Ariana was surprised by the sudden close contact. She subconsciously moved away.
“Mr. President, please behave. Is this how you treat your employees?” she had never quite understood him and she definitely didn't want to be one of his toys.
Mr. Matthews face went gloomy and his voice laced with ridicule, “You would prefer to be hugged by Mr. Johnson, right?”
Ariana’s face went colorless all over again, ‘what did he mean by that?’ Her forehead started sweating.
Michael saw her nervousness and he became angry instantly, “What, you didn’t think I would find out?”
Ariana clasped her hands together and looked down on her feet. “It... it is... not that” she stuttered. She was wondering if she should tell him the truth. Forget it, it has nothing to do with him so why was he even angry.
“Then what is?” Michael sneered and looked down at her with an expression hard to read. “Tell me, why would you get engaged to someone like that. Don’t you know his reputation?” Michael was furious.
Actually, Ariana did not know. Even though she kept an eye on the business section in Westron City she was not interested in their personal lives therefore she answered honestly, “I don’t know.”
Her response angered the man even more, “what do you mean you don’t know, did you accept his proposal for money? Huh? If you want money I can give it to you, I have enough.” Ariana was triggered by his words and felt disrespected.
“Believe whatever you want, I don’t owe you an explanation. Besides we have met only twice so that doesn’t earn you the right to judge me. Furthermore, my personal affairs don't affect my daily work so I hope this will not be an issue.” Ariana was boiling with anger, she did not have anything personal to do with Mr. Johnson and even though she could not stand Mr. Matthews ridiculed, she did not think it was necessary to explain anything to him. It has nothing to do with him and she can fix her own problems.
Michael did not understand what was going on in her head, so when she made an attempt to walk away, he pulled her in his embrace and whispered next to her ear, “I can take better care of you. Why don’t you consider being my woman?”
Ariana’s pale face had suddenly gotten red and her body shivered from the hot breath next to her ear. “I think it is time to go back to work. My lunch will be up soon, you are the boss so you can go return if you want or not.” Ariana was trying to avoid this conversation.
“Exactly!”
Ariana looked up at him puzzled. He noticed and responded, “I am the boss and I can have you go back when I want.”
Still looking at him, Ariana thought ‘this man is so arrogant and unreasonable, how did I not notice when we met two years ago’. “Mr. Matthews, you have to understand that today is my first day on the job so I cannot be late. What do you think will happen if the company sees you giving me special treatments? I will become a target by all those females.”
“Who would dare make you a target if you’re my woman?” Michael sneered arrogantly.
“Who is your woman?” Ariana retorted, turning her face away.
“You might not agree now but you will eventually.” He was very confident in winning her.
“I don’t want to be…” ‘One of your playthings’ there was a knock on the door before she could finish her sentence. Michael shouted, “Who is that?”
“Sir, Mr. Johnson is asking for you and he is throwing a tantrum.” Alex's voice came from behind the door.
Michael noticed that Ariana’s back became stiff when Mr. Johnson’s name was mentioned. “Why are you acting so weirdly?”
“Nothing, I am going out.” Ariana was embarrassed but she kept a straight face and hurried passed him.
“Alex, take Ms. Fearon back to the vehicle. I will collect her belongings and meet you in the parking lot.
“Okay President.” Alex responded lightly and headed out with Ariana.
Even though Ariana did not need his help to handle her problems, she was slightly grateful for not having to see Mr. Johnson until she came up with a solution in getting out of her arranged marriage.
…
“Mr. Matthews, you’re back.” Mr. Johnson was furious but he masked his dissatisfaction of Mr. Matthews long absent. He figured it had something to do with Ms. Fearon and he was not too happy about it. He might just have to make her his woman sooner than later for Mr. Matthews will not want a woman who is touched by another man.
“I am sorry to keep you waiting Mr. Johnson. Michael responded with no intention of staying.
“Where is Ms. Fearon?” Johnson kept his eyes at the door but he did not see Ariana nor Mr. Matthews Assistant.
“She had something to take care of so she left.” Mr. Johnson did not believe it because her handbag was still in her seat.
As if Michael could read his mind so he continued, “I will take her things back to the office and for the contract, we might need to reschedule.” He said all of that in one breath and with no room for negotiations.
Mr. Johnson was definitely not happy about it but he kept his mouth shut. Mr. Matthews was known for his ruthlessness in business and can let a company disappear without trying.
He knew it was revenge from their previous conversation before he went out. As soon as Ariana walked out of the room, Mr. Matthews asked about his marriage with Ariana.
He could sense the threat in his words then and it is still lingering in his head, “Mr. Johnson, she is young and has a promising future, why would you want to destroy her youth? She is young enough to be your daughter.” After a few minutes he continued, “Matthews’ group has few new projects coming up and there are a lot of prominent business leaders who showed interest. You should consider it as well.”
Mr. Johnson decided not to make any trouble for now, especially for a woman until he gets the contract signed. However, he will get enough time in the future to see her.
“I can stop by your company tomorrow to sign the contract.” Mr. Johnson said nervously.
“No need, I will be busy but I will let my Assistant reach out to you as soon as possible.” Michael said without hesitation.
Mr. Johnson nodded reluctantly, “Then I hope to get a call from you soon.”
Michael did not respond, he took his coat and Ariana’s belongings and left.
Mr. Johnson was left in the private room alone with deep desires in his eyes ‘It seems as if I need to pay the Fearon’s family a visit, besides, she must be a play thing for Mr. Matthews. How could a man as prestigious as Mr. Matthews fall in love with his secretary’?