Forced To Be His

Chapter 1

Brent's POV

I stormed into the office enraged, my fists folded beside me as I gritted my teeth.

I turned and kicked the door before banging it furiously, venting my anger on it as if it were my offender.

I paced about my office, my hands on my chin, my mind swirled with different thoughts.

"Why can't this man just let me be? I don't have an idea when marriage suddenly becomes a compulsory thing and there's a certain age limit for it." I raked my hands through my hair frustrated.

My mind drifted back to a few days ago when my father matched me with a young girl, a daughter to one of his numerous friends, and how I had fought vehemently and canceled the proposal.

"And to make matters worse, I don't even have a say in it; I don't get to choose who to marry and when?" I continued pacing up the room.

I'm restless and annoyed, provoked by my father's constant engagement.

A rasping knock sounded on the door before it opened; Tony, my secretary, walked in and looked grave.

"I don't remember giving you permission to come in," I yelled seeing him as an opportunity to take my anger on.

Tony flinched and stepped back a little bit, his face flushed in fear as if to say he was trapped in a lion's den.

"I...I'm....s..so...sorry sir." He stammered gravely. "But it's very important sir." He added quickly before I could walk him out of the office.

I raised an eyebrow and nodded my head for him to spill out and leave my office.

"Mr sterling sent for you on an important meeting." He replied and dashed out of the room immediately.

A frown settled on my face, wondering the reason he was sending for me early this morning, and there was only one way to find out.

....

"Father you sent for me." I began entering the spacious office.

His desk is piled and scattered with different files and papers, and he rests beneath the huge table.

Sterling raised an eyebrow and peered at me. "Not even a greeting son." He smiled.

"Why did you call for me? I hope what you've to say is important to draw me out of my office." I snapped angrily.

He stood up, his hands fitting his well-ironed pants, and he strides the remaining space to the window facing the outview of New York.

"Of course it's is important, very important." He replied.

"Not to waste much of each other valuable time. I've arranged a marriage between you and Vanessa. You'll be getting married soon." His lips curled into a smile.

"What, Dad? You're kidding me, right." My eyes widened at his words, and when he didn't respond, I knew he wasn't telling a lie.

Doesn't this man ever understand the word 'I'm not interested in marriage'? Wasn't it a few days back that I refused one of his proposals and as swiftly arranged another one without my consent?

My fury doubled as I stared at his figure backing me; all my life, I've been nothing but a tool in his arms, twisted and made to carry out his desires, not ever caring for my feelings and choice in it.

I've been nothing but his pawn to be used anytime and anyhow, I'm like a dog, obediently following his master's orders without altering it.

As memories rushed back to me of the days when I felt trapped, unable to state my desires and feelings about my life, I felt a tingling sensation and all the anger of being tongue-tied welled up inside me.

"No!" I yelled standing straightened my posture. My face is dark and furious.

"I will still repeat it Father, I'm not getting married. So it's in your best interest to cancel the arrangements silently.". I folded my wrist and looked at me.

He finally tore his gaze from the city to look at me. I have known these looks since I've been accustomed to it. This look that says ' stop wasting your time'.

"Brent, listen and listen carefully. I don't care what you've been saying and I don't care about it now. All I care about is you marrying Vanessa and that's final." Sterling stated coldly. His face is voice emotions, just expressionless.

I scoffed and spun around frantically as if searching for words to back me up.

"Final!" I hissed the word like a venom.

"Did you say final? The decision is mine to take and you dare tell me it is final? Why has my life been nothing but a dictating tool to you? Don't I know what's right and best for me? Why are you hellbent on wrecking life? I'm thirty, for crying out loud, and I'm old enough to make my decisions. I've every right to state my feelings; I'm human, for God's sake." I shouted, pouring out the frustration of the past years.

"You're my son and I'm your father. I've lived on this earth before you and I know what's best for you. So wrap up all these feelings like you've always been." He said softly.

"No, you do know what's best for me as much I do." I countered defensively.

"I'm not getting married to Vanessa or whatever her name is, I don't care." I fired breathing heavily.

I watch his face twitch in amusement. He silently watched me without saying a word, his eyes studying me like I was some kind of experiment.

"Brent you'll get married to Vanessa. I do need your opinion on these like the others."

"And what do you stand to gain father?" I asked boiling.

"Honour, fame and you're helping build our legacy. My only son's life won't be wasted without reproducing. Nothing to gain." He smirked.

"Do you see you've wasted Thirty years of your life without having an affair with a lady and I fear you're not a man. To prove my friends wrong and that you're worthy of catering a family, I arranged marriage with you and Vanessa and Brent; by heavens, you're marrying." Sterling looked sternly at him.

I shuddered under his words. All my life, everything I've been asked to do, every decision I make, every step I take, and my education career has been based on building a legacy, all bent and shimmed according to family and friends' sight.

It has all been to prove among his circle of friends, all for respect, honor, and fame; nothing more.

Marriage has been another world entirely, where love has to reign between the union and has also been wheeled again all because of the stupid thoughts of his friends.

Do they care if the marriage works out? Do they care about the feelings of the man and woman? Do they care about what the children that will surface in the union? No! They don't.

Sterling cleared his throat, bringing me back to earth. The way he looks seems as if he has been staring at me all the while and has seen the effect of the thought wash through my face.

"Why?" The word poured out of my lips.

"Brent you've three days ultimatum. You either marry Vanessa in three days or face the wrath of disobeying me and shaming our family." He ignored me, he said the words that I feared he'd enforce on me.

"Now it's time to make that decision you've been engraving. I only say you choose wisely." He smiled and turned back to settle in his chair, swiveling right and left, his eyes fixed on his computer.

My world crashed right on me. I feel dazed about all this, and I don't know the right way to process it.

Did he just say three days to get married to someone I don't know? To a girl who will live with me and share the same bedroom with me? No, I don't even want to think about the last thought.

Father finally has me captured and defenseless because I see no way I'm going to get out of this before three days.

And to think of his consequences, I can't remember but he went with his threat on the last order I defiled.

I was deprived of my car and chased out of the house with no money and food to survive. I was alone but my phone and I knew how I pleaded before he let me back.

But still, I must find a way to get out of this mess. I'm a desperate fellow, and most importantly, I'm wise, so there has to be a way where I won't suffer and I won't have to marry her.

I smiled up at him sweetly. "And the right choice I'll make in three days." I chuckled darkly and walked out of his office not waiting for his response.

Chapter 2

Brent's POV

"Good morning Sir." A worker greeted me, but I didn't reply.

Ever since I heard about the arrangements of my marriage, I haven't been himself.

It was as if I had become burdened with unknown duties, I tossed about my bed last night, unable to sleep, as the thought of sharing my bed with someone else clouded me.

It wasn't the fact that a woman couldn't share my bed, but she had to be someone I could trust, who was loyal and faithful; what If it was some kind of person who could easily be trapped by one of his rivals to end my life while asleep?

I scowled, scaring whoever would dare to utter a word, and continued down the hallway until I stopped at my private elevator; without waiting for my secretary, as usual, to meet in there, I boarded the elevator to the last floor of the skyscraper where my office is located.

On getting to my office, I am expecting Tony to be waiting for me at the office opposite mine but there is no sign of him there. I just hissed and entered my office.

My chair is turned backward facing the city, and a figure rested on the chair, crossing his legs with a glass of wine in his hand.

"Snap out of it, man, and get out of my chair." I snapped immediately, my mind giving away who would dare enter my office and sit on my chair.

It can be only one person, Geoffrey; my childhood and best friend.

"Now!" I growled, storming towards the chairs.

Geoffrey bolted out of the chair before my hands could clasp his shoulder, he raised his hands and stepped backward.

"Calm down, Brent, it's me, Geoffrey, your friend. I mean no harm." Geoffrey's eyes flashed in fear and confusion.

I stared long at him as if trying to process who he was; I blinked after a while, followed by a deep sigh.

I walked to the sofa set in my office and settled on it, I patted the space beside me and looked at Geoffrey.

"How am I sure you won't kill me?" Geoffrey trembled and took a measured step. "Don't worry Brent, I'll sit here."

I sighed again, his hands raked his hair and down his face, covering it.

"I'm sorry for earlier. It wasn't intentional. I don't know what came over me; I was angry and just thought of venting it on someone, and you happen to be the victim." I slowly unpalmed my face and looked at him.

"Are you okay? What's wrong with you? You've never behaved this rashly to me, what's bothering you, Brent? Is it your father and his supposed marriage arrangements or is there something else?" He paused and seemed to be thoughtful for a few seconds before continuing.

"Is it your rival at it again or......"

"It's my father Geoffrey, and you know it. So spare the sermon." I slowly cut him off.

"I'm getting married in two days." I frowned at the words, I seemed displeased and unsure of the words.

"And the funniest part, I'm confused about what to do." I scratched my head.

"Confused about what to do? What have you been doing? Refuse it of course." Geoffrey almost chuckled at Brent's denial.

"Father said if I cancel it or disobey him, I'm going to face dire consequences, and you, of all people, know what I passed through the last time I displeased Father," I said sadly.

"Ohh my!" Geoffrey stared on in surprise.

"This is fucked up, man; what are you going to do now?" He pressed further.

I stood up and threw my arms in the air; I hit the wall close to him, breaking the vase, and then, after a second thought, pocketed my arms.

"I'm helpless and powerless in this matter. My mind has been jagged and I can't think straight. I can't even feel myself." I muttered, my tone weak and flat.

"What do you suggest I do, Geoffrey?" He asked looking in his direction.

Geoffrey shook his head sadly and when he looked up, he was on the verge of tears.

"Brent your father got you this time. You can't afford to disobey his orders; you just have to marry her to make peace reign," He replied thoughtfully.

"Just like that? Is there nothing we can do? Probably rebel against him or something worth ignoring the marriage for now?" I pressed desperately.

"Brent you know Sterling won't pass anything for you not to get married. He has been pressing the issues for two years and all you've been doing is to refuse and cancel all arrangements." Geoffrey said sitting up.

"Think about the shame he has been going through fixing marriage only for you to cancel, the laughter and mockery his friends would have made to him, the rumors that spread about you being Gay." He sighed deeply at the last word, recalling what we both went through in the hands of the media about the issue that occurred a year ago; I had wasted millions of dollars clearing his name.

"Brent I would advise it's time to prove the rumors wrong and clear all assumptions about your state." He concluded.

"But you know I can't do it after what happened the last time, I can't bring myself to do it. I can't uphold any woman like that again." I cried and slowly sat on the floor as memories washed through him.

Geoffrey stood up and went to him, he wrapped his arms around him and patted him. "You've to, if not for anything but for your fame, all the handwork you've put into this company, your time and energy, and most importantly for the family legacy. Just think about doing this to maintain your dignity and not for love." He smiled.

"Your father wants you to get married right, then give him what he wants and not what you want." He grinned.

I looked up smiling slowly, and then hugged him deeply. "I don't know what I would have done without you, Geoffrey, I love you so much." He smiled and hugged him again.

"Well, I love you too, but I don't do gay." He smirked.

Suddenly, the door opened, and Tony walked in, holding a large pad in his arms.

"Good morning Sir." Tony smiled walking in fully.

"Where have you been, Tony? I've been in the office for an hour without your presence." I fumed.

"I'm sorry, Mr sterling needed my help in arranging his office and sorting out some document issues," Tony replied.

"And what of his secretary?" I asked.

Tony shrugged. "I don't know."

"Ehm! Brent your father said to inform you about your dinner with Miss Vanessa, and he also advised you to take that opportunity to shop for your wedding outfits." Tony nodded and dipped his hands in his pocket to bring out a little card.

"Here, he made a reservation for you at WEALTH'S STAR, and he has also booked you a space at DREAM BOUTIQUE." he handed me the card and left the office immediately.

I and Geoffrey exchanged glances.

Chapter 3

Vanessa's POV

Sipping the pineapple-flavoured juice I ordered a few minutes back while watching people burst into the lounge.

Personalities of different kinds paraded the large room, while some were well dressed in fine ironed Italian suits whilst holding suitcases, some were dressed casually but richly for evening dinners and dates with ladies well lavished and sophisticatedly dressed clinging to the arms of the men.

Their faces were radiated and beamed with smiles and joy.

On either side of me, the people were chattering and laughing loudly, plates and metals clinked each other, and waiters and waitresses filed every nook and cranny of the room, attending to people; the room was naturally active and fun.

I sighed unconsciously, remembering I was meeting my fiance that evening, just as Father had said to meet and know each other better before the wedding.

A couple directly opposite me caught my attention; the man was spoon-feeding the lady gently and tenderly, and then he did something that made my heart melt. The food had stained her lips and he leaned and kissed it off her lips.

I smiled at the scene and wished my fiance would be somehow sweet and romantic.

Speaking of sweet, the man left me sitting and waiting for the past thirty minutes. No calls or texts to explain.

I couldn't help but wonder if what I'm bringing myself to do makes sense, since father told me, I've been thinking if this so-called arranged wedding would work out.

"My little angel, I would never have thought giving you out in marriage without your consent, without the love and trust building a healthy relationship, but here, father's doing, if there's a way I can take back the hands of time, I would rectify things. But now fathers' hands are tied and unable to do anything. The only way to fix this mess and save your father the shame is getting married to Sterling's son, just think of it as preserving and protecting your family name." Father's words resurfaced in my mind.

I've never seen my father so bitter and rueful as he was that fateful night; he looked stressed out and tired,d and the way he spoke to me was heartbroken.

I needed no one to tell me whatever might have made him give my hand in marriage, was extraordinary and out of his might.

Of course, my hands were tied and I love my father so much that I can't bear to refuse his proposal. I had to marry this man, whether it worked out or not, to protect my father.

A kind of shuffling noise brought me back to the present and I blinked repeatedly at the sight in front of me.

A tall, handsome man is sitting right in front of me; his head is buried in his mobile, and his hands are working on it.

"Who're you? What are you doing here?" I asked, my heart hammering in my chest loudly.

The man kept silent; he did not attempt to look up. Instead, he busied himself typing.

"Hey, I'm talking to you; why are you sitting at my table? Look I want no trouble please, the space you're filling is reserved for my fiance and he'll be here any moment from now. I don't want to create a bad impression." I said fearfully, my heart now thudding loudly in my ears.

When I was beginning to decide on calling the security for trespassing, he finally raised his head to look at me.

Damn! If handsome is a person, then it's this man, he's strikingly beautiful with small brown and black eyes that sink deep into the socket, and his long wavy jet black hair is packed in a ponytail with a few strands at the side of his temple, his lips are red and full, his jaws are thick and well defined_ he's dashing and manly.

"Probably you've made a nice impression." His deep baritone voice brought me out of my reverie.

I blinked and looked away. I didn't like how his eyes held mine; no, it's a lie; I can't bear to look at him because his gaze alone is causing some heated feelings beneath my stomach.

"Brent Sterling?" I asked staring at him.

"Weren't you taught it's a bad habit to keep a lady waiting all alone, what if I was harassed by some unknown guy?" I breathed controlling my anger.

Brent tilted his head to a side watching me with a slight amusement dancing in his eyes and mischief curled in his lips. He kept mute watching me closely like I was some kind of funny stuff.

I narrowed my gaze and looked away angry. Does he think I'm some kind of animation or what? Geez! He's more annoying than I think.

"My father said we are meeting to familiarize ourselves with ourselves and, of course, to choose a suitable wedding dress for the wedding." He said ignoring my earlier question.

"Yeah, father told me so. What would you like to know about me?" I asked sitting up.

He leaned back on his chair. "I don't think that's necessary. This marriage never asked for our opinions. As far as we are concerned, we're both doing it to preserve each other family names.." He frowned at the words he spat out, then he shrugged carelessly.

"So I see no reason for familiarity. We get married, live in the same house, and keep our distance. Nothing more, nothing less."

I blinked unbelievably; his words replayed in my mind, and for the first time in ages, my words shattered, but he gave me no room for thoughts before speaking up.

"Finish up your drink and let's move to the next section. I'm a very busy person and my time is precious and worthwhile." He nodded at my drink, then looked at me.

"Or do you want to have dinner, I can spare you some minutes to grab something." He added after a thought.

I shook my head hurriedly. The last thing I would do is eat while he watches me and then make a bad impression on myself.

"No, no, I'm good," I replied quickly grabbing the juice and gulping the whole content down at a go.

We rose together, and he dropped some dollars on the table; his fingers brushed mine as he held it, leading me outside towards the parking lot, his car beeped at the far end, and we walked down there.

"Fasten your seat belt properly, I don't want to murder another man's child before marrying her." He said, turning on the ignition. The car revved soundly, and he cast me an eye glance. I nodded at him, and he turned his head to the wheel and sped out of the hotel.

*******

The brilliant light coming out from the large bulb at the front of the building welcomed us; its warmth spread around, enticing people, and customers flooded the area like the lounge.

Brent held my hands as we walked towards security; the guard at the entrance bothered to ask for our card; instead, he bowed his head and allowed us entry.

Without wasting much time, Brent led me to the female wedding gowns section. The rooms, twice large, were filled to the brim with different brands, designs, and styles of white gowns, and two attendants were in the room.

"Pick a gown you would love to wear tomorrow," Brent said, eyeing the rolls of endless gowns; he settled into one of the sofas and began operating his mobile.

"Won't you help me?" I looked confused at the clothes. I haven't started going through the gowns and I'm already feeling tired.

"Pick one and we will make a choice." He replied curtly.

I took a step following my mind towards a red rack at the far end of the room and here I saw my dream wedding gown.

It is long and fixed with laces at the entire chest area, silver beads adorned the edges and waistline of the gown, the gown neckline was fixed to a shiny silver necklace, and the hands and remaining fitting of the gown were long.

"I think I like this gown. Bring it down." I said to one of the attendants.

"How's this Brent?" I nudged his foot with mine.

He looked up and stared at it for a while before motioning for me to enter the dressing room and change into it.

I blushed a little and held the dress, walking into the room; the attendants helped me change into the gown.

"Brent see?" I called as soon as I came out.

He scowled, looking up, and then his mouth left hanging open.

"Maybe this marriage is not a bad idea anyway." He grinned at me.