Ch 2. (Esme/Xerxes pov)

The sound of the microphone being turned on caught people's attention. My uncle gave a few words of wisdom. Excusing himself as he would not be able to attend the wedding in a few months.

"But please give a big round of applause to the person who is able to make this happen. Ceo Ling please would you mind coming up?"

Now with the spotlight on me I went up.

"I hope everyone is having a good time. I won't take to much time. Thank you to those who attended such an important event for the family. As a sister I want to say this Kevin please care for her, you have six months before the wedding don't do anything stupid."

The party continued with people dancing and drinking. Pictures were taken left and right.

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"Ceo Deimos you have a call?"

"*sigh* yes?"

"Xerxes where are you?"

"My whereabouts is not your concern"

"Very well....don't forget our agreement"

"How can I forget when you keep calling me every day. I'm hanging up"

This lady is the death of me. The one day I am off I get to attend an engagement party and still bothered by that women.

I was never planning to attend but in order to get my grandmother off my back I came. The agreement is simple right?

All I need is to find a bride in the next year. If I fail to, I will marry whoever my grandmother wants me to. She is old but she is still scary.

So of course the purpose of me attending is to find myself a bride. Meanwhile a bride is already planning her wedding.

"Ceo Deimos, I'm glad you made it"

"Ceo Ling thank you for inviting me"

"Of course. I was hoping you wouldn't show up but we can't have it all can we?"

"Believe me I have more important things to do then be here"

"Don't we all. I'll leave you alone then. Please send my congratulations to your grandmother" she said as she walked away. Ceo Ling has been in the industry for a short amount yet managed to surpas my company.

She is lovely but I hate women who use money to get what they want. That's why she'll never be an option for me. Even if my grandmother likes her.

As the party started to wrap up I said my goodbye and drove off. Every year more then once there is an engagement party or wedding happening.

As owner of these venues I need to attend. Once home I took a shower and called it a night.

"Good morning sir. Will you have breakfast this morning?"

"Yes he will"

"Very well then madam Deimos."

"So how was the party? Did you find anyone?"

"Nanna it's to early to talk-"

"And I am getting old. So what's your point?"

"Ceo Ling sends you wishes"

"Ahh that girl is so nice. Why don't you-"

"No. She is not a woman I need. She is prideful, arrogant"

"And gorgeous, strong, independent. Son I don't know why you hate her so much. But look me in the eyes and tell me you still don't love her"

"I need to go. See you later" I replied placing a kiss on ger wrinkly hand.

I hate how right she is. I still love her. I always wanted a woman like her. Pure, fun, creative, strong. Not arrogant or evil.

We were only talking for a a few months but those months were the best. She was just twenty and I was twenty- eight. Many looked at the age difference but not us or her family. It wasn't an arranged relationship it was "Love" anyway that was five years ago.

"Sir. You have one meeting today and dinner with the chairwoman"

"Sigh...Very well then has she picked the place."

"Yes..You'll be meeting her at the Vineyard Restaurant"

"Get the car ready"

About a month ago the chairwoman contacted me about an opportunity to the company. I denied her request back then and I plan on doing the same tonight.

"Hello Mr. Deimos."

"Chairwoman."

"I saw you briefly at the engagement party, sorry I couldn't talk to you then. You understand right?"

"Yes, I understand clearly. You are going behind your daughters"

"OH please don't give me that look. I know what's best for them."

"Is that why Diamond is marrying-"

"No. Her decision is only hers. Believe me if I could I would have married her to someone better. I am here to offer a deal"

A deal? The Lings are known to make deals that only benefits them. So how would a deal with her benefit me?

Not being rude I had us eat dinner first.

"Madam Ling let's cut to the chase. Why have you called me here? I have denied your request for the last month"

"Yet you came. See I know you want something and that something is Esmeray"

"What are you trying to say?"

"I got diagnosed with bone cancer two months ago. I am not worried about Diamond she can care for herself. Who I am worried about is Esmeray."

"Why? She can easily defend herself"

"You don't get it. She is not as strong as she seems, she has enemies everywhere even in the Company. All I ask is for you to marry her"

"Why me?"

"Xerxes when you too were talking she let her guard down. She felt safe. Now she is a stranger even to me. I know you are the only who can protect her"

"What is your plan? Befriend her? Get close to her?"

"Marry her. I don't care what you do. Get close to her when I die even if you have to play dumb."

"So you want me to pretend we never talked about this. You want me to use your death, her grief to marry her?....sorry but I can not do that"