Engagement Unveiled

"Ruby's eyes fluttered open to the sound of the alarm blaring in her ear". She reached out for her phone to check the time - 6:00 am, still early. With that she scrolled through her messages and saw an update from the art competition.

Her heart skipped a bit as she read the message, the submission forum would open in a week and the criteria had been released.

According to the criteria,each contestant needed to submit a portfolio of their artwork. Ruby felt a surge of excitement and anticipation. She quickly got out of bed and began her morning routine,her mind racing with ideas for her portfolio.

With the submission forum opening in a week, she knew she had to work efficiently.

Heading downstairs Ruby had a cup of coffee for breakfast. Ruby walked out of the house without running into anyone, feeling a bit relieved.

She didn't have time for small talk.She had a general course, "introduction to psychology," with Ava,who is studying Business Administration. As a Fine Arts student, Ruby enjoyed the break from her usual art-focused classes.

As Ruby walked to class,her mind preoccupied with thoughts of her portfolio. Ava caught up with her, exchanged greetings and headed to class while having a conversation.

At the lecture hall,she took notes. After class,Ruby and Ava departed to the cafe,Ava had to submit her resume.

Ruby being a part timer,changed into an apron to begin her shift while Ava who has submitted her resume sat by the window side.

A little while later,Ava got up and approached Ruby "Hey,how is work going?"she asked her voice low.

Ruby smiled "it's good"

Ava smiled and said "I'll catch up with you later,Ruby. Good luck with your shift".

Ruby nodded and watched as Ava walked out of the cafe while she resumed taking orders.

Liam had spent the previous night reviewing the competitions details. As he did so,he realized that specifying the requirement for university students to submit through their school platforms would streamline the process.

With a sense of satisfaction, Liam informed Beverly,his assistant,to include this detail in the update message.

Liam Grey groggily woke up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. As he sat up,he noticed the time -9:00 am. He slept in,which was unusual for him. He normally woke up early to tackle his busy schedule.

Feeling a bit disoriented,Liam swung his legs over the side of the bed and planted his feet firmly to the ground.

He began his morning routine. As Liam finished getting ready,he made his way to the living room,still shaking off the remnants of sleep.

The warm sunlight streaming through the windows highlighted the tense atmosphere that seemed to linger in the air.

Evelyn Grey and Lily Grey, his sister,were already seated in the living room,their eyes turning towards him as he entered.

"Good morning, Liam", Evelyn said, smiling "you're up late today".

Liam rubbed the back of his neck while walking to the dining room."yeah ,I overslept".

The chef, Madame Amy quickly set up Liam's portion of fluffy pancakes along with a glass of orange juice. "Enjoy your breakfast,Mr Liam",she said

"Thank you, Madame Amy"Liam took a bite of the pancake and savored the taste.

Seeing him being relaxed, Lily spoke up "Liam why didn't you tell me you were getting married?"

Liam's expression changed,"what do you mean". Realizing that maybe she was just curious,he replied again "oh that? Mom and I already had a conversation about it".

"Have you seen today's update?"Lily spoke up

Liam's eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at his sister,"what update?" while reaching for his phone

His expression turned serious as he read a post, announcing his engagement. The post was at the top of the headlines update, looking through it he saw a confirmation post from his mother.

Liam's eyes scanned the post,his mind racing with thoughts. He couldn't believe that his mother had confirmed the engagement despite their discussion last night.

Lily spoke up "Liam what's wrong,I really do not like Sophia"

"Shut up", Evelyn Grey said sternly,her voice firm "your opinions about Sophia aren't needed,Liam you would go through with this marriage and that is final "Evelyn's voice remained firm.

"Liam,this marriage is important for our family's reputation and future. You need to prioritize what's best for the family ".

Liam felt a surge of frustration"Mom i need to make my own decisions. I'm not a child anymore"

Madame Amy, sensing the tension, spoke up "would you like some coffee,Mr Liam?"

Liam shook his head."No thank you, Madame Amy. I'm done '

With that Liam stood up and walked out of the house, leaving his mother and sister behind.

Lily whispered,her voice barely audible,"Mom this isn't fair. You can't make certain decisions for him". With that she stood up and went upstairs.

Evelyn sighed softly. Madame Amy walked to the couch next to her and sat down.

"Ma'am, maybe you should consider Liam's feelings in this matter," Madame Amy said softly

Evelyn's expression remained resolute,"you don't understand Amy, doing this is the best for the family. Julian promised to come back, i really need to make this family whole"her voice slightly softer than before.

Madame Amy's expression softened as she looked at Evelyn. "Ma'am I understand that you want what's best for the family but at what cost? Liam's happiness is important too.

Evelyn filled with determination looked at Amy."I've made up my mind. This marriage will secure our future,and I'll do whatever it takes to make it happen."

Madame Amy stood up,her expression still concerned,and headed to the kitchen to prepare lunch.

Meanwhile, Liam walked towards the parking lot. Striding into the backseat of his car,the car took off.

Liam's mind was reeling from the argument with his mother. He couldn't believe she was being stubborn and refusing to listen to his concerns.

As Liam stepped into the company's building. His employees were busy working,but he could sense their underlying curiosity about his engagement. He went straight to the elevator,his expression neutral as he made his way to his office, acknowledging a few nods and greetings from his staff.

Once in his office,Liam took a deep breath and tried to shake off the frustration and anger he felt towards his mother. He knew he couldn't refute the post right now,the company had released one of their products plus the ongoing project about the art competition. He had no doubt the company would face a loss,if there was any false post.

No wonder his mother had been asking about the company's project lately,she planned all of this.

As he sat down,his assistant, Beverly,came in with a stack of papers. "Congratulations,Mr Liam on your engagement"she said softly.

Liam rubbed his temple, feeling a headache creeping in. "Thank you, Beverly",he said, while taking the papers from her.

"sir,these are the papers concerning the company's released project", Beverly said handling him the papers.

The company's stock has been increasing but in the last few hours,we've recorded more increases in the stock.

Beverly, reschedule the next meeting for today. You are dismissed. Do not let anyone in.

"Yes sir" Beverly replied as she walked out.

A red Camry parked at the company's parking lot. Sophia Richmond stepped out and readjusted her dress while her eyes were locked onto the Apex initiatives building....