I was going through some documents, when my phone rang. I glanced at the caller ID: Lisa

"Hey babe."

"Hey Lis. why did you call ?" I asked her while working.

"Can't I call you without any reason ?" I can imagine her pouting.

"Ofcourse you can, it's just that I am a little busy right now."

"You're always so busy, you never have time for me. Do you even love me ?" She asked, seemingly annoyed.

Here she goes.

"Sorry love, what can I do to make it up to you ?"

"I want to go shopping."

"Alright I'll credit some money in your account."

"Thank you..thank you so much, you're the best. I love you" She cheered and hung up.

I was slightly disappointed when she didn't ask if I ate something or not. What has happened to you, baby ? Another thought crossed my mind. I tried to push all those thoughts aside & resumed my work when once again I was distracted by a knock on my door.

"What's up with everybody today ?" I mumbled to myself.

"Come in" I said and saw dad walking in.

"Next time just barge in, ok dad ?"

"Privacy son. Privacy."

"Coming from the person who didn't care about my privacy while bursting into my bedroom."

"You were a kid, then."

"I was 18." I said emphasizing on 18 .

"Still a kid." He said humor lacing in his voice while I just rolled my eyes.

"By the way, what happened dad ?"

I asked.

"We have a meeting in an hour with RAE Corps. They want to present the models."

"Alright. I'll be there."

"Hmm." Dad mumbled. He leaned back in his seat and exhaled heavily.

"Is there something else, dad ?"

"You see son, how eagerly I want you to take over the company."

"That can happen anytime you want. Don't stress over it."

"No son, that can happen only when you want." He countered.

"What are you trying to say, dad."

"What I am trying to say is that I want you to settle down first with a perfect girl."

Dad I have a girl for me, you just don't know about her. I thought.

Nobody apart from Laura and Sean know about Lis & I. I am planning on to propose her on her birthday and then tell everyone.

"Nobody is perfect dad."

"Indeed son, but there is always a perfect person, just for you and you are lucky I found her for you."

"Lame joke, dad." I shrugged and went back to working.

"I am absolutely serious, son.

I want you to marry, Ava Anderson." My head jerked up.

"What ? Are you kidding me ? I am not marrying her. Why would you even think that ?" I asked. My voice instinctively raised at the end.

"Watch your tone son, I am still your dad."

"Yeah, right. And you want me to marry a random girl, claiming her to be "perfect" for me."

"I am not asking you to marry any random girl. I asked Matt (The Knight's private investigator ) to find all the details about her and from what I saw and know, this girl is a pure gem."

"Bullshit." I whispered to myself.

"I am sorry dad, I can't marry her."

I stated in the calmest voice possible.

"Why son ?"

"I just can't."

"And I want a reason ?" He asked annoyed.

"Cause I love someone else."

He sighed and leaned back in his seat.

"What is her name ?"

"Lisa Ray."

"Who ?" He immediately questioned as if confirming that he heard right.

"Lisa Ray."

"That model...or should I say ex-model, you want to marry her ?"

"Yes dad." I immediately stood up.

"No son, that's not happening."

"What do you mean, dad. I love her."

"And I love you. I'll never let you marry a hot headed, stubborn and scandalous girl like her. You'll marry Ava or the company you worked so hard for, will go to charity."

"You can't do that. I worked hard for this company."

He can't do that.

"You leave me with no choice, son."

"Knowing where it will end, I can't let you choose that girl over a descent girl like Ava." He whispered, turning around while I unconsciously fell on my seat.

"Leave me alone." I said. He obeyed and walked towards the door. He left but not before saying, "You maybe hating me right now, but this is for your own good."

My good.

My mind was a whirlpool of questions while my heart sank at the mere thought of hurting Lis. She maybe pretty off these days. I certainly don't know why. But she isn't like this. She has always been loving towards me. She has been through a lot and I don't want to hurt her and add more to it.

I took few deep breaths and after pondering over the facts. I decided to call her.

_______

"He has made it clear, either to marry her or forget the company." I told Lisa.

"What ? He can't do that to you."

"I thought so."

There was a lasting silence between us.

"Marry her."

"What ? Are you seriously saying this ? I thought you loved me."

"I do and that's why I can't let you lose your company. Marry her and once you inherit the company, you can divorce her and we can be together again."

"He is my father, he isn't a dumb man. He sent me some contract papers, that say I'll have to be in this marriage for atleast two years."

"We haven't got any other way."

She said and hung up.

I sighed and leaned back in my seat.

"I am sorry I was caught up in a meeting." Lie. I just don't want to be here.

"Oh ! It's alright Mr.Knight . understand." she said. I was still furious, my fists were involuntarily clenching & unclenching.

Meeting carried on, I wanted to leave as soon as possible.

"I actually like it.What do you think son ?"

"It's pretty nice. I like it." As much as I hate her, I can't deny that this project is profitable and I very well know, how to keep my personal and professional life apart.

They both exchanged a smile, while I got up from my seat.

"Meeting's a success, I'd really like to stop and celebrate. However I have another meeting, so excuse me." A damn lie again. I just want to get rid of her presence but that isn't possible not after the decision I have made, until and unless she says no.

____________