But, None Of That Matters.

Chapter 13- Future

"You know that Mr Forelli has been sponsoring you; paying for whatever you want and covering your living costs." James softly stares at me.

"Yes." Well, no. I would've thought that Gunner was paying for my living costs, as he's my uncle. But, of course, I'm not supposed to know that.

"Well, a serious matter that you need to consider is marriage."

"I'm 16."

"Yes, we know that Edward, but you are a very capable young man and if you married a well-suited woman, we can start thinking about other things, like a career."

"I'm sorry, but if you're trying to decide my life for me, I want to leave."

"In no way are we trying to decide your life for you." Um... James, you are.

"It's just an idea," Jacob wiped his chin with a handkerchief, "but... If you marry Francesca, you will inherit my company- 'Forever Young'. Of course, it's only something to think about, but I certainly think it would be worth your time."

So this is what it was all about?! I knew something was odd... This dinner was just an opportunity to set me up with Francesca Forelli, Caspian's older sister?!

"What about Caspian? My first thought would be that he should be the one to inherit his father's company. Or how about Francesca herself? I'm sure she's a capable woman."

"Of course, my own son would be my first choice and sadly, my daughter has no interest in the company. Caspian's disability would stop him from fulfilling all of the necessary responsibilities that the CEO of a company would hold. "

"What responsibilities, if I may ask?"

"As the representative of the company he would need to be able to communicate easily with his staff, business partners, customers and the public."

"Why couldn't he just have a translator?"

"Edward. Stop." James hardened his stare.

But it's a perfectly reasonable argument?!

"If you're declining the offer because of Caspian, don't." Jacob continued. "He knows that he can't fulfil the role of CEO, but he could fill at least most of the requirements as COO (Chief Operations Officer)."

"But I don't know a thing about fashion."

"No you don't."

"And Caspian knows loads!" I laughed impulsively.

"That is true..." Forelli leant over James's shoulder and whispered something, at which James nodded.

"There is a second option, if you really aren't happy with the first..." Jacob took a sip of his wine.

"What would be the second option?"

"That you and Caspian become co-presidents of the company instead. This way, you can both work together and you wouldn't have to worry because both of you compliment each other so well; what you can't do, he can and what he can't do, you can. What do you think?"

"This isn't a decision I can make on my own. I'm waiting for Caspian to regain consciousness. You can have your answer then."

"You speak very well Edward. Thank you for considering my offer."

A knock on the dining room door allowed me to ignore Mr Forelli.

"Shall we finish the evening in the sitting room?" Gunner kept the door open.

"Thank you Mr Gunner, but Fran and I should be heading back now. Shouldn't we darling?"

I snickered when I saw her face cringe.