Chapter Four

DAMIEN

I was supposed to be angry at that lady but I had a smile on my face as I walked out of the conference room where the interview had just taken place. 

"Sir, Mr Jones request your presence in conference room 4. The meeting is about to begin," My father's secretary informed me.

I nodded slightly. "Let him know that I would be there,"

I needed to call Claire, my girlfriend, to come over.

For years, I was not interested in any woman until Claire, my everything. 

I walked into my office and dropped my coat on my chair before shoving my hands into my pockets and retrieving my phone. 

I dialled Claire's number and with a smile on my face, I placed the phone against ear, putting one of my hands back into my pocket.

"Sorry, the subscriber you're calling is busy. Please.."

"She must be busy," I mumbled and presses the 'end' button and redialled her number but still she wasn't picking. 

I exhaled and dialled her number for the fourth time.

"Sorry, the subscriber you are calling is currently switched.." I sighed and brushed my hair backwards with my fingers and sat. 

What was going on? It was unlike Claire to answer the phone.

She was excited for this day. We had even picked out a dress for this day, the day I was to introduce her to the board of directors, as my father had requested, so I can assume my position as the CEO. That was the condition he gave else he wouldn't hand over the position.

I refused to date after something happened but Claire changed everything. She was my pillar and sun on a cold day. I'm literally nothing without her.

Taking in a deep breath, I dialled their number. It was no longer ringing, this time it was switched off.

A feeling of fear washed over me. Claire would never ditch me, she loved me and was aware of everything I've been through. 

She was going to be with me forever. She had promised.

I exhaled and dialled Taylor, my driver's number.

He picked up at the fourth ring. "Where are you?" I asked, ignoring his greeting.

"At the first floor.." I didn't let him finish.

"Go to my apartment and find Claire. If she is not there, check her apartment," I ordered.

"Sir, did–" 

"Now!" I could feel the pain in my throat as I shouted and gripped my phone, tightly.

My thoughts were running wild as I tried to think of where Claire might have gone. 

I paced the small space behind my desk as I waited for Taylor's call. 

Did she leave? No, there is no way she would do that. I trusted Claire, she would never do this to me.

I quickly answered the call when my phone started ringing, disrupting my thoughts.

"Sir, miss is no longer here.." he said without wasting time.

"What do you mean she is no longer here?" I half yelled. 

"The housekeeper said she left since yesterday,"

Yesterday? I spoke to Claire last night and everything was or seemed to be okay. We had even facetimed and she looked happy, so what went wrong?

"What? You can't fucking tell me that," I yelled, hitting my palm against the table. "Find her!"

"But sir–" I hung up and threw the phone on the table, trying to breath through my mouth.

Exasperated, I ran my fingers through my hair. 

"She left you," my subconscious mocked.

I shook my head. Claire would never do this to me, she was only busy.

A knock came on the door and my father's secretary walked in.

"Sir, Mr Jones wanted me to let you know that the meeting has began," he informed me.

I sighed and nodded before rising and pulling on my coat.

I quickly texted Claire, asking her where she was before putting my phone into my pocket. 

I bowed slightly as soon as I got into the conference room. I went to sit beside dad and after a few minutes, mom entered, sitting opposite me. 

Mom raised an eyebrow quizzically and I clasped my fingers together, looking away. I couldn't being myself to look at her.

What do I tell her? I had nothing to tell her and I couldn't bring myself to tell her that Claire had disappeared.

My parents never liked her but they were ready to accept her because of me but now she had screwed up, how could I tell them?

I exhaled and tried to concentrate on the meeting. After series of reviews and series of presentations, father stood up with a smile on his face.

I immediately knew it was time.

"Gentlemen and ladies my son would love to introduce someone to us," I squeezed my eyes shut as he gestured towards me.

Fuck. I exhaled and stood, plastering a smile on my face.

"She would be here soon," I promised even though I knew it was a lie. I had no idea of her whereabouts but I was sure that she would never disappoint me.

The meeting continued but after an hour Claire was still not here and she was not picking up too. 

I was scared but I still tried to act calm in front of these people who were now loosing patience.

One of the men stood up and cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"When is this person coming? We've been waiting for too long," he said, obviously speaking the mind of everyone in the room. "We have other things to do, not being here waiting."

Everyone spoke in unison, concurring.

I sighed, knowing that no amount of kind words was going to salvage this situation.

At this point, it dawned on me that Claire was not going to come today. I quickly texted mom explaining the situation. 

She glared at me from across the table before standing up and leaving.

I couldn't help but wonder where she had gone to. My palms became sweaty as people bombarded dad and me with questions.

I have never been this speechless before. I never thought that Claire would do this to me.

They were about to unleash their anger when mom walked in, standing opposite us with a lady beside her. The noise died down immediately.

"Sorry for taking too long. I went to get my daugther in-law," She said with a smile on her face.

I couldn't see the lady properly from across the table but I knew it was Claire, so what was mom talking about? Who was this familiar lady?

She stood properly causing her face to come into view. 

I could feel smoke coming out of my ears as anger coursed through my veins. What was that woman doing here? Where did mom get her from?

I clenched my fist as a thought came to me.

No way was mom going to make me...

"Good day everyone," She greeted after a few minutes. "My name is Heaven,"

The members of the board had a smile on their faces as they nodded in approval, whispering amongst themselves.

"She looks and sounds heavenly like her name,"

"Good! Good!" Their approving comments angered me.

The man who had stood earlier, stood up again with a smile on his face. 

"We would do as we have promised once the marriage has been concluded," he beamed. "I believe we have a grand wedding to attending, right?" he threw a question.

"Yes," everyone chorused.

What marriage? This was not my Claire, I can't marry her!

A friend settled on my face opposing their happy look. 

How dare they plan my wedding without my approval? There was no way I was going to get married to this woman but I dare not say anything until they leave. 

I fumed beside dad as he spoke, "thank you all for your concern and support. The wedding shall be held as soon as possible," he announced with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

It looks like I'm not the only one upset here. 

I knew I had to say something but as I attempted to stand, mom's gaze pinned me down causing to fold my arms across my chest.

They all clapped and stood, dispersing. I sat waiting for the room to empty before I let out my words. I was beyond furious.

I headed straight to 'miss notice me' when mom and dad discussed with my dad's close friend. 

"Are you satisfied now?" I asked angrily.

She cocked her head and raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? Where is your slutty girlfriend?" 

Her question threw me off balance. I couldn't say a word.

 "I wouldn't be here if she had not disappeared," She said with a smirk.

I grabbed her by her wrist tightly and drew closer to her, glaring.

"You had better keep your mouth shut! Claire is only busy, she would be back before you know it!" she tried to struggle from my grasp but she was no match for me. "I have no interest in women like you." I spat.

Indeed, that made the impact I wanted.

A smirk stretched across my face as I watched color drain from her face.