Owning Her Heart

Chapter 2

Victor Donovan

"I spent a wonderful evening in your company, Victor." Olivia breathed. "And this dinner makes it even more perfect. Thank you for taking me out."

I stared into her glimmering green eyes, giving her a warm smile. "I was more than happy to do it. I also enjoyed the time spent with you."

She stared at me expectantly for several seconds, then shifted in her seat nervously. "Umm… my father told me… about the engagement."

"And what do you think?"

She bit her lip nervously. "Since earlier, I was kind of hoping you would ask me."

I stared into her eyes deeply. Such was my intention in taking her out since she seemed to want a formal proposal. But I now find myself questioning if this was the best course of action. Marrying her would indeed solve many of the issues I'm facing in this new business venture. Besides, Olivia possessed all the qualities of the perfect wife. But I have an important agenda and I didn't want any burden in my path. Especially if she proves meddlesome later on. Still, there seemed no other way out of this.

"I was going to, actually." I smiled. "I just wanted to make sure you properly got to know me first. Seems you beat me to it."

She flashed me a blinding smile, breathing out in relief. "So that's what it is! You made me worried."

I lifted a brow. "Does this mean you agree?"

She pursed her lips. "Ask properly first."

Reaching over the table, I held her palm, retrieving a small velvet box with my other hand. "Will you marry me, Olivia?" I asked, my eyes boring into hers.

"Victor…" she breathed, appearing overwhelmed. "Yes, I'd love to marry you." She said excitedly.

I smiled, then took out the engagement ring, sliding it onto her finger. She clutched her hand, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "I'm so happy, Victor."

She appeared so innocent, I felt almost bad for marrying her only for my selfish motives. My business has always been my principal focus and I didn't have time or the desire to indulge in such things like love. Even this marriage arrangement was made solely for the success of my new business venture. But then I reasoned that I'd be a proper husband to her. It was about time I settled down, after all. And Olivia was a fine lady who was quite pleasing to the eye.

Olivia seemed about to reach for me, but just then, my phone began ringing. It was my secretary and I knew it had to be urgent for him to be calling at this hour. I mumbled an excuse to Olivia, then got up from the table. Though she appeared disappointed, she didn't voice out any protest and smiled softly in understanding. So docile and accepting… indeed the perfect wife material. I was now feeling more confident about my decision.

After ensuring the balcony was empty, I picked up the call.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Sorry for disturbing you, sir." Tom, my secretary, intoned immediately after. "But the enemy's on the move again. We just caught another spy."

The news wasn’t any surprise but my teeth still gritted in anger. “Did you question him?”

“Unfortunately, the guy killed himself before we could.” He said apologetically.

I sighed wearily. “It doesn’t really matter, anyway. We already know who’s behind all this.” The corner of my lip lifted. “I’ll pay them a visit tomorrow.” I’ve always loved adopting the motto to ‘keep your enemies closer than your friends’. I stroked my chin as I pondered. “Maybe I’ll also go on the offensive soon. Seeing how they’re being so impatient.”

“Okay sir, but remember to be careful. We’re dealing with the Cavarelli Syndicate, after all. They’ve been leading this country’s mafia for several years now.”

I scoffed. “You should know me better.”

“Of course, sir, I never once doubted your abilities.” He said demurely.

My expression returned to being serious. “Anyway, just make sure that spy wasn’t able to steal any thwarting information.”

“The others are already on it.” He readily responded.

As expected of Tom. He’s always efficient and quick to act. This skill of his and dedication is the main reason he is my most trusted worker. And he just happens to be as merciless as me.

“Good. Keep me updated. Is everything else progressing smoothly?”

“All is going exactly according to our plan, sir. As expected, you predicted everyone’s moves perfectly. There’s no room for failure.” He paused for several seconds before speaking further. “Assuming you already sealed the deal on your side, that is.”

“Don’t be so blunt, Tom.” I said, a slight reproach in my tone. “How could you call proposing to a lady ‘sealing the deal’?” Even if what he said was right, those words should be left unspoken.

“You’re right, sir. I apologize for my rudeness.”

“All will be finalized soon and the deal will be ours.” I said firmly.

After ending the call, I remained standing on the terrace, enjoying the cool night air as I stared at the city lying in all its luminescent splendor in front of me. The opportunity to land a business deal worth potentially billions brought me here all the way here from Scotland. I’ve lived most of my life with one single-minded drive to acquire as much wealth and power as possible. It was the rule of the jungle… the survival of the fittest. Only by reaching the top can I be reassured that no one will ever be able to step all over me… unlike in the past. As these thoughts occupied my mind, my gaze was inadvertently drawn to the dark alley where I swear I caught some homeless kids lurking earlier. Or maybe it was just my imagination. At least I hoped it wasn’t yet another spy. This opportunity for more money and power has drawn the attention of several other powerful figures. I can normally easily deal with all adversaries but the Cavarelli Syndicate are posing more of a problem than I thought. Mostly because they got their hands seeped in all types of illegal activities. But all that doesn’t matter. I’m the one who will emerge victorious in all this, just like always.