don't want to anymore, please." She says tiredly and that's when I notice it.

Something about the way she's saying it this time feels different. Since I turned 26, she has always been pressuring me into marriage, but this time around I feel that there's something else. I stare at her and I think she notices that I was sensing something, so she avoids eye contact with me. I study her and that's when I notice that she looks different. Her skin looks pale and her hair looked different, mom had black hair that was devoid of any white hair despite her age. Not that she was old, she was barely sixty. Although she tried to hide it, I could tell that she was wearing a wig. Mom never wore a wig.

" Why are you wearing a wig mom, what's wrong with your hair, why do you look like this." I ask her as I feel myself getting scared, my thoughts are everywhere and I can't seem to calm down.

" Oh, this." She says referring to the wig.

" My friend launched a new hair line, so I decided to try it out." She says not looking at me and I can tell that she's lying. I've always known when something was up with mom, she could hide it from others but not me.

" Look Sandro, I have to go, come home, then I'll tell you everything, I promise." She says looking at me weakly.

" I love you okay?, Bye Liam." She says as she leaves the office. It can't be what I'm thinking right? She's okay, right?

Hailey, she'll know what wrong with mom, she lives with her. Grabbing my phone from my desk, I quickly dial Hailey's number, it rings for a few seconds before she picks.

"Hey." I say not knowing how to start the conversation with her. We were close but this past few months have been really hectic for me at the company, not that we were doing badly, it was the exact opposite, we were doing great but I had some loose ends to fix so I haven't been in contact with her.

" Look who finally decided to call, I was almost convinced I was an only child." She says and I can imagine her smirking on the other side of the call.

" I know, I know Hailey, I'm a bad brother and son, but please save that for later. What's up with mom. Something doesn't feel right." I say to her and she immediately goes silent. This can't be good.

" If you visited more often or even called Liam, you would know. But no, you're too busy building your empire. Do you think I don't work too Liam. For God sake Liam, I'm as busy as you are and I still find time for family." She says and I know she's right.

She had her own fashion line and it was really popular in the country and beyond. She even travels a lot more than I do because of the nature of her job but she still managed to strike a balance between work and family, something I haven't been able to do.

" Mom is sick Liam, she has been for months now." Hailey says as I slump on my chair.

" How bad is it?" I ask fearing for the worst.

" It's really bad Liam, 2 weeks after you stopped visiting, she suddenly slumped, we rushed her to the hospital and it was confirmed that she had pancreatic cancer." She says in between cries but I still mange to hear her.

" No, no way Hailey. Tell me it isn't true, it a lie right?" I say hoping it's one of her usual jokes but what she says next proves that it isn't.

" It isn't, we didn't know because according to the doctor, pancreatic cancers are hard to detect and they don't usually show symptoms until it is in the final stage." She says while sobbing.

" So what does this mean, what the hell are you trying to say Hailey." I ask, yelling at her for no reason. I was so frustrated because I had neglected mom while she was going through this.

" The doctor said she has just three months to live." She explains.

It can't be true, Mom can't be dying. No. I try my best to maintain my composure but I feel myself loosing it.

" What do you mean by that, huh, how is that even possible, she just left my office and she looked fine to me so what are you talking about." I say trying to assure myself that Mom was okay.

" She looks fine for now, Liam, but not for long. She isn't even supposed to be moving about. I guess she so desperately wanted to see her son who forgot her before anything happens." Hailey says and to say I feel guilty is an understatement.

" I understand Hailey, I'll call you back. Bye." I say hanging up.

Making my way into my parents house, I look around as I notice that it looks a lot different from when I last visited. Well, with mom around, renovations were bound to happen often. She loved changing the house's look Everytime and no one dared to question her. The house or should I say mansion, was built by dad when they got married. It was a wedding gift from him to Mom. It was built in a castle-like way, with lots of pillars on the outside. Plain white with silver outlines clouded the exterior and the interior was no different, just more magnificent.

After I ended the phone call with Hailey earlier, I left the company immediately to my apartment. I got my things and had them moved to my parents place because I had made up my mind to use the little time I had left with my mom well.

" Liam, oh my word, it's so good to see you. Where have you been dear." Maria, our housekeeper welcomes me with a hug that I reciprocate genuinely. I have really missed her. Maria has been working here since I could remember. She was probably here before I was born,so she pretty much raised me alongside my parents.

" Very well Maria, You look good, as usual. If I didn't know you I'd ask you to be my girlfriend." I say teasingly.

" Oh goodness Liam, stop flattering me will you." She says blushing. Maria was an Italian woman in her early fifties, age was taking a toll on her compared to previous years but she still looked beautiful.

" Lucia is upstairs in her room. She has been waiting for you to come visiting." She says referring to Mom. Kate was really close to my mom so it's no surprise that she knows about everything that goes on in the house. They were from the same city in Italy.

" Okay Maria, I'll go to her, thank you." I say as I make my way to mom's room.

The door is open as I approach the room and I see mom lying on the bed while dad was beside her, they looked so happy as they were having a chat with each other. My parents marriage was one of the very few successful marriages in Canada and I envied them so much. One might think that the reason to my hatred for women or commitment was because my parents had a failed marriage, but it was far from that. Well you'll hear more about that story later.

Clearing my throat to get their attention, they both look up.

" Hey dad." I say as I enter the room.

" Look who finally decided to show up. For a moment there I thought I didn't have a son you know." My dad says playfully.

" You're just exaggerating dad." I say as I give him a hug.

" Well you don't look bad and the company's doing great this days my boy. I'm so proud of you." Dad says while hugging me.

" Although you haven't been a good son these past months, what's up with you anyways." Dad says

" I know dad and I'm sorry, that's why I'm here, I just moved in. I'll be staying till the end of the year." I say and mum's eyes twinkle with excitement.

" Really Sandro? You're going to be here for the rest of the year. Oh my boy, come here." Mum says as she extends her hand to me. I bend to her level in the bed and give her a hug.

" I'm so sorry mum, I heard what happened, I am disappointed in myself for not knowing about your sickness until today." I say looking into her eyes and a tear escapes her eyes.

" So to make up for these past months that I couldn't share with you, I'll be Staying here with you, while doing everything I can to make sure you stay longer mom." I say not realizing that I was crying. This has become a normal thing for me in just 8 hours.

" I couldn't ask for anything more than to have my family by my side honey, the doctor has already told me that I have just three months left and I'm going to make sure that I have no regrets when it's time." She says smiling at me.

" No mom, don't say that, you're stronger than you think, the strongest woman I know, I'll do everything in my power mom, to make sure you live. You should get see my children before you go mom. " I tell her and she beams immediately.

" What do you mean Sandro, you want to have children? I thought you were against marriage." Mom says looking at me with confusion written all over her face.

" Well looks to me like he changed his mind honey." Dad says beside me and I give a short laugh.

" Yes mom, I've made up my mind. I'm going to grant you your wish. I'll get married and I'll do it in three months."

Authors Note

I had to

Emilia Peyton

Wednesday came by much more quicker than I expected. I wasn't ready to face my uncle. I had spent last night thinking of possible reasons as to why he would want me in Switzerland but none came to me. I guess I'll just have to find out myself.

Taking one last look at my appearance, I take my luggage. Not knowing how much time I was going to be spending in Switzerland, I decided to just take a few clothes and shop for more if my stay got extended.

I contemplate on taking a security team with me because whether I liked it or not, the media was interested in my family. Perks of being the second richest in the country. I had been crowded by reporters whenever I went out alone and my uncle was never happy with it. According to him, I wasn't supposed to be in the spotlight, that position was for Julia. Julia was an actress, a famous one. Not for her acting of course, she was well known for her several escapades. Having dated or slept with at least half the men she met on a daily basis. There was even a sex tape of her with the owner of an entertainment company, Mr Crawford James, who was married. It took me lots of time and of course, lots of money to clean that up. I was always cleaning up her mess but of course, Uncle Aaron saw no faults in what she did. Either he didn't or he just didn't say anything about it.

Deciding not to go with security as it would attract unwanted attention, I pull out a black cap from my box and I matching face mask, I looked like an assassin right now. I was on a black turtleneck crop sweater paired with a black high waisted trouser. I had my black boots on to complete the look and since my hair was also black there was nothing colourful on me.

The look was perfect as no one would recognize me. I get into my blue Porsche Panamera and head for the airport.

In my family, I was the only one who ever flew on economy class. This was because I didn't see the need to waste money on first class flights when we were all heading to the same destination. I only used the company's private jet when I was on official travels. If it was personal, I was going on economy class.

It took approximately eight hours to get to Switzerland and I was suddenly missing Canada. Switzerland was really pretty with beautiful buildings and places as I had been here on several occasions before for business purposes, but the reason I was here was what made me want to go back. I was at the city Geneva because this was were my uncle was staying with his family.

I was going to meet Uncle Aaron at their villa here in Geneva. They had so many houses in almost every country.

There was a driver waiting for me at the airport when I arrived. Sent by Uncle Aaron I suppose.

" Miss Peyton." The man I assume is my driver says with a nod.

" Hello." I say with a smile but he just nods like a robot and takes my luggages to the car. Okay, he's a professional but it wouldn't kill to be friendly now would it.

" Mr Aaron expects you in 15 minutes ma'am, we are already behind time so I'm going to be fast ma'am." He says looking at his watch and I get confused.

What could be so serious that Uncle won't even let me settle down. I don't feel good about this meeting. I take of my face cap and nose masks as I settle into the car.

" It's okay, please carry on." I say to the man whose name I have no idea of.

He nods as he ignites the car and moves on a really high speed but somehow manages to make it a comfortable ride.

" Wow, he's good." I say to myself. I have always been a lover of cars and I also loved driving. It was once my dream to become a car racer when I was younger but I had to throw that dream away when I lost my parents.

We arrive at a the villa in no time, thanks to the man whose name I still don't know. I head to get my luggages when he stops me.

" We have people for that. You should head inside, Mr Aaron must be waiting." He says with the same stern look.

" Okay, thank you Mr?" I say hoping to get an answer out of him. Thankfully I do.

" Conner Williams, Ma'am." He says.

" Please, Mr Aaron is expecting you." He says as I see two ladies exit the house and head towards the I and Conner. Must be the helpers.

" Okay Mr Conner." I say as I head inside.

" Please call me Conner." He says just behind me.

My mind is everywhere as I approach the door. God please, let this not be too bad.

" Good afternoon ma'am." A young maid greets as I enter the house.

" Mr Aaron has been waiting. This way please." She says as she leads me towards the living room.

As we approach the living room, I notice that every one is there. Aunt Claire, Julia, Uncle Aaron and two other men that look really familiar to me. One older than the other. Must me father and son, giving the resemblance. This must be really serious.

The room is quiet and everyone's attention turns towards me.

I put on my most confident look as I approach them.

" Took you forever to get here Emilia." Uncle Aaron says with a snare and I hear Julia give a snort but her mother gives her a nudge on the arm to silence her. These guests must be really important.

" I'm sorry Uncle, I didn't know we were having the meeting today. I would have been earlier if you had informed me." I say as I turn towards the men who happen to be really important. As I look at the men I feel my breathe hitch as I take in the appearance of the younger man. He sits in his chair, with an expressionless face.

This man was handsome. I couldn't help but stare at him in awe. He had the most beautiful set of grey eyes I had ever seen. Jet black hair that was similar to mine and a perfectly outlined lip. He didn't look Canadian to me, more like an Italian.

Snapping out of my daze, I walk towards a sofa and settle down.

" Very well, Emilia, I'm sure you're familiar with the name -- Kings Corp." Uncle Aaron states while looking at the men with a proud look plastered on his face.

Of course I'm familiar with Kings Corp, everyone in the country and beyond knew who they were. The most powerful family in the whole of Canada, also the richest. Their son, Liam Kings was always in the front page for his achievements in the company and of course, for his eligibility in the world of bachelors. He was always number one on the tabloids and his beauty was not to be questioned. What many people wondered was why he was never seen with a woman, some were already beginning to think he was gay.

Although I had never sem him in person, I had seen his pictures on the internet. But why was Uncle Aaron asking about him now.

" Of course, I know about Kings Corp, why do you ask Uncle?" I say confused.

" Well Emilia, you say you know about Kings Corp, but you don't recognize the owners." He says with an angry look.

That's when I realize it. No wonder they looked so familiar. Richard Kings and Liam Kings of kings Corp.

" Oh, I didn't realize, please forgive me." I say to the father and son. The older man whom I now know to be Richard Kings, speaks up first.

" Oh, it's okay dear, although this is a first for me, or should I say for us." He says with a short laugh and the others join in pretentiously, well except Liam Kings, who just sits there with the same bored look but this time, his eyes are on me. Quickly averting my eyes from his gaze I turn to the older kings.

" What do you mean if I may ask." I say not quite understanding what he meant by ' a first for them '.

" What I meant by that dear, is that we, the kings, have never not been recognized before. Moreso by a business mogul like yourself. You see we're quite popular in the industry." He says and nod, understanding what he was saying. It would be next to impossible to see a person who didn't know who the kings were. I was never good at recognizing people.

" If I may interrupt your little chit-chat session with my niece Mr Kings, I see you're getting quite comfortable with her already." Uncle Aaron says with a fake smile. I can tell he doesn't like that Mr Richards attention was on me and not on Julia. Not that I care though. Mr Richard seemed like a wonderful person and I was just being nice to him.

" Well yes, she is indeed a wonderful woman. I hear she manages the affairs of Peyton Inc. Must be a strong woman to control the monthly income of over 50,000 employees all over the world." Mr Richard replies.

" Well, technically, I own the company Mr Richard." Uncle Aaron retorts in an attempt to defend himself.

" But she runs it. Right?" Mr Richard says and I feel his son -- Liam Kings shift his gaze towards me.

" That doesn't matter, Richard. We've wasted so much time chatting, why don't we get down to business. The reason for this meeting." Uncle Aaron says as the kings nod in agreement. Curiosity overwhelms me once again.

"Well, Emilia, Mr Richard and Liam Kings here has a proposal for Peyton Inc. Something that could change our lives forever." He says as he smiles at Julia who reciprocates the action.

Okay, what is going on.

" You see, we're already rich and influential, same thing with the kings, if not more. So imagine what would happen, If we were to merge the two companies." He says with so much excitement.

Where is he going with this.

" We would be unstoppable Emilia." He continues.

" I don't understand what you're trying to say Uncle." I say already feeling uneasy.

Is he trying to merge my parents company with another company for money! How dare he. This company belongs to my parents and it was built with their sweat, there is no way I am going to do as he's saying. We were already so successful and didn't need the support of another company. How could someone be this greedy.

" Look, Emilia, I'm not trying to sell the company. We're just joining forces with the most powerful company in Canada. If anything you should be happy." He says grinning from ear to ear.

" No." I say calmly.

Everyone turns towards me and I look up.

" What do you mean by No, Emilia. It's been decided already." Aunt Claire says as she tries to hide her anger.

" What exactly has been decided." I say looking at all if them. I had lost it already. How could they think of merging the company.

" If it has been decided, why am I here, You could have finished the process already. So why do you need me." I say and I'm reminded of my meeting with Mr Albert on Monday. Very similar cases indeed.

Of course they needed me to complete the process. My signature was needed and they were not going to get it. Never.

" Miss Peyton, if I may." Mr Richard says and I can't help but give him a chance to explain.

" Please, go ahead." I say

" What we're suggesting isn't a normal merger. We don't need Peyton Inc as we're already number one. That wasn't our intention from the beginning." He says and for the tenth time today, I get confused again.

" Our initial plan was to marry into the Peyton family, but Mr Aaron here, thought that it would be better to merge the companies after the marriage." He says.

Wait, what? Marriage?

" Wait, hold up, a marriage?." I say and everyone smiles including Julia as she looks at Liam Kings in a shameful manner.

Oh, Julia's getting married to Liam Kings?

" Yes, a marriage, Miss Peyton." Liam speaks up for the first time since I walked into the room.

" Okay, now look, I don't really care about who is getting married or to whom they are getting married but what I know is, marriage or not, there's no way I'm allowing a merger between my parents company and another take place." I say as a matter of fact.

" Emilia! Be quiet." Uncle Aaron's voice booms and Aunt Claire is quick to calm him to stop him from causing a scene.

The only reason he did not hit me was because there were important people here. If it was not for that fact, I would have been bruised the very moment I said the word ' No ' in an attempt to go against him.

" Please, let's not get worked up. We can do without the merger, but since the documents have already been signed by your uncle, a marriage has to take place in order to avoid legal issues with your company. I respect your decision Emilia, the company belonged to your parents and I totally understand you for not wanting to merge it with another." Mr Richard says and I relax. He was an understanding man.

" You don't have to listen her, Mr Richard, She doesn't know what she's saying. She is still so young." Uncle Aaron says still trying to convince Mr Richard.

" She runs a company Mr Aaron, something that none of your family members know how to do, yourself including. She knows what she's saying." Mr Richard says in my defense. Not many people knew that I was the one running the company, only people who were as influential as the kings knew. To the public I was just a worker in my parents company which was now owned by my uncle. A smile finds its way to my face and I quickly wipe it off. I see Liam smile from the corner of my eyes. Weird.

That shut Uncle Aaron and the rest of his family up.

" Okay then. Since the issue with the merger is all taken care of, I'll leave you guys to discuss matters regarding the marriage between Julia and Mr Liam Kings. Please excuse me." I say as I stand up to leave.

" Yeah Dad, you heard her. Since there's no merger taking place, we just have the wedding to plan." Julia says happily.

" Wait a minute. Miss Peyton, please wait." Liam Kings says stopping me in my tracks and I turn towards them.

" You can't leave yet." He says

" Why can't I, my business here is done." I say getting impatient.

" You see, your business here isn't close to being done. We just finished one phase, we still have a wedding to finalize." He says. Okay, can these people be more clear.

" We?" I say with a confused expression.

" What do you mean Mr Kings." Uncle Aaron says and for the first time we're in the same page.

Julia gets up and walks towards Liam Kings.

" We have a wedding to plan, so why does she have to be here." She says in a sickening tone.

Liam smirks as he walks towards me.

" I can see you didn't read the documents at all. I never said I was going to marry Julia." He says.

What is he talking about.

I sigh in relief when I see Mr Richard getting up to speak. He was always saying things in my favour since this meeting commenced, but I wasn't prepared for what he said next.

" She has to be here because the marriage is between Liam and Emilia my dear." Mr Richard says.

Wait, what!