HIS PRETENSE BRIDE

CHAPTER 31

Xander's POV 

Mr. Christopher Scott is going to be a big pain in my ass. 

After a long hour of meeting where words were exchanged with nothing promising out of it, I call off the meeting and leave. The man is getting on my nerves, purposefully trying to prey on my need to buy out his restaurant which I heard is crumbling with low sales even though it is one of the best restaurants we have in town.

“What did I miss?” I ask Carly as soon as I get back to the office, settling in my chair with a frown on my face. 

“Nothing much. Mr. Allen called and Chairman Zanders is proposing a meeting with you…” Carly drones on to all the other meetings I have scheduled for the day and I feel my headache build.

“Clear my schedule for tomorrow. I won't be coming to the office.” I tell her.

“Sir,” Carly begins with a sigh as she holds her tab to her side. “You can't afford to miss any day if you are bent on going on your honeymoon soon.” She tells me.

Annoyance snakes off my vein at her words and I arch a questioning brow at her. “Tell me something, Carly. Who is the boss?” I ask her.

She swallows, her face softening. “You, sir.” 

“Good. Now, when I tell you that I won't be at the office tomorrow, you do not question me. Do what you have to do but make sure tomorrow's appointment are taken care of. Am I clear?” I ask her. 

“Yes, sir.” She nods.

“Good. Now, go prepare. We are going for an inspection around the building in thirty minutes.” I dismiss her. 

I turn on my laptop and get to work, making good use of my time to do what I have to do. I keep counting the days until I can retire and hand over the company to someone else to take charge of while watching from the sidelines but sadly, that won't happen anytime soon. I really do enjoy doing my job. It can just be overbearing sometimes.

By the time Carly comes to remind me that it is time, I have finished with what I am doing. So, we leave and make the rounds. Despite the terrible day I am having, none of my employees manages to offend me further. I am tired and about ready to take a break when I return to the office. That is until Carly comes in to inform me that Dave is around.

“Let him in,” I tell her as I take off my tie. 

Dave comes in a moment later and a smile instantly forms on my face at the sight of my best friend who I haven't seen in a while. I stand up from the seat and we exchange hand shakes which graduates into a tight hug.

“Feels like I haven't seen you in forever,” I tell him as we pull away from each other.

“That's because you haven't. Although not forever,  a little over two weeks ago.” He tells me as he crashes into one of the couches in my office. 

Walking up to my wine collection in my office, I grab one of our favorites with two tumbler glasses and go to join him. He pries the suit jacket he is donning off his body, already texting away on his phone.

“Sofia?” I ask.

“Yep,” he answers as he takes the glass from me. I pour the wine open and then fill his glass before filling mine.

“How is it going with Alexa?” I ask as I settle back into my seat. 

I have been itching to call or text her all day but I don't want to interrupt whatever they will have going on. Besides, I prefer if I am in bed with her at night when I can listen to her tell me about her day.