Billionaire's Unlikely Bride

Chapter 2

Mason's POV 

Candice's response didn't guarantee whether or not she was coming to New York. I had invited her last night, but her hesitation stung. "It's too soon to plan a wedding when we just got engaged," she said. The frustration gnawed at me.

My father had already invited the Prescotts over for dinner today, and this whole alliance fiasco had thrown me into chaos. One moment, I was planning a romantic dinner for my fiancée, and the next, I was dealing with a wedding my father was arranging for me and some stranger. Yes, I am aware of the relationship my dad has with the Prescott's but I thought it ended when Michael Prescott died years ago.

I sent Candice a text, asking her to come to New York so I could explain things to her properly. I headed to the bathroom to freshen up, awaiting her response with bated breath.

~~~~

On my way to the office, a reply came in. "Fine, but I'll be arriving next week. I still have a ton of photo shoots this week."

I groaned upon reading her text, next week is too far. I need her to come here today. "Can't you just come over today? Please love, It's important." I texted back. I never used "please" unless it was with Candice. She could be stubborn, but she was the one person I loved, flaws and all. 

Her response was swift. "I can't, babe; I need to work. At least one of us has to keep a steady income." 

Her words stung, a reminder of the inequality she saw between us. She didn't mean to hurt me, but even if she did, I don't care. Like I said, flaws and all. I ignored her text and focused on finding another solution.

~~~~

When I arrived at the office, my assistant was waiting for me. 

"Good day, sir," she greeted, "I'm here to inform you that you'll be meeting with Mr Marino at 2 pm." 

I nodded, acknowledging the information. "You can go. Hold on, cancel my schedule for tomorrow. I'll be visiting one of the restaurants tomorrow."

She paused halfway through the door. "Your father also asked me to remind you that this partnership means a lot to this company. He wants you to make sure Mr Marino is pleased with our work."

I chuckled softly, my dad still didn't trust me to do a good job. He should be thanking me for making this company what it is today. "You can go." I dismissed her.

As she left, I focused on the work in front of me, determined not to be late for my meeting with Mr Marino.

~~~~

The meeting with Mr Marino was cordial. 

"It's nice doing business with you, Mason," he said, shaking my hand.

"Likewise, Mr Marino. I hope we continue this successful partnership."

"Please, call me Enzo. We're almost the same age," he replied with a friendly smile. Enzo is just a year older than me. Though I admire his work, I kept my distance. His ties with the Italian mafia made me wary. I've heard so much about his illegal activities and ruthless nature, and he has been living up to his reputation. 

As we concluded our meeting, my assistant informed me that my sister was waiting for me in my office. I don't have time to deal with her right now but I also know sending her home isn't an option. That girl is like a leach.

~~~~

Returning to my office, Julie had already made herself comfortable while waiting for me.

"Finally, I thought you'd be stuck in there all day." She exclaimed as I entered. "Were you planning on sleeping there?"