Chapter 2
~ Octavia ~
"Octavia!"
My mother's scream cut through the chaos like a knife. I whipped my head around to see her swaying on her feet, as two women rushed to her side, fanning her frantically as she looked like she was about to faint.
"Mom…" I started, but my attention was pulled away by the sight of my father being cornered by a young man in an expensive suit. The conversation looked urgent, intense. Dad's face was tight with worry.
Of course. This scandal wasn't just about me, it was about our family company too. The one already teetering on the edge of bankruptcy.
"I'm sorry, Dad."
The video finally cut off, the screen returning to the Flemington Group logo, but the damage was done. The murmuring around us grew louder.
Oh God, what have I done? I slept with Franklin Flemington?
Wait. Why was I the only one panicking? Why was he holding my wrist like I was a criminal? Why was I scared?
"Let go of me," I muttered, trying to pull away.
But he yanked me closer instead, so close I could feel the heat of his anger radiating off him. His cologne mixed with the scent of mint and vanilla on his breath. His eyes were bloodshot with rage.
Why was he acting like he was the only victim here? My reputation was ruined too! My mother was literally collapsing because of this, and she was definitely going to kill me once she recovered.
"Why did you do this?" he hissed, his voice low enough that the onlookers couldn't hear but sharp enough to cut.
I opened my mouth to defend myself, to tell him I had nothing to do with that video, when suddenly an older man appeared on stage.
"That was just an honest mistake and misunderstanding," the man announced with authority, his voice commanding the room's attention. "Someone is trying to taint Franklin Flemington's image without doing proper background checks."
"Grandfather..." Franklin breathed beside me, and I felt his grip falter slightly.
I saw fear flickering in his eyes.
But it wasn't my fault! He clearly had enemies trying to destroy him, and I was just collateral damage. An innocent bystander in his mess.
I twisted my wrist again, trying to break free, but his fingers tightened like a vice.
The older man who happened to be his grandfather, Mr. Frederick Flemington, the legendary founder of Flemington Group continued speaking. "They are both betrothed. That lady is no stranger. She is the daughter of our business alliance, Ben Herman." He gestured toward my father, who gave a nervous, shaky smile.
Betrothed?
My brain stuttered to a halt. What in the world was he talking about? Betrothed?
"They are betrothed to be married," Frederick continued smoothly, as if he was announcing the weather. "Their privacy was simply invaded. That's all."
Franklin's grip finally loosened. I felt him go rigid beside me, shock rolling off him in waves. He turned to stare at his grandfather, confusion and disbelief written all over his perfect face.
The guests seemed to relax a bit, the tension in the room deflating like a balloon. Some even smiled, as if this explained everything. The press snapped more photos but now they seemed like they were taking romantic, engagement-style photos instead of scandal shots.
Frederick descended from the stage, his expression stern and unyielding as he approached us.
"Follow me. Immediately."
I stood frozen, my mind racing. Should I follow? Should I run? This was insane. This was…
Franklin grabbed my arm and pulled me roughly toward a side door. I tried to dig my heels in, tried to resist, but he was too strong. Or maybe I was too shocked to fight properly.
I noticed my parents trailing behind us as we were led through a corridor and into a spacious office. The door clicked shut, sealing us inside.
"She did this!" Franklin exploded the moment we were alone, pointing at me accusingly. "She orchestrated the whole thing!"
"Shut up, Franklin!" Frederick snapped, and Franklin actually flinched.
I'd never seen someone command a room like that. The old man's presence was overwhelming.
"You have very low discernment," Frederick continued, his voice dripping with disappointment. "You don't know that the board of directors is doing everything in their power to ensure you don't become CEO?"
He grabbed Franklin by the shoulders, and I saw tears in the old man's eyes.
"I can't afford to lose my company, Franklin!" His voice cracked. "If they eventually take you off the board, they'll take my company from me!" He pulled Franklin closer, almost desperately. "If only your father was alive, none of this would be happening. They killed him, and they'll probably kill you too if you're not careful. You have to tread carefully."
My heart clenched. Everyone knew the story, Franklin's parents had died in a car accident when he was just a teenager. Seeing the raw pain in his grandfather's face now, hearing the fear in his voice...
I felt a pang of sympathy despite everything.
Franklin needed to secure Flemington Group at all costs. I could see that now.
Frederick released Franklin and turned to face me and my parents.
"I'm sorry," he said, and he actually sounded sincere. "But these two have to act like they're betrothed until this issue dies down. Otherwise, they'll suspend him, and I'll lose my company." He paused, his gaze settling on my father. "In return, I will ensure your dying company is revived."
I felt the shift in countenance of my parents. Filled with hope. Desperate hope radiating from my parents like heat from a fire.
Franklin looked furious, I thought his teeth might crack. I was angry too. This was ridiculous! I can't pretend to be his fiancé …
But even as I opened my mouth to protest, I stopped myself.
Could I really be the reason they lose their company? Could I live with that guilt?
Before anyone could speak, the office door burst open.
A man strode in, tall, with slicked-back hair and a smile that didn't reach his cold eyes. Two other men flanked him like bodyguards. They all wore expensive suits, but there was something sinister about them.
"Is this some sort of family and in-law meeting?" the man asked with mock cheerfulness.
Frederick visibly stiffened. I knew these were some of the board members he'd been talking about.
"Nice to meet you, Ms. Herman. I am Mr. Harrington" The man extended his hand to me.
I shook it reluctantly. His palm was cold and clammy.
He immediately grabbed my left hand and examined it, his smile fading. "No engagement ring? Gosh! Franklin, why isn't she wearing her engagement ring?"
One of the other men stepped forward. "The board members are impatient. This inauguration needs to be put on hold until we're certain that Octavia and Franklin are actually betrothed, I can smell that this is a lie."
"Yes. We need proof," the third man added, crossing his arms. "We demand that a wedding date be picked immediately. For certainty that we're not being fooled."
Wedding date?
My heart stopped beating. The room spun around me.
"A wedding date?" I whispered, but my voice was drowned out by Franklin's sharp intake of breath beside me.
This couldn't be happening. This couldn't be real.
But the three men stood there, waiting for an answer, their eyes cold and calculating.
And I realized with growing horror this whole thing is madness.