Chapter 9

I buried myself in work and tried to think less of Aaron. He had been calling me for the past week, but I just ignored all his calls. I couldn't face him, not after what I saw. The threats with my mum had gone stronger when she realised I still refused to go back home. I did not care.

 The hatred I had for Aaron in my heart grew stronger and stronger. I mistook his kind gestures, I thought maybe, just maybe, he had a soft spot for me, but I was mistaken. He was Aaron, after all. The guy who watched me got bullied for years with no interference. 

 'You have an appointment with the CEO of Jacob constructions' my assistant said, jolting me out of my thoughts.

 'Jacob constructions? The soon to be partner of Carson robotics? I asked surprisingly. Dave Aaron was one of the potential investors Aaron stole from me, I tried everything to get him on board with my company, but it was all to no avail.

 'Yes ma'am, he finally viewed our proposal and decided to give you a shot' she said, and a wide smile grew on my face. This was good. With this deal, I would be a step closer to my yearly target, and I could actually take a break from all this work stress.

 'That is good' I said with a nod. 'Where is the meeting happening?' I asked

 'He said to meet at Carson Hotel by 1pm' she said and the smile on my face dropped.

 'Carson hotel?' I asked. Carson Hotel was one of the many companies the Carsons have. Aaron was the CEO of the robotics, and his sister was the CEO of the hotel. I didn't want to run into Aaron or anything related to Carson right now.

 'Any problem?' she asked. 

 'No, no' I replied swiftly. 'It is almost 1pm, we should start going' I said hurriedly, and we prepared to leave. She took the necessary documents and I took my bag. The employees were murmuring as I passed. They always do that. I guess we can say they were scared of me. The only employee that can stand me without quivering was my assistant, no matter how rude or how bad tempered I get with her, she always endured and doesn't act out.

 I was grateful to have an employee like her. We hurriedly got to the entrance of the company and the my driver was already parked outside with the car.

 'Carson hotel please' she said to the driver. He nodded and started the car.

 'Would your wedding announcement still hold next Saturday?' My assistant asked, and that was when it occurred to me that I had a wedding announcement party coming up. I had been so cut up with the drama with Aaron that I forgot part of the contract my parents drafted out for me. The party was nothing fancy, just inviting both company's partners to seal the union between both companies and to tell the media about the biggest union between Carson and the Anderson family.

 Nothing I really cared about. I could decide not to go as I was already violating the first rule in the contract already. My attendance at the party was actually a big deal, I could be cut off immediately if I decided not to go. My mum is still lenient with me not staying in the house, I know she would react soon. But me not going to the party would really piss her off, and she will persuade my dad to cut me off for sure.

 'Oh yeah' I replied to her lowly she nodded and ticked it out in her book.

 Shortly after, we arrived at Carson Hotel. The hotel was a tall and magnificent building, the windows sparkle in the sun and the entrance was huge with lights everywhere, palm tress stood neatly outside, it looked so rich and modern, wouldn't expect anything less from a Carson. 

 We came down from the car, and the cold breeze hit our skins. I was so excited about this deal. If everything goes well, Anderson Robotics could be the number one company in the country, and I would feel really fulfilled and accomplished and maybe finally take a break from work after all these years.

 We walked in and quickly located Mr Jacob. He looked older than me but was really attractive for a man his age. He wore a tailored suit that fits just well, and his muscular arms sit well in them. He smiled as we approached him, revealing his unique smile lines.

 'Welcome Mrs Carson' he said, and a look of disgust showed on my face. Although I was married to Aaron, I did not take his last name, and I never thought I would. The thought of being called Mrs Carson triggers something in me that I could not explain. A type of anger I could not point my finger at. 

 'It is Lois Anderson' I immediately corrected, and he looked puzzled by my reply.

 'Even though there has not been a formal word on your marriage with Aaron Carson, I know you are married to him' he said, and I gave him a weak smile.

 'Yes we are married, but I did not take his last name' I said swiftly.

 'Oh, let's get straight to business then' he said and gave me a really weird look, but I immediately shook it off and proceeded with the meeting. We were halfway into the meeting when my assistant took an excuse to go to the restroom. The gaze on Mr Jacob immediately changed, and he started giving weird glances like the one he gave earlier, and I became really uncomfortable.

 'If you want, we could book a room to finish this meeting' he said, moving closer to where I was, and I moved back slowly. 'Without your assistant' he added, and I immediately became disgusted. This was one of the problems I faced as a female CEO in the company. Male negotiators always wanted to have sex with me before they did any business with me, I got lucky most of the time to meet sensible people and unlucky sometimes, and today was one of my unlucky days.

 'Here is perfectly fine sir' I said, trying to maintain my cool. He didn't say anything. Instead, he moved closer to me and placed his arm on my thighs, and smiled.

 'You need me. All you need to do for me is a little favour, then the deal is done' he said as he massaged his hands deeper in my thighs. I had to bite myself to refrain from slapping across his face. I took in a deep breath and stood up to leave. He stood up with me and held my hands.

 'Leave my hands' I said with anger clearly written on my face.

 'And what if I don't' he said with a smug look on his face as he proceeded to come closer to my face. That was it I was done, I was about to land a hot slap on his face when someone landed a blow on his face.

 I looked and saw it was Aaron

 'She said leave her hands dick face' he said as he landed more blows on his face.

 'Leave him alone' I said fiercely. He disengaged from him and looked over at me.

 'Are you okay?' looking at him brought back the memories of that night, and I didn't respond and immediately dashed out.