ENTANGLED AND HEARTS (Her Price For Dreams)

Chapter 37 : My First (failed🤫) Love

Rayan's POV

I walked into the conference room, nodding at my team members already seated around the polished wooden table. As I took my place at the head, I surveyed the room, making eye contact with each person.

"Alright, let's get started. Our Q2 numbers are in, and I want to discuss the strategy for the next quarter."

Ranjana, Marketing Director, spoke up first. "Sir, our campaign metrics are looking strong. We've seen a 25% increase in social media engagement."

I nodded, jotting down a note on my pad. "That's great. What about sales? Where do we stand?"

Mr Gupta, Sales Director, leaned forward, his expression serious. "We've exceeded our Q2 targets by 15%. However, we're facing stiff competition in the enterprise sector."

My phone buzzed on the table, displaying Mom's name.I ignored it, focusing on Mr Gupta's concerns.

"What's the plan to address that?" I asked.

He hesitated before responding, "We're considering a partnership with a complementary service provider to expand our offerings."

My phone buzzed again. And again. I silenced it, my mind still on the discussion.

"Thoughts? Concerns?" I asked the team.

My phone continued to buzz, my mother's calls going straight to voicemail. I'd deal with her later.

As the meeting concludes, I finally answer my mother's persistent calls.

"Mom, if I'm ignoring your calls, it means I'm in a importent meeting.No need to call continuosly" I say, slightly frustrated.

"It's an emergency," she replies, her tone urgent.

My concern spikes. "What happened? Is everything alright?" I ask, sitting up straight.

"Everything's fine, Son" she reassures. "I arranged a blind date for you. You have 30 minutes to get there. I'm sending you the address. Get flowers for her."

My annoyance boils over. "Mom, are you serious? A blind date? How can you do that without my permission?"

"I'm your mother, Rayan," she responds firmly. "It's my responsibility to get you married at the right age. I don't need your permission. You're not getting any younger. You need to settle down."

"I'm not going," I assert firmly. "My answer is final."

I hang up, frustration lingering.

Mom calls again, I ignore her but she doesnt stop calling so I pick up.

"Please, for God's sake, Rayan, go meet her. It's an insult if you leave her hanging."

"Think about my reputation."

"Don't embarrass me."

Her words menupulative, blackmailing me emotionally.

"Mom, stop," I say firmly. "I won't meet anyone. Respect my decision."

"What's the reason for your denial?" Mom asks, her voice dripping with anger.

"It's personal. I just don't want to get married right now," I reply, struggling to remain calm.

"I know it's because of her," Mom accuses.

"Mom, please don't drag her into this," I plead.

"She's already involved," Mom states flatly.

"You will go to the blind date. That's my final decision," Mom decrees, anger rising.

"I'm sending you the location."