Thorns of Rose

Chapter 2 : Business and Marriage

Author's point of view :-

A marriage is purely based on consent that comes from mutual respect and love. However, love does not come to our souls smoothly, we must earn that feeling through compassion and empathy. As Orwell says that perhaps people want to be understood than to be loved. The intersection of Hearting and Raymonds Entity will open door to a powerful corporate opportunity and thus the owners want to consolidate their trust through personal means. The two companies have invested 50% of their share in the merging of the empire. A risky business! If one steps back, then the company will drown in debt. Thus, marriage is used as a seal of security. It a business proposal more than a marriage proposal. It seems to be an ideal contract but every coin has two sides, it might not be what it seems.

As Liam came back from his urgent meeting, he was welcomed with two tensed looking faces.

Liam : Hey, mom, dad, what's up with the two of you? You look tensed and anxious.
Ariel : Son, we have an announcement to make.
Liam : And that is...?
The room felt silent.
Arnold : Well, we have arranged your marriage with Vannessa Raymonds.
For a moment, he could not believe his words.
Liam : WHAT? (he almost shouted)
Arnold : Understand son, it is a profitable move for our business.
Liam : I won't ruin my and someone else's life for a mere business profit.
Arnold : We have already made an agreement with the Raymonds company, if we step back...we are going to loose our 100 million project.
Liam : Dad, you didn't even care to ask me?
Arnold : Son, we made this promise in college years about our children marrying each other.
Liam : That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard. I have said it numerous times that I can't marry after what I have been through-
Ariel : Liam, don't burden yourself with this trauma. How long are you going to hold on that past?
Liam : As long as I am alive.
Arnold : Nope, with time, every scar gets healed.
Liam : But I can't marry, I am not even ready.
Arnold : Vanessa is a beautiful woman, she will keep you happy.
Liam : Oh please, don't use these euphemisms. I can keep myself happy.
Ariel : We won't force you, but think about it. All our efforts to make this a global company will turn into ashes with a single decision.
Liam went away with clenched jaws.
Ariel : Oh God, I told you that he will not accept this.
Arnold : He loves the company, he won't let it fade for his comfort.
Ariel : Act as it suits you. I just hope he doesn't stay unhappy...it has been a long time .... that I have seen him happy.
Arnold : Oh, dear, everything will be fine.

Liam was pacing in his room with a visible fury in his eyes.
The words that he heard were enough to anger him to the core...if someone were present in his room at that time, he would have surely knocked him down. He was a workaholic, he loves his company more than anything and that's why after his Masters in Business, he was able to take over his role as a CEO at such a younger age. He has taken efficient strides in developing his business line and won't let anyone hamper with it.

Liam : Ugh! (He ran his fingers across his hair in frustration and punched the wall before taking a shower to calm himself.)

After that, he joined his parents in dinner.

Arnold : Now feeling less agitated, aren't you?
Liam : I am ready for the marriage.
His parents looked at him with unbelievable shock, widening their eyes.
Liam : I don't want to go through a big loss in my second year as a CEO.
Arnold : Now, we are talking.
His father's eyes were shining brightly with pride.
Ariel : Are you happy with this?
Liam : In business, no one has that choice of being happy or unhappy.
They looked at him and then looked at each other.
Liam : Where's Noah, by the way?
Ariel : He is at Vincent's place.
Liam : Grandpa and Grandma?
Ariel : They were too tired, so they have gone to bed.
Liam nodded. I will move back to my house tomorrow.
Ariel : Oh, you came today only, atleast stay for two days.
Liam : No mo-
Ariel : I wasn't asking you, I was telling you. That's final.

Most of the times it is better to not argue with our mother and simply obey them and Liam is smart enough to know when to give up arguing.

He moved upstairs and sat in his bed as if he was mentally exhausted. He took the photo frame, that was in his night stand and looked at his junior self.

Liam : I am sorry, Liam. Sorry.(He apologized to his younger self).

It takes a strong person to act strong when they are completely broken from inside. He felt irritated with whatever was going on in his life and angry at himself that life was getting out of his control. He felt vexed at his for impulsively agreeing to this marriage but his anger and apprehension about his company took the best of him.

Liam : I must talk to Grandpa about this tomorrow.

Reassuring himself with this decision, he got absorbed in sleep and left tomorrow's thought for tomorrow.