Bound by a Deal

Chapter 1

“Ma, you're just being ridiculous how can you suggest I marry someone I don't know. You know I'm in a relationship with Zane and I love him.” Shanequa protested.

“Young lady, this man doesn't love you. I just sent him money to stay far away from you, if he did love you as you claim he does he won't have accepted the money. Besides, this marriage would seal the deal between the two largest companies in New York.” Elsa added smirking.

“Zane, I thought you loved me,” Shanequa said heartbroken.

“I do, I mean I did...fuck it, just go with what your mom says. It's best we go our separate ways. I'm sorry Shane.” He added walking out as she slid onto the floor sobbing.

“Get yourself together Shanequa, you'd live besides he had nothing good to offer.” Elsa consoled her.

“Is that supposed to be a consolation or what?” Shanequa spat.

“I tried." Her mom teased as she runs up the stairs.

“You'd live dear, and remember Kamon would be here this evening so prepare to meet him.” Her mom said loudly enough for her to hear.

“We're meeting up with Shanequa and her mom at their residence, you better put on good behaviour,” Peter said to his son in his study.

“Don't I get a say in this? Ma, say something.” Kamon added helplessly.

“I'm sorry son, but there's nothing I can do, besides Shanequa's a nice lady. You'd love her.” Mrs Simona stated.

“But--” He was cut off by his dad.

“No buts Kamon, no buts. This is final so you better go get ready and you better not mess this up. You know what I'm capable of doing.” His father smiled slyly as he left the study.

“Ma is this supposed to be marriage or a business deal?” He asked rhetorically as his mom smiled softly.

                                  CAST

Peter Mills - Kamon, Erique and Melinda's father, multi tycoon and husband to Simona. 60 years old

Kamon Mills -Eldest child of Peter and Simona, heir to IBM. Rude and arrogant just like his father. 33 years old

Elsa Hall - Widow, multi-millionaire, mother of Shanequa Hall. 50 years old.

Shanequa Hall- Only child to Elsa Hall, heir to Deloitte. Smart, beautiful, sassy and calm. 28 years old.

New York.

Manhattan.

Silk stocking District.

Hall's Residence

Kamon and his father sat in the living room as the maid offered them a bottle of red wine and croissants. Kamon sat impatiently tapping his foot on the marbled floor as his father glared at him.

Shanequa followed her mother down the stairs to meet her potential husband and father-in-law.

She was sick and tired of arguing with her hot-headed mother and decided to give in to her demands. It wasn't as if she was seeing someone at the moment.

The one she thought loved her had found another woman to be with and started a life with her from the huge amount of money her mom gave to him.

It's better we get over with this. She thought to herself as they reached the bottom of the staircase.

“Ah, Peter, it's good to see you,” Elsa said hugging the man.

“The pleasure's mine Elsa.” Peter greeted as they sat down talking about business.

Kamon stared at Shanequa. She was beautiful. She had long legs and olive skin. Her long brown hair cascaded down her back. She had black piercing eyes, unlike her mother's green eyes. She stood at 6'3 and had a slim curvy figure.

“So down to the reason we are here,” Elsa added drawing everyone's attention.

“Kamon, this is my daughter and your future wife, Shanequa Hall the heir to my company.” Elsa introduced as she gave her daughter signals with her eyes to go and greet the young handsome man.

“It's nice to meet you Kamon.” She said clearly uninterested.

“The pleasure's mine, " He added.

“Dad, Mrs Hall would you mind if I went out on a walk with Shanequa?” Kamon asked as Shanequa turned her head to look at him almost breaking her neck in the process.

“Not at all dear, do take all the time in the world,” Elsa added as Kamon took her hands into his and they walked off to the balcony.

“I can see you're clearly disinterested in this whole shenanigans as I am,” Kamon spoke up as they looked out onto the busy streets.

“Ah, finally we're on the same page.” Shanequa rolled her eyes.

“No need to get feisty. I think it wouldn't be a bad idea if we get to know each other well.” He suggested.

“As much as I hate this, I think you're right beside I don't have an ounce of energy to fight this. I'm emotionally drained.” She added.

“Heartbreak I'm assuming, that thing hurts like hell,” Kamon added recalling his experience.

“Tell me about it.” She added rolling her eyes as they talked from what they liked to do, what they disliked, some personal experiences.

“We better head back before those two think we boycotted,” Shanequa added as they walked to the living room.

“You're not a bad company, after all, it was nice getting to know you,” Kamon added as they reached where their parents were seated.

“Well, I'm glad you did.” Shanequa forced a smile.

“Right in time for lunch,” Elsa announced as they went to the dinning.

There were randomly talking about different stuff until Peter dropped the bombshell.

“The wedding has been set for next week Saturday.” He added sipping some white wine.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Both Shanequa and Kamon said at the same time.

“Nope, that's the date we've set for you both and there's no negotiation,” Elsa added.

“Seriously Ma?” Shanequa angrily pushed her plate and then stormed off to her room while Kamon angrily played with his fork.

“She'd come around don't you worry.” She added.

“Dad, I'd be in the car.” Kamon gritted his teeth and walked off in anger.

“They can get angry for all we care, they don't have a choice,” Peter added as they laughed out loud.

“Thanks for hosting us Elsa, we'd meet before the wedding,” Peter added as Elsa escorted him to his car. He joined his son in the car as the driver drove off.

Elsa knocked on the door of her daughter who reluctantly opened it.

“What was the meaning of that outburst?" She angrily asked.

“Ma, it's ridiculous enough that I'm marrying a man I don't know, and now the wedding is just next week. How heartless can you guys be?” She asked.

“Young lady, this and I mean all this is for your own good so the better you get used to it,” Elsa added.

“Whatever Ma.” She added slamming the door in her face.

As soon as she sat on her bed, she had a call from her best friend Nola. “Hey, Shane,” She said.

“Hey, Nola...what's up?” Shanequa asked.

“I'm fine, just running around with the wedding preparations.” She added.

“Good for you at least you're marrying someone you love and who loves you unlike some of us.” Shanequa sighed.

“It's going to be fine, you'd be fine,” Nola said trying to console her.

“I'm getting married next Saturday Nola, how can that be fine, how?” She cried.

“But, that's too early. Can't they shift the date?” Nola reasoned.

“Nope, Mrs Hall said no negotiations.” She added.

“But as you said I'd live,” Shanequa told.

“I'm sorry this had to happen to you,” Nola said.

Mills Residence.

“Young man, meet me in my study,” Peter said as his son followed him.

“What the hell was that? You left in the middle of lunch?” Peter barked.

“But dad, what you guys did wasn't fair.” He retorted.

“The earlier you guys get married the better and after all, you can get to know yourselves better after you're married.” Peter reasoned.

“Dad you're being ridiculous,” Kamon added walking out on him.

“You better start preparing Son, the earlier the better,” Peter yelled as he sat down gulping his drink.

How do they expect me to fall in love with someone I don't know and love?

Just because of a dumb business deal which they claim would be good for me?

I hope I wake up from this nightmare. Kamon thought to himself.

Next chapter