His Innocent Mistress

Chapter 2

Theodore tapped his fingers listening to one of his managers presenting the briefing on the annual report. More than fifty shareholders came to hear the briefing. It wasn’t necessary to attend but most of them didn’t want to miss the chance to have a greeting with him.

The person who was presenting would look at Theo as if he was the only person present in the room right now. A smile continued to show his satisfaction with their biggest project going on. 

“And, with all of this going on we cannot forget about the media’s attention we had been garnering over our profits this year. Our honourable CEO is the face everyone knows and we had been winning awards. And, by the end of this year, we are going to introduce another p*****t method that will let…” His eyes moved to enjoy how the three persons sitting at his left got tense.

The man who was briefing finished and the way all of the heads turned to his way gave him the kind of satisfaction that was a drive for him to keep continue. "Thank you so much for coming here. What we have here isn't less than a family. Growth is the only thing coming in our way."

Almost fifteen people who were plus seventy had the satisfaction on their face. They had spent their life worth saving and now enjoying retirement. He was known to turn sand into gold. Most of them started leaving as he kept smiling and nodded to a few heads before finally fixing his eyes to his second uncles.

“I would like to invite you three for the dinner. Elders will love to have you over.” One could notice the mockery in his voice. The way his neck kept stiff was enough to convey how he will never let any of them a chance to snatch his crown.

From his grey suit to his watch, everything spoke volumes about the money his family would own. Three of the biggest shareholders who were also his distant relatives attended to listen to the annual briefing.

They knew it will be a shame to be here. They knew they will have to congratulate him in the end but they didn’t miss the chance to show up. It was their way to remind him that they were here and things are not going to be on a platter for him.

“It is very fortunate that you are running things smooth so far.” James, the eldest uncle started.

“But it is not as if he has started all of it. He is only managing things, James.” Drew offered a tight smile.

“I…will ask you not to start anything else. Only run things…if your expansion cost us any loss you know you will be answerable.” George the youngest one said and Theodore couldn’t help but show a smile to him.

“You can speak after there is a loss until then I will ask you to only come and have the…dinner.” For a moment he did notice fear in their expressions. It was certain that they still had not gotten a single thing they could speak against.

“Theodore…” Edward came with open arms. And, Theo rose from his place to shake hands with one of the princes who had invested in their firm and came to attend the annual meeting. Theo left to have lunch with ten executives before leaving to spend a few hours in his penthouse. It was raining a little as his car made its way through New York to his place.

Getting his hand in his pants he took out a small cross. He hadn’t forgotten that this small locket only cost one dollar but it was the only thing his mother could offer him at that time. And, whenever he grazed his thumb over that cross he was recalled for what it was all for.

He had five hours to spend at his penthouse before the dinner his grandfather arranged. He lived alone here. Not exactly because there were always some paparazzi interested in his life and would make news over anybody who would drop to visit.

He made a call for his personal maid who came in three minutes. He spent his three minutes reviewing the marketing analysis report for today.

“I have dinner at dad’s place.” He said without lifting his eyes and the maid left to his room to take out or arrange everything he would need when he decides to get ready.

He started viewing the numerous websites over his business owned by his enterprise. All of a sudden, his eyes moved to the right corner the moment he received an email he had been waiting for. The file that is sent to him at five every day is named family affairs. He didn’t have time to have a look at what his family was up to. So, he would receive a file showing his cousins’ new activities they were into. He had to make sure they are living lives like rich brats. It gave him utter satisfaction. No matter how hard his second uncles would try they didn’t have a single heir they would represent to elders to show how they are worthy of his position.

It’s been two years since he was a C.E.O of Gordon enterprise. And, he knew he can’t make a single mistake to irk the elders until they are alive. He had done everything perfectly all his life with only one goal. He won’t let anyone claim what’s his. It was most of his life since the day his mother gave him up to Gordon’s at the age of seven.

He was right on the time to get to his elders. His elders that had his grandfather William and Grandmother Emilia were the persons who were hard to please. But he knows what makes them happy…his utter obedience.

Though he had never met his father, Theo had heard that he is way more clever and far-sighted than his father when it comes to business. In fact, there is no comparison, to begin with. Mostly say, the reason was the discipline that was observed by him. Some say that William and Emilia paid extra attention to his upbringing after their failed parenthood on Richard but few know how William and Emilia think of Theo.

Blending in the crowd was never hard for Theo. He was soon surrounded by some of the friends of William from his university time. They too were successful businessmen but were not as lucky as William to have a grandson like Theo who never tried to make his own small startup but worked for the enterprise his great grandfather built without a complaint.

William’s friends appreciate him for the market insights he would offer them for the stocks. Theo only wanted these five old men to say nice words about him in William’s ears when they go for golf.

“Ahm Ahm, can I borrow my cousin for a moment.” Theo kept his smile intact before turning his head to notice his teen cousins. They were his second cousins but he would never forget to send them birthday presents wherever they were.

“How’s your university going?” He asked Mia who shot her brows up before walking to him. “I am still on the list of your private investigator?” Theo smiled before shaking his head. He wonders how she would react if she comes to know that he really has a private investigator.

“I care about you. I don’t need a private investigator to keep an eye on my beautiful cousin.” Mia knew he wasn’t more than a Robot who would only follow the coding. Most of the time, she pities him.

People who don’t know about their lives would love to be Theodore Gordon but she knew no one deserves to live like this. Mia couldn’t help but look at him with pity but she tries to hide it and wonder if it will change after William and Emilia pass away.

“Really? Then, why do you never like my posts on i********:?” She asked back with accusing eyes but before Theo could answer, William and Emilia walked in. Mia winked at him to tease before walking away.

Mia had never seen anything that supports her claim but she knew Theo hates all of the Gordon’s with his all. Elders offered a general greeting to all the people present there before calling them to the dining area.

The dinner started with almost forty people sitting around. William’s friends were first to break the silence. They talked about how amazing it was to have a grandson like Theo. Emilia and William smiled and looked proud.

Everything aside. William and Emilia’s only family was Theo. And, they do like it when people show how amazing their heir is. Especially after their good for nothing son who only caused trouble.

“Well, Theo is the reason behind our smiles...” Emilia started, “…and, this is the reason we are gathered here. Nothing is better than to see your children working hard for what you started…William?” She called for her husband’s attention who smiled before speaking, “Well, not even this…I have gathered all of you to share I am going to announce Theo’s engagement to Mr Francesco’s daughter. I thought you should all know before it becomes official so family members are aware beforehand. And, you Theo…she will come to see you. You know women nowadays…make sure that she doesn’t reject you.”

Thanks to Theo’s smile that was never wiped off his face. It covered everything well. “Of course, I will make sure.” He replied.

“This…is insane. How can you marry someone you have never seen?” Mia commented,

“And, don’t let me start on that girl. I can’t bear her presence for more than a minute.” Mia’s younger sister Josephine commented.

“Maybe William is right to decide. Or else, he will have illegitimate children like his father…it is better he is married.” Aaron, his other cousin on the table commented. Aaron was always bashed by his father George. He hated Theo and never forgets to show it.

“He is nothing like his father. And, Aaron...you don't get to talk when everyone here knows who is in the tabloid as a playboy. And, that woman Theo? She doesn't compliment you. You don't deserve her.” Mia started making William look at Mia.

“Mia…it is our personal matter with our grandson. You are my nephew’s daughter and very close to my heart but I would like your presence at my grandson’s wedding and not the criticism. About the options…Francesco has two daughters. You can choose from them.” William said the last thing looking at Theo.

Unlike his father, he had to compete to prove his self-worth because despite being the only son of Richard Gordon and only grandson of William Gordon he was an illegitimate child making it far easier for his other distant relatives to raise the objections.

According to the family's rule, only the eldest son or the cousin is given the authority. Well, thanks to his father who only become a father at seventeen he is the eldest among all. But growing up he knew he not only should be best but won't give anyone a single reason.

“It is fine, dad. I don’t have any issues. As a matter of fact, they are a respectable family. It is only right. They suit us well. I too can’t think of any better options. If I will have any I know I can discuss with you anytime.”

“No, Theo…it has to be Francesco’s daughter because I have said it. Didn’t you listen?” William’s voice was low but came in a whisper.

“Of course, Dad…I promise you. It will be Francisco’s daughter.” He replied with a smile and William nodded with calm.

The rest of the dinner went smooth. Theo couldn’t help but look at his cousin Aaron from time to time. He and his other cousin Joan were younger than Theodore but were always found in bad company. Theo can’t complain about it. He had enjoyed it when they are bashed with his name.

He was as normal as the moment he came into this party. Everyone left leaving Theo to be the last one. He went to see Emilia and William who refused to see him because it was already their past time. Only the butler was there to see him off. He refused to take assistance from his driver and took his car to move back to the city. He wanted to clear his mind a little.

He will be lying if he says he was not off balance the moment he heard about his wedding. Not many know about his private boxing ring at his home but he wanted to punch for two days straight right now. Emilia and William never told him that they will be the ones to decide for him but then he had never decided a thing for him. He had to be in their good books.

She is a woman and will be my wife. This is the only thing he knew about his future wife.

At the back of his mind, he had already decided that he can avoid her if it didn’t work with that woman. Though he doubts if he can’t make it work with anyone. So far, he was very fine with all the relatives. The only difference with this woman? She was to live at his place.

He took the cross out of his pants and looked at it wishing he didn’t make that one promise. Wishing that promise wasn’t the last one but it was all frozen in time, not meant to be changed. He roamed on the roads all night long. He was waiting at the signal when a truck thrashed in his bonnet making his car flew away and hit the side road. He tried to open his eyes but his head was heavy. He couldn’t move his legs. He could tell he was bleeding a lot from the head.

“Oh my God,” He heard someone but his eyes were already closed. He was drifting into sleep.

“Can you move?” He felt someone holding his hand. He wanted to tell that voice to call for an emergency but found that woman trying to come into the car and look at him. “Oh my God,…I have called for an emergency. Don’t move…ok? Keep your eyes open. Hey?” He wanted to tell her to keep her hand away from his face but opened his eyes to witness a woman. His vision was blurry but he could tell she was scared looking at him.

“…You will be fine.” She said before trying to get out but I held her hand tightly. I suspect she would leave me. And, I didn’t want her…to leave me alone.

The next chapter will be up shortly too.

Keep checking.

Sending love.

F.a.c.e.b.o.o.k p.a.g.e: Ashleh Queen

T.w.i.t.t.e.r: Ashleh Q

I.n.s.t.a.g.r.a.m: theashlehqueen