Morgan's POV
"Morgan Thornhill" dad screamed my name as he walked into my office.
"What is this nonsense",he roared, hitting a brown envelope on my desk.
"What's going on dad", I asked slowly.
"See for yourself young man and explain, you better have a good explanation else you risk losing your head", dad snapped.
"Calm down dad, no head would be lost today," I said, picking up the envelope.
The blazing look he gave me was enough to tell me he wasn't in the mood to joke.
"So let's see wh…at...what the fu…ck.. I screamed as I saw the content of the envelope.
"where did this come from?" I asked.
"Are you seriously asking me?"Dad asked.
"Because of this, I risk losing my chance of becoming the next governor of this state. Because of this, my greatest opponent is blackmailing me into giving him the contract we worked so hard for, do you know what you have done Morgan? Are you aware how much we would lose if these pictures get out?". Dad was furious.
I lost my ability to speak, I stared at the pictures, my mouth and eyes opened wide.
What were you even there with Marrissa? I hope it's not what I'm thinking about, Morgan.
It's complicated dad, but trust me it isn't what you are thinking. I explained.
You need to come up with a plan, one that will get you out of this mess, dad said, stomping out of my office.
I picked up the pictures again and looked at them hoping the faces would change magically.
How did this happen? How could someone take this picture without my knowledge?
The angle these pictures were taken from showed the person was very close. Does it mean I am being followed? How do I get out of this?
I paced around my office, thinking hard on what to do.
I called Barry, inviting him to my office.
I showed him the pictures and his eyes widened in shock.
"Where did these come from?" he asked pointing to the pictures.
"I have no idea B, and this is about to cause a lot of trouble for dad and the company", I explained.
"Hmmm, the only thing you can do now is to make Marrissa your girlfriend", he said.
I rolled my eyes and almost restrained myself from hitting him hard on the left eye from across the table.
I dismissed his suggestion with a scoff. The mere thought of it irks me.
Me ?
Marissa?
Never
"Oh,shit, Don't be ridiculous, Barry. I can't stand her."
But Barry wasn't giving up,the grin on his face widened as he continued.
"Come on, Morgan, that seems like the only solution, if you admit to be dating Marrissa, then this picture becomes invalid".
Although he had a point there, but I just couldn't bear the thought of holding or being so close to her".
"Nah, you have to come up with another idea B, I can't and I won't" I said.
Barry looked at me, a mischievous smile on his face.
"Are you sure there isn't something going on between you two",he asked.
"Something like what?, I said, irritation clearly written on my face.
"Or maybe you are scared she will reject you, who knows, even if you make advances at her,she won't accept you, or you may actually fall in love with her, who knows".
My eyes widened in shock at Barry's statement."
My jaw dropped in disbelief at his audacity.
"Barry, that's ridiculous and insane too, Marrissa will kiss my feet in appreciation if I ask her out on a date."
"You think so?"He asked still smiling
"I know so". I said sharply.
I hesitated for the briefest of moments.
I was torn between not agreeing,and showing that no woman can turn me down.
"Come on, you don't even need to like her, you can just pretend to, as long as you save the situation," he said.
I raised an eyebrow, curious about the mischief in his eyes .
"It's a win for you', Morgan.
"What if something bad happens?", I asked.
""Something like what ?" he asked.
" You are going to save yourself and your dad from a scandal here, nothing bad can come up."
I brushed off the concerns building in my mind, my head already racing with plans and strategies to get Marrissa agree to be my girlfriend.
"Don't worry, Morgan. You'av got this under control, ask her nicely, offer her money if need be." He smiled.
"Hmmm , really the poor would do anything to make money and be close to the rich people like us, " I said , smirking. I'll make her an offer she will grab with open hands.
Besides, I am the lady's man.
No woman can refuse me.
"Fine," I declared, my voice firm..
"Thanks, Barry. I'll discuss it with Marissa before the close of work."
************
It wasn't easy forming the words in my head, I kept thinking of the exact words to use.
Marrissa is a tough nut to crack, and the fact that we have had so many disagreements from the first day we met till now made the task even more difficult.
The knock on my door brought me out of my thoughts.
Marrissa came in and I could tell she wasn't happy to look at me.
Sit, I ordered.
I want to apologize again for all the inconvenience I… …
She started coughing.. and I could tell it wasn't real.
You should be happy, I don't usually… .
I am happy, indeed very happy, may I take my leave now sir, she said getting on her feet.
SIT, I ordered again.
She sat down reluctantly.
As I was saying before you rudely interrupted. I need you to be my girlfriend, I said straight to the point.
Hahahaha.....,, she started laughing.
You look serious sir… … wait.. are… yo… she saw the frown on my face and stopped laughing.
Are you done, I asked angrily.
I'm sorry sir, I can't accept your proposal, she said bluntly.
Why? I asked.
I remember you crying that your boyfriend cheated and dumped you, so why can't you be my girlfriend?
I'm not interested sir, you are not the type of man I would date, you lack all the qualities I would want in a lover..