chapter 15- Agreeing to the marriage 'deal'

Lara's P.O.V. :

I walked out and started searching for the dining room.

This place is really huge. I can't even find the dining room. They should put the nameplates at the start of every corridor stating which room it leads to. Now, where do I find the dining room?

"Ms Jones, this way." a man who looked like a butler said from behind.

"Oh thank god! I was unable to find the room. Thank you." I thanked him with relief in my voice. I walked towards him.

"It's Bonanza, Ms Jones. Mrs Adams sent me to guide your way to the dining hall," he said with a slight smile.

He walked me to the room.

There was a long dining table at the middle of the dining hall consisting of 6 chairs on either of its the length and two head chairs at its opposite ends.

A man who seemed to be in his mid 50s was seated on one of the head chairs. If I have guessed it right then he must be Senior Mr. Adams. Mr Shane Adams is his exact photocopy....they look so much alike.

Mrs Adams and Cameron were seated beside him on either sides. They were only three people seated on the dining chairs surrounded by 3-4 chefs, maids and other workers assisting in setting up the table.

Where is he?

None of your concern, Lara. It's good that he's not here. My conscience spoke at the back of my head.

Mrs Adams noticed my presence. "Oh, you're here, Lara dear. Come over and join us, " she said, smiling.

I walked up to the table and took an empty seat beside Cameron. She welcomed me with a smile.

"Ms Jones, I have heard so much about you from my two lovely ladies here." Senior Mr Adams spoke looking at me.

Really? Do they talk about me?

"That's an honor, sir. I have also heard so much about you via magazines and social media." I said, smiling.

Ash told me about Mr Shane Adams' dad while we were at the cafe that day.

"So what do you do other than teaching at school and giving piano classes? I mean, I don't think primary school teachers are paid much. It must be difficult to make a living out of what you get paid. And is teaching the only thing you do?" Senior Mr Adams asked sipping on his glass of wine.

There's no doubt, Mr Shane Adams is his son. Rude!! No wonder Junior Mr. Adams is like this. Genes do matter after all.

Mrs Adams glared at him.

"I am a fourth-year architecture student, sir. I got the scholarship to take online architecture classes. I have applied for the scholarship in Frank Lloyd College to complete the last year of schooling and internship. Hopefully, I will be able to get the scholarship. And, regarding my living expenses, I have been managing it pretty well. I haven't faced any major financial crisis so far and I am really hopeful about the future." I answered. Well...a lot more in detail, I guess.

He seemed really impressed.

"Well, I am really impressed, Ms Jones. So when-" he was cut off by Mrs Adams.

"Let go of your 20 questions, honey. Let her eat," she said, giving a slightly frustrated look to him.

"Okay-okay. I am sorry. Let's start our meal. But...where's my son and my grandson?" he asked looking for them.

"We're here, grandpa!" Josh shouted from behind.

He was still in his Uncle's arms.

He had changed into a V-neck grey t-shirt and black sweatpants. He must have taken a shower as his hair looked wet.

He gave me a smirk.

Shit! He caught me checking him out.

I turned my head around and started looking down on my plate. I could feel my cheeks getting hotter.

I must be looking like a tomato right now.

I heard the ladies giggle.

Did they notice it as well? I hope they didn't.

"Come on, my boys!" Mrs Adams called out with a huge grin on her face.

Mr. Shane Adams tilted down and Josh hopped down from his arms. He ran and sat beside me.

His uncle walked to the other side, kissed Mrs Adams' cheeks and took a seat beside her.

Great! Now we were face-to-face...Argh!

"Finally, I got a chance to see my son's face. The last time I remember, I saw you was almost a week ago." Mrs Adams said, staring at his face making a puppy face.

"Mom!" Mr Shane Adams said as he rolled his eyes.

"Yeah. Mom's right. Do you know Lara, the last time I saw him was like almost 9 days ago." Cameron said to me as taunting her brother. I looked at him.

Seriously? Where does he spend much of his time?

"In my office...working." he said looking at me furrowing his eyebrows.

Did I ask it loudly? Did he hear what I said to myself?

"Yeah." he said again looking at me with the same expression as if trying to read my mind.

Is he some kind of a mind reader?

"Oh really, Shany? Don't challenge me..." I heard Cameron saying this to him.

Oh...he was talking to Cameron. He didn't hear anything I said inside my mind. Such a relief!

"Okay now stop it, you guys. This is not your age to be fighting like cats and dogs, and especially not in front of guests." Mrs Adams said, referring to me.

They both stopped fighting after giving death glares to each other.

"Shane, this lovely lady is Ms Lara Jones. She's our josh's new piano teacher. And here, he is my son, Shane. " she introduced us with too much of excitement. Too much.

We both looked up at each other with the same expression. The 'we have met already and we hate each other' expression.

"We've met already, mom," he said, dryly.

I was sipping the wine when suddenly I choked hearing him say that.

Is he going to tell them whatever happened last night at the club? Now Mrs Adams and Cameron would hate me. But it was his fault.

"Are you fine, Lara?" Cameron asked passing me the napkin to wipe my lips.

"Yeah. I am fine." I said taking the napkin from her hand.

"I mean, we met in the living hall during the piano classes. Right, Ms Jones?" he asked with the same smirk on his face.

"Ye..yeah," I said, taking a sigh of relief.

Why didn't he tell them the truth?

"Really? So do you like her?" We both choked at the question of Mrs Adams.

Cameron cleared her throat and Mrs Adams stopped speaking as she seemed to have realized something.

Mrs Adams passed him the napkin to wipe and Cameron passed me another set of napkins.

"What?" Senior Mr. Adams asked, confused.

"Oh-I-nothing honey-nothing. Just a slip of tongue. I was just trying to ask if he liked her skill over the piano." She stuttered.

"Isn't she a brilliant pianist? Did you like how she played the piano?" she asked, Mr Shane Adams.

He looked straight into my eyes and smirked. "Yeah. I did," he said without averting his eyes from me.

Creep!

**********

"Thanks for the dinner. It was a pleasure joining you guys for dinner. It's already late and I guess now I need to head back to my place." I said as I collected my hand purse and mobile from the couch.

"The pleasure was ours, Lara dear." Mrs Adams said hugging me.

She's really kind and sweet, unlike her son.

"Yeah, Lara. I hope my son didn't trouble you much?" Cameron said, walking towards me.

"Not at all, Cameron. In fact, I enjoyed teaching him." I told her honestly.

"By the way, where is he?" I asked looking for him around.

"He might be up with his uncle. Whenever they're together, they never let go of each other." Cameron said, smiling.

"Okay then see you guys tomorrow." I said.

"Yeah." They both said together with a smile and walked away.

I was about to walk out of the mansion when I heard Josh's voice.

"Good night, miss. See you tomorrow. And you'll have to teach me your song tomorrow." Josh came running down stairs followed by his uncle.

"Okay...little, Mr Parker. I'll teach you when we'll meet again." I said, smiling as I ruffled his hair.

"I would love to meet you again, Ms Jones." I heard him speak.

What?

"What do you mean?" I asked furrowing my eyebrows.

"I meant-" he walked towards me. Closer.

He came behind me. I could feel his hot breath on my neck. The hairs at the back of my neck stood up.

"I meant, I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow as I want to learn that song from you. I really liked it." he whispered into my ears, huskily.

I shivered at that.

"O-okay. I'll try teach you." I couldn't even hear my own voice.

"Okay then Ms Jones, see you tomorrow. Goodnight!" he greeted walking towards Josh.

"Go-goodnight!" I stuttered and walked out of the mansion, hurriedly.

What was that? Why did I feel so nervous? Why was I shivering?

I drove off to Ash's place to pick Cara up.

Shane's P.O.V. :

I parked my Lamborghini at the parking lot and entered my mansion.

As usual, Dora opened the door and welcomed with a smile.

"Good afternoon, sir." she greeted with a warm smile.

"Good afternoon, Dora. Where's everyone?" I asked, looking around.

"Mrs Adams and Cameron are in the garden area sipping their cup of teas, Senior Mr Adams is in his study and Josh is in the living area taking his piano classes," she informed.

Piano classes? Since when?

"Okay. thanks. I'll go and meet Josh, first. You go and inform mom that I've arrived." I ordered.

"Sure, sir." she bowed her head in agreement and walked away.

I headed towards the living hall. I could hear a melodious sound of the piano coming out of the hall. The song being played on the piano was so relaxing and soothing.

After I reached there, I opened the large glass doors and entered.

As soon as I reached the piano place, I was surprised to see, Ms. Karate there, playing the piano.

At first, I was shocked but I started feeling relaxed hearing the melodious song being played by her.

She seemed totally lost in the song. She had her eyes closed. Her fingers were dancing on the piano keys and as doing so, she was smiling. I saw her smiling. Jesus...she looked so peaceful and beautiful.

I studied her features. She had long eyelashes, perfectly done eyebrows, soft, pulpy, pink lips made into a slight curve. I couldn't stop myself from adoring her beauty.

Soon she finished the song, she opened her eyes slowly. She saw me standing in front of her and maybe couldn't believe that I was actually standing in front of her there, so she closed her eyes again and opened. She looked horrified-as if she saw a ghost.

Interesting!

She slowly walked towards me and asked something to me but I couldn't comprehend what she was saying. I was busy admiring her brown eyes which were trying to captivate me. I couldn't help but just look into her eyes. She asked me something again. But again, I couldn't comprehend what she was saying. I was studying the smooth movements of her lips.

I swear I'll kiss her right now if she doesn't stop whatever she is saying.

Stop admiring her. Stop it, Shane! My mind ordered.

Wait...what the hell is she doing here?

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

She didn't reply and just gave me a 'are you serious?' look.

"Uncle Shane!" Josh squealed from behind her.

I looked at her and I could say that she was really shocked when she heard Josh calling me uncle.

Didn't she know that it was my house?

Josh came running towards me.

"Hey, champ! How're you doing?" I asked carrying Josh in my arms.

"I am good, uncle Shane. Meet my piano teacher-miss, Lara Jones. She's so pretty, isn't she?" Josh said, pointing towards her.

Oh, so her name is Lara. Lara Jones.

I looked from Josh to her. I looked at her from down to up and stopped on her face. She's really pretty!

"Yeah. Nice to meet you, Ms Jones." I said extending my hand.

Why did you agree to Josh that she's pretty? Hell!

She hesitated at first but eventually accepted my handshake...her touch was electrifying.

"Nice to meet you, Mr Adams." She said dryly.

She's really not interested in me. Not at all. She's the first girl having no interest in me.

"So you're the new piano teacher?" I asked narrowing my eyes.

She gave me a 'duh!' look.

"Yes." She said looking into my eyes as if challenging me.

Wow...furious cat, huh? I like it.

"It'll be fun to see you around then," I said with a smirk.

She looked at me confused and was about to speak when the Dora cut her off.

"Dinner is ready sir. Mrs Adams has sent me to call you all for dinner," she informed without looking up.

"So you're joining us for dinner. Good! See you at the dining table. Ms Jones." I smirked again and walked out with Josh in my arms.

It will be fun playing with you, Ms Jones- my furious cat.

*********

After freshening up, I came to the dining hall with Josh in my arms.

I heard Ms Jones talk about her schooling and scholarship.

I must say, I was impressed.

*******

"Really? So do you like her?" mom asked me.

Both I and Ms Jones choked at the question.

Cammy cleared her throat and mom stopped speaking. She then passed me the napkin and I wiped my mouth.

Why did she ask if I like her? Why will I like her? I hate her. Truly hate her.

"What?" dad asked confused.

"Oh-I-nothing honey-nothing. Just a slip of tongue. I was trying to ask him if he liked her skills over piano." She stuttered.

Oh...!!

"So, did you like her piano playing?" she asked.

Yeah, I did. But that doesn't save you from your punishment Ms Jones

"Yeah. I did." I answered giving Ms Jones an evil smirk.

*********

Josh pulled me down the stairs along with him. I also wanted to see her before she left.

I mean, how can I let her go without giving a little bit of my punishment.

She didn't like it when I touch her, right?

"I would love to meet you again, Ms Jones." I said coming down the stairs.

I could see her facial expression which showed clearly that she was confused with what I said.

"I meant-" I walked behind her and closed the gap between us and whispered into her ears.

"I meant, I am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow as I want to learn that song from you. I really liked it." Her body reacted to that which made her shiver.

Yeah! This is the perfect punishment for you, Ms Jones.

But you're enjoying it, Shane. My mind commented.

No. I am not. Am I? No-not at all.

"O-okay. I'll try teach you." she said stammering.

Now you'll have to handle this torture every day, Ms Jones.

"Okay then, Ms Jones, see you tomorrow. Goodnight!" I said walking towards Josh.

"G-goodnight!" she greeted back and walked out of the mansion hurriedly.

I looked at her as she walked out of the mansion. Interesting!

"Sir, Senior Mr Adams is looking for you. He is waiting for you in the study." Dora informed me.

"Okay. Thank you. Take Josh to his room." I said to her.

"Champ, I'll join you late.!" I said to Josh bumping my fist with his.

*******

"Dad, you wanted to talk to me about something? Is it about our new project with the Chinese investor?" I asked my dad as I sat in front of him on the sofa.

"No. I wanted to talk to you about something else." he said sipping his green tea.

"About what?" I asked making myself comfortable on the sofa.

He was silent for few seconds before he finally spoke again.

"You must know Mr Marcos Fernandez, right?" he asked keeping his cup on the table.

"Yes, dad. Who doesn't know him? He is one of the top five billionaires in London." I said showing my interest in him.

Mr Marcos Fernandez is one of those names in the industry, which I admire the most..after my dad if there's anyone who I idolize in the industry is him.

"Yes. You must also know it very well that he is one of my good friends. I have known him since our high school days." he said hoping for my response to it.

"Yeah. I know it father. But why are you saying this to me? Are we planning on doing business with him? " I asked, hoping for his reply to be a 'yes'.

I really want to associate and work with him. I mean, it would really be a great honor working with him.

"Actually, we met last Sunday at one of our mutual friend's party. We talked about our business, further projects,-children..." he stopped after that as if trying hard to find suitable words to complete his statement.

"What is it that you're trying to say, dad? Please be clear and say whatever you're trying to say. " I said trying to bring him at ease.

But what is he trying to say?

He took a long breathe and finally spoke.

"Son, we want our friendship to turn into a strong, mutual relationship. We want our children to get married to each other." he said calmly in almost one breathe and waited for my answer.

Marriage? No ways!! I am not going to get married to anyone. Marriage is not my cup of tea.

"Dad, I'm sorry, but I don't think I want to get married anytime soon. I want to take our company to a higher level. I can't lose my focus right now. Our company is the biggest in New York City, I want to make it even bigger and expand it all over America and Europe." I said, determined.

My priority is my work and my company. Marriage is the last thing on my mind right now.

"I know son. And that is exactly what I'm trying to make you understand. I know you don't believe in relationships and marriage, but I also know that you do believe in success. I know you want to expand the company and for that my son, Marcos can help you." he said sipping his green tea.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"What I mean is that Tiara is the only heir to his company. And if you'll get married to her, then you'll get the sole ownership of his company in London.Tiara has a modelling career and knows nothing about business. I hope you are understood what I'm implying?" he said keeping his hands on my shoulder.

Expansion of my company in London and getting the sole ownership of his company? Not a bad idea. Sooner or later, I'll have to get married to give the heir to our company, so why not now? It's completely a profitable deal. And being the son-in-law of Mr Marcos Fernandez would be an honor for me. My answer is clear.

"Okay, dad. I'll marry his daughter." I said, standing up from the sofa.

"That's like my son. I'm proud of you." he said, as he hugged me.

"I got a call from Marcos this morning, he said that due to some business work, he had to fly to Africa. He and his daughter, Tiara, were supposed to come here next Friday but now he alone will come here next Friday and Tiara would fly to New York on Monday. I want you to spend much of your time with her when she comes here and get to know each other better." he said, firmly.

"Okay, dad. Don't worry. I won't let you down." I said, assuring him.

"That is exactly what I expected from you, my son," he said hugging me again.

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