Love Bids

**CHARLOTTE**

Waves of nausea tossed in my stomach like a ship being wrecked in the storm as I stood in my white beaded wedding dress.

"Miss Johnson", the priest called.

"Do you take Mr. Brian Musk as your wedded husband till death do you apart?do you vow to be there for him, to love, support, and inspire him?".

Looking at the crowd anxiously, cold sweat licked my palms. I wondered if this was something I should go for or not.

"Y... Yes," with my voice all shaky barely above a whisper,and the whole crowd cheering us on like I was the one they had been waiting for.

At that moment, I knew there was no going back. The priest turned to Brian to get a clearer view of his face.

"Mr. Brian Musk, would you vow to love, support, and inspire Mrs. Charlotte Johnson and always be by her side forever till death do you part?".

"Yes, He responded, his expression inscrutable, his green eyes complementing his suit.

" Congratulations! I hereby announce you as husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride".

I froze. As he leaned in. His warm lips pressed against mine for a second or two. Then he pulled out.

******

A month ago

"Sign this".

Brian tossed the documents without looking at me, while tapping his fingers on the table. My eyes roamed through the documents trying to see what I was getting into.

"You get 20% percent of the Oasis shares three months after you get married, consider yourself lucky", he said.

"Can I submit this after a week or two?" I asked,forcing a lightness into my tone while still looking through the documents that had so many conditions.

A low groan rose in his throat.

"You have this decision to make just for a week and I need it submitted before the week ends" He said trying to force a smile.

I couldn't formulate a response for his arrogance.

I had to order myself not to stare at his face. His green eyes shone brighter while he spoke, his strong cheekbones and his perfectly trimmed beards.

Life can only get better after this wedding. I thought.

This contract is going to be a life-changing opportunity for me and the company I have worked for.

"I think you need to make a correction concerning the last condition", I said , while looking through the last page of the document: requesting that, we get to share the same room as married couples.

He moved closer to me, trying to see what it states

" What about it?" He asked, arching an eyebrow.

Behave yourself, I thought. His woodsy scent fills my nostrils, he looks so beautiful I thought.

He leans closer to get a clearer view of the typewritten note, the plumules of our breath mingled.

My mouth suddenly went dry, my stomach fluttering with a warm of escaped butterflies.

"It doesn't sit right with me" I responded, heat picking my face even while the air conditioner was on.

His jaw clenched in frustration.

"It's just for three months", he said, as he stood up to roll up his sleeves revealing his toned arms.

Brian is my boss... yes my boss and the heir to the Oasis Company. I work in the Oasis Company as an interior designer and his substitute Personal Assistant whenever his Personal Assistant is not available.

Brian and I met when the company I worked for went bankrupt. He needed an interior designer for a big project and he wanted a new person. I decided to apply for the job hoping I get the job.

Since then, I have been working day and night to be the best interior designer for the biggest architectural company.

Eventually, I got to be his wife for three months.

The announcement of the wedding was the talk of the town and the country at most.

"What the hell is going on, Charlie? " My former boss asked, sounding angrier than normal.

"What is all this I'm hearing?" He asked again, not waiting for an explanation.

" We are in love with each other ", I lied. Fondling the hem of my blouse trying to avoid his stares.

"In love? He asked me, waiting for a response , but you just met him not quite long".

My instinct laughed at me for not sending the invitation card instead of bringing the card to my former boss.

**BRIAN**

" How is it going?" I asked Liam, the private investigator trying to dig up Charlotte's family background before the media found something dangerous about her and used it against the company.

" No sir, it's still the same", he responded. The investigation has been going on for long now and this is so hard to get by.

This is getting very strange. I thought. Something must be wrong somewhere. Charlotte's family can't be that influential to clear everything concerning her family background. I thought.

My fingers tightened as I slowly relaxed them. "And why was she approving the contract," I thought.

Charlotte and I just don't agree on one thing. She was stubborn and she liked to do things her way which infuriates me just as much as she arouses me.

I wanted to know more about her, she was more than a hardworking girl who did not have any friends.

Then the phone rang, interrupting the silence in the office.

"Any news," I asked Liam who called again.

"Yes sir, he responded, his voice barely above a whisper, I have found a little information that might make the work faster".

"Bring it on", I was getting impatient for this, as I rubbed the beads of sweat on my forehead.

"She is not Charlotte Johnson, but Charlotte Jones," he said.

*CHARLOTTE**

"You have a meeting by 11:00 p.m. with the director of Oasis Company, and he wants it to be at his mansion", Ruth said.

"At his mansion?" I looked at her with a questioning look.

"Yes, she replied, and know that his chauffeur would be picking you up at the airport".

It was an early-morning flight. Ugh... I hated taking my flight every morning, but as an assistant secretary, I had no choice but to get this.

"Miss Olivia", Ruth, my assistant, called out gently to me; the car was outside.

I entered the car and headed to the airport. I got to the airport, but we were delayed for an hour due to the weather, and I knew I was going to be a bit late for the meeting with the arrogant billionaire who refused to hold a meeting at his office.

"Dear passenger, Flight 306 has experienced a minor delay due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control. We assure you that in the next 30 minutes, we will be on the plane. If you have any questions, make sure you go to the desk," the pilot announced, leaving everybody to murmur and curse under their breath.

The next thirty minutes went by so fast, and we were on the plane and trying to take off.

"Ladies and gentlemen, We welcome you to Los Angeles. For your safety and the safety of those around you. Please remain seated with your seat belts fastened and keep the aisle(s) clear until we are parked."

I woke up from my sleep and I got down. Once I got to the terminal, my eyes were still searching for the chauffeur before I heard someone call my name.

"Miss Charlotte?" The chauffeur asked, and I answered.

"You are welcome", he said, helping me with my luggage.

As we got to the car, it seemed like he was on a call or something.

As I passed through the street, it brought back so many memories. I couldn't imagine coming back to a place where tears became a constant thing.

As I rolled the window of the car to see a better view of where I grew up, I let the wind sink my grief in. Coming back to Los Angeles was like taking a time pill.

I had left after my Mom died. I entered the train to start a new life and to clear my head with the hope of coming back to reveal the truth. I wasn't ready yet, but I did not know I was coming for the worst.

"Miss Charlotte," said to the chauffeur, " We have arrived." I left the car as the chauffeur tried to park.

Getting to the front of the mansion, my jaw dropped, looking at the three-story cream building with neatly trimmed bushes. The interior caught my eye, and I was still in awe.

"Good morning ma. You can have your seat. Mr. Brian will be here soon", said the maid.

"What would you like me to offer you?" She asked.

"Nothing", I responded. I wasn't planning to get too comfortable in a place I got late to.

After forever, he finally came to the board room in his mansion. His woodsy scent filled the room and I found myself standing up as I adored his physique with my mouth slightly open. He was a mixture of sin and danger.

"Why did you take so long?" He asked without looking up as he prepared his documents.

Such arrogance, I thought, Why would a man be like this? Anger took over me, a toxic means combined with fear and anger already bubbling inside my skin.

I looked at him as I responded pleadingly, "The plane got delayed. I'm sorry".

"Do you want to keep standing?" He questioned me without looking at me.

I hadn't realized I had been standing for a long time until he said it.

I thought I was angry at him, why did I find myself responding to him??

He sat down as his white shirt hugged his masculine chest and his broad shoulders. His sleeves were rolled up to reveal his toned arms, his buttons were opened, giving his chest a proper view. His black suit was made to perfection, to match his perfectly groomed beard. I saw why women drool over him in the magazine.

I submitted the proposal over the mail. I remember trying to press the send button while my hands were shaking out of anxiety.

The Oasis Company constructed thousands of buildings and worked with so many people. They had a huge project, and they needed interior designers who were competent and good enough to be able to establish this enormous project. The deal was a huge payoff.

I announced it in the office the moment I realized that they were looking for people, and I remembered my boss telling me I had to submit my proposal as soon as possible.

"Charlotte," my boss interrupted me before I could finish, "send in your proposal instead of talking here" I did as I was told.

I couldn't stop checking my mail because I wanted this for the company, and I was scared we were going to get rejected.

"Miss Charlotte," Olivia said after checking this mail for the 1000th time, "this is the last time we will be checking this mail", as I worked my hands on my mail.

Congratulations..... I read between the lines, screaming at my secretary.

"Book my flight now" I said, smiling mischievously at her.

"Your portfolio looks great",Mr. Brian said, looking through my document, this looks like a done deal.

"We will be calling you soon for the designs to be picked", he said.

"Thank you for working with us. It's a pleasure to be here", I said, trying to sound professional.

"Yeah.... He responded without taking his eyes off the document he had just signed.

I knew the money was going to be a huge thing for a company like that, but my boss instructed me to just give it a trial since we were having so many problems financially at the office after working with a company that did not bring any profit. We invested so much in the project, only to be disappointed.

He said to get something to eat before going to the hotel.

I wasn't hungry for some reason, and I realized I had been holding my breath for so long that I realized I was hungry.

"No, I'm not hungry", I lied.

He walked out of the boardroom before I responded.

I knew the Oasis company would handle my reservation and everything until I left there. So I knew my secretary was going to handle everything.

On getting to the hotel, I was certain this was the best hotel and the food was so good that I just couldn't stop eating.

I went around the city to see if I could get some things before I traveled back, but all I kept having were so many memories of how my mother always tried her best to make me happy.

"Mom, " I said with tears filling my eyes after she tried to make me understand why I wouldn't be going with my friends this holiday to Echo Park. I always dreamed of going there, and Mom made my life so easy that I never knew what she was going through.

"Baby, I hope you understand." She tapped me and brought me out of my thoughts.

"Let's get back to the hotel". I said this in between tears, allowing the bad memories to get the worst of my mood.

On getting to the hotel, I realized Brian had come to see me for some documents to confirm since I was leaving the next day.

"He needs to see you now!" said the receptionist, rolling her eyes at me like I took something important from her.

"I don't think I want to sign this contract!" He said it angrily with his voice, threateningly throwing the documents at me.

I was shaking, and my brows furrowed because I couldn't understand the whole situation that was going on.

" Is everything good?" I asked surprisingly, with a confused look.

**CHARLOTTE**

After that day, Mr. Brian requested for me in the hotel. He wanted me to confirm the design and according to him, I did not put one of the designs I kept in the portfolio there.

The day went by so fast, and I realized I was going to be on air for an hour or two as I got up to the terminal. I don't feel too good.

I knew I had to go and visit my mom's grave. I avoided the grave, I knew it was time.

"Mom", I said while crying at the grave. I told the driver to let me have a moment, and as I told him to get back, I'd find my way back to the airport.

"It's been a while. I miss you, Mom. Everything here seems to be the same". I sniffed so hard, trying not to wake the dead, according to Mom.

"I just hope you are well. Your baby girl is living her best life". I struggled for what to say, unable to find the perfect words to say to the grave I left for all these years.

"Mom, I'll be going now", I said. In between sobs, "Take care, ma, I stood up and left".

"Argh," I heard a scream at the other end of the room. I knew it was Mom's voice. I was worried, but she told me to stay right there and wait for her. Was she in a fight with someone? The voice in my head thought about so many things.

There was silence.

In the other room, I could no longer hear Mom or the other person's voice again. I was curious, so I went up to check what was going on.

Blood. Mom was on the floor, and I couldn't find the person she was arguing with. My mom was on the floor, drenched in her blood.

"Leave here, baby!" Mom screamed with the little strength in her. Don't look back when you run", she said before she stopped breathing.

"Ma! Ma!" I screamed, sweating like I had been running. "Wake up"! I said I was holding the bedsheets and trying to force myself out of this.

"Ma"! I shouted so loudly, then I stood up.

I hissed under my breath. The constant nightmare.

It's been a week since I came back from LA, and it has not been a funny experience. There was the constant nightmares that kept me awake about how my struggling mother died a painful death.

" Ma!" I stared at the lifeless body and muttered under my breath.

"Ma!" I called out again, but this time I was louder. Mom did not stand up to tell me it was a prank.

"Ma, wake up!" I screamed again. The number of times I kept waking up from this particular nightmare. I knew it was time for me to go back to LA and do the needful.

"You'll be going back to the Oasis Company soon", my boss said.

I was barely back, why would I want to go back in just seven days to get back here? I wondered.

I went for several checkups concerning my nightmares, and I was given a lot of sleeping pills. My nightmares constantly made my skin and face pale.

"Miss Charlotte, Are you good?" Olivia asked with so much emotion and concern in her eyes.

"Yes, I'm good". I responded, reassuring her that there was nothing to worry about.

She is not moving; why are her eyes not flickering? I wondered after standing for what seemed like forever, waiting for Mom to stand up and tell me she was playing her little pranks.

I didn't realize my eyes were wet, and I had to run for my life and never look back, according to Mom.

"Charlotte", a voice called out, but I kept running without looking back.

"Charlotte!!" This time, the voice seemed closer to me, and I screamed out before it got closer and I woke up.

I can't believe I was dreaming. Why is Olivia in my house? And how did she enter the house???

"Am I late for work?" I asked, staring in disbelief.

"Your Zoom meeting", Her eyes flash. I was distressed that I forgot I had a Zoom meeting with the assistant director of the Oasis Company.

Before I could process everything that was happening, Olivia was already setting everything up for me.

"It starts in two minutes if you want to keep asking me so many questions". She snapped at me, leaving me surprised.

I could hear the voice at the other end of the laptop.

"Is anyone there?" The voice asked.

If there is no one there, how would you be able to connect? I thought

Then I saw his face.

"Goo... Good morning", I said, trying to hide my red cheeks that were hurting from blushing too much.

"Good morning, I wanted to know your opinions on the set of designs that were formed among the team members", he said, looking me in the eye.

"Hmm, what designs?" I stammered. I was very sure Olivia set this meeting up for me but allowed me to review a design. I don't think so.

"Yes", he responded sharply, like he was having a conversation with someone at the other end of the room.

That was when I realized he was talking to someone on the phone.

**BRIAN**

Her smile is magical, and her eyes look like she was trying to force out her smile as she spoke to the chauffeur.

Her skirt drew a beautiful shape around her body, and she had an ass that could make a man worship her.

As she walked majestically inside the room, I dated so many girls as a bachelor with so many achievements, but this girl was different.

Something was intriguing and pleasant about her. Her smile was like a light that lit up the room, and her eyes were screaming like she was in distress and grief, and I wanted to know what and who was hurting her. Her black, wavy hair fell across her face as she surveyed the mansion.

I did not notice I was thinking about her; I forgot I was keeping her waiting.

"Mr Brian," voice called out gently. The representative is here, my secretary said. I'll be down shortly, I responded.

As I got closer to the board room, I felt a knot in the pit of my stomach.

"Why did you take so long?" I asked her. I was inquisitive, and I was angry because she was wasting my time.

I knew she must have felt hurt by the way I spoke, but I wanted to know.

"The plane got delayed. I'm sorry." She responded by shooting me a deadly look.

I wanted to look at her, the expression she gave, and all her reactions while I complimented her designs.

"Your portfolio looks great"! I said, this looks like a done deal.

"We will be calling you soon for the designs to be picked" I told her, I was expecting her to smile.

"Thank you for working with us. It's a pleasure to be here", she said as the corners of her lips broke into a smile.

I knew the journey was long, and she hadn't gotten anything to eat. I was worried about someone I just met. I wanted her to get something to eat since she had just come back.

"Get something to eat," I said before dashing off, leaving her to do as she was told.

I was trying to scan through the documents and portfolios that she wrote.