2 Hardcore Businessman.

I was in the middle of the photoshoot at the studio in Melbourne, when my phone started buzzing like there's a freaking earthquake. I controlled my anger till the end of the photoshoot and came home. I saw 20 voice mails from Martin, our butler's son and my only friend. I called him back, he answered right after the first ring.

"Why were you buzzing my phone? I was at work, goddammit." I said in a bit of an angry tone.

"I wouldn't call if it's not important. The situation is out of control." Martin said in a mysterious voice.

"What happened?" I asked after sighing.

"The company is losing clients. It's about to go bankrupt." Martin finally spoke out.

"Great. Just send me the info and everything that concerns the company. And book a ticket to Manchester, I'm coming home." I said it in a calm tone.

I know, it's a really big thing and at least I should have yelled 'WHAT THE FUCK' on Martin's face but trust me, that won't solve the problem, not even 0.1% of it. You can think wisely with a clear head rather than making stupid decisions with a hot head.

"I'll send you in 10 minutes." He answered.

"5." I ended the call.

I got the info in 5 minutes like I have ordered and started going through it. If the person that's running this business isn't my dad, he would have died right after I land in the UK.

I sighed and was planning ways to get my business back on run. The next day I did my packing and was looking at the article, with headlines 'Is this the doom of Harrisons or just their company', that's when my phone rang. It was dad.

"Hello," I answered.

"Son, how are you?" Dad asked.

Why do you have to act cool when you're standing on fire? He'll never change.

"I'm fine and you don't have to ask the same question every time you call," I replied.

I know I sounded cold, but that's what my behavior has been to everyone for the last 3 years.

"Well, I have my concerns towards my son." Well, he sounded a bit upset, but I'm not much to care.

"Is there a reason you called?" I asked.

If this is a regular 'Check-on-son' call, I'm gonna hang up. He's been calling me like a hospital regular check-up guy, for the past 3 years. It's not like I'm gonna end my life just because I'm traumatized and he's not coming to the point......yet.

"Yes... there's been a problem. It's abou-" I stopped him before he completes that sentence.

"About the company? I know, I got news from Martin as soon as we lost our clients. I'm working on it." I replied still in a cold tone.

"Well, you might know the reason, why I'm calling then," Dad asked.

"I do and I have booked a flight ticket. I'll be home by tomorrow."

"Okkay, then. I'll see you tomorrow." Dad smiled.

"Okkay." I ended the call.

I checked the time and I should get going. I took my luggage and went to the airport. The airplane landed at Manchester airport the next day and I saw Martin waiting for me. He took the luggage and we got into the car. We were on our way home when Martin spoke.

"How were your days in Australia, you haven't come home for the past 6 months."

"Had been busy with work stuff. Why missed me?" I asked, looking at my phone.

"Your voice is cold but still cheesy. And yes, I have missed you." Martin replied with a smile.

"I know," I replied.

"Things have been pretty messed up since you left. Master's health isn't good too." Martin said the last sentence in a low tone.

"It wouldn't be pretty if it's messed up. Don't worry about dad's health, he's not that weak to die early."

"Geez, Adam, it's your dad. Show some respect." Martin made the same whimsical face he makes when he gets to listen to things he doesn't wanna.

"Facts buddy. Drive fast, I need a shower, this jetlag's eating my brain." I said massaging my forehead slowly.

Martin didn't say anything instead he replied with actions. I got home, took shower, and went to sleep. The next morning I was in the living room, looking at the company's financial info when dad came as sat beside me.

"You found the problem?" Dad asked.

"Yes. I can't believe you guys messed it up. I told you, things would get outta control if you seek competition instead of quality."

"There will always be a competition in the market, son." Dad tried to prove his innocence.

"That doesn't mean you change the company's motto to 'Doom Lawrenson's'. I told you to give a proposal for the alliance, last time I came. Why don't you listen to me?" I tried hard not to shout on my dad's face.

"I made son. I had a meeting with George Harrison a few days ago. We both decided to merge our companies, but things got off from hands before we made a public announcement." Dad replied.

"At least one good news. I'm here so let me take care of it, from now on." I sighed before speaking.

"Actually two. We also decided to unite our families, by making you marry Evelyn Lawrenson, George Lawrenson's daughter. I know it's too fast and if you wan-" I cut him off before he completes his old school drama.

"Okkay."

"What? You're okkay with the marriage proposal?" Dad asked with a shocking face.

"Yes. Moreover, you guys have already decided and I'm okkay with it as long as it benefits our company."

"Then.... I'll tell this to George," Dad said and left.

In the evening, I went to the boxing area with Martin, we were practicing and Martin started interrogating.

"I can't believe you agreed to the marriage." Martin chuckled softly.

"That wasn't a choice. If I don't marry her, our alliance wouldn't be strong enough and it will lead to bankruptcy." I said punching the sandbag.

Martin came towards me while removing his boxing gloves.

"That doesn't make any sense. Why marry her when you don't love?" He asked.

"Because dad was planning to get me married anyway and in a situation like this.... marrying her is my best choice."

"Now you sound like a stone-hearted hardcore businessman."

"Whatever. I can't believe dad and George Lawrenson's were that dicks to turn things like this."

"C'mon man, you can't call your dad 'dick'."

I stopped punching and held the sandbox so it won't move and looked at Martin.

"Hear me out, buddy. My dad and George Lawrenson were and are dicks, who doomed their own businesses."

"Can't argue. What's your strategy?" Martin asked.

"I can't think of any until both the companies merge. I have to take a look at the Lawrenson's financial info too." I replied and continuing the practice.

We went back home and the next morning. I was in the gym when Martin came in.

"You know you don't have to work so hard to maintain your body. Nowadays, girls are after money more than the body."

"I do it for me not to impress them. Why did you come?" I asked.

"Master wants to see you," Martin replied.

"Okkay," I said wiping the sweat from my neck with a towel and came out with him.

"You called?" I asked going towards dad a the dining table.

"Yes, do you have free time?" Dad asked.

"Apparently not. Why?" I said while sitting on the chair.

"You....haven't met, Evelyn. So, George thought it would be great if you guys meet for lunch."

"I will skip," I said in a cold tone.

"It's good if you guys know each other before marriage. Evelyn said okkay to it." Dad tried to convince me.

"Fine. Just for an hour." I said and left the place.

I was so much into work that I forgot about the lunch till Martin reminded me.

"Dude, get ready, you have a lunch date."

"Don't call it a date. It's an insult." I said while standing up.

I got ready and Martin drove the car to the restaurant in which George Lawrenson has booked a table for us.

I got off the car and we both went inside. I was waiting at the door and Martin was looking for the waiter to lead me to the table when some blind idiot bumped into me, followed by an apology. It sounded like a girl, I turned around to look at her. As soon as I looked at her I realized who she was and I guess she did too.

'What the fuck is she doing here?' That is all I can think of and so was she but out loud.