Daisy’s Secret Crush

***Theo’s POV.***

Life is predictable.

At least for me, it has become like that for a year now.

Wake up in the morning with a gorgeous lady next to me. Then trying to make her understand it was nothing more than that although she happily agreed to that last night.

Then after she departs, getting ready for my work plus fun. Making new deals or maybe going to a different city every day or week. Have dinner and go to a bar where I get everything I want.

On weekends it is different, if I am visiting my parents. My day starts with the best breakfast made by my Mom or Viola who used to be my nanny.

A game of squash and golf with Dad. Then fishing next along with a lecture on perks of getting married.

At first, I used to think how can I live with one woman my whole life when there are tons of women who want me with no strings attached.

But then my brother got a girlfriend and I came to know that there is one woman in everyone’s life who makes others look dull.

I have yet to find that one woman. But until she comes along, I would enjoy this predictability of life to the fullest.

As I get up, I see another girl beside me who still looks rather beautiful but that thought goes away when she later asks me to go on a date. It is a big turnoff.

If a girl wants to date me that it is okay but they should say that before we have sex. I don’t like sex on the first date. If I am dating someone I would like to know that person before going too deep too soon.

I hate when girls guilt me into dating them just because I slept with them. I think this goes two ways. I didn’t force her and she came knowing full well what she would get out of it.

My secretary, Peter, calls me to inform me that I have a meeting in New York. I smile and wear my clothes as I will get a chance to meet my family. I love them even though they are constantly nagging me to find one girl and properly date.

I have been thinking about it a lot. Those days are going fast when my scandalous nature used to bring more profit. Now, people want someone who is honest and disciplined when it comes to business.

So, it looks like I am going to have to change something in my lifestyle. I board the jet which I bought last month for my travels as I can’t use my Dad’s jet which is always busy and I can afford it on my own.

I got an email from one of my hotels and they told me they are having some problems with one of the interior designers. Jeez, why am I dragged into this when I have zillions of people to look after it.

But as my work is to look after my customer’s satisfaction, I call Clara the head of an interior designer firm. She will handle it.

“You are here. That’s a surprise.” Lily says as I enter the penthouse in which they are living.

“Yes. How are you and this little one here?” I ask and make her sit again.

“He is jumping with excitement now.” She says and I feel it.

“He loves me.” I say. I love him too. I can’t wait to see him.

“Is Ryan not home yet?” I ask.

“He will be here soon. I told him to skip work, but obviously he wants to face my mood swings.” She says and rolls her eyes.

“Or maybe he wants to get a little reprieve from them.” I say not realising what would be the result.

“What?” She asks in shock and then her cheeks turn red in anger.

“Lily, don’t think what you are thinking. I was just joking.” I say to calm her down otherwise if Ryan comes to know about this being my fault, he would kill me.

“I would not be joking when I kick him like his son does.” She says and orders her maid to bring out some snacks for her.

“I am going to put my bag in the room. Are you guys going home this weekend?” I ask.

“Yes. I am bored here anyway. If Ryan doesn’t wish to go, promise me you will take me there.” She says with a pout.

“I promise.” I say and go to a room on this floor only.

We met two weeks ago at Christmas, but I didn’t miss a chance to be with my family. I get back to my work while we wait for Ryan to come home.

When he comes back home tired, Lily forgets her anger for a few minutes and fusses over him. I see a smile come to Ryan’s face which I have never seen with any other girl, not even with that first girlfriend. I even forgot her name.

But I do remember her flirting with me on Ryan’s birthday. Well, I would never date a girl whom my brothers dated.

We have dinner together and talk till late. Next day, we went to the Anderson mansion together. Viola becomes happy when she sees me and hugs me tightly.

I spent the day with my brothers, Dad, and Wyatt. We go fishing in the afternoon after lunch and before Dad starts the lecture. I change my seats with Ryan to get him distracted.

But I was not going to be spared and I got a big shock instead of a boring lecture.

“We need to talk.” Dad says after dinner and takes out the scotch which means he is going to say something serious.

As we take a drink in the living room, Mom enters and sits beside Dad. Dad offers her a drink and she takes it. That never happens. Mom never takes a hard drink in front of us unless she is in serious thought.

“What is going on? Am I in trouble?” I ask.

“If you think you are in trouble, then you might be, dear.” Mom says very calmly and I feel like a ten-year-old again when I broke her vase and hid it from her.

“I will leave you two alone as it is your business matters. I will wait for you.” Dad says and after giving a peck to Mom, he leaves.

“What is it, Mom? You are scaring me.” I am now afraid that something is wrong.

“I had enough of your scandals, son. It may have been beneficial to you but I always thought it was leading us to doom. I have done everything to keep Valentine’s name going in the times when women were not acknowledged in this field. I would not see this name go to tatters.” Mom says and I fluster.

“I am sorry.” I say.

“Sorry won’t do anything right now.” Mom says.

“Then what would do?” I ask.

“You’re going to get serious.” She says.

“What do you mean?” I am confused.

“You have a year to get into a normal serious relationship. A year. If by the end of this year, you won’t find anyone, you will not be the Prince of Valentine anymore.” Mom says, and I look at her with eyes wide open.

“You are not serious, are you?” I ask.

“I am very serious. You have forced me to put forth this ultimatum. I expect great things from you and so does this business empire, which is your birthright. But the fun days are over and it is time to get serious as I said before.” She says, even though I see her eyes soften a bit.

“You can’t do this, Mom. It is the 21st century, for goodness’ sake. I am allowed to settle whenever I want to.” I say.

“You are dear and I am not saying that you have to marry by this year. I just want you to choose your fiance by this year. And don’t you dare try to trick us by faking a relationship. And yes, you will need our approval, too. Do you get it?” She asks.

“Is there no other way?” I ask as I try to hope one last time.

“There is one more way. That way, you can avoid everything.” Mom says. I know my Mom loves me somewhere in that hardcore business armour.

“What?” I ask with a smile.

“Marry Daisy and you are good to go.” Mom says and I look at her in double shock.

“No way.” I say.

“Why?” She asks, “She is beautiful, talented, polite, family-oriented, good talker too and-”

“And also a family friend.” I say as I cut her off.

“Which is not good, why?” She asks.

“Because it will complicate things. You don’t know.” I say, and also the fact that I have never seen Daisy in that light.

Actually, now that I think of it, I have never thought about her and I won’t in that way. Wyatt would kill me for even having slightly bad intentions towards his precious daughter.

“And she won’t say yes to an arranged marriage.” I will give another reason.

“She can be convinced or you can convince her. But these are the only two options you have. Good night, dear. You have a lot to think about this year.” Mom says and leaves me alone in the room.

Well, that was an unpredictable thing which I would not have seen coming in a zillion years.

What the hell should I do now? Where would I find a perfect girl like Daisy in this world? And first of all, why should I compare them with her?

I have not seen her in years. Wasn’t Noah used to tease me about the fact that Daisy had a crush on me? Was that true? Can I persuade her to marry me?

No. I can’t do that unless I feel something for her and for that she has to be here. And as she is not here that can’t happen.

What a mess I am in!