A Taste of Love

Chapter One

LAURA'S POV

“How can you even ask me to do that? “ I cried at my mother.

“You're doing this for our company. We need this." Mom told me, visibly trying to control her anger.

" Why don't Sophie do it? She is after all very good at it. “

“Laura!“ Mom seethed. “ Do not talk about your younger sister like that."

" There are other was to go about this. I have a  boyfriend for Christ' sake Mom. You can't just force me to seduce Adrian Black! “ I shouted.

“ You ungrateful brat!" Mom shouted and landed a slap across my face. “You have always got what you wanted from birth and now to do little something for the company to continue striving, you're complaining. How dare you!"

“Mom..." I held my throbbing face in pain . “Why me?"

“Are'nt you the eldest daughter of the Christiano family? It is your responsibility to uphold this family and the company. We need Adrian to have a collaboration with us. Just get him to sign a f*cking contract."

“But we can go about this another way. We can talk to him and..."

“Do you think I am stupid? Do you think that I have not tried to talk with him? That I just woke up and decided to use a waste like you in my plans? Huh?" Mom yelled at me.

I was beyond hurt. My own Mother wanted to sell me out for money. How did things turn out out like this? It was'nt always this way. Before Daddy died, we were a happy family- me, Dad, Mom and Sophie. It all changed after we lost Dad to cancer . Mom turned abusive towards me and even started hitting me. Sophie also showed hatred to me. What went wrong?

I cried as I ran out of her office. My face was swollen. I received sympathetic glances from the employees as I went outside. I really need to talk to someone now. I boarded a cab to my BF's place. Kara is my best friend since kindergarten and she knows me inside out.

“Kara, my life is ruined!" I cried as I told Kara everything. She embraced and comforted me.

" Its okay Laura. Don’t cry. I know your life is tough but you have been strong. I'm sure you will overcome this one. “

“I just don't understand why my Mother of all people has to do this to me. She knows that I'm in a relationship and I love Migel. Why can't she be supportive?"

" Its alright Laura. Why not look at the bright side? Atleast you can get rid of that gigolo you call a boyfriend. “

“Kara!" I exclaimed. Kara and I agree on alot of things but one thing we don't see eye to eye on is my relationship with Migel.

" What! Its true Laura. That guy does not love you half as much as  you love him. “

“Don't say that Kara. I and Migel's relationship is complicated, but we love each other."

“Whatever! Just don't cry anymore okay? Or I  will cry too. “ Kara dramatically wiped the non-existent tears from her eye making me laugh.

" I won't cry anymore. “ I hugged her. Just as I was about to have some peace, my phone chimmed. It was a message from Mom telling me not to be late for dinner. It was 6:30 in the evening so I had to get home before 8. My drive home was about thirty minutes. So I had Kara goodnight and made my way home.

My worst nightmare occurred at dinner table. I was having my meal in silence with Sophie blabbering all about her day when Mom looked at me.

“Laura, what are you doing tomorrow evening?"

" I will be having dinner with Migel. “ I answered curtly.

“Cancel it." Mom snapped. “You are having a dinner tomorrow with Adrian."

I almost choked on my food. Sophie' face was horrific.
“What?"

" Mom you can't be serious. “ Sophie looked at Mom then at me.

“Yes I am. Hopefully , Laura would soon be the new Mrs Black."

" Mom no! I won't." I yelled and stood up.

“Shut up," Mom hissed and stood up as well. “ Move from this table. I dare you! “

I did'nt dare. I slowly sat down, tears threatening to pour out.

“Mom no! How could you do this to me?" That was Sophie. “ You know I've been crushing on Adrian since I was five!" She shouted.

Mom just shook her head.
“No Sophie. You don't understand. Adrian Black is not a man to mess with. He is dangerous and I am afraid for your safety…”

The rest of her words were like a blur to me. Mom was worried for Sophie' safety yet she was sending me to the lion's den . It hurt. It hurt badly.

“What about me? Are you not worried for my safety? “ I asked softly. Tears were already streaking down my face. There was a squeezing sensation in my heart.

“You should be strong enough to take care of yourself, so be smart." Mom spoke harshly. At that moment, a part of my heart broke. My eyes were fully Open. I finally saw who I was in the eyes of my mother-just a tool .

" Very well then. “ I stood up." Excuse me. “ I said and went to my room.