Love Finds Its Way

Chapter 2

Athena's pov

'Dad, marriage?' I asked, shocked. I had no idea he was going to say that. 'You know honey, you are already 25 years old. And why not marriage? I know a really great guy who seems to be the best for you' 'Dad do you mean a marriage meeting?' I asked him. I was ready to do it but still....... 'Who is that guy dad?' I asked.

'Oh you know the Harrison's company. The owner's son just took over. He is extremely well mannered and smart and intelligent........' Dad went on and on talking about him but just hearing the name made my eyes widen. What? The heir of the Harrison's. No. I had met him and there is no way I WILL MARRY THAT JERK. 'No dad, I.... I will not marry him.' 'Honey, I met him. He is a fine young man, why don't you just meet him. He is twenty eight years old. A really hard working, responsible lad. The way he took over and expanded the business is something which is commandable. I think you should at least meet him.' Dad said with a smile on his face.

'Dad, please I don't want to get married.' 'But sweetheart, marrying him can also help us. If you two are in a matrimonial bond we can merge our company with theirs. Today they are our biggest competitors but if they become our family......' 'No! Dad please understand.' 'Why not just meet him honey?' 'No.' I just said.

'Dad, are you hiding something?' I said looking at his expression. 'Well Athena, the truth is that me and the owner of Harrison, I mean his father are tough competitors but really great friends. We both started our companies and grew them at the same pace. A few days ago I went to meet him at his house and also saw his son. Actually you know he was the one who brought up the topic of marriage. He said that he was interested in the merging of the companies but it was possible only if you get married to his son.' he said in a low tone.

'Does his son agree to that?' I asked dad. 'Yes. His son has seen your photograph and is really interested in meeting you. He  told me that yesterday.' Dad said.

'Honey, listen, I am 59 already. I want to see you happy and with a good man. This is beneficial for you and for our company as well. Please atleast meet him.' 'Dad....' 'Athena, I am trying to politely speak over here, be practical enough. Harrison's profit was double than ours look last year. His son landed and in proved himself as a game changer. The day is not far when they are way ahead of us business wise. By marrying him you will help serve the purpose of being the heir of this, this entire company which was started by your great grandfather right from the scratch.' He said in a slightly angry tone.

'Dad! I can take over our company as well. I already help you so much.' I said, 'What is the difference between me and that Harrison guy, that he is a man and I am a woman!' 'No, that maybe he actually wants to carry on the business with interest instead of just doing that for the sake of it!' Dad said in an angry voice. I had tears in my eyes. It was true that I always dreamed if becoming a painter and still did. But I was ready to sacrifice it all for my dad. I would take his position happily and carry on his dream if he wanted me to, anytime. I loved him. Making me marry a man just for his business seemed obnoxious to me. No! No! Tears threatened to fall out of my eyes. I think dad realized what he had done and simply said, 'Just meet him today evening at this restaurant.' He said keeping a card on the table. 'He will be waiting for you over there at seven. Don't be late.' He said and then got up and walked away. I also got up from the table.

When it came to marriage I was not judgemental or didn't expect my husband to be perfect but not that Harrison guy. The memory of our first meeting was still fresh in my mind.

[Four years ago]

High class parties always frustrated me. Actually parties in general did. I came along with my dad to this so called charity ball. Over here everyone was talking business with expensive wine in their hands. Slow music playing in the background. Dad suggested I should go to the floor below to enjoy because that was where the 'Young crowd' was and it was less boring. So I went there. As soon as I entered loud music blasted through my ears. And the first thought that came in my head was that I did not belong over here. There were people walking with booze in their hands. Basically this was a place full of the rich and spooled who liked to waste money. There were people kissing and making out on front of me on the couch and sitting on each other's lap. There was one guy in particular who caught my attention. There were several girls around him. He was actually very handsome and good looking but looked like a playboy. He was standing close, too close to a girl and as expected started making out with her or literally eating her face. Eww! Then afterwards one more girl came next to him and started flirting with him and all he did was reciprocate that as well. Gross! I just sighed looking at all this and went to the bar. I ordered a very small glass of wine. As I was about to turn around I suddenly collided with someone and my wine dropped from my hands. 'I am so sorry!' I said looking up at that person. It was the playboy. As soon as he saw me his angry expression changed into a smirk. 'Oh, you are real beauty. But still, you destroyed my shirt. Didn't you? How about you pay me back?' 'Okay, just tell me the amount of money.' I said. 'No, not money, how about you give me your number. You seem like an interesting girl, I would like to know you better.' 'Excuse me. No thanks. Just tell me the price of your shirt and I will pay it. If you think I will ever give my number and answer your calls then it is going to be in your dreams. I am not interested in you in the slightest.' I said in a firm voice.

'You really are feisty. Atleast tell me your name. My name is Jacob Harrison, what's yours?' he said bringing his hand forwards as if he wants to shake mine. 'Queen Elizabeth, now move!' I said in an angry tone. 'C' Mon, just your name, that's all.'.'You want to Google me or something?' I asked and he started laughing. 'Maybe, you are just different.' all I did was role my eyes at him and said, 'I don't want to. If you ever think that I will be interested in dating a playboy like you then you are wrong. You see,' I said pointing towards the girls at the other end of the toom where he just came from, 'Those girls are looking at me angrily and are eyeing you lustfully. If you think that one day I will be a part of that crowd then you are wrong. I have seen you around. You were my senior in highschool  and what I heard about you was that you slept with almost everyone in your class as well as your seniors and your juniors. So no thanks, you are not what I look for in a potential relationship. Now move.'

'Questioning my ability to be a good boyfriend?' he asked raising one of his eyebrows. 'Not saying you are not a good person but just not the type if person who will stay committed, just look at you even now. Now if you'll excuse me...' I said walking away. 'Wait, okay I will stop flirting, I don't even want the money, just  your name.'

'Okay fine, Athena Williams. Now I am leaving.'  'Wait a minute, Athena Williams, as in the Mark Williams daughter.' He said in a sort of shocked voice. 'Yes, I also know whuch family you belong to. Now don't try to Google me because for the record- not interested. Now move!' I said pushing him away and walking not even glancing back.

(Flashback ended)

That was our first and probably last meeting meeting. He was the most annoying person I had met. I know its been four years but still. I barely remember face now. Whenever I saw an article about him I would throw it away and change the news channel if I saw news about him. I know his behaviour too well, in that party and in highschool too. No way I will marry that jerk! I don't want to. Even I'd time has gone by I still doubt he can stay committed. Maybe he is just saying yes because of his company as this move will profit them as well. But I am not. Marriage for me was a holy bond and a special connection, not a business deal. I took a deep breath knowing what I was going to do next.