CHAPTER 22
Damien's POV
Several reporters were ready to question me about my allegedly low-key wedding when I arrived at work this morning.
I was asked why it wasn't a grand affair with dignitaries from all around the globe and what would be different now that I am married.
If I had the ability to dismiss all of the inquiries, I would have done so, but I chose to remain cool rather than risk raising suspicions or allowing them to conjure up a tale. When the volume of questions reached an uncomfortable level, I excused myself.
I lead a life that is like this. Following social conventions and creating false information and appearances to appease the public.
This is what it takes to be the only successor, along with myself, to my father's multi-million dollar business. This is necessary to become a billionaire.
Since being married, I am more open to doing business. They will undoubtedly enter, I know.
Even though I was asked why I had to return to work on the second day of my marriage to Isabella, I am now married and seen as responsible.
Even though I work on Sundays, I don't see why I should skip this Sunday because I just got married.
One of the reporters persisted in asking me why I wasn't taking my wife on a global tour in the name of my honeymoon, and she was anxious for an explanation.
That query almost made me irritated.
They questioned me about if things would change now that I am married before inquiring as to why I am not now on a honeymoon.
Things would change if I had a honeymoon, yet nothing bad would come about in my life.
The changes that will result from being absent from the workplace at all times and being late to work because I now have a wife are the changes that I am aware they are asking for.
I wanted to yell at them to leave me alone.
After entering the workplace, I got a call from Gabriel, who insisted on seeing me. I could tell he was serious because of the business proposition he had previously discussed with me.
We agreed to meet right here.
Gray's Club, ii.
If he had extended the offer to the billionaire's club, I would have politely rejected it and perhaps suggested that he visit my home instead.
I approach where Gabriel is waving at me from the VIP area.
I'll be visiting this club for the second time this week. The first also included Gabriel.
He says, "Hey, buddy", and we shake hands. I roll my eyes at him even though a woman is sitting in front of him and keeping him company.
This alone should make one dislike marriage. Gabriel loves Sabrina, therefore I'm puzzled as to why he continues to cheat on her with thin women like this one.
The only response I can provide to this question is that contrary to popular belief, marriage is neither a bed of roses nor a happily ever after.
Gabriel shouldn't be having an extramarital affair with his beloved wife if it is a happily-ever-after situation. Without considering infidelity, he needs to be content with her and embrace her for who she is, warts and all.
Cheating taints reality. It also makes love seem false.
As Gabriel dismisses the woman, who winks at me before swinging her hips away, I fall heavily to the bench.
"Do you still lie?" Unable to control my curiosity, I ask him.
As he pours some wine into an empty glass cup, he smiles with a glint in his eye.
Why is a newlywed guy working today when he should be at home with his wife in bed? Instead of answering my question, he asks one of his own.
He obviously has a reason for asking this inquiry. He has a cheeky grin on his face.
Saying "Shut up!" I tell him to get away and take the glass cup from him. Why did you request that we meet here?
What if I said that I wanted to ask you how your marriage is going?
"You shouldn't!" I snarl, a sour expression on my face.
He is capable of doing this, and if that ends up being the case, I will be furious. He's talking about goddamn post-marriage things that will never happen, and I can't believe I left work early because of this.
He laughs softly and takes a drink of the wine before his grin is quickly replaced by a somber expression.
He starts, "Actually, it is about the partnership I told you about," and I lean closer to listen to him more comfortably. I have an idea that I think will benefit both you and myself as you are bringing in new business for your vehicle company.
He is urged to continue as I nod. I truly don't see what he's trying to get at.
He makes his seat adjustment and turns to face me directly. The job will be finished if we can only obtain the necessary funds.
Which concept do you have? I find it unbelievable that he is just discussing the cash without clearly laying out the terms of this relationship.
He declares with a broad smile, "Robotic technology."
"Robots?" I respond with a pointed query. He bows.
"I have a skilled person for this. All we have to do is hire him to make these robots, which we then sell to the general public for various applications. The business may be connected to your automaker, but we need to come up with a new name for it.
"Why robots?" you may ask. I pose the most ridiculous query ever. I've never been interested in robots, and I've never considered participating in anything like this.
I have faith in Gabriel since he is a smart guy. This robot concept simply doesn't sit well with me.
Why use robots? The most recent technology is that. He emphasizes that we must ascertain the demands of the populace before using them.
"I don't need to be reminded of what I learned in school, you know. You aren't as familiar with our many business and marketing methods as I am, so don't lecture me, I snap back, downing the last of the wine.
He beams. "Don't be so arrogant about being the Economist expert; everyone knows you are. It shouldn't be illegal to remind you.
I ask him to continue because I don't want to get sidetracked and waste anymore of my time.
That is all there is to know. Tomorrow, I'll bring the engineer to your business so you two may continue your conversation. If you accept the proposal, I will make a call to my attorney to get it included in the partnership agreement that we have not yet signed.
What benefit will the public get from these robots? I ask.
various things like cooking, doing laundry, and doing errands.
"Cooking?" I cut him off. My look changes to one of disbelief. "You think I'll let a robot prepare my breakfast?"
He counters, "If you don't like the idea, others will," and I shake my head in disbelief.
What are the drawbacks of this? I express my worry about it. "What if someone uses it improperly?"
He gives off a long, serious expression. "Wrong purpose, like what?"
My brow wrinkles as I say, "Assassinations, theft, kidnapping, and the rest." Remember, when the robots have been auctioned off, we won't have the chance to watch their behavior, and we won't even know who is using them improperly.
He too is quiet. He must be considering the advantages and disadvantages of this notion, something he probably hadn't thought much about before.
"I really don't like the idea, but if you want us to try it, think it through and consider the risks it might pose to the general public and the population."
He hums while nodding.
"If that's all, then I should go off. I'll consider it as well and chat to Father to find out what he thinks of the concept, I assure him.
"Hey, let's go. You need to linger a bit longer. Enjoy the celebration; it will soon begin.
I shake my head and lay my phone on the middle table in front of us before standing up and buttoning the top of my suit. "I have a lot of things to do at home."
"A lot?" He inquired, his smile returning to his features. "Like warming the bed of your new wife?"
Saying "Shut up!" I growl at him. Does he need to make it overly clear that Lisa and I won't have a romantic relationship till the marriage is over?
Gabriel is a jerk!
You need to change your mind and assist your young bride.
"Gabriel, keep quiet. You are nothing but a bullshitter. I give him a chilly glance and then turn to go.
He cries after me, "Tell your little bride that my wife and I will be visiting soon with our wedding gift," and great belly laughing ensues.
Asshole!
