I was sitting in my cabin when my dad, along with Davis, barged in. I was confused about what Davis was doing here rather than being in his company. "Another 5% of stock was purchased by a third person, Rowan." My dad spoke, sighing in frustration. "An hour before," Davis added slowly. "We don't have any hold on 7% of our shares; this is getting out of our hands." My dad added with the same frustrating voice.
It's been years of 2% purchase; that person lying on the deathbed had things under control. That's what he said, and now this bullshit started. There was no major strike from the person who had purchased 2% of the stock, as control was taken to prevent further purchasing. Now, another 5%, and I guess I have a feeling who could be behind this bullshit. Deathbed or not, that man is a warrior when it comes to his company; he would never hesitate to rip anyone's throat out. My grandfather was more cautious than before, keeping an eye on everything, especially the movement of the shares. Now, under his nose, this happened, and I could point out only one person. They both are involved. They are pushing things so that I can make a decision by making me helpless and vulnerable. My eyes fell on my father, who looked more distressed, nervous, and concerned. I feel pity for seeing him this way, and I was the reason behind this. "Your grandfather informed me that he is looking into the matter." My dad spoke. "This started to get worse, Rowan; the % is double. We need to do something about this." I know what exactly he was hinting at. Get the Mendath on our side by marrying his daughter. "I will speak with Shreya," I spoke slowly. That bitch has a way to get my attention, and I think it's time I give my 100% attention. I couldn't prolong this shit; I can't wallow and whine. I am done complaining; the only way out of this is to start acting on it.
"I am sorry for forcing you, Rowan. I know you wanted time, but things are not promising. Anything may happen in the coming days, and controlling the directors will be hard." My dad spoke with a remorseful voice. I can't blame him, considering everything. He wants to keep his dad's promise, and he is trying his best, going blind on a few things. "It's ok. I should act like an adult and take responsibility; it's high time." I tried to play neutral, not expressing anything, but I was boiling inside. I would not let that bitch win, nor that person who was in the middle of earth and hell. I can't act recklessly; impulsive behavior takes me nowhere, and I am far from being cautious. My mix-up is not up to the mark, as I ended up not finding a solution.
"You should go and take a rest, Dad; let me take care of things for the day." He smiled and nodded his head, sighing deeply. This news is eating him up. "I will stay." Davis offered, but I want to be alone, curse that bitch till I am satisfied, and I need to think calmly. "You should go to Davis; your company doesn't run in your absence," I said to him seriously. I am not in the mood for any company. "Hey, I can manage." I cut him off. "Davis." I was stern when I spoke. "Go." My stare at him was intense, and he reluctantly nodded his head.
Both my dad and Davis exited my cabin, and I slumped on the chair with full force. I picked up my cell, dialed Shreya's secretary's number, and got a response that Shreya was busy. I knew she would make me wait to show her superiority shit. Her secretary told me to call after an hour, and I disconnected the call in annoyance. She is in an illusion by thinking that the world runs around her, and oh, how I wish to crush that illusion.
I walked toward the wide window and stood. I tried to relax by seeing the view of my surroundings. The view looks spectacular from this height. The city buzz is not at the same level; it was a bit intense. Poor and middle-class people want to become rich, and rich people want to become super-rich. People work accordingly: a few handfuls of people can achieve their goal, a few keep struggling till the last day of their lives, and there is another set of people who do not need to worry about anything; things will be served on plates to them. Money would solve everything and anything. That's why this whole struggling, jiggling in life, is to reach a higher, better, and perfect life. I was in the category where things were served for me, and with a flick, I got everything. Things were perfect in my life; even my love life was disastrous, but now, I have been played, emotionally trapped, and blocking my ways to get their ways in my life. For the first time, I have realized that money can't solve everything. I am a billionaire, surrounded by successful people, and still, another rich snob is getting her way without doing much work, but through power. All elite, rich people are snakes; one is always better than the other.
Once again, I dialed Shreya's number; her secretary kept me on hold for a few minutes, and finally I heard a voice. "Hey, baby." I didn't try to play around the bush. "Let's go on a date." It's not useful to waste energy anymore and delay this process. She chuckled at that. "At last, I thought you would never ask. Baby, I need to speak with my secretary and get back to you." This shitty game is getting on my nerves. "This weekend would be better; next week, I need to travel for a meeting." It was better to tell her what's on my schedule so that she could take the hint. She chuckled once more. "Come on, baby, you can always reschedule. Won't you?" I clutched my cell harder; she is testing me too much. She is doing this again, making me bend for her; it would never be the way around. Her rules with her direction. "Baby." The voice was softer, soothing if someone fell for that, than they are finished. "Yes, I can always reschedule for you." "That's better. So, let's meet this coming weekend. Pick me up by evening." I sighed, already feeling tired. "Can't you make it this weekend?" "Are you missing me, darling?" This girl knows her game damn well. "Shreya." "Wow, that sounds sexy; let me give in this one time for you. This weekend is ok with me; pick me up, ok baby?" "Ok." By saying that, I hung up the phone by heaving harshly.
You have to play by her rules, and you have to follow her rules. She wouldn't take no as an answer; that much is clear till now, and she will never be generous in bending her rules. As the days are passing, she is getting more and more interesting. I don't know why I was turning curious all of a sudden.
I dialed my dad's number, informed him about my date, and also told him not to worry about the current situation. He told me to be positive about Shreya and tried to focus more on building a relationship with her. Like heck, I would, but I want to know everything about her and how far she could go to get what she wants. Complaining is not getting me anywhere; whining is making everyone irritated, so I should shut up for good and try to enjoy my suffering and misery. Her bold move in front of me deserves praise, her act in front of my family should be applauded, and her control over every situation is commendable.
Davis also rambled the same thing over the phone. Everyone keeps saying the same thing: 'You have met her only once,' 'Give her a chance,' 'Take her on dates and get to know her better,' and so on. They keep repeating these like a chant, pushing me towards her more, and no one is aware of the consequences of what if things didn't work out between us? She is not normal to walk out on me; nope, she would never let me go that easily. That much is obvious from everything; she purchased 5% of the stock, for god's sake, just to grab my attention and to get her way. She wanted a date, and she got one, and this won't stop in one date. Her beauty is the plus point to her, gorgeous like hell and cunning like a bitch. A witch attitude rapping everyone around her and a bold move showing her true face, only to me. I chuckled when I remembered everything from Day 1; she has no hesitation, no holding back, showing her true nature. Her goal was set, and she is making sure to reach the goal by overcoming every worst-case scenario.
Running from her, going against her, and planning anything against her are futile. She is prepared for every strike; that's where things get more interesting. With my grandfather on her back, her dad's support, and my family's push, I think she has achieved 80% of her goal. My hold is only 20% on my own life; that's ironic. A few dates, and after that, things need to be pushed further; at least everyone would make sure of it.
She is eating her character with ease. Pawning everyone, controlling wherever it's required, acting like a pro actress, dictating my life, and making sure that I follow her rules. Geez, this girl could get any better?
I reached home after getting freshened up, and I had dinner with my mom. Nowadays, she has started to watch me keenly; I don't know why. Asking if everything was ok, and of course, about Shreya. I told her about the weekend date; she smiled at that, which looked forced. I bid her goodnight and made my way to my room. As I entered, I lay on the bed due to exhaustion. Suddenly, my eyes fell on the bracelet, which was shining as the moonlight was falling on it. I stared at the bracelet, the diamonds, and the carvings, which suddenly looked so captivating for no reason. I hummed as I touched the bracelet; instantly, everything went still for the moment, and there was a break for everything. I smiled as I saw the bracelet. I still remember my 18th birthday, the last day I saw Dante. I didn't remove the bracelet from my hand, nor the memory of Dante. I don't know why I remember him so much, especially when he broke the contact and ended everything abruptly. I hope he is doing fine. I tried to find his whereabouts, but to no avail; nothing about him is on Google or any social sites. It's like he vanished. I sighed when my mind shifted entirely to a different one, but at the same time, the thought calmed me for no reason. I started to feel drowsy, and my mind, which had its own mind, started to picture what Dante looks like, but before I could complete my imagination, I drifted off.
I was in front of Shreya's mansion at the exact time, and she was waiting for me. I got out of the car as a fine gentleman. She pecked me as she saw me and entered the car. I made sure to wipe my cheeks before joining her.
The ride was silent as she was on a call. I thanked whoever was on the call. I have to gain as much energy as I need to deal with her. We arrived at the restaurant; I got out, but she didn't. I knew what the hell she was doing; without saying, I obliged and opened the door for her. She gave me a broad smile and nodded her head at the gesture. You know, patting the puppy and saying, "You're a good boy."
We entered, and the restaurant was empty, except for the employees. I was taken aback at that. It's a weekend, this is a high-end one, and it should be bustling. "I want us to be alone, darling, and I hate damn crowds. It's more romantic, right?" If she is saying that, then it should be. "Yes," I grimly responded. "I knew it, and I have already given the order for our dinner menu. Till then, let's enjoy the drink." As the cue, a waiter arrived, and by pouring drinks, she excused herself. I picked the glass to taste the wine. I sipped the wine, waited for the aftertaste, and it was a bitter taste, but a good one. "You purchased the shares." I slowly spoke, and she chuckled at that. "Yes, darling, and we are on a date." Wow, she is something. "Were you the one who purchased the shares three years ago?" "Nope, baby, I didn't." The answer was quick and with no hint of hesitation. "If you want, I can look for you." I raised an eyebrow at that. "About the previous purchase, I know no one could find who it was. I can find the person, you know; just ask me and seal the deal with me." She slowly got up from the chair and walked toward me. She took the glass from my hand and placed it on the table, and she took her place on my lap. "Baby, what more do you want? I am a stunning, wealthy, genius, elite, and successful businesswoman. I am too good for you; do you even know that?" She brought her lips near mine. "I am good in bed, too; trust me, I will rock your world. I am full of kinky stuff and hard-core sex." She gushed over my lips.
She breathed softly over my lips and pressed her lips on mine. Our lips were connected, and the way she pressed her lips over mine, for sure she was making sure to leave the lipstick mark over mine. She kissed me, which started with a tender, soft, romantic kiss with perfect sync. Then the kiss turned hard, and she forced me to open my mouth. She made sure to taste my mouth with intensity, with a killing desire. She didn't let me invade her mouth, and we were out of breath. We panted, she literally breathing over my face, which was damn tempting, and her scent was making my member twitch. She chuckled when she felt my member; of course, it was slightly poking her. "See, baby, I can rock your world." She whispered with a smirk on her face. Wow, I was speechless. "Besides, darling, your grandpa won't let you slip from this arrangement." She cautioned me. "Can't you think of your family, especially your dad?" Emotional blackmail. "Darling, I can solve everything with your nod to this arrangement," promises. "And also, I can help your sisters and their husbands. Wow, that's a bumper offer, don't you think?" A good campaign, if you ask me, with lots of offers and promises.
I didn't react to anything; I let her words sink into me. What a manipulative strategy! No wonder my grandfather selected her. That old bastard knew this sly girl would win over everything, and she succeeded. Balance was all I was left with, and the way she was tightening the loose end, she would make me give in, or she would force me in one way or another. Like, the way she made me take her on a damn date.
Her hands moved slowly downward and in no time were on my member, pressing, and I jerked from my thought. "Well, you are horny, and I am leaking." She hushed on my lips. I stared at her, really stared; her eyes were red, not because of wine, as we had only had one glass each. "What have you taken? You are high." She giggled and brushed it off, as it was nothing. "Some stuff, that's not a biggie, but I am high like hell, baby. Do something." She whined, once again pressing my member harder. Get a grip, Rowan. This is not the time to get horny; suppress the urges, or she will oppress you in no time. If you give in, she will have an upper hand, and she will use that as a weapon every damn time.
I held her hands, which were massaging my member, and placed her hand on her side. Something flicked in her eyes; it was just a second, but I caught it. She is still holding something back; there is another layer of her, and I think there is a reason for not presenting this feature to me. This could be worse than what I have witnessed. She is getting more interesting and scarier. Well, good luck to me.
"You are no fun." She pouted, back to her usual self, and went back to her seat. The server started filling the table and served us. I groaned when I saw the items, which were only veggies. "I don't like veggies that much." "Good for your health, baby." "I don't like eating only veggies. I am ordering something else." "No, baby, you are not. I chose these dishes personally with love, for us. You are eating this baby for me." I suppressed a groan, but she smirked at my face.