Chapter 4: A confrontation turned engagement.

Caden

“Miss, I’m sorry… you can’t go in there right now. Hey! Stop!” The receptionist called, but it was too late. My mind was set on getting in there to see whoever this “Mr. Norman” man was.

“Miss please, you can’t go in!” After her final verbal attempt, she tried to physically stop me, yet she was in vain. With a final step, I was at his door. I opened his door with a force that made it hit the wall.

“I’m sorry sir. I tried to stop her!” Exclaimed the secretary, defending herself as if her life depended on it. I couldn’t care less about her apologies. Right now, my blood was boiling.

“It’s okay, Lisa. I’ll handle it.” He remarked, waving her off. Nodding, she left the office with a face overflowing with relief.

“Miss, can I help you?” He inquired with a tone of burden lacing his words. I immediately shifted my eyes back to him away from the secretary that just left his office. It only took me a second to analyze the man in front of me. Okay, he wasn’t exactly what I expected but I got this. I can handle this.

I walked directly up to him and slumped my handbag on his desk. I could see that act alone took an effect on him as he took a slight look at the handbag before raising his eyes back to me. I leaned a little forward as I rested both my hands on his desk. Looking straight into his eyes, I spoke up.

“I don’t know what kind of sick game you have planned out but I’m demanding this minute that you stop it. If you don’t, I’m warning you Mr. Norman, the consequences are going to be too much for you to handle.” I warned making sure my eyes reflected the fact that I meant exactly what I was stating but he just sat there, his head, a little tilted to his right. No expression on his face. Not even a little fear in his eyes. It bothered me a little but I retained my position.

“Do I know you?” He asked still retaining his calmness. My brows slightly furrowed for a second, recollecting the fact that this man really has no idea who I am and yet he wants to marry me. The more this comes to light, the harder it is for me to understand what his deal was. I relaxed a bit, leaning away from his table. I folded my arms across my chest.

“Oh, I forgot the fact that you actually know nothing about the woman you’re proposing marriage to.” I stated, a little fake sarcastic amusement drawn across my face. His brows slightly lifted before he rolled his eyes from up to down, clearly taking this opportunity to have a good look at me. Truly, he couldn’t see how annoying that act alone was.

“I see, so you’re she.” He stated rather than a question and what got to me was the tone he used. A kind of disappointing tone. How much more disrespectful can this man be?

“I don’t even want to know what all this is about. I just need you to stop threatening my father with your nonsensical lawsuits and stop demanding that I marry you like some kind of sacrificial lamb. For goodness sake, this isn’t the 1500s where you can barter people as if they were currency!” I ranted hoping all that I said really got through him because I couldn’t see myself being married to such a man like him. Not in this life.

I watched him take in a deep breath before getting up to his feet, his body built clearly overshadowing the sunlight from the view behind him. Okay, he was huge or perhaps, I was the little one. No problem. I can handle this. I watched him walk away from his seat, past his table and only stopped when he was in front of me. Both hands buried within the pockets of his trouser. I had to take a slight step backward as I realized he stood too close for comfort. Still refusing to back down and ready to defend my future, I had to really raise my head up so our eyes met while he stared down at me. I could notice the mock in his eyes. God, he was tall!

“No.” He finally replied. That exact word resounding in my ears. His voice quite deep. Unbelievable was my situation. I blinked several times as if to recharge and find my stand. He really wasn’t budging one bit and that fact was a little rendering me speechless. I hated that fact.

“Uh-Uh, No!?” I asked a little stuttering.

“What did you think would happen? You would storm in here, give a really bad threat and then everything will be settled?” He asked, frustratingly calm.

I looked away from him for a moment trying to recollect my comeback statement.

“We’re getting married miss Carter and not even the heavens itself can change my decision.” He stated rather coldly causing me to shift my eyes back to him. This was so unbelievable!

“Look Mr. Norman, I’m not ready to get married and if I am, trust me, it won’t be someone as self-centered as you.” I quoted quite rudely. Well, if he can do it then I can do so as well.

“Besides, I’m probably not your type.” I blurted out, looking him straight in the eye. An expression that resembled that of a smirk surfaced for a second. It was quick to disappear that it made me doubt its appearance in the first place.

“That was not taken into consideration but if you do want to know then my answer is no. You’re definitely not my type. Nevertheless, this marriage is solely for monetary benefits.” He added which got me all rallied up the more. It felt like all what I’ve stated since I walked in here has fallen on deaf ears.

“You really are full of yourself, aren’t you?” I shook my head in disbelief.

“You have no idea.”

“Look, Mr. Norman…” I sneered, as I uncrossed my arms and pointed my index finger at him. My blood really boiling just staring at his face.

“I suggest that you change your so-called solution or we’re going to have an issue.” I warned through gritted teeth. I noticed how he took a look at my index finger pointed right to his face.

“I suggest Ms. Carter that you take your finger away from my face or you’re going to look for it in the nearest future.” He added rather dryly, quite frustrated by his threat, I eventually took down my finger away from his face.

“This little issue will become prominent when I finalize my lawsuits. My many lawsuits and your father’s company will crumble down with the fortune it’s brought with it. So, Ms. Carter whose problem it will be will be up to you.” His response sent shivers down my spine.

“This is absolutely insane. You’re insane, this is insane!”

“That is debatable.”

“You don’t even know my name!” I rationalized.

“Yes I do Ms. Carter,” He retorted.

“My first name!” The silence verified my argument.

“You don’t even know my name!” I repeated, even more aggravated than before. How could he even think about a wedding without knowing my bare and basic information?

“My name is Caden. Caden.” I huffed, with my eyes narrowing in.

“Well Ms. Caden, this isn’t as dramatic as you’re making it out to be, it’s merely the easiest solution.” He attempted to reason.

“You can’t force something like this upon me!” I firmly restated my point. This man was hard to figure out. He was oddly sarcastic and unemotional for a man who represented a company who advertised themselves as amicable.

“You know; I’m not forcing you to do anything. Although your other options aren’t very promising. I bet, very soon Ms. Carter, you will stand right by my side and smile for the world, no negotiations.” He remarked, a serious yet threatening tone lacing his voice.

“I don’t take orders from annoying snobs like you, Mr. Norman!” I countered confidently, while maintaining eye contact.

“Then I guess I’ll have to add that to my agenda, teaching you to take orders.” He snapped back. My nails unconsciously dug into the palms of my hands.

Grabbing my handbag, I decided if I didn’t leave soon, I’d most definitely do something I’d regret. Turning around in one swift motion, I felt a warm strong hand grip my arm in attempt to stop me from leaving.

Looking over my shoulder, I saw his eyes slightly widen seeing the look of fury deep within my eyes. He quickly removed his hold on me.

“Since you’ve saved me the trip of going to find you, and your father and I have already discussed the proposal… let’s put on a show. James?” His outstretched arm rushed past me to reach a black velvet box from James. I hadn’t even realized someone else has been in the office all this while. Staring at the small, black velvet box in Mr. Norman’s hands, my brows furrowed. What on earth?

“Give me your hand.” He commanded while opening the box. A silver band with a diamond laying on top. Is he being serious!? Why on earth did he buy this!? Neither my father nor myself agreed to the arrangement.

“Have you understood a single thing I’ve said since I’ve been here? I said this whole scheme isn’t going to happen. I’m not going to marry you…” Disregarding my words once again, he grabbed my left hand forcefully, and before I had time to react he slid the ring onto my ring finger. The shining diamond held my attention.

My head was spinning. My life had just done a complete 360° turn. In the span of less than a day, I ended up with this lunatic who thinks he owns the world. I ended up possibly engaged with a man who I don’t know without it being my choice. Is this even a common practice anymore?

Looking back up to him with the most surprised slash vexed expression on my face, I realized this man was truly insane. I shook my head in disbelief as I attempted to take off the ring which strangely seemed stuck and difficult to take off.

He must’ve noticed my struggle. “Think about what you’re doing Ms. Carter,” he sneered.

“Once that ring comes off, there are countless people getting laid off. You lose your fortune of an inheritance. You and your father will struggle financially. That simple gesture changes so much, so just wait a minute before you ruin so much, for many more than just yourself.”

My jaw dropped. Is he guilt-tripping me into agreeing? The thought of making life harder for not only several employees but their families is the only thing that made me stop. My father had dug his own grave, but those people didn’t deserve to face the same fate. One look into his eyes and I could see he meant it. My heart pounded so loudly within my ears due to the rise of my blood pressure. It was so frustrating to feel this helpless. I’ve never felt this way in my entire life.

“You seriously need to learn some boundaries dude! This is borderline harassment; I could report you!” Huffing, I straightened out my posture to seem more threatening.

“I dare you. Do you really want to start the legal procedures? I already have my best lawyers ready, I don’t want to tear you down, but if saving you is at the expense of my company, I will spare no expense at fighting. Your dad’s life work is at stake. This is up to you Ms. Carter.” Leaving me speechless once again. Knowing I’ve stated my case, I turned away from him and hastened my pace towards the door.

“One more thing, Ms. Caden.” He suddenly interrupted just as I took hold of the door knob. I stood still, forced to hear whatever cock and bull story he has next to say.

“You have to be here tomorrow morning by ten. We have a conference to attend. After all, the world needs to know of our decision.” He stated but each and every word uttered from him enraged me further. Immediately, I turned the knob, pushed the door open and quickly walked out, slamming the door behind me. Suddenly, I felt overwhelmed with tears as I realized that I might have to marry an insufferable man without any real choice.