Playful Desires

SEDUCED TO SLEEP C7

Two years. It took him to years to achieve his goal. During this time, Austin would find himself thinking of Paige at the oddest moments. He certainly developed some feelings towards her but he knew she was out of his league. At times, he would forget himself and be sweet to her. Other times, he would remember his place and keep his distance. That’s how it went until they parted ways.

Half a year ago, his intention was met with a hurdle. Paige has gotten engaged to someone. He was so close . . . but then someone already beat him to it. It was disappointing, yet he continued to monitor news related to her. As his friends say, even married couples could get divorce, engagements could be broken. They weren’t wrong. There have been plenty of articles about engagements which have been called off. So, he tried to remain optimistic. When he’s ready, he’ll ask her once. If she rejects him, then that’s when he’ll give up on her. He still has to prove his worth.

There have been moments where he wondered if she would accept him if he became as successful as she was. Or maybe somewhere close. He’s not confident that he can actually reach her level. She’d been in the industry even before she graduated from college.

When he finally checked the bank account he provided to her, he was shocked to find the amount of money she transferred to him. f**k! It was more than enough to fund their project. They can focus more on getting customers. Still, he thought getting the validation of real investors would be for the best interest of the business. His team is confident that they have already addressed and resolved the various issues customers might inquire about regarding their software. They’re now ready to present it to the people they determined would need it.

The first couple of months went great. The potential clients they approached were all impressed and they made sure the transition would be as smooth as possible, not disrupting their existing operations. Everything was going well, despite a few issues here and there which they were able to resolve quickly. The clients were eventually satisfied and they had an easier time convincing investors to give them money. Initially, he was nervous about getting a lot of funding. He knew they needed to scale but to suddenly grow from a small team to an actual corporation with hundreds of employees . . . it was a daunting task and even more demanding of his time and efforts. He worked even harder until he reached the kind of success he was satisfied with. He was acknowledged by many businessmen, even by well-known corporate personalities. At one point, he met Paige’s father and the man seemed genuinely impressed of his achievements. They talked for a good while before the man saw a friend in the crowd. Austin became even more determined. He figured he should approach her father first. Paige’s decision might be influenced by her dad’s opinion. From what he knew, they have a great relationship and Paige has a lot of respect for her father.

Austin had seen Paige’s fiancé plenty of times during social events, but never did he see the two of them together. He kept an eye on the guy and he might be wrong, but he felt the man acted flirtatious towards the women he approached. Where is Paige? Why isn’t he accompanied by her?

He waited a few more months until his company became even more stable. The profits kept growing. Given the nature of their product, an exponential growth is reasonable. They would eventually reach their peak, but they have already prepared to release new programs. They continued to develop new ones which would address other needs of their clients. They have worked closely with their early customers in this endeavor. Most of them were quite cooperative after the initial success. Some even decided to become investors as well.

Today is the day. Austin sought an appointment with her dad. Anthony Roberts. The man wasn’t sure what his intention was. Business-wise, his company already uses the product they developed. In terms of investments, he believed the company has already reached a level where they no longer need additional investors. Was it this? Are they now seeking new investors? His guess was nowhere near the real deal.

“Paige? You knew my daughter?”

“Yes, sir. We weren’t exactly in a relationship, but we did have an agreement. Back then, I knew she was out of my league so I didn’t dare to pursue her. With my current status, I want to ask if you wouldn’t mind if I woo her this time?”

The man was made speechless. “I’m not sure if you’re not aware, but Paige is already engaged. She will be getting married soon.”

“I am aware. I just wanted to make sure it was a serious one. If it wasn’t and she’s not happy with him, then I’d like to be given an opportunity. Engagements can be called off, can’t they? This is why I approached you first.”

Anthony can’t say he’s impressed. He stared at the man before him and quietly studied his demeanor and behavior. He looked confident. Austin Rivero, a self-made millionaire. He was aware of his company’s development in recent years. He has done well.

“You want me to call off my daughter’s engagement?”

“If Paige is unhappy with him, then yes.”

Anthony raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Are you saying my daughter will be happy with you?”

“I aim to make your daughter happy.”

Her dad squinted at him. “How long have you spent with Paige?”

“Almost a year, sir.”

“Was she happy with you in all that time?”

Austin recalled their interactions. “She was.”

There was silence as Anthony analyzed the situation. It’s true that Paige wasn’t satisfied with the man he picked for her. She complained when he told her she’ll be engaged to Louis. He only thought the best for her so he found a man who would agree to all his terms.

Paige has a son and the father was out of the picture. She wouldn’t even tell him. He doesn’t want her and the boy, his grandson, to be subjected to malicious rumors. The boy needed a father and he wanted to make sure the man Paige will marry will treat the boy as his own. In fact, one of the terms he imposed on Louis was that he must legally adopt the boy after they get married.

Paige reluctantly allowed him to announce the engagement. The boy needed a father, that was the reason she relented. Even she acknowledges it.

Well, he needed more information about this.

“Does my daughter like you?”

Here, Austin shrugged. “I believe so, but it’s been a few years. I can’t be sure if she would still like the current me. If you give me a chance, I’ll go ahead and approach her. See how it goes.”

“You haven’t approached her yet?”

“I’d like to get your permission first. She’s already engaged, after all.”

Hmm. He liked that he’s considerate.

“You like my daughter, then?”

Austin took a deep breath and sincerely faced the man. “Yes. More than that, I love your daughter.”

Anthony raised an eyebrow. It’s rare for young people these days to speak of love.

“You do?” He’s not really asking, merely musing the question.

The guy simply nodded.

“Does my daughter know?”

Shaking his head, Austin reiterated his previous statement. “I didn’t dare confess. As I said, back then, she was way out of my league and I’m sure she wouldn’t believe it. She would be suspicious of my intentions, given the disparity in our social status.”

“Smart. So, now, you think you’re her equal?”

“I wouldn’t say it like that, but at least, the disparity is no longer as obvious as before. With my current status, she probably wouldn’t think that I’m after her money.”

Anthony grunted in agreement, “Even with your current status, I would still insist that a pre-nup agreement is prepared.”

“I understand that. It’s not an issue.”

Hmm. Anthony felt that the man certainly came prepared, being able to field his questions as easily as he did.

“There’s another matter I would require, though.”

Austin became curious. “And that is?”

“I’m not saying I agree, there’s still a lot to consider. Unless Paige is willing to get together with you, I am disinclined to call off the engagement. Only when she assures me that she wants to marry you instead of Louis, then that’s the only time it’s reasonable to call it off.”

“Is that okay, though? For me to be seen with your daughter while the engagement is still on?”

His lip twitched. “It will be best if the two of you won’t be seen in public.”

“That’s a bit difficult. How am I supposed to take her out on dates, then? I don’t want her reputation to be questioned over this.”

Hmm, he has a point. He was more impressed that he actually considered his daughter’s image.

“Go ahead and approach Paige. I’ll give it two weeks before I ask her. I’ll let her decide if she wants to call off the engagement. If she likes you, then she would most likely agree. If not, then it’s over for you, no?”

“Two weeks? Would that be enough time?”