Hello, CEO! Don’t Play With Me!

Andrew put down his cutlery rather roughly. His chest heaved with emotion. His eyes went nowhere but to the middle-aged man sitting at the end of the table. His gaze was sharp and cynical but Andrew didn’t care. He was completely provoked by his anger and emotions.

“What’s wrong with you?” asked Hanry with a faint laugh. The meal was over. There was no need to savor what was on the table anymore. Nothing had managed to whet his appetite until he felt his wish was about to be realized. While his eyes watched how the figure of the woman who proposed dinner together was reorganized.

He said it was to familiarize himself with the prospective extended family who would soon be tied in holy matrimony.

“I still have a lot to take care of, Pa. You know that for sure, right?” Andrew growled under his breath. “Fania has a lot to do anyway.”

“You’re right, Mr. Hanry.” Fania spoke up. “My art project in Centralia is rather time-consuming and labor-intensive. I’d hate for anyone to help.”

This time Grace got involved in her daughter’s fights. Including the man who will become her son-in-law. Why do the two of them seem to be working together as if there is a hidden cooperation to delay their marriage again? Isn’t a three-year engagement relationship between them enough?

“If you follow the busy schedules of the two of you, Mommy doesn’t think it will be possible to meet at a convenient time.” She took a sip of the wine that was served to her. As an ending to a dinner that she thought was quite normal. There was some talk about the family although it was mostly about business and cooperation with many parties.

“It’s true what your mother said, Fania,” Hanry said, leaning back comfortably in his chair. “This dinner should result in an agreement on the date of your wedding. We don’t want to hear any excuses you can come up with.”

“But, Pa,” Andrew cut in immediately. “I told you how busy things are at The Collage.”

“You can leave it to someone you can trust, right? There are so many people working under you, none of whom you trust?”

Andrew looked away. Holding back his chest that was rumbling with annoyance.

“I want you to get married three months from now. What else is there to delay? You’re both adults.”

Fania stared at her mother who was talking out of her ass. “Our maturity is not to be driven about marriage, is it?”

“And your three years were wasted?” Grace looked at her daughter with a suspicious squint. “Don’t make too many excuses, Fania. Don’t let me ban all your activities.”

“Mom!” Fania let out a little squeal of disapproval. She knew it was rude to make a disturbing noise as the spoon clashed with the plate during a meal. But Fania really didn’t like what her mother had just said.

“Thank you for dinner. I think this is it.” Andrew got up from his seat. He also didn’t care if his father was staring at him like a hawk. Ready to draw his wrath and surely get him into even bigger trouble. but really, Andrew couldn’t take it anymore.

Even if the consequences were great, this man had reached the limit of his patience.

“Sit down,” Hanry ordered in an absolute tone. He no longer looked at his son casually and felt he could control a child whose presence was not really considered. But for this collaboration, he needed Andrew to do what he wanted. Who was his hope? No one else.

His beloved son met God twenty years ago. The accident that took Andreas Kingston’s life left Hanry devastated and changed his mind about his second son.

“I have some business, Papa. Please excuse me. Please forgive my impoliteness.” Andrew gave her a quick glance and continued to walk away from tonight’s disgusting banquet. He loosened his tie to breathe freely. Although his head was filled with fear because his father’s anger usually had a big impact, but just this once, he voiced his heart.

His large strides continued through the restaurant until he reached the main lobby. He chuckled as he remembered that the car and driver that used to take him to wherever he wanted to go had been asked to go home. If he waited for a pickup, it would certainly take a long time.

“You didn’t invite me?”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

The voice that sounded annoyed and demanding could be heard in the background. Along with the sound of heels hitting the restaurant floor with a loud clomp. A sign that the owner of the step was enveloped in great irritation.

Andrew only glanced to make sure it was the same girl, and once they were side by side at the edge of the lobby, Andrew sighed softly. “You didn’t finish your dinner.”

“Are you worried about me?” asked Fania with a sad laugh. “Think for yourself, you uncooperative master.”

“I’m sure, the two of us will be further pressured.”

Andrew’s words made him sigh. The eyes that were originally staring at one car after another that passed by, he chose to examine the toe of the shoe. It seemed useless but at least, it could make him reflect for a moment.

“I feel like spending the night at Sean’s house,” she said softly.

“Just do it.” Andrew chuckled. “Should I take a picture of your room with your heels on?”

“Are you crazy?” Fania chuckled. “We’ll never get out of this marriage trap.”

Andrew agreed to the truth of Fania’s words just now, his head immediately calculating all the plans and what he could do to avoid their parents’ ridiculous wishes.

“Has your father never experienced the beauty of love?” asked Fania quietly, which made Andrew glance at the girl who was still engrossed in the crowd across the street in front of them.

“I don’t know. I never asked.”

Fania chuckled. “Actually, we were raised the same way. Our parents are busy without knowing, we need their affection more. They can go to meetings and spend more time with other people.”

“Those other people provide many advantages, Fania, in case you’ve forgotten,” Andrew replied with a frivolous laugh. He didn’t. Andrew wasn’t belittling Fania’s little heartbreak. But the remark was in keeping with what was happening in her life.

“You’re right.” Fania sighed softly. she looked up at the darkening sky. “We’re not the ones who gave them the advantage. This is the first time we’ve been used to make a profit.”

They were silent for a while until Fania spoke up again.

“I want to break the chain like that, Andrew. Can you?”

“It should be possible. I never imagined in my life that I’d have to marry you.”

“Agreed.”

In the end, they laughed. Laughing at the fate that encircled their lives and none of them wanted to face those bonds.

“I need a little more time to get loose. Are you alone?”

Fania shrugged. “The most pleasant option; having a child with Sean. I’m sure, no matter how hard Mommy looks at Sean, if she sees my son and Sean, she’ll melt too.”

“You’re crazy.” Andrew laughed. “But whatever you choose, I’ll support you. Call me if you need my help, Fania.”

“There’s no need to think about that. What we should think about is the damn wedding day that they must have arranged without our consent.”