19. The Strange Proposal 18
He recalled the strange proposal, “Marry me, Alfred, and you would be glad that you did,” Hazel, the desperate third Princess of the Martin's family, pleaded. As a Young Chief Executive Officer, he was startled by her sheer audacity, and wondered if she was out for a joke, and an expensive one.
At an Exhibition in Argentina
It was the fifth day of the Perfumery Exhibition, and the twenty-three years old Alfred Walter, the successor of the Walter International Conglomerates, was downcast. That day, he was having his lunch with Carson Gilmore, his twenty-two years newest friend, and the successor of the Gilmore Group of Companies. They met at the exhibition a few days ago, and established an amicable relationship. All the while, Carson had observed his moodiness, but he did not wish to interfere with his personal life. While they were eating, Carson got calls from his girlfriend, Pearl Julius, and other friends, and he chatted happily with them. Nevertheless, Alfred was delighted with Carson’s accomplishment and comportment, and wished that he could chat freely with his friends, especially a girlfriend just like him. However, the girlfriend must be the one he chose by himself, and not the one imposed on him by his parents for political and business purposes. He left his home, Nassau – the Bahamas, for the exhibition with a concealed identity, just to avoid his ex-wife of a day, his friends, and parents.
However, as an heir apparent of a successful business mogul, and an Honorable, who was concerned in the leadership of his country, many women had their eyes on him, while his parents had their arranged wife for him. Apart from that, his siblings, who had eyes on the throne, were after his life, and would not rest until they took it. Meanwhile, the conglomerate was a leading name in the fragrance, and beauty industry.
“Alfred, I can see that you don’t like the food,” Carson pointed out after his calls just to engage him in a conversation. Now, Carson’s voice broke his reverie, and he looked at him. Then, he asked, “Did you just say something, Carson?”
Although, he was older than Carson, but he was more composed, and smarter than his age. He could not do much to help him because he knew a little about him. Now, Carson merely smiled at his question and advised, “Eat your food, it is getting cold, and you may not like it.”
“Thank you, Carson, for your concern,” he appreciated, and began to eat. They ate in silence, and after a few minutes, Carson decided to touch on his friend’s matter without appearing inquisitive. Then, he gave him a concerned look, before he called out, “Alfred.”
His voice reminded Alfred of his teen, when nothing bothered him, and he looked up. They locked eyes for a few seconds, and searched for each other's heart through the eyes. When Alfred seemed to have found Carson's heart, he answered, “Yes, Carson. You called me?”
Carson shook his head softly, and responded, “Yes, Alfred. I called you because I feel that you are bothered, and you cannot continue keeping it to yourself.”
Now, Alfred dropped his cutlery, and let out a false smile. Then, he quizzed, “Wow! I hope that I have not scared you with my burden?”
Howbeit, Carson nodded, and corrected, “Not at all, Alfred. I’m only concerned about you, and I feel you need to speak with someone. I mean, share your burden, and it would be half solved,” Carson genuinely pointed out. To mask up his worries, Alfred laughed softly, and remarked, “It is not what you think, Carson. All the same, I have noted your advice, and thank you for that.” Nevertheless, Carson could differentiate between forced laughter and a hearty one. To help his friend further, he volunteered, “In case you find me worthy of your trust, never hesitate to call my attention.”
At that point, Carson was through with his food, and wished to leave. Then, he got up, and announced, “I beg to return to my exhibition boot.”
Nevertheless, Alfred was delighted with his presence because it gave him some relief. To have him longer by his side, he requested, “Kindly take your seat, Carson. I have found someone to speak with.”
“Wow! That is good,” Carson complimented, and looked around, searching for the person. Subsequently, Alfred’s next words entrapped him.
“If you can spare me a few minutes, I will love to share my problem with you, and get it half solved,” he pleaded. Nevertheless, Carson gave him a questioning look and inquired, “Does that mean that you found me worthy of your trust?”
“Yes. I have detected that you have a good heart, and generally a nice person.”
“Wow! That’s good. I’m delighted to earn your trust,” Carson remarked, and stretched forward his hand to him for a handshake, and they shook hands joyously. At that point, Carson sat back on his seat, and fixed his gaze at him. Then, Alfred began.
Six Days Ago
That day, Alfred was at the Stand Point Bar and Resort, the famous Seven-Star Hotel. The Bar and Resort was located in the heart of Nassau, the Capital City of the Bahamas in the North America. He was the youngest business tycoon in the city, and occupied the Very, Very Important Personalities Lounge with his Special Military Squad. To the surprise of his men, a strange looking young lady of twenty years, Miss Hazel Martin, attempted to break the protocol, and walked into the lavishly furnished lounge. Meanwhile, Hazel, who had succeeded in walking up to the young CEO, smiled and looked into his eyes. Then, she requested, “Mr. Alfred Walter, kindly marry me.”
Now, Alfred shook his head in disbelief because it was mysterious to him how she bravely altered his Security System at the Resort, and broke through the stronghold of more than ten Military Squad. Not only that, she had successfully found her way into the lounge which was meant for only the Very, Very Important Personalities of the city, where he was seated with his associates. Then, she flaunted her ugly self just to attract his sympathy and fall in love with her.
To her disappointed, she realized that she visited him at the wrong time, and when she observed that the young CEO’s expression was not pleasant, and would not wish to be provoked further, she was disoriented.
“Oh my God, despite my efforts and risks, I met him in a bad mood,” she mumbled in regret. All the same, she smiled inwardly at her brevity, especially when she saw his features which appealed to her. He could be described as a very handsome creature to behold, and depicted the most perfect art of God. His presence had an intimidating demeanor, which explained why no one dare to offend him. To her delight, apart from his associates, he was not with any lady, as it was the case with most successful, and handsome Young CEOs.
Meanwhile, Alfred, was Hazel's marriage interest, and despite her ugliness, she was out to get him for herself. She had longed and prayed for the day he would walk up to her, and propose a marriage, but since he never showed interest in her, she resolved to make a move. To her chagrin, there was a hitch.
“Excuse me, Young Lady. Kindly leave,” Alfred's Special Assistant, Steve Drake, advised calmly, but Hazel was unyielding. Now, he had no choice but to rush forward with an angry expression, and attempted to send the repulsive lady away against her wish. However, the desperate Hazel, who was there with a misunderstood intention, was nonchalant. Meanwhile, it was unclear to the Special Assistant whether she truly wanted Alfred to marry her or she was a spy of a business opponent.
“What a crazy lady!” Steve exclaimed. When Alfred observed that Steve's hand was about to grab Hazel's neck, and she was still unfazed, he was surprised, and could not imagine her mission. So, he raised his hand and stopped Steve abruptly, “Stop,” he ordered, and his cold gaze fell on the intruder.