Chapter 3

IF WISHES WERE HORSES

 "What do you mean he asked you to marry him"? Mikaela's voice was much louder than the stereo set that was playing in the room. She threw her hands frantically in the air to show her disbelief. "Who does he think he is and what world does he live in? Marriage proposals are meant to be sweet and loving and charming and heart melting that you can't even catch your breath because you're in love. Fifi that's what a marriage proposal should look and feel like. This is your life, not some media stunt" Mikaela noticed halfway into the conversation that Fiona had been staring at the ground with her knees heaved up her chin and her hands holding them tight. Fiona read through Mikaela's silence and knew it was time for her to speak. " I know what a marriage proposal should look like and believe me this is not my idea of love. But the more I think about it, I am ready to give anything to keep my father's name and legacy. Fiona said much sadness and heaviness in her voice but Mikaela wasn't having it. " Fiona, Damien is a psychotic, mean son of a bitch and the most callous man to ever walk the surface of the earth and you're willing to do forever because of your father's name? Fiona, your father will always live in your heart and he will always be with you. You don't have to sacrifice your happiness and your life for this. I'm very sure even your father wouldn't want this for you. Your father would roll in his grave if you married some idiotic mean and self centred fool because of him. Come on Fiona, there has to be another way" Mikaela was determined to steer Fiona off of the path she seemed hell bent to follow. " I saw him, Mikaela. I saw him right when I was considering signing and taking the money. He wasn't happy about my decision. Mikaela, I know that my dad would want this for me. I know it" Fiona's eyes were desperately pleading with Mikaela to understand her point of view. " It wasn't your father you saw, Fifi. It was your imagination. Your father is dead and long gone" Mikaela realised how insensitive the statement she made sounded and was remorseful instantly. "Look Fiona, I'm sorry I didn't mean to say that. All I'm just saying is you really need to think this through. It's not just about you marrying Damien, what about his family? You watch the news everytime. It's not like the Cook family is a shining example of love and happiness. I'm just really worried that you may not be making the right choice here".

Mikaela moved over to Fiona and pulled her close so she rested on her shoulders. " I don't have a choice Mikaela. I'm not going to sell my father's business because they are offering a lot of money. Besides this whole partnership thing was my idea. Not the marriage at least but keeping my father's name. You know how much I've tried. I've tried getting a loan and even asking people I know for help but I need money to keep that place open and I'm not going to close down or sell my family's business. If marrying Damien is the only option I have then I'm willing to take it. My family is important to me Mikaela and my father's business is all that I have left of him and my mum. Please try to understand. This is harder on me than it could possibly be for you. All I'm asking for is your support and help. Please..." "Alright. If that's what you need. I'll be here to support you. I do hope that I'll get visiting hours though. If you're going to be rich, then I have to be that friend that has a rich friend. You feel me? Fiona's laughter at what she said made Mikaela chuckle and hug her. " Don't worry I'm sure we'll add it to the contract" Fiona replied. The smile on Mikaela's face disappeared when Fiona mentioned the contract. " Are we still talking about the same contract, Fiona? Mikaela asked with much surprise. " Well, he's a billionaire Mikaela, of course I'll have to sign prenuptial agreements. I don't think it's not just a prenuptial agreement, I think it's more of a contract marriage. I don't know all the details yet but he said he'll have his lawyers draw up one. When I see the contract, I'll let you know all about the do's and don'ts". Fiona replied. " I'm still not sure about all of this Fiona, but if you're sure that this is what you want to do then do what you have to do. I'll be right here to support you" Mikaela's reassurance made Fiona give her a hug. The truth was Fiona wasn't quite sure about being with Damien.

Every instinct within her knew she may not be happy in the marriage because Damien was a spoiled, rich and entitled man who saw ladies as a thing of sport. Her heart cringed at the thought of being with him. The thought of being intimate with such a man made her insides twist in a million different ways or even having his children. Worse still, his family was a ticking time bomb waiting to happen to her. Would she have to live in their mansion where Anabella, his crazy sister lives? What about his father? She had seen him on the news a number of times and he seemed to her as someone who would be much worse in person. Sometimes she wondered how a woman like Mrs Laurel Cook, Damien's mother ended up with a man like him. She was a lawyer and a very good one at that. Fiona remembered admiring her strength, courage and resilience because she was so much different than everyone else she knew in the Cook family. Her admiration for Laurel grew stronger when she learnt of her appointment in the white house to fight for women's rights.

Fiona was always amazed at her poise and elegance, the way she dressed and carried so much happiness and warmth around her wherever she went. No doubt, she was the women's choice. She was loved by all and even one could say that she made more headlines than her husband and children combined. How did she end up with such a man like Daniel Cook? Fiona could never really understand because they were like opposite sides of a coin. Daniel is a man drawn to parties, orgies, extravagance and Laurel was more concerned with change and the people. Fiona wished Laurel were alive. She would have made the transition so much easier for her. Laurel would have been her consolation prize. Maybe she would have made being married to her mean billionaire son bearable. If only she had a different choice, if only her parents hadn't died, if only she were rich, if only Daisy's delight never opened up opposite her floral shop. So many if's ran through her mind and she just wished that life had been kinder to her and offered her better options. Then she wouldn't have to marry Damien Cook and put up with his crazy family. If only she could choose, she wouldn't have chosen this life at all.