Just 365 Days

Derrick smith stared at the letter his secretary had just brought in. The Wax stamp on the letter looked familiar. He looked up from the letter to Mrs Anderson his secretary.

Mrs Anderson had assisted his late father when he took control from his grandfather ,and in their hands the multi billionaire company had thrived.

"And who did you say brought this" he asked with a raised brow

"We found it in the mailbox sir" she replied quickly

He rolled his eyes, he was tired of having to get his secretary to address him with his first name .

He half carefully and half impatiently tore the envelope that hid the contents of the letter.

"Is everything alright sir!" Mrs Anderson asked

She had probably seen how his Jaw tightened and how he had formed his fingers into a fist

"Uhm Yes, could you pls tell Mrs Brown to get me some coffee, the usual"

Sir, that's one of the reasons I came.The cofee machine developed a fault this morning and Mrs Brown is not in, she has her day off today sir!

"Right..."

"Should I grab a cup from a nearby coffee shop "

"Don't bother, please attend to the files I sent to your table this morning" he said with a note of finality

"Ok sir!" She said walking out of his spacious office.

It was a master class in understated luxury, walls adorned with intricate moldings and rich walnut flooring.

As soon as he heard the door click, Derrick took a deep breath and lowered his head.

He picked up the letter and stared at it's contents again. It was from his grandfather.He was giving him an option for the control of the company. He had stated in the letter that whoever got married first between Derrick and his two brothers would have full control of the company.

He was the first son and heir to his father's position in the company as a CEO by birthright. He had taken over after his father's death that occured six months back.

Derrick's jaw tightened as the images of his father's dead body laying in a coffin filled his mind. He shook his head as if to shake off the images away.

Six full months have passed since his father's demise, yet the weight of his father's absence was as heavy as ever. He had to take over from where his father left off. He was an heir but his grandfather the original owner of the company had not giving him full control of the company.And now the only way to get it was to get married, not that he was selfish, but his father's last wish. He couldn't allow his spendthrift brothers take over, they would ruin everything their had worked for.

But his grandfather was not seeing it from that perspective....his grandfather had always being controlling and he cherished tradition. Derrick's father got the company cause he was the only son and he was married before Derrick's grandfather retired.

But he had married for love.

"I need air and cofee" he muttered under his breath

He picked up his phone and used the GPS to search for a coffee shop. He found one nearby but he guessed it would be too rowdy. He was the acting CEO of a multi billionaire company he can't afford to be spotted in a cofee shop, even if he had not been introduced officially as the CEO, he was still the son of late MR. SMITH.

He searched again for a less rowdy cofee shop and found one which was about 15 minutes drive from his office.

Just then, his phone buzzed. It was a message from his mother inviting him to dinner by 6. He replied in the affirmative, picked his car keys and made his way to his private elevator which led to his garage.

As he approached, his mind was already in the driver's seat of his sleek black sedan. Sliding behind the wheel of his car he deftly turned the key, coaxing the engine to life with a purr that reverberated through the seats of the car.

As Derrick eased the car out of the garage and onto the road, his mind kept tumbling back to the letter he had just received. He caught himself tightening his fingers around the steering wheel in anger. He filled his lungs with cool and refreshing air in a bid to cleanse his mind.

As Taylor Tower glanced at her wall clock, a ripple of apprehension spread through out her body. She hurriedly did the last bit of her make-up.she had an interview by 9:00am and being punctual was as intrinsic as her own heart beat. Her feet quickened their pace as she grabbed her handbag and hastened towards the front door .

"Mum, I'm leaving...!" She called as she got close to the door, fully aware her mum was in the kitchen .

"Cofee?" Her mum replied back from the kitchen

I'll grab one on my way....love you , bye!" Taylor replied, her voice soft but firm as she disappeared behind the door

Taylor made her way to the coffee shop two blocks away. Taylor arrived at the shop and immediately spotted Mrs Sandra a familiar face from her neighborhood. Mrs Sandra ran the coffee shop popularly known as "CAFFEINE RUSH". She had served the neighborhood quality cofee as far as Taylor could remember.

"Good morning Mrs Sandra" Taylor greeted her warmly, feeling a sense of comfort in seeing a friendly face.

"Oh morning dear! , where are you off to in such a hurry? Her face lit up as soon as she recognizes the voice

"I have an important Job interview" Taylor responded politely

"Oh good luck with that darling!" Make sure you dazzle them with your charm and expertise" she said beaming

Taylor chuckled lightly . She ordered cofee and as she waited, she spotted a stack of fliers . Picking one out of the pile, she asked "What's this all about ma'am?"

"Oh those?" Those are from my daughter's workplace. It's a matchmaking service called 'love arrangements', she wants me to hand them out to customer. It might come in handy you know!" She stifled a sheepish smile and winked at Taylor.

"Matchmaking service, huh?" That's interesting she said as she scanned the flier.

As Derrick exited his car, which was parked across the street from the coffee shop. He elegantly strode across the road, careful to dodge a few cars as he made his way to the coffee shop eager for his daily caffeine fix.

Taylor picked up her cofee and with the matchmaking flier in one hand, she made her way to the exit. Just as she reached the door, she almost collided with a man who was entering the cofee shop, nearly spilling coffee in the process. For a moment she caught herself staring at him. He possessed a striking appearance that drew her attention.

His eyes were piercing blue, like a glacier pool of ice and his thick , dark hair was styled in a sophisticated cut. His jawline was sharp giving him a chiseled handsome look, standing at just over six feet tall, his person was commanding, his shoulders were broad and string. His attire hugged his mascular frame and exuded an air of confidence .

Derrick, who was quick to recover from the near collision, stepped back and addressed Taylor with his smooth deep voice.

" Are you okay?" He asked, his gaze conveying genuine concern.

Derrick had seen Taylor approaching the door while looking down at the flier in her hand. He had suspected a collision,and had taken a step back just to avoid it. He couldn't help but notice her eyes, which were the color of a deep chocolate, and hair with a rich shade of brown that fell in waves around her face. But that wasn't what drew his attention,it was an aura of strength and grace that she exuded that intrigued him.

As he stood before her, he found himself wanting to know more about this woman who caught his eye in the most unexpected way.

"Are you okay"

The question cut through the fog of her thoughts bringing Taylor back to the present.

"Y_yes, thank you" she managed a smile

He stepped aside, gesturing for Taylor to pass by. He was tempted to turn around and watch her go, but with a subtle shake of his head, he made his way into the coffee shop.

As Taylor waved down a taxi, her mind couldn't help but drift back to her brief encounter with Derrick. The way he'd looked at her, his soft smile, his gentle but masculine voice, had all stirred something within her.

She dug her fingers into her left palm, took a sip of her cofee, and stared at the flier in her hand.

Something caught her eye "CONTRACT MARRIAGES"

A spark of realization lit within her. She'd heard of such arrangements, a marriage of inconvenience . The reason for her urgency in seeking a well paid job, was to secure a source of income to pay for her father's chemotherapy.

Taylor's thoughts kept racing with possibilities, she thought that If she ventured into this marriage of inconvenience, she was going to be able to finally solve her financial worries.

Her thoughts were stopped abruptly as the car pulled to a stop. She got out of the car and paid the driver. Suddenly a wave of panic hit her as she looked at the skyscraper that stood in front of her.

This was her fourth job interview for the post of a receptionist, and the last three had ended up in disappointment. Her thoughts were in a frenzy as she nervously adjusted her resumè and practiced answers to potential questions in her mind.

"Please let this be the one" she whispered to her self and took a deep breath

As Derrick ordered cofee , his mind trailed back to Susan time and time again.

"Here is your order sir!" Mrs Sandra's voice brought him back to reality

"Thank you!" He said turning to leave

" Oh.. please have this " Mrs Sandra said handing Derrick one of the match making pamphlet.

He took it from her, barely looking at it's contents , he made his way to his car.

As he made his way to his car, he glanced at the flier in his hands and the bold words "LOVE ARRANGEMENTS" caught his eyes. After staring at the flier for a while, he smiled and slid into the driver's seat of his car

"Your grandfather sent you this" Mrs Smith said with wide eyes

Derrick nodded in the positive

"And to think your brothers have not called"

"They probably haven't gotten it"

She rolled her eyes. Apparently he was her favorite

"There's gotta be a way around this" she muttered

'Well I have to find one , and fast. Before that, is dinner ready? Oh God! I miss your cooking " He said leaning to place a kiss on her cheek

She chuckled lightly and then her face lit up

" I think I have an idea... We should hostel a dinner ! She said her voice full of conviction.

I will invite all my dearest friends and their eligible daughters. We'll find you a bride in no time "

Derrick chuckled at her enthusiasm

"Mom, I appreciate the gesture, but a dinner party . That's a bit old fashioned don't you think? Besides I just want a short term marriage, I mean long enough for grandpa to give me full control and custody of the company.... And I don't want to be hooked". He said with a note of finality

"Nonsense, darling! Think of it as a speed dating, you might find someone who matches your taste ", she pronounced every word with a thick British accent then winking at him

Not wanting to argue further, he smiled and gave her a hug

It was almost 3:00pm when Taylor arrived home, her shoulders slumped in defeat. She closed the front door, and found her mother seated on the couch in the living room.

She gave Taylor a sympathetic smile with concern creasing her features.

"Oh dear! Her mother said her voice gentle. How did it go"

" I was told I will get a call back hopefully next month " she said with worry hatched all over her face .

"Oh dearie! Don't worry too much. I've got news though" she said has her tone changed to one with a hint of mischief

" I was chatting with Mrs Sandra today , guess who's back in town!

Susan looked up a glimmer of curiosity flickering through her eyes .

"Who"

"Remember Steven, that boy you had a crush on when you were younger? She said with a playful smile tugging at her lips. ....Well he's back and he promised to drop by to say hi to you "

" He what ?" Taylor Said almost screaming

He what?" Those words reverberated through the walls of the house

Just then the door bell rang. Taylor's mother rose to answer the door, opening it to reveal a tall, handsome man with dark hair and a warm smile.

"Steven!" Taylor's mother exclaimed "I never knew you would drop by so soon. Come on in, Taylor is home"

Steven's smile widened as he stepped into the house, glancing towards the living room where Taylor sat frozen in place.

He gave Taylor's mom a warm hug. I just got back to town and I wanted to pay you a visit he said turning his attention to Taylor.

Taylor couldn't speak, her mind was racing with memories of the boy she once had a huge crush on. The boy who had stilen her heart , yet,never seemed to know she existed."

"How have you been, Taylor?" Steven asked his voice soft but genuine

Taylor's mother coughed slightly "I would make us some tea" she said as she made her way to the kitchen while giving Taylor a wink.

Taylor found her voice, clearing her throat before answering

" I have been .... well. It's good to see you again"

She stood up, and gestured for Steven to take a seat while smoothing down her dress nervously before she sat down.

" It has. But some things never change eh ." He glanced around the living room, taking in the assortment of canvases and paints that adorned the space. " It seems you have kept up with your art "

Taylor's mother replied Steven from the kitchen.

" Oh, you should see her latest work! It's quite stunning, too bad , she has nowhere to showcase them "

Taylor smiled nervously and tried to change the subject

"Uhm...what brings you to town Steve"

"Well it just happened that my brother is hosting a gala for his art gallery, and I just have to be present."

" Really?" She asked with a brow raised

"Yes, and I could talk to him into getting you a space to showcase your work."

"Oh , that would be wonderful ! Then she bit her lip

" I don't know if I'm ready" she said looking down at her feet . I've never exhibited my art before ."

Steven gave her a gentle smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

" Don't sell yourself short ,Taylor. Your art is incredible. Besides, you won't be alone, I'll be there to support you, every step of the way.

Taylor's mother coughed slightly to announce her presence .

" Tea is ready" she said excitedly

Steven continued " After the exhibition, there will be a ball and a dinner party. We can catch up then, right?"

"Right!" She said with a tentative smile on her lips. "I'll do it"

Steven grinned, his enthusiasm infectious.

"That's the spirit, I'll send over the details tommorow. We can work out the logistics together ".

In no time, they were done with tea,. Steven helped Taylor clear the cups and saucers to take back to the kitchen.

Once in the kitchen, she said with a low voice. " I never imagined I'd be exhibiting my art at a gallery, let alone with your help."

Steven grinned " well believe it or not it's happening and in a few days matter of factly. You are a talented artist Taylor. I always admired your art work back in high school .

Her eyes widened in shock " You did? I thought you never knew I existed"

" I have always loved you Taylor, I was just scared to let my feelings known"

Her jaw dropped at the revelation

The dinner party was in full swing, with the chatter if wealthy guests filling the air

Derrick was his usual polished self, mingling and making small talks, his mind kept trailing back to Taylor. He silently prayed to see her again . As time went by, he started to get bored, his thoughts kept straying back to Taylor, and he found the features that intrigued about Taylor in none of his mother's friends daughters. He was irritated by the sexual advances they shamelessly exhibited when he engaged in small talks with them.

As he was about to slip away, his mother stepped up to his side and leaned in conspiratorially.

"There she is" she whispered, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Lisa, the daughter of my friend, Helen. She's the perfect Candidate for you.

Derrick eyes followed his mother's. He spotted Lisa, who was across the room .

She was beautiful with porcelain skin and raven black hair , but there was something about her that seemed cold and calculating.

"Mother, I don't...."

"Oh, Derrick! You can't know she has the one for you by just standing here". She stopped him from finishing his sentence." Lisa is intelligent, ambitious and what's more from a good family."

"I suppose you are right mother" Derrick conceded though he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. He watched as Leah moved through the crowd with a grace that remanded him of a predator on a hunt.

Derrick made his way to Leah pasting on a disarming smile

As Leah saw Derrick crossing over the room to her, she flipped her hair in a seductive way and pasted what seems to be a practiced smile on her face.

"There you are!" Derrick, it's been a while since I last saw you"

Leah, it is a pleasure to meet you again! Derrick said his voice slightly betraying his emotions

"Yes it is, we last saw in Los Angeles right "

"That's right, and you look dazzling tonight. When did you get back to town

"Oh Derrick! I just got back last week and then I heard your mother was hosting a dinner party in your name."

"Right, I need to leave now...."

" Uhm... How about Lunch some other time huh?"

"That would be nice, see you Lisa, he said as he turned to leave"

Lisa watched him leave and then her face twisted with an evil smile.

It was the same night mare that had woken Derrick up. He turned to the other side of the bed and picked up his phone that was laying on a cupboard nearby. He had just slept two hours yet he felt like he had layed there for an eternity. He couldn't go back to sleep. He needed a distraction. He got up from his bed and slid open the curtains in his room to allow the gentle light the moon produced fill his room and probably his mind. Somehow the soft light reminded him of Taylor.

"Why her" he muttered under his breath

He still had not been able to get her out of his mind. He barely knows her , yet , her face plays like an endless loop in his head every now and then. His mind drifted back to the letter he had received from his grandfather. He needed to act fast.