Ronan
I love mini parties, but I loathe parties that are mini, yet grand.
As I walk down the hall with a sea of faces staring at me like they have seen a strange person. I don't think I can live with it despite the fact that I witnessed it a few times.
"Good evening Mr. Ronan, it is nice seeing you here today," Mr. Mikael, the CEO of Agrofoods stationed his hand towards me for a handshake.
I did well to firmly take his hand as I looked directly into his eyes. "It is nice seeing you here too. You look stunning in this tuxedo. Can I have your dealer's contact number?" I asked.
I watched him tilt his head up as his eyes slightly closed, his wrinkled face became visible, and his upper teeth made his lips widen as he laughed out loud.
"Stop this gimmick. You're quite aware, no one dresses elegantly like a Steele and you're the only Ronan Steele in New York City. So, how convenient?"
I returned the gesture and smiled. "We have a meeting slated for tomorrow. I hope you'll be present,"
"I will be. It is a privilege to be called over by Ronan Steele. My stocks will find its way up tomorrow," he giggled and released my hand.
I bowed to him and I watched another person walk towards me until someone from behind grabbed my hand. I was shocked as to who could do that.
Instinctively, I grabbed the person's hand, using my shoulder to lift and stumped the unknown person to the ground.
I didn't know what I have done until I checked who I just flipped over — Mrs. Elena, my personal assistant.
"Sorry! Sorry!!" I apologized as my eyes scanned the faces staring at us. "Can you get up?"
As she got up, I asked her again. "Are you okay?"
She nodded her head and I felt relieved. "Are you okay?" She asked.
I heaved a sigh, even though I knew that at that moment, I felt a terror I have been feeling since when I was a kid.
"I just need to get out of here," I responded.
To be honest, I thought I was healing from my past trauma, but I wasn't. Subconsciously, it is overwhelming me and I just realized its power growth right now.
Since my parents died right in front of me, and one of the people that murdered them tapped me from behind. He was huge and tall — I felt terrified — Since then, any tap from behind jolted my fears and I'll act without impulse.
Elena drove me home. The journey was a silent one until Elena spoke up. "There is something you need to know," she said with her hands firmly on the steering wheel.
"What is that?" I asked and stared at her.
"You have a series of meetings and travels to do this week. Will you try to hire a nanny to take care of Ellis?"
I rested my palm against my temple as I thought about it. "Yeah, that's true. But, can't she tag along?"
"No, she can't."
"Why? She has to be wherever I am," I protested.
"So, have you forgotten what happened when you were her age?" Elena stopped the car and stared at me. "Or, just of recent where she was in a minor accident,"
"Don't get me started," I opened the door as my memories brewed — Memories I don't want to remember.
"She needs to stay here in New York, she won't tag along Ronan." she said, opening the car's door and got out.
I took a peek on her phone, and I found out that she's trying to hire a nanny.
"You've decided," I proclaimed.
"Yes, I have," she responded as her footsteps receded. "Everyone is booked. Except two. One just graduated from medical school. I love this one,"
"What's her name?"
"Sarah Winstel," Elena took her attention from her device to me who has been staring at her since like forever. "Her information is quite impressive for her age,"
"People lie,"
"She gave proof. I have booked her and I have requested for a meeting. We'll be meeting tomorrow at the office,"
***
The next day…
I heard a knock on my office door. "Come on in," I ordered — It was Elena.
*She is a time freak too. She's here 15 minutes to the slated time for the meeting,* I thought.
"She's here," Elena seemed energized by whatever she's talking about.
"Who is here?" I asked with my elbow on the table while I rolled the pen in my hands.
"The young nanny!" Elena screamed beneath her voice and rushed towards me. "And she's beautiful too!"
"What does that mean?" I asked her with contempt showing on my face.
Elena stood straight. "Nothing," she responded.
"Call her in," I ordered.
Elena went out and shortly after, another figure followed her into my office.
"You!"
"You!" the lady pointed her finger towards me.
Isn't the rude intern I suspended last week from her workplace? And she still had the audacity to point her finger at me right now?
"Elena, we have to search for another nanny. I won't allow her to take care of my daughter,"
"Are you sure about that?" Elena asked, "Ellis thanked her when we met at the reception."
"Thanked her for what?"
"For saving her life,"
"The doctors did, not her."
"Anyways, time is running out and there are no available nannies. What's your decision?" Elena asked.
I couldn't help, but stare at the annoying stranger that I once knew. "What's your name?"
"Sarah Winstel,"
"I went through your curriculum vitae. I hope you aren't lying with the details,"
"I'm not, you can verify," she sounded genuine.
I hate the fact that she might be the only person to take care of Ellis — Maybe I should give myself the benefits of doubt.
"One week — I will rate your performance after one week. If I'm satisfied, you'll keep your job and if I'm not, well, you have to leave like you did last week," I stopped flickering my pen. "Do you understand?"
"Yes, I do."
"Alright then. Elena would see you to the reception, my daughter is there. Catch up on the little things and don't ask personal questions, she's just 7"
"Alright," she responded.
"After a week, Elena would send your payment. You're dismissed,"
Elena and Sarah turned around to leave. "Elena," I called out.
I could hear her tell Sarah to wait for her outside and as she locked the door behind her, Elena walked towards me.
"What is it?"
"This is another time of the year where —"
"Where you need to find who has been dropping flowers on your mother's grave since the past three years," Elena cuts me off. "Are you still in search of that little girl?"
"Yes, I am. And with the power I have, they are still out of reach,"
"Yeah, they did well hiding." Elena scoffed as she gently nodded her head. "It is next Friday. It has always been on your schedule and it is immediately after your wedding,"
I nodded my head in response and I stared at Elena. "Thank you,'' I expressed my gratitude and dismissed her finally as I resumed arranging the files and getting ready for a meeting with Mr. Mikael.
It wasn't up to thirty minutes when Elena bursted in. "I'm sure you have hands that can turn into a fist to knock," I said.
"That would be the least of our concern right now," Elena said as she placed a file on my table.
My curiosity peaked and I couldn't help but ask. "What's going on?"
"The contractual marriage. The Three Brothers shifted the date. They want you and their sister to get married within a month,"
I dropped my pen and heaved a sigh. "Why so soon?"
"Is marriage even necessary?" Elena asked and I had to think about it.
Yes, it is. Us at the top of the food chain knows very well that the Three Brothers are very ruthless, but to the masses, they are saviours. Getting them to invest and promote Audrey will skyrocket our sales and now is the time I need them.
"Yes, it is necessary. I have to adjust their terms then if they want it earlier than expected,''
"A month is too close. Mr. Mikael might cut ties with us because of this."
"We weigh out chances. This marriage will bring a lot of deals. Hope you haven't forgotten Mr. Jason. He wants me to get married before he could think about accepting our proposal for an investment."
Elena paced back and forth then stopped as she stared at me.
"The marriage will also let us lose long term clients. The masses are not our investors. In the business world, we all hate The Brothers. If they find out about the marriage we might be considered doomed!"
"You're against the marriage?"
"No, I'm not. It is just too soon. Schedule a meeting with the board, they will give you the same answer. The Three Brothers wants to have the larger share in Audrey, that's their plan!"
Elena caught her breath then continued. "Our competitors are currently not doing anything to their prod
ucts. We need to catch our own pace too."
I heaved a sigh and stood up. "That's where you missed the point, Elena. I don't want to compete, I want to dominate the market."