My Tainted Devil's Love

Chapter 4: Is Business Everything?

“What is it dad? I want an answer.” I asked with hurt-laced voice.

“Sweetie, you see Theo and Katelyn are in love and engaged.” He paused.

“And?” I asked studying him.

“Since they are our competitor, we decided it would be best to merge our companies.” He paused to take deep breath.

“It is good then, isn't it?” I asked confused.

“Yes indeed…” He turned towards Robert as if seeking for some help who nodded in return.

“We decided to make it a permanent thing with no risk involved, you see?” Robert continued as I was still clueless.

“Like?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“It is only possible if we marry our daughters into each other’s families; like exchanging them so that the risk involved is equal.” He said a bit fidgeting as I gaped at him.

Is he for real? Life dealt as business…

“Listen child. What we are doing is not only Profitable to the business but would be an assurity to us. In order to keep our daughters safe and happy we would never dare hurt our daughter in-laws. So in the end, it is rest assured that you both would be living happily.” He gazed at me and I sneered.

“Why not say the truth? This arrangement is just to ensure that the business isn't suffered keeping your daughters as baits.” My tone sounded harsher than intended but then what do you expect from me at this moment?

My body was under some suction pull, creating pressure difference which makes me nauseous. I avoided Theo’s glare to have my whole attention on Katelyn.

I was infuriated, hurt and speechless but I wanted to see that being a girl and involved in this mess, what she felt. My dad was about to say something when I raised my hand to gesture him to stop.

I don’t want him to act as their puppets, he is far better than this.

I gawked her reaction but, she wasn’t slight bothered about it.

“Do you love him?” I asked her.

“Yes!” She said looking confident so I turned to face Theo who was averting my gaze.

“And what about you, Theo?” I asked him.

“I do.” He said with the same confidence that made me laugh bitterly.

“Isn't it weird? My brother and her fiancée are in love and this was their decision but then my marriage became a business proposition for you guys not caring about my feelings.” I was hurt.

“Sari, don’t talk nonsense. We are doing just what’s best for you! Stop making it an ordeal. People end up loving their partners anyway.” My mother gave me ‘Dare-you-say-again’ look.

“But not for me!” I yelled making her cringe.

“Why do you treat me like an object? I say no to this proposal and there’s nothing you can do about it dear mother—” I mocked her before turning to face the guests calming myself.

I was already a mess trying my best to not let them see my tears but seeing their shocked faces, I felt guilty.

“I am sorry that you had to watch this family drama. If you don’t mind, I’ll take my leave. Thanks for joining us at the dinner. Enjoy yourselves.” I smiled through tears before sprinting off.

The door bell rang and I came face to face with Amy. She smiled mischievously but looking at me, her smile faded. I pulled her outside and ran towards her car only to stop by it and cover my face with the palms, crying into it.

She opened the passenger door and gently made me sit before taking her place at the driver’s side. When we were at a good distance and my sobs died she asked what the reason was. I explained still ending up crying but it was replaced by anger and hatred for my family.

She laughed again but incredulously.

“I should have been there a little early so you could’ve escaped this mess.” She gave half a smile as I shook my head.

“No, your timing was perfect. I managed to spat at my mother.” I said and saw her stunned face.

We ended up laughing together.

***

Adrian’s POV

“Son, are you sure you really want this?” My dad asked not feeling confident with my decision.

“Dad….” I gave him stern glare.

“Okay Okay! I am just worried about your health. You are always upto something or the other.” He said with concerned look as I chuckled.

“I just want to follow my passion dad. You know I’ve worked hard for this company and now when it’s unbeatable, I can peacefully follow my heart.” I answered to which he sighed and beamed at me.

“Well as long as you are in great health, I’ll support you but—” He paused to give a meaningful glare.

“You fall ill even for once due to overwork; you are putting an end to it. Understand?” He asked and I nodded.

It wasn’t like I would even tell him.

My phone rang as I answered it.

“Bae… Are you still there?” My girlfriend asked and I smiled.

“Just about to leave, babe. I would be there within next 35.” I informed her and hang up smiling at my dad.

“What?” I asked to his displeased look.

“Was that Pamela?” He asked suspiciously.

“Of course! What do you think? I should keep changing my girlfriends?” I chuckled but it didn’t faze him.

“I don’t like that girl and I keep praying that you end up breaking with her.” he said clearly astonishing me.

“What? But she is a great woman dad! She is smart and mature. She is independent and doesn’t disturb me at my working time. You should meet her often to try to understand her better. She really is an amazing woman.” I explained but it just irritated him.

“Please leave or your babe would call thrice.” He said with disgust as I sighed and waved him goodbye.

***

“Hey bae…” Pamela greeted me with a deep kiss at the door.

She had been staying with me as her apartment was being used by some Non-Profit Organization. She has a big heart and ready to help without thinking of her Profits. We clicked right away when I met her in my French class seven years ago. Due to our different interests, she left. Then just two years back, we met coincidently at the supermarket. She was broke and needed a job, which I gave her in my company. She treats everyone right and well… she is just the best.

I love spending time with her but—

“I’d been waiting badly for you… Come and give it to me bae!” She commanded while she pushed me inside and clutched my manhood with her palm giving it a friction.

I chuckled at her impatience and kissed her feverishly.

She was already stripping me down as I helped her strip. She rubbed my manhood till I was burning with desire and we ended up in bed, riding each other with entangled bodies as we came down from our high together.

We lay beside each other when she caressed my chest as I raked my fingers through her hair.

“Are you even going to propose me or should I run away with someone else?” She asked giggling but my smile faded.

That’s the ‘but’ I mentioned before. We share a great chemistry but I ain't sure enough to give her a marriage proposal. I don’t blame her for her concerns because she needs a family but I’d been avoiding it from last two years. It is like I want her but I am afraid to take that step.

So, as usual I kissed her when she stopped laughing.

“There’s something I need to tell you though.” I tried to change the topic.

“What is it?” she balanced herself on her left elbow.

“I am finally taking up the Professor’s job.” I announced happily.

She stared at me with disbelief and anger? It was quickly replaced as she smiled at me meekly. She didn’t look please with my decision and I could tell just by her look.

“Well congratulations Adrian but honestly, you can do better than this. I mean you are already the unbeatable businessman so why leave it and work for such a trivial job?” She asked frustratingly.

It hurt me and I don’t know why but I was expecting something else from her.

“It isn't trivial Pam. It’s my passion; a dream I had since childhood. It isn't like I would quit my business but I want to finally live that dream and help shape some bright futures while imparting the knowledge I have to others.” I tried to explain her but she shook her head.

“I am going to sleep. Do what you want!” she seethed before turning away to sleep.

Maybe, I might be wrong after all. Maybe she is right; I shouldn’t try two things at a time.

***