Arranged Marriage With My Ex-Boyfriend

Chapter 4: The Two CEOs

Chapter 4: The Two CEOs

Paris' point of view

"Ready?"

I sighed and looked at Stephen. "I guess," I said, gone all of my enthusiasm as we were both inside the elevator.

I saw my brother sighed in defeat. "I know you can do it. It just suits you to be the CEO of our company."

I just pursed my lips into thin line and didn't speak. I am so not ready for this being the CEO of Smith Corporation most especially that I will be the next headline in the newspaper for tomorrow. I want this to be quiet as much as possible but I guess they wouldn't let me to be silent and want to expose me more.

I would expect lots of bashing and criticism from the people in the business. Although I have worked it on to manage a business. I was once a manager in one of the five-star restaurants in the California, USA. When I got to save much money from my salary, I built my own business and I hid my real name.

As much as possible, I want only few people who will know about me so that my brothers would have difficulties of finding me. So I hired someone who can act as the owner of my business. My business is a consultant firm.

"Brother?" I called.

"Yes, sis?"

"Do you know where I went for the past four years?" I simply turned my head to look at my brother.

His brows furrowed and looked at me in my eyes. "Yes." My heart thumped. He is? I thought--- "You went far, far away, right?" he smiled sheepishly.

I frowned. "I'm talking about what place I went to." I pouted and crossed my arms over my chest.

Stephen chuckled and tapped my shoulder. "I don't know, okay? 'Have to say you were good at hiding from us. The moment you do this again, we will make sure that we will find you, my little sissy," he said, grinning and gave me a tight side hug.

"I-I can't breathe!" I pouted.

He chuckled and gently winced my hair. I slapped his hand. "Big brother, stop!" He is ruining my hair! "I hate you!" I straightened my hair using my hand.

I frowned more when he laughed. "You're still such a baby," he told which made me frown more.

I was about to complain but the elevator ding which means we were now on the floor where my office is located. I fixed myself and straightened my semi-formal attire.

"Good morning, Ma'am Paris!"

I was greeted by a bunch of employees that made me surprise that they had made me a banner, welcoming me. Okay...? They didn't have to do that...

"G-Good morning," I greeted back with an enthusiastic formal smile.

"Good morning, Sir Stephen," they said, greeting my third brother.

"Good morning! So, she is the new CEO of Smith Corporation and our youngest sister, Paris Ysabelle Smith," Kuya Stephen introduced. Then he turned his attention to me. "Well, Ma'am Paris, here are your employees. Take care of them. I am rooting for you," he said and slowly stepping back as he flew flying kisses everywhere which made the women shriek in joy.

I rolled my eyes. "Hope you fall down later."

Stephen shot me a glare but I just grinned at him, amused. "Good bye, world!" he said dramatically as he slowly entered in his office.

I just shook my head. Maybe I should bring my brother next time in an asylum. He already lose his sanity.

I emerged in my office and scanned my new environment. They had really renovated Dad's office according to my liking. Bookshelves on the right side and file cabinets on the left, three paintings on each side of this room, new mahogany desk, white swivel chair and vases in some corners in my office. The three sides of this room was painted all white. The large glass wall where I could imagine and see things from the outside of this building with large blinds. Also, the air conditioning is way enough for me.

"Not bad, I guess," I murmured under my breath as I went to sit in my swivel chair.

Someone knocked in my door and opened it to enter herself. "Good morning, Ma'am Paris! I am Gayle, your secretary," she said and bowed a little.

I nodded as I acknowledged her. Gayle... "What's my appointment for today?"

My secretary was a bit surprised because I already asked her my appointment today. Well, I got used to it. Back then when I was in California, I would always ask my secretary about my appointments the first moment she entered in my office.

She cleared her throat. "Today's appointments are in 8:30 a.m. you'll pay a visit to one of the Smith Corporation and Dela Fuente Company's projects, Laille Condominium. Sir Ethan and Sir Dylan are already waiting for you, Ma'am Paris."

I frowned. "That's so boring..." I commented which made Gayle smiling.

"Same thoughts just like Sir Gabriel."

I arched my brow then I chuckled. "Well, what can I say? I'm his daughter." We both chuckled. Imagine my dad is whining like a kid about seeing construction sites. We are not found seeing one of them but for the sake of this position, Dad went to every construction sites the company has project on. I stood up in my seat. "Very well. I shall go then." I took my bag but before I leave, I called Gayle. "As I come back here, I want all the files from the previous transaction of Smith Corporation. Place it in my desk and refrain anyone who wants to enter in my office except my brothers and Dad. Understand?" She nodded.

I went to Stephen's office and was greeted by lots of blueprints on his table. I saw my brother holding some wires as he checked on it.

"Big brother," I called.

He raised his glance. "Yes?"

"Bring me to Laille Condominium site. I don't know where the location is."

"Okay."

We both entered in the elevator. My brother told me to wait him in the lobby because he will fetch me here. Not long after, he was here now.

"Brother Ethan and brother Dylan are there, too," I said.

"Nah. I'm not after for chitchatting with them," he said and chuckled. "I'll just drop you by and ask one of those two idiots to drive you back in the office."

"You mean... three idiots?" I suppressed the playful smile in my lips. How I love teasing Stephen!

His face turned sour. "Eww! I am not i***t. I am a handsome man. Get it?"

I acted like I'm going to puke. "Sure. Whatever."

As we arrived from the destination, Stephen told me to wear a hard hat because it's for safety precaution. We asked one of the construction workers if they had seen Architect Ethan and Engineer Dylan. They were already inside, checking the blueprints.

My eyes wandered for a moment as I have to glance up to see the way to finish building the condominium. They just have to put some glass windows and a major fixed inside the building.

We went inside and we saw our two brothers. I saw unfamiliar three people inside. One of them was very familiar for me. The body built... it was like I had seen it before...

"Looks like the CEO of Dela Fuente Company is here, too."

I looked at Stephen as my heart started to thump wildly. "W-What? D-Dela F-Fuente Company?" Did he mean... I stopped on my tracks. I think I should go away now.

"Mr. Dela Fuente, you're here," Stephen said and all men looked at our direction even that guy my brother called.

No way...

Ivo is here...

How on earth did that happen?

They all shook hands and I saw motioned his hand to me. Ivo looked at me with confusion in his eyes and after a while his eyes widened in shock. I am shocked, too.

And this can't be good I must say.

I didn't realize they are now in front of me if Ethan hasn't talked and introduced me.

"This is our youngest sister and new CEO, Paris Ysabelle Smith, Mr. Dela Fuente," introduced Kuya Ethan.

Ivo composed himself and I secretly gnashed my teeth. He extended his hand. "Kurt Ivo Dela Fuente is the name, Ms. Smith. Please to meet you."

I glared at his hand for a moment as I think quickly. How could I ever forget that he, too was a CEO? Back then, he told me that he has already that position after he graduated in his college years. That brought a pain in my chest, remembering it.

I composed myself and extended my hand to shake our hands. "Likewise, M-Mr. Dela Fuente," I almost cussed that my voice stammered a bit as I felt a jolt of electricity from the touching from shaking hands.

"Very well. You two shall get along. We will leave you both for a bit. I need to talk with Sir Stephen," Ethan said and they left and locked Kuya Stephen's head in his arms.

"Hey! Professionalism, dumbass!" I heard Kuya Stephen shouted.

"Professionalism your ass! Stupid motherfucker!" Ethan cussed.

"An airheaded asshole," said Dylan.

I saw how they dragged Stephen like he did something wrong. Or perhaps he really did something wrong?

Then suddenly I realized... I was left with... him. There goes my heart beating wildly like there's a horse running inside of my ribcage.

The moment I looked at him, I caught him looking at me, too. I looked away and pretended I am inspecting the interior design of the building.

"Where have you been these past few years, P-Paris?"

I closed my eyes for a moment as I felt my chest starting to rise up and down. "It is none of your business, Mr. Dela Fuente. I am here for business and not for remembering nostalgic memories." I glared at his eyes but I realized it was a wrong move for me to do it.

I saw lots of emotions in his eyes that hurt my chest. I felt my eyes stung as I felt back from the past. It was from the moment I confronted him for his betrayal.

"I'll never get along with you," I said through gritted teeth. "Not with an asshole like you," I added.

Ivo lowered down his gaze. "I see..." he paused. "You were still angry with me even if years had already passed." I snorted and was about to talk about but he continued. "Paris, I didn't do it... I swear..."

I clenched my fists as tears were about to fall. I looked at up and blinked so many times, threatening my tears not to fall. Not today, self. Not today... I thought you already forgot about him?

I looked at him again. "Save your f*****g explanation, Ivo. I don't want to recall the past. Let's get over with this s**t. Everything we had was a mistake," I lied. I know that what we had even if he still betrayed me was not a mistake.

Ivo took a deep breath as he composed himself by pinching the bridge of his nose. Then he looked at me. "You're right. I want to talk about the projects this evening. How about lunch later?"

My brows furrowed. What the f**k is he trying to do? "Business? Or are you asking me for a date?" The nerve of this guy...

Ivo stared at me seriously. "We are here for business, remember? Then let's talk about it. I'll show you who you are dealing with, Ms. Smith."

I shook my head slowly. "Ask my brothers. Not me, asshole." I walked passed by at him and followed my brothers.

I felt my chest as my heart still beating so weirdly. "Damn you, heart..." I mumbled under my breath.

Ivo's point of view

"Did she already know about it?" I asked Stephen as he motioned his hand towards the surprised Paris.

My beautiful Paris...

"Uhm..." He looked at Dylan and Ethan.

"We haven't told her about it yet. But soon," Dylan answered. "She is still coping up and got here in the Philippines not so long ago."

I nodded as I watched her changing her expression like she didn't know what to do. "Has she had a boyfriend back then?"

"Boyfriend? Are you kidding me?" He huffed like he wanted to laugh. "She hasn't have any boyfriend ever since she graduated from college," said Ethan with his proud smile. "We're guarding her and refraining her from having a boyfriend."

I blinked and realized. Oh yeah. Paris and I's relationship before was still a secret but few people knew about us that we were in a relationship. If only her brothers knew about that I managed to court her and made her my girlfriend.

"But Ethan, we haven't seen Paris for years. Maybe she once had a boyfriend during the time of acting like a refugee."

I clenched my teeth as to what Dylan said. You've got to be kidding me? She had a boyfriend aside from me? I felt myself infuriating.

"Well, of course, that's just my speculation," he shrugged.

"It may be true," said Ethan.

"Come, Mr. Dela Fuente, meet our beautiful sissy," said Stephen as he put his arm on my shoulders and walked towards to Paris.

Feeling her hand while we shook hands made me wanted to touch her more as I felt my chest tightening. Talking to her was I think a wrong move. I could sense and see the madness by just looking at her eyes. I could see the bitterness in it and the disgust look of her is what I hate for. That's the last thing I wanted to see from her.

I didn't do it for the things she accused me. I did not betray her. I did not cheat on her.

Why would I do that if I have the best girl in my life?

I paused.

Oh right.

She was not my girl anymore.

A sadful truth. But I know I still have a chance to work this thing on. Until they tell her about it, I would be silent for a while before I'll make a move that will make her mine again.

I glared at her back, her hair was ponytailed.

For now, she has no idea.

I went to the Smith brothers who were talking about the blueprints. My eyes roamed to look for Paris. She was talking to one of the interior designers. I caught her giving me a glance then she looked away and turned her back on me.

"Mr. Dela Fuente," I heard Ethan called me.

"Is something the matter?" I asked.

He looked at his brothers and pulled me away from that area. I was confused of what is happening.

"What is it?" I asked, confused.

"Dad has been insisting us to tell Paris about your arranged marriage with her. I must say we will have some precautions to prevent her to fly back to where she headed for the past years." Okay... I think I know where it is headed. "Starting from next week, the engagement of you two must be announced. Also, we will tell about her arranged marriage with you in the next couple of days."

I am speechless as how dedicated these Smith brothers. I just have no idea why they are trusting me with her. It's like I am welcome with them already.

I cleared my throat. "Do as you wish." Was the only words I could say.

Just what if her brothers know Paris and I were once a couple? Could they still trust me?