CHAPTER 4

CADE'S POV:

"Come on Dad! I've already taken the plunge and got engaged to Isabella and now you want me to tie the knot with her? I hate to break it to you but I won't be walking down the aisle with Isabella Anderson. It's just not happening."

I can't wrap my head around the fact that my parents are pushing me into this marriage with Isabella, someone they imposed on me as my fiancée. How on earth am I supposed to go out there and proudly declare Isabella Anderson as my wife? Absolutely not, no way!

"Cade, do not make me take matters into my own hands. Who in their right mind would force someone into such a situation?"

"Mr Jack Stone!! You, dad. I already got engaged to her, daddy. Why must I walk down the aisle with Isabella? I can't get married to Isabella. Please mum, say something."I pleaded, my eyes desperately seeking understanding from my mother.

"Cade,your father has his reasons for wanting you to marry Isabella." Mrs. Victoria Stone, my mother, spoke gently, her voice delicate and petite.

"Mum! How can you say that? How can you justify forcing me to walk down the aisle with Bella? This is tearing me apart," I exclaimed, my voice echoing with a mixture of pain and anger, a turbulent storm of emotions swirling within me as I walked out on my parents.

I got into my car and drove up straight to the only place that gives me peace while speaking to my best friend, Adrian Knight on the phone.

As soon as I got to Stone Enterprise, I walked up straight to the private elevator that takes you straight to my floor. As the elevator made a beep to show that it had gotten to my floor. Olivia, my assistant, greeted me.

"Good morning Mr. Cade.

"Good morning Miss Olivia, come to my office." I spoke to her with so much irritation.

In the heart of Manhattan, nestled within a towering skyscraper, Cade's office exudes an air of lavish elegance. The expansive space offers a panoramic view of the iconic New York skyline, with floor to ceiling windows allowing natural light to cascade over meticulously chosen furnishings.

The focal point is a sleek, oversized desk crafted from rare, exotic wood, complimented by a plush leather chair that beckons authority. Surrounding the room, a custom-built bookshelf showcases a curated collection of leather-bound volumes and rare artifacts, underscoring the owner's intellect prowess and refined taste.

Advanced technology seamlessly integrates into the environment, with a state-of-the-art multimedia system controlled by a touch panel interface discreetly embedded in the desk. A massive video wall allows for real time monitoring of the global market, emphasizing on the owner's financial acumen.

Adjacent to the desk, is a private lounge area that boasts designer furniture and a curated selection of fine wine in a climate controlled glass cellar. The flooring, adorned with bespoke rugs, muffled footsteps creating an oasis of tranquility admits the urban chaos.

In this Cade's office, every detail speaks of success, sophisticated and an unwavering commitment to the epitome of luxury, creating an environment that mirrors the grandeur of both the city and the individual who commands it.

The door to my office cracked open , and Olivia, my diligent assistant, entered, her presence announced by the gentle sound. She spoke with a soft yet distant voice,

"Sir, you sent for me."

Interrupting her, I sharply inquired, my gaze piercing hers,

"Why is my coffee not on my desk?"

Apologetically, she explained, her voice tinged with trepidation,

"I thought you might be running late, so I decided to wait for your arrival before preparing the coffee. I'm sorry sir, I would go get it right away." Her eyes drafted towards the door, ready to rectify are perceiving mistakes.

In a dismissive voice, I retorted,

"Where are you going"?

"I'm going to get your coffee, sir."

Sarcastically, I snapped,

"Did I ask you to get me coffee? I only asked you a question. Anyways, beside that, I need you to send an email to Ms. Amber, responding to her proposal. Politely reject it. Also, book an appointment with Mr. Smith. Take these documents, proofread them, and bring them for me to sign at the end of the day." waving my hands dismissively.

Lost in my work, I barely registered the commotion outside until my best friend, Adrian, barged into my office with Olivia, their entrance disruptive and unsettling.

"Forgive me for interrupting, but this gentleman insisted that he's your best friend and urgently needs to see you. Despite my attempt to delay him, he entered the office without warning." Olivia rushed to explain, her expression clouded with uncertainty.

I noticed the strain on her face, and a wave of remorse washed over me for my earlier outburst,

"No need to worry, Olivia. Adrian Knight is indeed my best friend. If he comes by, please let him in." I reassured her with a call and gentle tone.

"Thank you sir. I didn't realize that he was your best friend." Olivia responded visibly relieved.

I nodded, signaling for her to resume her duties. Turning my attention to Adrian, I couldn't help but wonder why he was in my office when he should be home after returning from a business trip.

"Adrian, what brings you here? Weren't you just back from Miami today? Shouldn't you be resting at home?" I questioned a blend of sarcasm and genuine concern in my voice.

Adrian Knight has been my closest companion since high school days, making his unexpected presence in my office more perplexing and intriguing.

Adrian locked eyes with me, his expression shrouded in mystery making it nearly impossible to discern his intentions. Instantly, a sense of foreboding crept over me, signaling that he bore weighty revelations.

Anxious,I pressed him,

"Why the urgency? What brings you to my office straight out of the plane?"

His response hung heavy with an impending revelation,

"Cade, brace yourself. I struggle to find the words, but you need to be aware."

Curiosity mingled with apprehension as I pondered what bombshell he was about to unveil.

"Enough with the suspense, just tell me." I urge concealing the anxiety in my voice.

Adrian with a pentrating gaze disclosed,

"Cade, Isabella Anderson is back in New York."

Disbelief gripped me. Why would Bella be back prematurely? Questions flowed my mind, questioning her departure from Miami modeling career and the repercussions on our orchestrated wedding.

A whirlwind of emotions, numbness, confusion and anger swept over me. The pressure to agree to my parents wishes intensified, and the imaginary wedding seemed to morph into a looming reality.

Stammering, I sought for clarification,

"When? Why? How do you even know she's back?"

Adrian met my gaze resolutely,

"We shared the same flight. She's here, man."

Before I could respond, the intercom interrupted, my assistant's voice crackling through,

"Sir, there's a lady here to see you. She claims her name is Isabella."