Chapter 3

KIAN

I sat at my desk, sipping my coffee and gazing out the window at the city skyline, my mind focused on the upcoming business deal with the Forsythes.

Suddenly, my phone rang, shattering the silence. I groaned as I reached for it, knowing exactly who it was.

My grandfather's name flashed on the screen, and I hesitated for a moment before answering.

"Kian, we need to talk"

He said, his voice firm and commanding.

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "What is it, Grandfather? I'm busy."

"Busy?"

He repeated, his voice laced with disapproval.

"You're always busy, Kian. But this can't wait. You need to get married. You're 30 years old, and you still haven't settled down with a suitable wife."

I rolled my eyes, feeling a surge of frustration.

"I've heard this before, Grandfather, and my answer is still no. I'm not going to marry some woman just to please you and the family. I have my own life to live."

"Your own life?"

He repeated, his voice cold and menacing.

"You're a Blackwood, Kian. You have a duty to this family and our business. And that duty includes marrying well and producing an heir. You'd rather lose your right to be the next heir of Blackwood Enterprises than get married? Because that's what will happen if you don't bring a wife to the family gathering this week. Your half-brother is more than willing to take your place."

I felt a knot form in my stomach as I realized the gravity of the situation. My grandfather wasn't bluffing. He would do whatever it took to secure the family's legacy, even if it meant cutting me out of the picture.

"Fine"

I said, my mind racing. "I'll bring someone."

"See that you do, Kian"

He said, his voice firm. "I expect to meet your fiancée on Saturday."

The call ended, and I was left feeling trapped and furious. I knew I had to think fast. I needed a wife, and I needed one now.

My mind landed on the woman I'd brought home last night - Vivian. She must be up by now. I headed towards the bedroom, a plan forming in my head

I strolled to the guest bedroom and once I got there, I pushed open the door, and met her up.

She looked different now. Her makeup was smudged, her hair a tangled mess, and her eyes...her eyes looked like they had seen the depths of hell.

The dark circles under her eyes and the pale complexion only added to her fragile appearance.

As she jolted upright, her gaze darting around the room like a trapped animal, I raised an eyebrow. She looked like a cornered creature, ready to bolt at any moment. I could almost sense her panic as she took in her unfamiliar surroundings.

"I see you're up"

I cooed, my voice low and smooth, as I fastened the door shut behind me.

The sound of the lock clicking into place seemed to make her jump, and her eyes narrowed, her gaze locking onto mine like a challenge.

I strolled towards the window and yanked the blinds aside, allowing the warm sunlight to penetrate the room.

The sudden brightness seemed to make her squint, but she didn't look away. Instead, her eyes remained fixed on mine

"Where am...am I?"

She asked, struggling to hide the tremble in her voice as she fought the urge to stutter.

"Did you get a nice rest?"

I ignored her question

"Who are you and where am I?"

She repeated, her voice growing more insistent.

"You shouldn't disregard my question for another"

She note and remedied her hands in fold

"I asked where I am, shouldn't you answer that at least "

"Which would you want? To take your bath? Or have breakfast, Vivian?"

I asked, emphasizing her name and watched as her eyes narrowed in frustration.

"How...?"

The realization hit her immediately, and I heard her mouth an "ohh" as her eyes widened in shock.

"You're the guy from yesterday...at the club"

She said, her voice barely above a whisper.

I chuckled, a low, menacing sound that seemed to make her flinch.

"You are in my home and as for why, let's just say I took pity on you last night. You were quite interesting"

Her eyes flashed in anger but she was quick to cover it up with a smile

"Uhm..I appreciate your kindness Mr..?"

She furrowed her eyebrow

"Kian.. just call me Kian."

I answered,my gaze never leaving hers.

"Alright Mr Kian. Thanks for your help but if you don't mind, I'd like to leave now."

She stood up from the bed and made her way to the door.

I swiveled at her unaware and she froze on the spot.

I took the first pace towards her and she sent hrs backwards. I did again and she recounted hers. I did again and she did again till she felt her back caress the wall.

"I asked you a question earlier Vivian"

I mouthed and nudged my gaze downwards to meet hers.

Her lips went partially opened and I watched in awe how her brown eyes flickered on my face.

"Take your bath first or eat breakfast"

"So Mr Kian"

She said as she walked back to the bed searching for her phone.

"I don't know what happened last night but I have to leave now if you would please…"

She stopped, giving up on searching every nook and corners. "If you would please,give me back my phone"

"No"

I rebuked her straight face. "You should address me as Kian because you're mine now Vivian"

It was firstly a slow chuckle,transformed into a chortle before a loud laughter filled the air.

"Right. You've succeeded in scattering my head"

She laughed. "Just give me my phone and let me go"

I sighed, getting frustrated each passing second. She was making it hard for me to say what I wanted to say so I sorted to the first idea that came to my head.

"I'm sorry you had to go through all that"

I said, trying to sound remorseful. I was referring to all the things she spluttered out while she was drunk the previous night. I almost thought it didn't work until I watched her face drop and her expression softened.

Her lips curved into a sad smile.

"It's fine, you don't have to take pity on me."

I racked my brain trying to find a suitable response

"I might have a temporary solution for you"

I said, trying to sound convincing.

"It'd be the best for us if you agree to it"

Her brows furrowed in confusion.

"What are you talking about"

She asked,her eyes narrowing.

I took a deep breath,the words tumbling out before I could reconsider

"Marry me Vivian"