I swiped through the images of our outfits for the engagement, and the one I chose was black. Well, the colour perfectly matches my situation and the occasion. She is making sure to turn the engagement into my mourning, and I am glad she is carefully choosing, making sure everything sinks in on my grieving day. I studied the blazer, everything about it: the cut, the design and the golden buttons that were carefully picked are standing out on the outfit. She has selected the cravat for the occasion instead of a tie. The shoe was shining like a slick. She made sure to pick my boxer too; she is sick, like really sick.
She has made sure to give a brief description below every image. How she has planned to remove each outfit from my body by using more of her teeth, along with her tongue rolling everywhere. 'I will make sure we are wrecked on the same night, baby.' It was her romantic text, and I wanted to scoff, but I couldn't. She always makes sure to leave her touch in a sexist way wherever she can.
She has made sure of everything perfectly, just like her; she is a damn perfectionist.
'You are wearing this outfit.' It was her end message for the day. I replied, 'Ok', and kept my cell on the nightstand.
I leaned on the bed and watched the sealing. Tomorrow is the day. Tomorrow, both my family and hers were going to announce the engagement. Everyone keeps saying I am making a big deal, like it's sane to get engaged with that uptight one. Like getting engaged is not a fucking big deal in my life.
The word 'fiancée' or the word 'marriage' is not sitting well with me, from the time my dad threw an alliance's shit at my face. I never planned so far ahead in my life. I don't know why, when I think about my future, the concept of marriage is never involved, nor do I think of it. Now, all of a sudden, I am going to get engaged by the end of the week.
I shivered when I remembered what was going to happen tomorrow. My throat went dry, and I forgot how to breathe. Is this really going to happen, getting engaged to her? I need to get a grip on the situation; I can't lie and pity myself. I should do something, and the biggest question was, what can I possibly do? Well, I'd better take this situation damn seriously, or else I will be fucked up for life.
I tossed sideways as I stretched my hand; immediately, my eyes fell on the bracelet, and my memory was filled with the kiss scene. Everything that happened between Dante and me was completely replaced by only one scene. I whimpered at the thought and groaned. This is not fucking happening right now; I need to concentrate on tomorrow's deal, not over a bloody kiss. Nothing had any effect on me; I should stop making a big deal out of it. His pathetic life and his wish, right? He can do whatever the hell he wants, and I shouldn't care about anything that's happening or happens in the future. I nodded at that, making up my mind, but my mind still lingered in the same scene, not letting me say goodbye.
I don't know when sleep consumed me; irrespective of everything that's happening today, I slept like a dead body and didn't wake even once in dread about today's event. That's a good sign, right? I nodded at that, reassured myself, and made my way to the bathroom.
As I got freshened up, I descended the steps and groaned when I saw my family. I joined them. Silently, I filled my plates and started having the same. I stayed calm on the outside, but inside, the fear was carving its way. Everyone was observing me, not outright but stealing my glance now and then. My mum was a worried wreck, but others seemed happy. I don't know whether they are pretending for my sake, but I didn't bother to confirm anything. I looked at my dad, who was calm and smiling softly at something my elder sister was saying.
"Rowan, I have a meeting to attend. It will be finished soon; I will join you directly at the press conference." I nodded at him. "Best of luck." My sisters chorused together with a bright smile, and my mother tried her best to mimic them. "Congratulations in advance." My elder sister greeted me with a broad smile. I nodded at that, not bothering to acknowledge anything orally. "Shreya and her family will be joining at the exact time," my dad added. Can't something happen to them, like life-threatening or death to any one of them? Doesn't sound that bad. Wow, I could go wild with these kinds of theories; I never knew it. Once again, I nodded at my dad. "Try to open that mouth in front of the media, ok? I don't want to think we are forcing you into this." Isn't he? "Aren't you?" I couldn't stop myself. "That's it, Rowan; I have taken your ranting, and I am done with your complaints. Man up, ok. You are getting engaged for now, and in a few months, you are tying the knot with her." He got up from the chair and started walking, clearly irritated.
"We would be there in time, don't worry. If you want, we can go to the hotel together for the conference." My second sister suggested. "I promise we will be a good distraction." My third sister added with a broad smile. She is very happy with the whole thing. "No, I have so much work to do. You guys can come to the conference directly. I will be there." I tried my best to look confident, and I hope I spoke in an assuring tone. They nodded at that. "Mum's presence would ease me through all this ordeal." I faced my mum once again, mustering all my courage. "I am fine with this arrangement. Please stop worrying about me." Clearly, she didn't buy it; the concern doubled all over her face. I don't know what more to say to her or how to convince her. I am out of words, and I want to save the energy to face the afternoon session head-on.
I arrived at the company to finish the work by the afternoon. I wanted a distraction, and by engrossing myself in work, I could occupy my mind. I pretty much succeeded till 12 pm, and it was time to go for the press conference. Davis called me and asked whether I was ok and in need of his company. I declined his offer and didn't answer his questions.
I was in the car, scrolling through my phone. My dad has given me a brief description of what was going to happen and how I was supposed to address the media. He also cautioned me that I should act lovingly and show the media that I have fallen in love with Shreya. He can keep dreaming that, and I don't think my fiancée cares whether we love each other or not, unless I follow her command.
I got out of the car, and my eyes swept over the surroundings. The media were everywhere as they spotted me and started clicking pictures. My guards safely guided me inside the hotel. I entered the conference hall and sat in the background along with my family. My dad did not arrive yet, nor did the uptight one and her family. That's odd considering she is punctual as hell. My dad dropped a message indicating that he would be late as the meeting is stretching. My cell started ringing, and I groaned when I swiped on the screen. "Baby, I am running late, stuck in this deal, and it's damn important for my career. My parents are on their way; we will join you shortly. Meanwhile, please handle the press until I arrive with your family." Immediately, the cell was disconnected before I could respond. Well, for once, she is giving me time to breathe, not hovering over me and not here to update me about how to behave in front of the media. I sighed, not getting the signs the universe was giving me.
It's been 15 minutes, and the press started to get restless. I chuckled when the uptight one had not yet shown up with her family. Not even my dad. I didn't bother to check on my family. I am sure they will be among the crowd. Mr. Danial, my secretary, approached me and spoke. "Rowan, the media started to get restless; they want to take your interview for now. You have not given a proper interview in a long time, and they want one now." I was perplexed at that, giving an interview at this time. They would likely ask questions about Shreya, and although she and my dad have prepared me for this interview, I don't want to speak in their absence. "Is it a good idea?" Danial nodded at that. "Yes. I called your dad; it will take another 30 minutes to reach here, including Shreya's family. We need a distraction, and it's the best idea." I nodded in understanding, but I doubt that I would be a good distraction considering my history with the press. They get on my nerves so easily; I always end up walking out on them, and I even snapped at so many reporters. "One of the reporters suggested the idea, and we can't offend them at this point when they have been waiting for the past few minutes, and we need a distraction." I don't like the idea of addressing the media without my dad beside me. "You need media coverage on you personally too, Rowan, so should I say yes to him?" I scratched my forehead at that. Why not? I never got along with the media, so I avoided it. These reporters were carefully picked by my dad, so I guess nothing could go wrong. I nodded at Danial. He hesitated for a moment and spoke. "Please be careful." I frowned at that, butI didn't miss the hint.
I sat in front of the press; the room was almost full, and I gulped at the sight. I never thought my father would invite so many. This is sensational news, so I couldn't expect any less, but addressing them solely is nerve-wracking. I tried my best to keep my nerves at bay and keep from shaking when my eyes fell on the room. I didn't get a minute more to compose myself when one of the reporters spoke, and strangely, I recognized the voice.
"Hello, Mr. Desmond, it's been a long time. I hope you are doing well." The guy is from one of the reputed channels and falls into those groups who just can't take a break and give me a break. I don't know what the hell he was doing here. The smirk was remarkably wide when he saw my face. "We had a short break, Mr. Desmond, and I hope you enjoyed it." Wow, he was mocking me in front of everyone, and I can't offend him in any way or any reporter who is present in the room. "Mr. Desmond, what do you think about your latest strong competitor, Mr. Morris?" And I was taken aback at the irrelevant question on the given occasion. I opened my mouth and closed it, not knowing how to answer. While I was pondering, a follow-up question was thrown at me. "How do you feel about Morris and his achievements?" Another reporter. "He is so young compared to you. What do you feel about it?" And this guy dared to smirk at my face. Something feels off about this whole thing. "At a young age, he is so successful. Where do you think you lacked, Mr. Desmond? Another guy with a cunning smile, and I gulped at that one. "He has taken over his empire at a young age, and you had to prove yourself for the past few years. How do you feel about it?" Another one clearly ridiculing me. "It's been days since he returned; he is everywhere, grabbing huge attention compared to you. How do you feel about it?" Why the hell are they hyping and doing comparative shit? Can they fucking throw things like this at my face? "Can you survive?" That felt like the last blow, all I needed for the moment, and my mind went blank. "We can guess your survival mode, but please tell us, can your company survive under your guidance in front of Mr. Morris?" My chest was rising and falling at the back-to-back questions that they were throwing at me without taking a break or waiting for my answers.
My secretary approached me hastily and started whispering. "I am not able to identify a few faces, Rowan; they have entered without invitation to rile you up. We could wait till your dad joins us; come on, let's go." He watched me desperately, and strangely, I didn't budge from the place. And I faced my family, who stood behind the curtain, concern written all over their faces. If it were before, I would have followed my secretary without giving a second thought, and now, the idea doesn't appease me. I would be glad to throw a few cruses at the press, and I would walk out, but now, I was glued to my spot. I watched every one of them and their facial expression as they were enjoying my vulnerability like before. I was not in the mood to give up. They wanted answers, and I am going to give them exactly what they want. "I could handle this," I told him a little louder, facing the crowd. "Rowan, someone has planned this." Of course, I know. I am not an idiot. "I can handle this," I told him firmly. Reluctantly, he walked back.
The series of images started to surface in my mind.
The first one was the one who ditched me for no bloody reason and never contacted me after he returned, too. It was my time to express my emotions and to show him he means nothing. I wanted a victory over him in my own way.
There was Eddie, who was to bully me. It's been years since I saw Eddie. When I saw him, he was kissing another asshole in front of a huge crowd, making a bloody scene. Their intimate scene, his triumphant victory at the pub when he kissed Dante. Well, it's time I need to wipe it off. All those fucking years for fucking with me, I need to return the favour in my bloody way.
I really hate when Davis' face surfaces and the urge to smack him for having a crush and for falling for Eddie. Not only that, but he also fucking kept it a secret from me all those years. Well, it was my time to stir his emotions.
My darling Shreya fucked up my life for the past few months and swore to do the same in my future too. She deserves my wrath. I am going to serve her gracefully, matching her attitude and also her audacity. I will make sure she regrets whatever she has done to me so far, and she will remember me for fucking wrong reasons. I will fucking give her.
My sweet grandfather controlled my dad with his vulnerability and played and choked my life at the same time. My life turned upside down because of him, and I'll return the favour. This time, I will make sure he bids goodbye to this world for good.
My dad, a puppet all of a sudden, who fell into my wrath, deserves some return gift for being an obedient child to his father. I will be as obedient in choosing the gift.
And there was Tristan, the relief on his face when he heard we were not in contact. His smile—I want to see that fading forever. The hating for no reason, his friendship only for namesake, and his attitude toward me. It was time to give my answer to him. I chuckled by imagining his face.