Percy POV
"Percy, you do know that this is a publicity stunt, right?" Rachel asked gently. She was wearing a green sundress and light makeup.
I nodded while taking a sip of water.
I was so accustomed to her red lipstick highlighting her freckles that her good looks didn't even bother me. Furthermore, I wasn't interested in Rachel, so I couldn't be attracted to her. The only person I love is Annabeth.
We were sitting in Persephone's restaurant. Various bouquets were spread around the restaurant. Persephone loves having flowers in her eatery.
This was a high-end restaurant. It was one of the best fine dining places in the city. Usually, I wouldn't be able to afford a place like this. However, I have lots of money now from my book sales, so it's all right.
"Then, why did you agree to this?" Rachel asked.
"I accepted for the same reason that you did. There wasn't a choice," I replied.
The 'date' was almost over, and we were waiting for dessert. Essentially, Poseidon and Mr. Dare set up a date for me and Rachel, and I couldn't say no. Hermes's reporters already got a few pictures of us for the tabloids. They were trying to publicly solidify Rachel's and my union.
Rachel sighed while drinking some more wine. This was already her third glass of wine. I knew that she was nervous all night long.
I'm not angry with her though. Rachel was stuck just like me.
"I'm not mad at you, Rachel. I know how our fathers can be. They left us in a situation where we can't reject anything they ask," I said firmly.
"I'm glad that you understand, Percy. I'm just angry is all. I hate that our history is partly responsible for your breakup with Annabeth. I know how much you like her," Rachel responded sincerely.
I appreciated Rachel's support. She wasn't making this awkward. She was being a friend, and that's it. Whether she likes me or not is beside the point because Rachel respects that I have feelings for someone else. She'd never try to break that bond.
Finally, the chocolate cake arrived for us to share.
I started slicing the cake before serving Rachel a modest piece. I took the other half and started eating.
"Does it bother you that I have feelings for Annabeth?" I asked quietly.
"No, Percy. You have every right to love someone other than me. Our union is a business deal, and nothing more."
"So, what do you suggest we do?"
She shrugged in response while setting her utensils down. Rachel paused eating her delicious cake and looked into my face. I fixed my blazer after finishing my piece. I felt bad that she was stuck in the situation with me.
Rachel doesn't deserve this. Her father was making her become a businesswoman rather than an artist. Furthermore, she's being forced to date someone who will never love her back.
That's the truth. I'll never love Rachel again.
My loyalty and connection only reside with Annabeth Chase.
"Rachel, I don't understand why this is so important for our fathers. They have one of the most lucrative business empires in the world," I expressed.
"They want to combine their empires. They want Dare and Olympus to become one powerful economic entity."
"But, why?" I asked.
Rachel's eyes sparkled while she studied me. I felt like Rachel knew more about the business world since she was in it. "You don't keep up with the news, do you?"
"I don't care about business," I replied defensively.
"How did Annabeth ever like you? She's so intelligent, and she likes informed people around her," Rachel chuckled lightly.
"I wonder that all the time," I laughed along.
Finally, our light conversation died, and Rachel's face turned serious. She was going to tell me the reason why this union is so important. If I'm going to fight this merger, then I have to know what's going on.
Grover is right. The universe is telling me good things are possible. I have to fight for my happiness if I want it. And, my happiness resides around being with Annabeth.
"Titan Industries is growing in power," Rachel started. "Everyone knows that they run a trading company with all sorts of products. It's a popular company. However, they have a dark side to their business. Titan Industries also runs a smuggling operation with drug trafficking and money laundering."
"That's the real reason why Titan Industries is becoming so powerful. All the revenues that they're getting from illegal activities are fueling their growth. Before long, they can even surpass the Olympus Magnate."
My mind raced with all the new information.
However, it's not the first time that I've heard that Titan Industries is shady. Zoe Nightshade mentioned Titan's illicit business when she explained why the Hunters never associate with Titan Industries.
"So, they want to stop Titan?" I suggested.
"Yes, and they need the pooled resources of two economic brands to do so. If they want to compete and surpass Titan Industries, Olympus and Dare have to unite."
"Why can't they arrest Titan for illegal activities?" I asked logically.
"They keep their secrets under wraps. It's common knowledge that they are a bad business, but there's no proof of it. Without proof, they're free. Titan Industries will continue illegal activities that will hurt people and poison the world."
The waiter brought the check, and I paid for it. While I don't consider this a date, my mother raised a gentleman. As such, I wanted to pay for the dinner.
Rachel and I got up and left the restaurant.
We drove separately to the venue, which I was grateful for. To be honest, I didn't have a bad time with Rachel tonight. I have no feelings for her, but she's a great friend to have. She's honest, and she's in the same situation as me.
Her driver straightened as soon as he saw us. He politely opened the door for Rachel to enter the backseat.
"Rachel, why can't they pool their resources anyway? Why can't they unite without making their kids unite?" I asked. "I just don't get it."
The frustration laced my voice as I crossed my arms. Rachel reached forward and placed her hand on my arm to calm me down.
"I don't know why," Rachel said before pulling away.
"Dare and Olympus both know that they have to unite against Titan industries. If I had to guess, I think they believe that a union won't last unless a personal relationship develops. That's why they're forcing us to date and marry."
With that, Rachel got into her car and drove away.
I pondered her words. They made sense from a business standpoint. If they want to rank above Titan industries (and their illegal affairs), Dare and Olympus must merge.
However, think about this.
If Titan Industries becomes a non-issue, then there's no reason for Dare and Olympus to merge. If Titan Industries fails to rise, then Rachel and I wouldn't need to unite.
I can pursue my happiness and love. I'd be free to be with Annabeth.
***
KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.
I groaned in annoyance. I hate when people interrupt me while I'm writing. It's different when you're interrupted during the editing process. However, while you're writing a new chapter, it's difficult to get up in the middle of your thoughts.
I saved the progress on my laptop before stomping towards the front door. If my friends are on the other side, I'm sure gonna yell at them.
"Why the hell would you interrupt me while writing?" I snapped.
"Because you freaking deserve it," Silena shouted back. She barged into my apartment and greeted me with a hug.
"Silena, what are you doing here?" I asked in surprise. Regardless, I accepted her hug. Out of all of my colleagues, I missed Silena the most (not counting Annabeth).
"I'm here to scream at you," she replied. "Can I come in?"
"Of course."
I led Silena towards the living room and brought us some sodas. Hestia and the kids went to the part this evening. I didn't go because I was busy writing.
Silena was wearing a pantsuit and a purple blouse. It was pretty clear that she had just come from the office. Her silky hair flowed over her shoulders.
"So, you wanted to scream at me?"
"Yes. How the hell could you leave the company? What the hell is wrong with you?" Silena shouted after taking a sip of her Pepsi.
"It was my decision, Silena, and I didn't make it lightly. Truth be told, I didn't want to leave Annabeth, but I had to."
"THAT'S SO DUMB, Percy. You love Annabeth."
"Of course, I love her. I'd be a fool to not fall in love with Annabeth. Life is just more complicated than love, Silena," I answered.
Silena paused while digesting my words. She couldn't possibly think that I quit because I wanted a clean breakup from Annabeth. Then, she rubbed her hand and set the drink down. "Percy, nothing is more complicated than love."
"Percy, you seem miserable. I can tell by your voice when you're talking about Annabeth. You're not happy leaving her, so why did you?" Silena said. "Furthermore, Annabeth is so upset, and it's showing in her work as well."
"What are you talking about?" I asked. "Annabeth would never let her personal life affect her company."
"Are you kidding? Annabeth loves you, Percy. No matter how strong and intelligent a person is, she can't function normally with a broken heart."
I never considered that Annabeth loves me. We never said those words to each other. I knew that we had gotten very close. I knew that I love her. However, I wasn't sure if Annabeth's feelings ran as deep as mine.
Suddenly, despair washed over me again.
I sat on the couch and rested my elbows on my knees. I rubbed my face with my right hand while thinking about Annabeth. It's been three weeks since I left her. I didn't have a choice, but that didn't make it any better.
Furthermore, Poseidon continued pressuring me about signing the union contract. Rachel already signed it because her dad forced her to.
I couldn't sign the contract though. I couldn't commit to anyone except Annabeth.
"Percy, are you okay?"
"Nothing's okay, Silena. I can't tell you what's going on. However, I can say that I love Annabeth, and I didn't want to do this."
Silence followed while my mind got lost in thought. I was making a plan to take down Titan Industries. That was the first step to canceling Olympus and Dare's union. I had to stop the merger if I wanted a chance with Annabeth.
"Do you want me to tell Annabeth that?" Silena asked softly.
"No, because I want to tell her myself. Annabeth usually works late on Thursdays, so she must still be in the office. I'm going there right now."
Silena helped herself out of the apartment at the same time I did. The drive to Olympus Architecture took only a few minutes. I wasn't dressed in any formal clothes, so I felt out of place in the company.
The receptionist recognized me immediately.
"Is the boss still here?" I asked Martha.
The middle-aged woman smiled warmly before gesturing me to the elevators. I shouted thanks before running to the elevators. Annabeth didn't do anything about the horrible elevator music. I guess that I hadn't reminded her to do something. It was my job to remind her of the small things.
I didn't get around to it because I was busy breaking things off. The elevator ride up to the top floor felt like an eternity. My body was shaking with nervousness.
Andrenaline was coursing through my veins. My body was acting on impulse, and I couldn't stop myself anymore. I knew that I couldn't tell Annabeth anything, but I can show her. Furthermore, Poseidon and his team can't do anything about it because I was technically following their instructions. I went on the 'date' with Rachel, and I did quit my job and break up with Annabeth.
I took a deep breath. After reaching the familiar floor, I knocked on Annabeth's door.
The door clicked after a few moments, and I entered the room. Annabeth was reviewing and signing documents at her desk.
"Malcolm, did you get the Grey-Sloan files I asked for?" her powerful voice permeated the room. Of course, I loved her strong voice.
"Sorry, boss. I didn't know about those," I replied quietly.
Her head whipped up. Her mouth parted in surprise. Gods, I missed her so much, and she looked as stunning as ever.
"Seaweed Brain, what are you doing here?" she asked quietly.
I didn't answer her.
Instead, I walked toward the bookshelf to my right. My eyes searched for the camera in the room, and I found it tucked under a stack of books. It was well-hidden. Unless you were looking for it, you wouldn't see it.
The camera was still rolling, and there wasn't a way to turn it off.
I walked toward her desk and set the camera on her desk. She stared at the camera before looking up again. She could figure this out. I just wanted to give her a nudge.
After all, Annabeth Chase is the smartest person I know.