Chapter 4

LOCKS, THORNS AND CHOICES

Cook Incorporated was much bigger than Fiona had anticipated. The massive structure made her feel like she was dreaming. The walls were made of reflective glass, the elevators, the furniture and even the very floors all screamed luxury. She felt like she was underdressed and inferior because everyone she saw in the building wore only dresses she had seen from luxurious stores. She on the other hand only wore what she could find at thrift stores and of course at discounted prices. The two men who accompanied her to Damien's office were also nicely dressed in suits. She was blown away by their appearance but she was more concerned about their countenance. It was devoid of hope, happiness and joy. They both acted like they were doomed to this life; working for Damien Cook. They didn't even look like they were both happy with their jobs. They led her to his office and left her at the entrance. She didn't know how Damien knew that she was at the doorpost because she saw him facing the glass window the entire time. He was probably enjoying the view from his office. Watching him stare at the world outside his office gave her a clearer view of his features. He was much taller than the last time she had seen him. Not like people grow inches taller overnight but she guessed she was too distraught to even notice his height. His shoulders were well carved and the suit rested well on them.

With his hands carefully tucked into his pockets, she noticed that he looked much as handsome from behind as he did when he was facing her but his eyes remained terrifying. It was the look in his eyes, the cold empty look in his eyes that made her shiver at his gaze. His hoarse voice broke her line of thoughts. "Don't stand there staring at me. We don't have all day. Just come in. Stand if you like, this shouldn't take too long if your answer is no. But judging by the number of minutes you spent admiring my backside, I believe you made the wise choice". Fiona swallowed the hard lump in her throat and sat down on one of the chairs in his office. It was so comfortable that she felt the weight of her problems sink into the chair as she sat on it. Damien poured himself a cup of coffee and didn't bother to ask if she needed one too. She didn't mind because she was scared that he might poison it or put something in it. It was better to take precautions, she wouldn't put murder past the Cook family. "Don't make me ask. Just go ahead and let me know your decision". His hands were locked into each other and were hanging over the hot cup of coffee. " I'd like to keep my father's name on the business and I'd like us to be partners. This means that I don't have much of a choice but to do what's necessary to keep my family's legacy. So yes. My answer is yes". The smile on his face was more wicked than happy. Was she some trophy to him that he just wanted to have and put on display? Why did it matter so much to him to marry her? Why did the universe let their paths cross? Fiona's stomach was rumbling as these thoughts ran through her head. She wasn't quite sure if it was hunger or anger. Either way, her insides clearly didn't agree with the decision she was about to make but she believed that she had to do what was necessary to keep her father's name and business. "Here are the documents for this partnership or as some would like to call it marriage. I don't believe in love or in marriage so whatever suits you." Damien tossed the file over to her. Fiona didn't open it immediately but stared at him trying to find an expression on his face that would tell her what to expect. He simply ignored her and sipped his coffee. Fiona opened the document and she realised that she didn't understand the majority of what was written inside but a few things caught her attention. He wanted no children and if there were any children they would all be shipped off to boarding school at the age of five. All the children if there would be any would live in the family house till they were four after which they would be shipped off to any boarding school of his choosing. They were going to have sexual relations only once in three weeks and she was not to request for it until the stipulated time. She would not be required to do any house chores nor cook for him or the family. Her presence would only be required at functions and occasions when he demands it. She was not to speak in public unless he gave her permission to. They would sleep in separate bedrooms and she would only be allowed in his bedroom once in three weeks for their scheduled sexual relations. She didn't understand everything else written on the document but she already felt like she was going to prison. Who drew the contract agreement? Did anyone consider her feelings at all? Why was he acting like he had given her the best deal ever? Was she ready to live this? Again, his voice interrupted her thoughts. "This is where you need to sign" Damien pointed to the part on the documents where she would need to put her signature. She looked at the empty line that needed her writing and turned to look at him. " Do we get a wedding? I mean are my friends and family allowed to come if there's one?" Fiona asked. " What family? You don't have any family and no there would be no wedding". The courthouse will sign off on this. The marriage certificate will be brought home to the mansion where you will sign them as soon as you move in" His gave his answer without even looking at her face . Fiona swallowed hard and tears welled up in her eyes. Her life would end by marrying the famous billionaire son, Damien Cook. She then remembered that she hadn't asked the most important question. It was the very reason she was taking on this life of doom in the first place. In Spite of his cold countenance, she mustered up the courage to ask. " There's nothing in here about my father's business and our partnership" Fiona said. " Oh that's being drawn up by the lawyers. You'll get them soon enough. I'm a man of my word" He said, punching some keys on his laptop. "When will that be? I can't go on with this marriage if I don't see those documents" Fiona's tone sounded bold but shaky. "Well, you won't see the documents if you don't go on with this marriage. The choice is yours" Damien's voice was cold and lacked empathy. The tears in Fiona's eyes dropped to her cheeks. Each flow made her cheeks burn. Her tears were filled with bitterness and much sadness.

Even though Damien couldn't see it, she felt such pain in her chest that she began to gasp for air. It felt like the whole world had caved in on her and she had been boxed into a tight space. Should she run or back out? Was it too late to say no? If she chose to forget about her family's legacy would it hunt her for the rest of her life? Her mother's constant mantra echoes in her ear. " Never back down easily, don't run away from a challenge". Those words seemed to give Fiona a burst of hope and strength. It was definitely going to be hell marrying Damien Cook but she needed to do it for yet father. He was worth all of the pain. She straightened up, took the golden pen on the table and signed the document then she tossed it back to him. His facial expression showed relief. It was more like that expression you see on an athlete that won the gold medal after running a 1000 metre race. In that moment, Fiona felt more like a trophy than a person. The room began to spin a bit as she thought about what she had just done. Reality dawned on her that there was no going back now. She moved the chair behind a little to give herself a bit of breathing space then amidst her choking tears she let out a soft whimper. Realising that words didn't come out of her mouth as she intended them to, she wiped her tears, cleared her throat and spoke more clearly. " I need to go home now and put things in order so I can be at the mansion next week" Damien's sudden laughter scared Fiona so much that she thought she would pass out from the shaking in her legs and arms. His laughter was wicked, sinister and more annoyingly, it sounded like he was mocking her. " Oh my darling. Didn't you read the contract well before you signed it? Well, let me help you. You're required to be at the mansion 24 hrs after signing. 24hrs is tomorrow.

If you're not there by tomorrow, the contract states that I get to change your father's name on the business. Mind you, this punishment applies to every rule of mine that you break" Damien's sounded so mean as he spoke and that made her head begin to pound hard. " Please, I just need a few days to get my things together. I'm not going anywhere" Fiona pleaded with him. She wasn't sure why she did that but her heart already told her that he wasn't going to budge. Damien didn't disappoint her. " That's not my problem, an agreement is an agreement. How do you expect us to be partners when you can't keep to your end of the bargain? Text me the directions to your place before noon tomorrow. My driver will be there to pick you up by 4pm sharp. Remember, Fiona this is more about you than me. Be there tomorrow or forget about your father's business". Fiona's heart felt like it was shattered in a million pieces. Looking into his eyes, she realised that nothing on earth could change his mind. "Be there at 4pm or else you'll have yourself to blame". He said and stormed out of the office, leaving her there in despair and frustration. They weren't hitched for more than thirty minutes and he was already making her life a living hell.