Falling Prey To Love

Chapter One

The room, cool and tidied, had just a desk and three swivel chairs. On the wall hung frames of important personnel, an award certificate and a motivational post card. Files of work were neatly arranged and stacked in the corner of his desk.

On the table lay a picture frame of an elderly woman, Melissa, his mother. The door opened noisily, forcing him to shift his attention from the laptop on which he was frantically typing to the unwelcome visitor.

His name was Daniel Graham, a multi-billionaire and CEO of Glassy Enterprise Limited. Thirty-six years of age with an handsome face, beautiful physique and based in New York City. Every woman's dream and fantasy, but still a bachelor. Not that ladies didn't flaunt themselves at him, he wasn't interested. And still not interested in any female gender until he avenged Melissa, his beloved mother who was coldly murdered for trying to protect his life.

Ladies were nothing other than distraction. And in his case, he needed no distraction while on the journey of revenge.

"Hello sir, Mr. Erica's document is ready. I was wondering if we could apprise him of this latest development." Jilly said, stealthily avoiding any eye contact with him.

Daniel stared silently at her for a moment before uttering a word. "You are not paid to wonder! Just do your fucking work and leave out what your brain can never comprehend!" The icy tone of his voice froze Jilly for a mini second.

"Yes, I understand."

She bowed slightly. Turning to walk out, but his angry voice halted her. "And where the hell are you going with the document?"

Jilly flinched. "I..." she stuttered, swallowing down nothing.

"I thought I wasn't..."

"Shut the hell up! Haven't I warned you to stop doing the thinking, since you are oblivious to the absent of your brain!" he couldn't wait to hear the trash Jilly was spewing from her buccal cavity, so he interrupted abruptly.

Her face grimaced in dismay, but Daniel didn't give one cent about her feelings. "Drop the document and get your stinking self out of this office!"

A drop of tear that escaped Jilly's tear duct didn't escape Daniel's notice before she exited his office. Jilly, a nice lady from a good background with an upright moral upbringing, happened to be his personal assistant and was the only lady who didn't dress like a bitch.

Daniel had never been rude to her, but today, he couldn't help transferring his aggression on her.

Returning his gaze to the document Jilly dropped, he took it quietly, skimming through it. Satisfied, he replaced it at the spot where he picked it, returning to type on his system. Daniel was so fucking engrossed in typing that he didn't notice when Graham walked in.

The look of disgust on Graham's face baffled him. "Dad.."

"Don't call me that, young man!" Graham raised a hand, rudely halting Daniel from saying a word. Daniel swallowed back the statement, which would certainly have earned him nothing but a hot slap. He was beginning to get really pissed off. Graham had always been mean to him, even though he was his legitimate son. Damn! It hurt.

This unusual attitude of Graham commenced some months after Melissa's death. At first, Daniel had associated it with Graham hurting, hence the rationale behind the transfer of transgression, but now, he didn't believe that logic anymore.

"But Dad..."

"When are you planning to get married?" Graham popped the question Daniel least expected from him.

Why the hell would Graham ask that? Was this really the reason behind his cranky attitude? He speculated inwardly.

"Dad! You know I can't marry now. I have got things I need to handle, scores to settle. Besides, you have been mean to me since mother's death. It hurt badly!"

"I have been mean for a reason. I loved your mother a lot. I still do." Graham began emotionally. He was still hurting, Daniel realized and hated the fact that he brought it up, further hurting him with the memories of her.

"But in the absent of your mother, a grandchild would have restored my happiness. So, getting married is going to hinder you. Is that what you are insinuating?" he asked with a smirk and a slight frown on his face, wistfully changing the topic.

"You won't understand." Daniel sighed, feeling frustrated. His hands unconsciously caressed his temple. He watched wearily as Graham crossed his knees, pulled out a stick of cigarette from its pack, lit and began smoking.

"Well, I definitely do not give a damn about your pathetic reasons. Just understand this..." He leaned forward, puffing directly on Daniel's face. "I give you fourteen days to get married or else your position as the CEO of this company will be handed over to Mark. Your credit card will be freeze as well." he threatened.

Jeez! He was being threatened like a five-year-old kid when in reality he was nothing but a thirty-six-year-old matured, full-blooded male. Daniel felt rage building like a volcano waiting to explode. Exasperated, Daniel clenched his fist tightly, clamping his lips. How dare Graham try to manipulate him despite knowing the energy, time, and effort invested in the growth of this company?

"Dad! I am your legitimate son and not Mark. For Pete's sake, Mark isn't interested in the company. Dammit! He doesn't know a fuck about how to manage a company!" he bellowed, hitting his fist angrily on the desk.

Unbothered by Daniel's hissing fist, Graham stared blandly at him. This was the only method that could work effectively on Daniel. With that at the center of his mind, Graham unleashed his ruthless attitude.

"Mark, might be illegitimate, but for the fact that he is the son of your mother, I love him dearly just as I love your mother. He is not my son, but your mother's son. It also doesn't matter if Mark can manage a company or not. You have a choice. Marry and retain your inheritance, right and position, or remain single with no inheritance." Graham gave a nonchalant shrug, as though already knowing what decision Daniel would take.

"I don't understand. Why are you being cruel? Why are you so adamant about me getting married?"

This was pure manipulation from Graham's side, but then he was left with no choice. He couldn't afford to forsake his inheritance to some dumb bastard whose goal was to pursue anything on skirts.

"I need a fucking grandchild!" Graham yelled, his eyes blazing like fire. "You are what? A fucking thirty-six-year-old bachelor with no hope or plans to ever get married. Do you even get laid? If you don't give one cent about your bachelorhood, I do. Give me a grandchild and stop wasting sperm!"

Rising, Graham crushed the stick of cigarette with his foot, casting one more look of pure malice at Daniel. "Fucking get married or watch me ruin every damn thing you have ever worked so hard for. Bastard!"

Silently, Daniel watched him flounce out of the office as though led by an angry wave. His head throbbed and, just like a dream, his once comfortable life changed in a direction he couldn't grasp. The thought of Mark managing the company was not appealing. The company would go bankrupt in less than twenty-four hours.

Mark was his stepbrother. Son of Melissa, whom she bore to another man after getting married to Graham. Guilt shaken by the expensive mistake she made that day, Melissa became a shadow of herself. Loathing herself while trying to compensate them with love, abundant care.

Graham had been furious at the news of Melissa cheating on him, but his love for her blinded his eyes to her mistakes, earning her his forgiveness.

To even think Graham would ever consider handing over his company to a bastard who was not biologically related to him further enraged Daniel.

Glancing at his Rolex watch, Daniel gasped, trying not only to relax his tensed body but keep his emotions in check. Instantly, the intercom peeped and a voice spoke. "Sir, it's time for your meeting with Mr. Dominic of steadfast company. "

He stretched like a lazy cat for a moment before rising with an aim. Probably Graham was just bluffing. He won't dare execute his threat, not when Daniel still remains his biological son. Assured, Daniel walked out of the office.

"What if Mark is not truly your mother's son, like you believed?" An anonymous voice muttered from his hideout.

Chapter Two

It has been like a century since his conversation with Graham, but in actual truth; it was barely a week since Graham ordered him to get married. A week when he constantly sent annoying messages as a reminder of his threat.

Daniel was no longer settled. Deeply disturbed and unstable, he leaned forward a bit, his forehead rested on the steering wheel with his eyes closed. Thought of how to maneuver his way out of this mess kept eluding him. There was only one thing to do which was - meeting Dylan.

Dylan, a thirty-six-year-old guy, was a bachelor like him. A multi-billionaire and CEO of a "Beauty clash", one of the most famous fashion house in New York City. He was a dark guy with a body that constantly left ladies in awe.

Dylan had always been acknowledged as the only matured man who knew how to critically analyze an issue, think of a solution and execute it. Determined, Daniel glanced up from his melancholy position. Eyes quickly scanning the white mansion before him.

Earlier when he woke up, the planned had been - head to work, attend meetings with stakeholders and returned home. At the last minute, he had changed his mind. Driving to Dylan's place, the possibility of Dylan's absence at home perturbed him. Uncertainty of how Dylan will take the news but hopefully, there was bound to be a solution.

He dragged his tired body out of the car, strolling lazily towards the front door. He rang the bell, inwardly praying Dylan to be at home on a working day like this.

The door opened with a loud, jovial voice of Dylan. At that juncture, his problems vanished into thin air. He couldn't stop the smile tugging at the corner of his lips from exploding into a wide grin.

"Men! What a wonderful surprise! What the heck? You didn't say you will be bringing your fucking self to my humble abode."

His American accent resonated loudly even outside as he pulled him in for a hug.

"Sorry, man. I didn't mean to drop in like an uninvited visitor. Something consequential popped up." Daniel apologized.

Something about his tone must have given Dylan an insight to how vital the situation seemed to be. Getting dis-entangled from the hug, both stared directly at each other, holding gaze as though searching the dept of one's soul. Dylan's face filled with concern for him.

"You don't necessarily have to apologize for coming without calling. My home is also yours. So what's wrong? Your tone fretted me earlier." Dylan managed to say without a smile before frowning.

"Damn my moronic brain. I am supposed to offer you something, not bombarding you with questions!"

Dylan smiled as he led him fully inside, shutting the door behind him.

Unconsciously, Daniel reclined on the couch with his legs on the sofa arms. Feeling comfortable, he looked around, noting the difference and changes which had taken place since his last visit. One thing was obviously obvious, Dylan had great taste.

"Get me a glass of water!" Daniel called after Dylan, who went to the wine cellar which was situated closed to the dinning.

"This is your second home, Daniel. You know every crook and crannies of this place. Besides, you're not a visitor, so get your ass off that couch to the kitchen for a glass of water. If not, you're going to die of thirst!"

Men! This was something he missed in Dylan so much. He missed this moment of them bantering, exchanging words like kids.

Sitting upright, Daniel stared at Dylan who stood in the dining room with a bottle and a glass of wine. "Shit! I thought you've changed!"

Dylan only shrugged as a replied.

Out of the corner of his eyes, Daniel saw Dylan pressed a bell in the center of the dining table. Immediately, a beautiful young lady walked in from the kitchen. "Get my friend a glass of water." Dylan ordered icily, not sparing a single glance at the lady.

"Who is she?" Daniel asked quietly as Dylan drew closer, offering him a glass of wine with a sneer.

"That's Patricia, my chef."

Chef? The word rang falsely in his ears. Why the hell did Dylan employ the services of a chef when he could cook?

"Why?" He asked, niggling at the back of his mind.

Moving to seat opposite Daniel on the gold coach, Dylan smiled as comprehension of Daniel's thought set in. "Why what? Why a chef? Come on, I've got absolutely no time to prepare my meal, and I am tired of eating junk food."

The lady walked in at the moment, forcing Daniel to swallow back his words. Her bluish eyes gazed up at him. "Your water, Sir"

Cool, soft tone humbled him as her eyes unconsciously checked Patricia out. Her curves were really pronounced behind the blue jeans she wore. Her skin looked soft and smooth as silk. Furthermore, her lips were reddish and tempting. How in the hell did Dylan resist such a temptress?

"Thank you. You," Daniel stammered incoherently. Without another word, she walked out.

Dylan burst into a boisterous laughter, forcing Daniel's eyes to deviate from Patricia's receding figure to him.

"Dude, that lady is such a temptress. You should have seen your look as you checked her out." He laughed.

"It's not what you think, Dylan. Do me a fucking favor and get your mind out of the gutter!"

"Yeah, it's out of the gutter." Dylan mocked, still amused by Daniel's action.

"The is no harm in admiring God's creation. Is there?" Daniel inquired innocently, trying to conceal his defensive tone.

"No dear," with a sigh, Dylan quickly changed the topic. His knee crossed over each other with his upper body leaning back. "You had an issue. What was wrong?"

Daniel sighed, recalling the mess Graham got him into. His mood must have sobered, because Dylan sat up with keen interest.

"I have only Seven days to get married or lose my inheritance to Mark."

Dylan snarled. "Hell! Marriage? Losing of inheritance? What fucking shitty talk was that?"

Calmly, he explained the situation to Dylan, watching as his expression changed from calm to pain to fury.

"What the heck? This is consequential. What do you intend doing?"

"I've got no idea," Daniel confessed with an atom of sincerity. He didn't even have a woman in his life. How was he supposed to be married in seven days' time? The frustration was inevitable.

"You can marry Patricia!"

Chapter Three

Dylan's word replayed for the umpteen times in his head. How in heaven's sake could Dylan say such trash? Daniel glanced at Dylan, uncertain if he was just quipping.

"What has come over you, Dylan? For candy's sake, checking Patricia out was an involuntary action." he clarified patiently as Dylan stared at him in amusement

"Why are you suddenly being defensive?" Without giving him a chance to reply, Dylan continued. The amusement completely wiped from his face. His body relaxed as though being interview for a brand opening. "Patricia won't be your real wife. It will be a contracted marriage. Probably after six months, you guys can seek a divorce. You could come up with a plausible lie for the divorce."

"It won't work Dylan." Daniel placed the empty glass on the dining table after gulping down it content. Pessimism clouded his mind. Restlessly, he began pacing. "Graham wants a grandchild!"

"That shouldn't be an issue," Dylan commented dryly. "You could always adopt. Do a private adoption." He suggested thoughtfully.

"Adoption? Private adoption?" Daniel's voice raised higher than normal. He stopped pacing to stare at Dylan in bewilderment. "I hope you haven't forgotten that for a celebrity, nothing is ever private. Some bunch of idiotic press must surely snoop around, bringing out all your skeletons from it closet."

And in a matter of second, the news could spread like wildfire, ruining his chances of ever retaining his inheritance. No! It wasn't a nice suggestion.

"Then you've got no other alternative than to marry Patricia. Look, you could pay her to carry your child. Literally, you will be killing two birds at a time - retaining your inheritance and granting Graham his heart's desire."

Daniel mused over it for a minute. "You are right..." He began but stopped midway, appalled by the thought of having sex with Patricia. His phobia for a stranger suddenly dawned on him.

"Did you think this through?" He asked, a baffled Dylan. "Come on, pregnancy doesn't happen in the air. A sperm must meet with an egg, which meant 'sex must be involved',"

he couldn't pinpoint what was amusing in his statement.

"I am just humoring you, Daniel" Dylan smiled, giving an answer to his inner thought as though blessed with a secret ability to read minds.. Slowly rising, Dylan held him from pacing.

"If the thought of having sex with Patricia is so appalling, then do surrogacy. "

"How?"

Surrogacy sounded weird. What did he truly mean by that term?

"Patricia can be your surrogate. You will donate your sperm, which would be infiltrated into her body through in vitro fertilization (IVF). When your sperm meet and fertilize with her egg, an embryo will be formed, leading to pregnancy."

Flabbergasted was an understatement. He was really overwhelmed by the interesting idea. "Thanks man. You are a real gem!"

Excited, he smacked a kiss on Dylan's cheek.

"Ew.. Gross!" Dylan shrieked with a disgusting look, swatting the spot Daniel kissed, as though trying to swat a gnat.

He laughed heartily. Just then Dylan's phone rang, interrupting the moment. Muttering an 'Excuse me' Dylan answered his calls while he waited patiently. The beautiful antique on the wall caught his attention. Beautiful as it was screamed of wealth.

His stomach growled, reminding him of his expired bacon with egg.

Dylan glanced at him with a smile. "Your stomach is hungry. " Not waiting for a response, Dylan rang a bell. Seconds later, Patricia walked in with a smile.

"Serve him some food."

"Yes Boss."

"How will we execute these plans?" He asked wearily as Patricia exit the room.

"My attorney could draft a legal document for a contract marriage. You will include your rules, terms and condition, then you both can sign before progressing to the church for the marital blessing."

"How long should the contract last?"

"It depends on you," Dylan answered, further adding "It could be two years or Fifteen months. Six months is to convince Graham that you are legally married. Nine months is for the pregnancy. Pregnancy is usually nine months. After delivery, she will stay for some month to take care of the baby. After two years, divorce paper will be signed and nannies will be employed. "

This was one of the reason he loved and adored Dylan. He was a smart ass, good at analyzing critical situation before professing solution.

"You just saved my life and everything I had ever worked hard for." he began emotionally, highly obliged to him for his great help.

"It's nothing Daniel. You are my buddy, my Gee. Your happiness is my aim. I understand why you can't settle down presently, but I also can't stand the image of you throwing away everything you had always worked so damn hard for to some teenage dude who has no preamble to how to manage a company. "

"Thanks Gee."

Dylan shrugged off his gratitude. "That was my attorney. He has been informed to draft a legal document. All I need are your rules, term and condition."

"Sure!"

Settled, they shared a private moment. Dylan helped with some rules, condition and ideas for the contracted marriage document.

Alarmed, "What if Patricia heard everything we discussed?"

"The soundproof system was activated earlier before your arrival, so our conversation was encrypted. No third party would know what we discussed."