From Vows to Desire

Chapter 6: The Weight of the Crown

Scene 1: A Day of Introductions

The air in Palmer Industries felt heavy as Theo stepped into the glass-walled boardroom, every inch of it gleaming with the polished professionalism of decades of success. The weight of the title “CEO” seemed to press harder on his chest with each congratulatory handshake, each firm smile thrown his way.

His first official day in the role was filled with meetings and introductions. Faces he had seen in passing over the years now greeted him with exaggerated warmth, their words dripping with respect as they congratulated him on his new position.

Businessman 1: “Congratulations, Mr. Palmer. Your father left quite a legacy, and I’m sure you’ll carry it forward with the same brilliance.”

Theo’s smile was polite, but his mind was already racing ahead. It wasn’t the flattery that mattered; it was what came next—the work. The constant expectation that hovered over him like a shadow.

Throughout the day, Theo met several well-known faces, not just from the business world but from politics as well. Handshakes turned into quick exchanges about future projects, partnerships, and opportunities.

Politician: “Palmer Industries under your leadership will be exciting to watch. I hope we can count on your support in the upcoming business summit.”

Theo nodded, exchanging pleasantries, but deep down, the pressure of expectations simmered. His father had done it for decades—steered the company with a strong hand. Now, it was his turn.

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Scene 2: Beauty and Temper

As the day wore on, Theo found himself standing at the edge of the boardroom, scanning the room filled with employees, clients, and stakeholders. His head buzzed with a thousand thoughts—budgets, strategies, plans. There was so much to do, and so little time to settle into the role.

As he walked past a group of employees, he overheard a whisper that caught him off guard.

Employee 1: “He’s got his mother’s beauty, but his father’s temper.”

Theo chuckled under his breath, amused by the comment. His mother had always been praised for her striking beauty, while his father’s infamous temper was a well-known part of his leadership style. It felt almost ironic to be seen as a blend of both.

Still, the light-hearted moment didn’t last long. He was reminded of why he was here, and the enormous task ahead of him. Taking over Palmer Industries wasn’t just about leading; it was about redefining the future.

Although Theo had always disliked social events, he made sure the day ran smoothly. He moved through the room, speaking to each person in turn, ensuring that no one felt left out or overlooked. It was exhausting, but necessary.

By the end of the day, he had already mapped out in his mind the projects that needed his immediate attention. There were mergers to negotiate, contracts to finalize, and new markets to explore. He knew where to start; now, it was just a matter of diving in.

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Scene 3: Solitude in Wimbledon

As exhausted as Theo was from the relentless social engagements and constant pressure of the day, he found himself needing more than just rest. He craved the comfort of solitude, the kind he could only find at his personal home—a detached duplex in the quiet suburbs of Wimbledon. It was a place where the world could fade away, and for a moment, he could just breathe.

He had purchased the house years ago, a modern yet cozy haven far removed from the grandeur of the Palmer residence in Kensington. Victoria had, of course, made sure everything was perfectly arranged for his return, down to the stocked fridge and fresh sheets on his bed. But tonight, all he needed was the simplicity of his space, his thoughts, and a quiet corner to reflect.