Rivals And Lovers

Chapter 38

"Ok, I'm gonna end this meeting earlier. We've got a lot of preparing to do for the next press conference. I expect great work from all of you" Riley said directing towards her co workers. Everyone nodded and slowly started leaving the meeting room. Riley sighed tired and fell back in her seat. "Ms. Matthews?" Riley's assistant poked his head through the crack of the door. "Yes?" Riley asked with a yawn added. "I'm here to remind you that you still need to approve the next sales contract. It's ready for you at the reception" Riley smiled. "Thanks, can you please got get it? I still need to close everything down" Riley's assistant nodded and went to get the papers. Riley closed her laptop and checked her phone. Still nothing. She had been trying to reach out to Lucas but he wasn't responding. It's been a couple of days since their argument on the roof and Riley already misses him. She never knew how much she really missed his kisses and hugs until he actually reappeared in her life. After a couple of minutes Riley's assistant walked back in with the papers. "Thank you, I'll read them through and sign them the minute if get to my office" Riley said. Her assistant nodded confirming and returned to her own working place. Riley gathered her stuff and took it under her arm. She left the conference room and walked back to her office. When she walked around the corner she saw that her door was slightly open and the blinds were closed. She creeped closer and heard that Anthony was making a call. Riley laid her ear on the door and listened.

"Yeah I've got the ring.....of course it's big. The bigger it is the smaller the chance she'll deny my proposal" Riley widened her eyes. "Of course she will! She's totally smitten by me." A chuckle followed. "Once I marry her I'll take over this entire bussines. I'll be earning money like never before." Riley jaw dropped. He was usi her for money? That bastard! She had to find a faster way to get out of that relationship before he proposes.

Family diners. Riley loves them. Unless he's by her side. Once again Anthony insisted on coming along on this family dinner Riley had planned out. She wanted to spend some quality time with her family but apparently he felt like she should be there too. Under Riley's annoyance. (Without her showing it ofcourse) he came alongside Riley to the diner. Riley could see her mothers expression fall when she walked in with him. She had given her a simple apologizing shrug and greeted the family. Not many family members liked Anthony. Except her father, since Anthony is a big partner. Everything for the bussines is her fathers life motto. Diner went fine. Riley made sure she was always in conversation. "Hey Riley, can you please help me with the dishes?" Topanga asked. "Where's the maid?" Riley asked. "She went home" Topanga said through gritted teeth. Riley understood it was only a way to talk to her in private. "Sure" Riley took some plates and followed her mother into the kitchen.

"So? Have you found a way yet?" Topanga asked. Riley shook her head. "Does it look like i did? I have no way how to handle this?" Riley said frustrated. Topanga rubbed Riley's shoulders and took the stack of plates. Riley bit her lip nervous. "I talked to Lucas" Riley blurted out. Topanga didn't answer and just kept putting the plates in the dishwasher. "I told him I was trying to end things but he doesn't believe me, he thinks I'm choosing the company over him and..." Riley sobbed and burried her head in her hands. Her mother walked up to her and wrapped her arms around her. "I really wish I could prove him wrong and I'm scared to fail dad but I love him so much!" Riley cried. Topanga rubbed Riley's shoulders and calmed her. "Don't worry, we'll find a way to figure this out without making big damage to the company" Topanga encouraged Riley. "I didn't think you'd be for this?" Riley said confused. " I don't care about that rivalry, if you love him and being with him makes you happy then you should go for it. I'm sure we'll figure something out" Topanga said. Riley nodded and tightened her grip around the towel. "I found something out yesterday" Riley said. "What?" Topanga asked. "Anthony only wants me for the money. He's out on being the head of Matthews international and making it Williams international once I'm his wife. He's planning this whole thing out to take over the company" Riley said. "What are you gonna do about that?" Topanga asked. "If I say yes for his proposal it might mean I save the company but i fall for his plan, if I say no it could cause a lot of drama and we could loose our best partner yet!" Riley groaned and rubbed her head stressed out. "This is getting too complicated" she mumbled.

"Riley!" They heard Anthony yell. Riley groaned annoyed and walked back to the living room with her mother. "Yes sweetie?" She asked through gritted teeth. "Can you come here please" Anthony asked stretching out his hand. Riley walked over to him but didn't accept his hand. "Ok so, you all know that we've bin dating for a year now. And this year has bin amazing. I find you the most amazing, attractive and confident woman in the world." Anthony said taking Riley's hand in his. Riley forced out a smile. "And I wouldn't want it any other way so...." Anthony went down on one knee and Riley widened her eyes. She looked over to Topanga who shook her head wild. Her father's eyes beamed and her other family members looked confused. This moment wasn't special. It was very awkward. No one knew how to react the right way. Anthony took out a little box and opened it revealing a big diamond ring. "Will you marry me?" He asked. Riley gulped and looked around the room.
So that was it. She had run out of time to think of a way to get out of it. And now Anthony proposed! Riley opened her mouth but no words came out.

A/N: brand new part! Anthony proposes but only wants to marry Riley for the money! Throw some shade at that jerk! 😝. More tomorrow!