HIS UNWILLING BRIDE

LYDIA

Hey, this is me, Lydia Harrington. I am 24, working as the head of the Marketing department in the second most famous company, Simon Corporation, in New York, whose CEO is Blake Simon.

If you are wondering about the first one, then it's the Ashford Industries, and I have a huge crush on the CEO of that company, Nathaniel Ashford. But I guess I shouldn't be having that, as he is our rival. But still can't help. He is handsome as hell.

I was getting ready for work while mum was shouting from the other room for me to have my breakfast. Yeah, if you are wondering about me being lazy, well, I am too lazy to even wake up early in the morning. However, I managed to drag myself into the kitchen. After having breakfast, I left for work.

After reaching the office, I met my bestie Cassandra, who was the head of the IT department, and we both entered the elevator together. We were talking about our weekend. I love her so much; she is always there for me, and she is my partner in crime. We are just opposite to each other, I guess that's why we get along. And did I mention she is really cool?

I started working when Scott came to me. He is my co-worker who always tries to flirt with me.

Lydia, look at him, he is smiling a lot today, I guess something really bad is coming. My conscience said, and I, as always, ignored her.

He sat next to me," Hey Lydia, how was your weekend?"

"Same boring, didn't have much to do. What about you? I heard you went to Kayla's party last night. It must've been fun."

"Umm....not really, I was missing you."

I gave an awkward laugh. Gawwd, how does he manage to irritate me so much just by his words?

"If you are free, then we can have a date tonight."

Told ya this was coming and sh*t, I forgot the count, how many times has he asked this?

Oh, I too forgot umm.... I guess 8th.

"Umm....Scott, I am really sorry, but I have to"

Think Lydia think.

Shut up. I am thinking.

"Take my father to the.umm." where to "dentist. Yes, to the dentist."

"Again? Last time you said that."

Did I?

Uh-oh. You are really a bad liar. How can you forget that?

"umm......ya again."

"But we-" He was cut off by Cassandra. She came with a cup of coffee in her hand and stood in front of Scott.

"Were you guys having some important discussion?" My savior.

"No, just normal talks, you know, "I replied.

Well, she knew everything about Scott, and the awkwardness in my voice was enough to tell her I was in a problem. So being the evil-minded that she is, she looked at me and smirked. I knew where this was going. I mouthed to her a 'No', but being her, she did what I was asking her not to do.

She accidentally spilled the hot coffee on Scott's pants.

"Uh-oh, I am really sorry, Scotty. I didn't mean to do that. Are you ok?"

Scott looked really p*ss*d, but he, being, or should I say, trying to be a gentleman, couldn't react angrily in front of me. So, he whispered a small fine and went out of our cabin.

"So, what's the number? Wait, let me guess. Umm, 8, right?"

I rolled my eyes and said while laughing. "That was really mean. But I loved it. He was so p*ss*d."

Then we went for lunch.

MEETING MY CRUSH

LYDIA

I was sitting in my room reading a book when suddenly I heard some noises, and with those sounds I could easily make out who it was, Cass, of course. Then my room's door opened, and a jumping Cass came into my room.

Bingo. Ha! I know her so well.

She sat beside me and said, "Guess what?"

"I guess something delicious has happened, that's why you are smiling so much."

"Ya, it is good, but for you and me being nice friends, I am happy for you. You should be thankful to God for giving you a friend like me."I rolled my eyes.

"Can you stop praising yourself and tell me what it is?"

"Okay, so remember you have a crush."

"I guess he is my crush, so of course I remember him."

"Okay, so we have a meeting with the Maestri's tomorrow and the boss told that you, me, and Scott have to be there. And.."

Oh God, I guess I know where this is going.

"Aaa.nd?" I asked, not knowing how to react if what I was thinking was going to come true.

"YOUR NATHANIEL ASHFORD WOULD BE THERE TOO."

I knew it. I knew this was coming. Finally, I will again see my Nathaniel.

Wait, did I say me? The thought made me smile a little.

"Wo-wo-wo girl, calm down, look at you blushing just thinking about it."

Was I blushing? OH GOD! Just thinking about him, I am blushing like a high school girl. There were so many things going through my mind right now.

"Are you going to say something or not?" When she said that I couldn't control my thoughts, I showered her with a bunch of questions.

"OH MY GOD, OH MY GOD! What am I going to wear? What am I going to say when I see him? How will he see me? Will he like me? What am I going to style my hair in? Which lipstick should I apply?"

"Lydia, calm down. I am sure we will figure something out. For now, I'll be leaving, and ya reach there by 9."

Lydia, you’re lucky b*tch. You are going to meet NATHANIEL ASHFORD. I am so jealous of you.

I know, right? I don't think I can sleep tonight.

I opened my laptop and started searching for him. Though I know everything about him, I can't help. I started searching about him, admiring his pictures, then again, I saw that picture of him with that model Maddison White. A frown formed on my face. I knew about this controversy that recently got everyone's attention about their dating. Maddison White was a b*tch who just wanted to be in the spotlight, and this was the reason most of the people hated her.

I read the headlines about them.

Is the 26-year-old billionaire dating the model?

Are they serious about their?

relationship?

God, can't they stop with those question marks?

She is so beautiful. Do you think he would like me when he has such a beautiful girlfriend?

Oh, shut up. You are precious. He won't find anyone like you anywhere.

Ya, that's right, well, I know I am great. Anyway, I am going to sleep now. Night night.

Ya ya goodnight.

I shut down my laptop and drifted to sleep.

LYDIA

THE D.... DAY!

Lemme tell you I got up extra early today. And it took me an hour to get ready. This is so unlike me. What is happening to me?

You are going to meet him!

Stop, you told me this for the nth time.

Now stop.

You are going to meet him!

Stop.

You are going to meet him!

"WILL YOU STOP? You are making me more nervous."

I went to the meeting location. It was held in the penthouse of Oliver Maestri, a 67-year-old man who was here for a business partnership with either of the two companies. When I reached there, no one had yet arrived. I looked at the time, it was 8:55. They must've been here till now. I thought to myself. Where is everyone? I went in and was invited by someone.

"Hey, I am Mr. Maestri's assistant. My name is Gabriel."

"Hi, I am Lydia Harrington from Simon Corporation."

"Please come with me, I'll show you the meeting hall."

He