Truth and Ties.

DAMIEN

Relaxing in the sun's warmth, I briefly basked in the radiant sky through the car window before redirecting my attention back to the newspaper in my hands, it was yet another article about my divorce.

"Tsk, these fucking reporters and their insatiable lust for gossip," I muttered, tossing the New York Times news updates through the window.

The car made an abrupt stop and John, my chauffeur, shot a concerned look in my direction before peeking through the car's window.

"Ugh! Can't I get a fucking break?" I hissed, tossing my phone beside me, I brought my attention back to John.

"How bad is it?" I inquired.

"Terrible sir," he replied and out of habit, I reflexively drew on my wristband, the pain completely oblivious to me as I did not even flinch from the effect. John opens the door and I get down, proceeding to walk into the building.

Thousands of reporters and paparazzi swarmed towards me as soon as they spotted me.

"Mr. Antonio, Mr Antonio, any words about your recent divorce process?" one reporter asked.

Yeah, go to hell!

"Mr Antonio, can you say something about the rumours circulating about your divorce this time around?" Another asks.

Ask Chloe, I am sure she has a lot to say!

"Mr Antonio, what do you have to say about the allegations circulating about you on the internet?" Yet another asked, pointing one of those tiny microphones in my face.

"Mr Antonio, is it true that you were born as a woman and underwent transitioning alongside cosmetic surgery to become a man?"

"That's a new one!" I muttered to myself, smirking.

"Mr Antonio, why aren't you ever the one who files for a divorce, is it true it's because you are impotent?" Another reporter said and it took all my manpower not to punch the idiot in his face.

The nerve of these reporters!

The questions kept coming from all directions, and they all kept flashing their lights to catch a picture of me for their front pages. The flashes of their cameras will surely earn me a migraine later. My guards tried to ward them off, but they were so fucking persistent.

"Mr Antonio, are the rumors about you lacking a penis true?" one of them asked. That made me stop in my tracks.

I wanted to get a glimpse of the reporter's face and make sure he never worked in America again, but they kept flashing their cameras violently, eager to get everything they could from my frame.

"Lucky bastard," I cursed, entering the building.

When I'm done with Chloe, she's gonna curse the day she met my father. Fucking gold digger!

"S-Sir! Sir! Sir!," Tagoe, my father's assistant, came running towards me. I sighed heavily and reluctantly stopped.

"Don said to come see right away." He spoke carefully as if his life depended on it.

"Tell dear father that I have more important things to take care of. I'll see him later."

"H... He insisted that you see him immediately, sir. it's u...urgent," Tagoe stammered, avoiding eye contact.

"Relax, man, I am not my father. You don't always have to get so tense when speaking to me." I teased, earning a timid nod from him.

"Anything else?" I inquired, with my hands pocketed.

"N...no, sir." He replied, immediately turning and practically running away. I shook my head and scoffed.

Classic Tagoe.

I heaved a sigh before reaching for the band on my wrist once again drawing at it uncontrollably. I turned to the guard behind me and signalled him to take the lead to my office without me.

Here goes nothing.

"You asked for me?" I inquired, closing the glass door behind me, my father lifted his head to meet my gaze and I noticed the newspaper article in his hands.

Shit!

I instinctively attacked the band on my wrist again and stood aloof. My father throws a disgusting look at the band on my wrist, before angrily throwing the newspaper on the floor, causing me to flinch.

On impulse, I glared at the newspaper, a glare actually meant for its owner. The room fell quiet, only the sound of the band I was fidgeting could be heard.

"I gave you one job Damien. One job. And, of course, your dumb, useless ass had to mess it up again. So, is it true? You're getting divorced for the third time huh? Do you have any idea how hard it was to get Chloe's father to agree to that marriage in the first place?" He yelled, running his hand through his hair, while I kept my head down and said nothing.

Knowing Chloe's father it probably wasn't as hard as my father was making it out to be.

"All you had to do was get married, make it work, and boost our social reputation! Is that so hard? When are you going to grow the fuck up?" He paused, running his hand through his semi-gray hair.

"You know I don't need this kind of scandal right now. The re-election campaign for town Mayor is just months away, and now Dean, (my father's campaign manager) is saying things aren't looking good for us thanks to your fucking incompetence. I must have offended a lot of people in my past to get a son like you. Find a way to fix this!" he boomed, waving me away with his hands.

I walked out of my father's office and almost collided with a woman. I quickly apologized and made my way to my office. I guess today was one of those 'bring your whores to work' days.

Classic Victor!

I walk into my office to find Rafael, my best friend, entertaining some women in skimpy clothes. Sometimes I wonder how this idiot became my best friend.

"Disgusting!" I muttered under my breath.

"What's the meaning of this?" I barked out, startling the ladies.

"Ho, ho, ho there he is, the latest bachelor in town." he hooted.

"Who are they?" I replied, pointing at the ladies.

"They are your guests, I brought them to you, they cost a fortune so you owe me one, man," Rafael said, raising a glass at me as I threw him a disgusted look.

I sway my head in the ladies' direction, my stern, cold, and intimidating gaze piercing deep into them, enough to get them tripping over in a haste to leave my office.

"Come on, you're such a party pooper," Rafael said, opening his arms. I couldn't make out if he was drunk or just high, but I wouldn't be surprised if he was.

"Really Raf? You bring hoes into my office?"

"Extremely expensive h**** and, you should loosen up and have some fucking fun for a change man. Don't kill yourself over some article or social scandal." He says and I shake my head, taking a seat in my chair.

"You should have been there this morning Raf, they're saying I got no dick, no balls, one even went as far as calling me transgender it's all over the fucking internet. Can you imagine that shit!?"

"Yeah, yeah I totally can," Rafael mocked and burst into laughter. "I'm sorry, that's hard man, but you can't entirely blame them for coming up with these crazy theories, I mean you are one of were forbes' hottest man and are a fucking heartthrob, but you cant seem to keep a wife so its only natural that people assume shit about you butt saying you aint got a dick is just harsh me!" He laughed again, pulling out a cigar and lighter. I throw him a deadly stare and he tosses the latter quickly away.

"You must be out of your fucking mind if you think im gonna let you smoke a joint in my office, out now!" I yelled and he laughed, before raising up to make his way out of my office.

"Try not to kill yourself, man, life's too good to be stuck on the past D." He laughed again and disappeared out of the office.

"Asshole," I muttered as I placed a call and James immediately entered my office.

"Get the car ready, there's something I need to take care of." James nods and leaves.

My phone chimes and I pick it up to find a text from my father.

"Give me feedback by evening!!!!"

I placed the phone down and relaxed into my seat, sighing and untightening my tie. I swallowed hard and inhaled sharply, reflexively drawing at the band again. Fuck my life!

DAMIEN

THE NEXT DAY...

'Fuck! How did this idiot get appointed as the chairman?' I asked myself as I watched Chairman Han smoke away his pathetic life while attempting to flirt with a waitress who was old enough to be his daughter.

I had cleared my schedule for the afternoon to play golf with this old hag, hoping to convince him to take down the tabloids. But for the past hour, all he has done was fail woefully at golf, while shamelessly trying to pay the waitress into his bed. I glanced repeatedly at my wristwatch in utter frustration until finally, I saw him stand up and walk towards me.

"Oh, pardon me for wasting your time, my dear boy." He apologized, taking a seat in front of me.

I responded with a blank look which I planned to maintain throughout the conversation.

"Your father informed me that you'd be meeting me, but I had no idea it'd be so darn early." He remarked, smiling.

"Pardon me, I wasn't informed that 1: pm was considered early for you. Nevertheless, it's good you know why I took time off my busy schedule to play with you today."

"Oh, come on, you barely played." He laughed, creating an awkward atmosphere.

I retained my blank stare. He noticed my lack of amusement and stopped.

He cleared his throat as he recomposed himself.

"I know why you are here, and as I promised your father yesterday, you can rest assured that I'll get to the bottom of thi..."

"No need for that. I am here in contrast to whatever you might have discussed with my father. You see... I have no interest in clearing those rumors." I interrupted him.

His mouth fell open causing the cigar in it to fall out. He stared at me like I had just grown three heads.

Ignoring his shocked look, I added. "Thank you for your time, Chairman Han," I added, walking off.

"But your father.. aren't... won't you...." he stammered, and I turned back to face him.

"Humor me, Mr Han.... You happen to own the best publishing company in the country, right? So it is only natural to assume your reporters are closely selected, and as they often say, every rumor contains a grain of truth to it." I paused, staring at his confused face.

"And as the CEO of Don-Russo Communications, I can effortlessly ensure that any news originating from your media company never sees the light of day again. Now, we wouldn't want that, would we, Mr Han?" I gave a sinister smirk, raising an eyebrow in question. He took a nervous gulp before shaking his head no.

"Good... And I trust you'll be kind enough to inform my father of your inability to take down the tabloids, as it is simply out of your hands." I added, giving him a smirk.

"Wouldn't you, Mr Han?" I asked without looking away from him, causing him to flinch.

"Hu.. Y...Yes, you a..are right son there is simply nothing I can do about those articles?" He quickly replied with a frightened look on his face.

"Absolutely nothing," I replied before walking away to my car.

"John, please get me out of here." My chauffeur sped off, leaving the still-frightened chairman watching my speeding car in horror.

My phone chimed, suspending my thoughts, it was a message from my father inviting me for dinner. "Ugh!" I groaned, tossing my phone aside.

I am sure you lots might be wondering why I pretty much fucked up the only opportunity I had to clear those crazy rumors about me, and also why I may or may not have given Chairman Han a mini-stroke in the process. Well, the plan is quite simple! As long as those crazy rumors continue to circulate, my sperm donor won't be able to find anyone on the face of the earth willing to marry me. And I can live the rest of my sad, cold life alone in peace. An absolute foolproof plan!

OR SO I THOUGHT...

Stepping out of the car and into the restaurant, I released a sigh of relief. There weren't many people in it. Knowing my father, he probably booked the entire restaurant for our meeting. I preferred that. I disliked people, and I absolutely despised crowded places. I spotted my father and walked towards him.

As I got closer to the table, I noticed a woman getting up to leave. It was the same woman from my father's office last week. She wore a mischievous smirk and gave me a sly glance as she passed.

"Ugh.. women." I muttered and sat down.

"Who was that?" I asked my father, and he shrugged.

"Your new mother-in-law." He replied casually, my throat tightened and my eyes widened in disbelief.

"How are things at the company? I've not really had time to visit, I have been busy with my re-campaign."

"How about we stop the fucking pretense? We both know you don't care about all that. Why did you call me here, and what do you mean, new mother-in-law?"

"I called you over to meet your new mother-in-law. But unfortunately, you were tardy, and she had important things to attend to." He replied with a shrug and I almost laughed.

Was this man fucking serious? My heart raced at the possibility that he has arranged yet another crazy marriage without my consent. I was halfway through a divorce process, for Christ's sake.

"You can't be serious? I'm not in the mood for your jokes, Dad. I don't have time for this. I was on my way to a board meeting when you called me. And... I'm not getting married again."

"Hmm... we'll see about that," he replied, putting a mouthful of filet mignon in his mouth. He held his fingers out whilst he chewed.

"Are you trying to object to my decisions? Why did I even expect you to understand? Of course, you're still the same imbecile you've always been." He paused for effect, and I unconsciously made a fist.

"Now listen to me very carefully, you idiot. In case you've conveniently forgotten, the re-election for town Mayor is a few months away and your indiscriminate divorces keep bringing me bad PR. You know Dean just informed me that Joseph Mayers launched his campaign on Friday, and his team has been spreading rumors about how if I can't even help my fucking son maintain a wife, then how can I be trusted to govern the city." He paused, inching closer to me.

"You listen and listen carefully. Don't you dare fuck with me boy! All you do is mess up, and I have to spend a fortune fixing up after your dumb ass. But since you're too dumb to understand, I'll break it down for you."

"This is a very reputable family. Marrying into this family is going to create a very good public image. Only this time, this marriage is going to work!" I glanced up at him sharply.

Reputable family, my ass! No reputable family would willingly marry their daughter to me given the amount of bad PR surrounding my name. It had to be another Chloe, another gold digger.

"Yes! You are going to make this marriage work. Now, this is not a suggestion, it's a command. Psyche yourself and think about how to make me proud for the first time in your pathetic life."

"No Victor! I am not doing it." I replied with an expressionless face.

"Do you really think you have a choice? News flash, my dear boy, you don't."

"You can't force me this time. I simply won't do it. I am tired of the fucking marriages!"

"It's such a shame I have to resort to such measures. So here's what I'm gonna do. If you refuse this marriage, I am going to make sure that my company is transferred to a much smarter and competent person like myself."

"Bullshit!" I scoffed. "And who might that much smarter person be?" I mocked.

"Seedorf."

I scoffed, and he nodded very calmly.

"You can't do that. The company operates with shares. And I have the approval of the majority of the shareholders so you're bluffing."

"The only reason you have their approval is because of my influence and backing. What if I pull all that huh?" I banged my hand on the table.

"You wouldn't da-"

"Hello, fam." A familiar voice greeted behind me, and I reluctantly turned.

"You've got to be fucking kidding me. What the fuck is he doing here?" I exclaimed

DAMIEN

"What the fuck is he doing here?" I exclaimed.

"Perfect timing, Seedorf. We were just talking about you," My father said, completely ignoring my question. Seedorf pulled a seat beside me and sat down.

"Hello cuz. Long time no see."

Yeah, unfortunately, it didn't stay that way." I replied, not looking in his direction.

"You arrived just in time, I was just about to inform Damien about your new position in the company. Congrats on your promotion." My father expressed.

"New promotion? What the fuck is going on here?"

"Language, cousin. And I see you still lack the ability to keep track of things around you, huh?" He smirked at me, and I made a fist to restrain myself from punching him.

"Why wasn't I, the CEO, informed about this so-called promotion?" I asked, turning to my sperm donor."

"Surprise!" Father cheered mockingly and turned to Seedorf and I rolled my eyes satisfyingly.

"Seedorf, my dear boy, I would like to have a private word with Damien here, so why don't you go wait for me in the car? I would still like to fill you in on a few things."

"Yeah, go on Dorf, go sit in the car, the adults need to have a chat," I mocked, and he threw a death glare.

"See you at work, cou-sin." stretching the word "cousin" and tapping on my shoulder, he left.

"What the fuck, Victor?"

"Mind your tone, boy, and you know I never bluff. He is now the COO. And with my influence and backing, he can easily take your place as CEO. So try screwing up this marriage, and watch your cousin become your boss."

I shot him a disdainful look as he got up.

"Oh, yes I almost forgot," he paused, dapping his mouth with the napkin. "We're having dinner with them on Friday at my house. Don't leave your manners at home."

"Friday is fucking tomorrow!" I banged lightly on the table.

"I know. See you tomorrow," He finished and left.

"Fuck!" I cursed out, a mixture of anger and frustration coursing through me, I hated how powerless this man always managed to make me feel.

He intentionally orchestrated this knowing how much I couldn't stand that fool. I gulped down the untouched glass of whiskey on the table in frantic helplessness.

THE NEXT DAY...

A knock on my office door brought my attention back to reality. I raised my head to see Vanessa. I smiled as she modeled gracefully towards me.

"Workaholic, I've missed you." She mocked, taking a seat.

She stood up again and walked to the mini bar in my office. Classic Van! Always starts the conversation with a glass of whiskey.

"Have you been hiding from the world? I barely see you anymore." I remarked, taking the glass from her.

"How would you? When all you do is work?" We both laughed, as she took a seat in front of me.

"I've missed you too," I replied.

"How are you? I saw the Han's news updates, and Rafael told me something about a new marriage arrangement. Shesh!"

"Yeah, I'm practically still married to Chloe. But my father, as usual, is fucking relentless." She stared at me for a while before speaking.

"You know... you could try to make this one work Damie. you know, actually put in an effort instead of..." she trailed off.

"I mean, I'm not sure about all the other rumors, but I know you're not the monster the media proclaims you to be."

"What do you mean by 'the other rumors?' Ness, I'm not a woman, and I am certainly not dickless!" I deadpanned, and she erupted into laughter.

I shook my head in disbelief. I should have made Chairman Han take down those damn articles while I had the chance. Great Plan, Damien! Great fucking plan!

"Alright, fine. Maybe you're not .."

"Maybe? No, I'm not." I stated firmly.

She stared at my face, glancing down to check for a protrusion in my pants and burst into laughter once again.

"Ness..." I warned

"Sorry, s... sorry," she choked out between laughs.

"I mean, we were married for almost two years, and I only managed to get you hard a few times and you always looked bored during sex. You might have the balls, but maybe they don't... you know.."

"No, I don't know anything. You're crazy. My dicks works just fine." I state, whilst playing with the pen in my hands.

"Of course, I know your dick works, silly!" She said, and we both erupted into laughter. As I watched her laugh, I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness and shame for not trying harder to make our relationship work.

Nessa was my first everything, and it still didn't work out. I was glad I let her go. She deserved better. She was the only woman I truly ever cared about after... 'She who shall not be named.' Anyway, my divorce with Vanessa was enough proof that I wasn't made to be with anyone. But my sperm donor can't take a fuc-

My thoughts were interrupted by the chime of my phone, displaying my father's text. It's like he senses my happy moments and ruins them.

"Ness, I have dinner to prepare for. But first, I have to make a quick stop at the courthouse."

"The Courthouse?"

"Yeah, Chloe's asking for half of my assets. Crazy, right? She claims that I physically assaulted her and she deserves a huge compensation. Crazy!"

"What in the... and how are you going to prove that you didn't do it?"

"Don't worry, I've got it all under control."

"Speaking of which, I saw your weird cousin Seedorf on my way here. What the hell is he doing here? I thought he was away in Milan on some sort of business."

"Yeah, I thought so too, but that fucking idiot is now the COO, courtesy of my sperm donor and he also threatened to make him CEO if I don't agree to marry and also act nice to my new fiancee."

"Be careful, D... Seedorf never fails to bring drama with him every time," Nessa said, crossing her hands.

"Typical dorf." I scoffed and downed the remaining whiskey.

"You know, I saw your dad too. They were both engaged in hushed conversations near the elevator."

I turned to her curiously.

"And afterward, I saw your dad hand his PA an envelope. He left with the envelope in a haste." She said, standing up, and walking towards the door.

"Fucking Tagoe, he is probably off doing another one of my father's dirty works."

"You know when Seedorf noticed me staring at him, he looked like he almost had a mini-stroke, I bet he thought I overheard their conversation."

"Like I said, typical Dorf and Dad. Always with their petty schemes." I sighed, glancing at my wristwatch.

"I have to leave now, Ness," I said.

"Play nice at dinner, maybe get to know the girl. You'll never know. She might be the one."

"Yeah, right! Can't promise you anything, though." I smirked, and she shook her head, smiling.

"See you later D." She waved as she walked out of my office.

I nodded, adjusting my tie. I removed my suit jacket and rolled up the sleeves.

As I stood there, thinking about what Vanessa had just told me. I pulled out my phone from my pocket.

"David, I want you to stop everything and track Tagoe down. He left the office about 40 minutes ago. Find him and keep me posted."

"Yes sir," he responded.

"One more thing, at my house, there's a pen drive on my study table. Have one of the men bring it to the central courthouse immediately."

"Right away, sir."

"And yes, do so stealthily. Make sure you're not seen." I warned and dropped the line. Taking a deep breath, I left my office.

"Brace yourself Chloe