CHAPTER 2

OFFICE CONFRONTATION

SEAN'S P.O.V

"Son, can I have a word with you?" My father, the current C.E.O of McCaffrey Empire, said from the door of my office. I was groomed my whole life to take over his position when he retires. To take over a multi billionaire company was a big responsibility, so my father made sure I was fully prepared. I have worked under his authority as a chief operating officer for the last six years and I was ready to take over the position of chief executive officer in two months' time.

"Good morning Dad. You didn't tell me you would be stopping by the office today. I would have passed by the house before I came here instead."

"Good morning to you too and it is not a big deal. I needed the drive," My father answered taking a seat.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" I asked him, noticing the frown he mirrored on his face.

"What is the meaning of this, son?" My dad asked, dropping a magazine on the table that I had not noticed before. Even without taking the magazine, one could not miss the image displayed on the front cover showing last night's event. Even though it was blurry, one could not mistake me for someone else. The picture was taken around eleven p.m when I was leaving a club with a one night stand. I knew my father's approach towards the many women I had but it had never been an issue that we discussed.

"What does this have to do with anything?" I asked my dad, now taking the magazine, so that I could read the headlines. Written in bold the magazine's headline was asking whether the lady was one of my road gigs or I had finally decided to settle down. I hated how paparazzi were always poking their noses on other people's business. However, being a billionaire and the son of one of the richest men in the country didn't guarantee privacy.

"This is the fifth one Sean!" My father snapped at me, pointing at the blurry image.

"The fifth what? You have got to be specific pops," I said, folding my hands and leaning back on my chair.

"I am being serious son. This has got to stop. This is the fifth girl that the media has captured you with this month. I don't even want to know how many more you have been with," He looked at me with disappointment, turning the magazine upside-down, as if the image alone was causing him pain.

"Hey dad, relax, I am just having a little fun. I am not hurting anyone and besides it is not affecting the company or any of our partners," I answered him, giving him a reassuring smile. I respected the women I went out with. I always made sure I was with mature women who didn't whine about not getting enough attention or love from me. Before anything could happen, I made a point to tell them I could only offer them casual sex and nothing more.

The only person that almost broke the pattern was one of my friends, Amanda, but after some time, we agreed that we were better of friends. We could not handle all the responsibilities that came with settling down.

"You know my approach to your relationships. Your mother also doesn't approve of this. Son, you are not getting any younger, you need to start taking responsibility for your life. I can't overlook your hard work and all that you have done to prove to people that your position was not given to you on a silver platter. I made you work your ass off for this, I know that. However, that is not enough for us. Do you ever think about the feelings of your female companions?" My father lectured me in a calm tone.

He was not the type to get worked up or yell on your face to get his opinion through. His calm tone is what has driven us to make many of our deals and to attract investors to our company. I had copied this trait and I had seen what it did to people. Lucky for me, I also had a smooth tongue. It had been helpful when I started working for the company, after I had graduated from the university. I made deals and proved to the board directors that I deserved my position in the company.

"Dad, my female companions know that I can't offer them more. I always make sure of that. If it is bothering you and mom so much, I am going to make sure, you nor the media won't know of it ever again," I replied, hoping that that was enough to put him at ease.

"That means that you are still going to be with casual flings, except that now, you are going to be doing it in private," My father tilts his head, arching an eyebrow.

"Listen dad, I am being responsible. No one will come knocking on the house, claiming that I have refused to take responsibility for any child of mine. I have it all under control. I have never brought any of my road gigs at the house nor to my penthouse and I am not going to do so, ever. So stop worrying," I snarled, now starting to get fed up with explaining myself.

"You are not getting this from my point of view," My father sighed tiredly, "I only want what is best for you son. I want you to be happy. For you to have even a half of what me and your mother share. To have children of your own after settling down with one woman, with whom you are going to share your joy, your pain, your soul and heart. A woman, who you will be sure will be with you even when you lose it all. I think it's high time you have that and allow yourself to be finally happy,"

"I am happy dad," I tiredly rolled my eyes, "Are you implying that you want me to have a wife right now? With all due respect father, I will settle down when I want to," I mumbled. I was already bored with my father.

"Yes, I want you to get married. I spoke with one of my old friends from back in the day. He has a very beautiful daughter just a little younger than you. Around four years younger if I am not wrong. You two can make a really cute couple," My dad said smiling, with a look on his face as if he was reminiscing some good memories.

"Whoa! Whoa! Hold up dad. What are you saying? And who is this 'old friend' that I have never heard of?" I asked sitting upright and shooting daggers at my dad.

"You still want that CEO position when I retire?" My father asked instead of answering me.

"You know I want it. I am the best candidate for that position," I answered rubbing my temple. I was beyond confused by now. I just wanted to have this conversation over and done with.

"Then you have to get married by the time I step down," My father replied, also sitting upright, showing me that he was serious.

"What! How is that even possible dad? You want me to propose to Amanda?" I asked frustratedly.

"No. I don't want Amanda as a daughter in law," He scoffed looking me straight in the eye.

"What do you want from me then!"

"I have already chosen a girl for you. You are going to have an arranged marriage in one months time." My father replied standing up and walking out of my office, leaving me speechless.

What in the world just happened?