Chapter 75

James POV

Thirteen years ago

Brittany sucked her breath at the ridiculous demand. She should have expected as such from a man like him.

James has no intention of marrying anyone at just 22. However, if that is the price, he has to pay for securing his company then he must do so.

Though he never thought about it, the idea has an appeal to him. In his mind, a wife means a home. Unbeknownst to him is the fact that Jacqueline is far from homely.

"What about your daughter? Is she willing to marry a total stranger?" James asked instead, thinking this through

"What my daughter thinks doesn't concern you. I want to hear your decision", Devin said, cornering him.

Can he go through with this? Devin is talking about a lifetime here. James realized that he was making a hasty decision, but due to his youth, he thought he had no choice but to agree to this deal.

"Deal", James said that one word that set the lock on his future.

"How can I believe that you wouldn't go back on your word and divorce my daughter once this is settled?", Devin questioned him, making sure to cover the ground for any loophole.

"My word is important to me", James said as anger built inside him.

"Not to me. It's just a few noises that are carried in the air. You are a businessman now. You must realize that business doesn't run just on the word", Devin stressed the word 'businessman', making James concentrate on that word more.

"What do you want from me, Devin?" James said unknowingly falling into the trap set by Devin
"A written contract", Devin stated his demand as he met James's eyes.

"A contract?", James scoffed. A marriage that starts with a contract...will it stand? James has seen only one type of marriage in his life where the husband and wife are unconcerned about each other. Will his marriage follow that route too?

"Yes. A written one that states that you will remain married to my daughter infinitely", Devin said as he twirled the pen in his hand.

"What if we don't want to stay together in the future? What if we are not compatible and want different things in our life?", James asked with a frown

"Tough luck. You won't get to have the cake and eat it too. Either you take it or leave it", Devin said unconcernedly about his issues. Once married, his daughter will be this guy's problem, not his.

"Just as you said Devin, I'm a businessman. No business runs forever. I may like your daughter or may not. Tying us both down in an unwanted relationship is not fair. What will you do if your daughter wants a way out?" James asked, not realizing the uncaring way Devin is pushing his daughter into James's arms.

He should have thought that there must be a reason for a businessman like him to give his daughter to a man who is facing a financial crisis.

"Jacqueline would not do that if she knows what is better for her", Devin started with a glint in his eye

"I'm not taking chances, Devin. There must be a clause stating the divorce can be made if we are unsuitable for each other", James said, still thinking like a man who is embarking on the journey of married life.

"Who said about you being wet behind your ears for a businessman? I can already see a future shark in the making. It's good for my business", Devin said, impressed by his negotiating tactics. But still, he needs to make sure his hold lasts forever.

"What about your daughter's choice? Don't you think she has a choice?"

"Jacqueline will do what I say", Devin stressed the word 'I' say, disregarding his daughter's wish
"I'm not backing down on the clause Devin. I will give this relationship a chance. But if it's not meant to be...forcing us both won't solve a thing", James stood adamant.

He may not know the rules yet...but life has taught him a basic rule that there should always be an out. Never again will he let others rule over him.

Though he agrees to Devin's condition, if the marriage with his daughter is not what it's cracked up to be, then he must have an exit point.

Devin thought about what the young man asked. He has a right to leave his daughter if the situation becomes unbearable and Jacqueline sure can make any situation such.

However, he hasn't come this far by throwing his money in the water. He must put forth such an exit clause that when the time comes James must be used to his circumstances and shouldn't care enough about it.

"You sound like a princess! But I understood what you meant. Twenty years. You guys have to stay married for twenty years. If you still feel unsuitable after that, you may get the divorce"

James' neck turned red suppressing his anger. He clenched his fists underneath the table afraid that he might punch the daylights out of the guy before him.

"That's outrageous. Twenty fucking years!", James said the words through a clenched jaw.

"Your business will also take that much time to stand back on its feet. I won't be seeing a penny in return for my investment until then. Am I complaining?" Devin said turning the tables on him

"I won't be needing your constant support. Nor you’re backing after this", James said explaining the specifics.

"You mean to say, you will manage with this small change? What do you think will happen with this pittance? I don't want to send my daughter into a pauper's home", Devin said. He should have known...youth these days, think they can achieve anything with their will. Maybe putting this leash on James McKenzie is not a good idea after all. A young man with fire in his blood, what will he do when he learns about the duplicity?

"You won't. I think I have the capacity to give your daughter the lifestyle she is accustomed to", James' statement brought Devin around to the matter at hand. Hmm...but then, he will not find another man with his family background who gives value to their word. Honour...is such a fickle thing. It can be turned into a shield or a weapon based on the believer.

"But wouldn't it be better to have a steady investment from me rather than depending on your company's wobbly legs to cross you through this rough patch?", Devin said trying to dissect his weakness. From where did he gets that confidence?

Devin thought to himself, if only I had such confidence, I wouldn't have taken the route of a cheat to reach success. But then it's in his blood. He would have done the same at the end of the day.

"I can manage Devin Hughes. However, twenty years is too long to be chained. I won't accept it", James said, meeting his gaze head-on.

"What do you propose James McKenzie? I have to think about my daughter's future too", Devin said trying to get on his soft side. Though he didn't give a fuck about what happens to his daughter once she is married, he needs to look concerned for the sake of appearances.

James thought long and hard. Brittany gave a slight cough to get his attention, however, at the glare from Devin Hughes, she dropped her gaze to her feet.

James understands that Brittany is trying to warn him. However, it must be his decision. As the newly joined head of the company, from here on he must not rely on others to make his decision. If only he was less arrogant then, he would have known what a big mistake he is making.

"Ten years", James said after thinking this through. It will take a minimum of 5 years to bring Aon Airline's glory back. Maybe after that, if they still have differences, he can give 5 years to see this through.

Devin mentally calculated the age of James and decided that he would be 32 years then, a prime age to get settled. No... this won't do. Then his struggles will be all for nothing. He would have to search for a groom for his daughter's hand once again. And James McKenzie will be all set with his money, looking for a younger woman.

"No. It has to be longer than that. Fifteen years", Devin did not realize how this bargaining will look to an outsider.

A small doubt niggled in his mind then. Why is Devin Hughes so desperate to push his daughter into his arms? Why must he be bargaining vehemently?

Alas, inexperience made him not voice out his concerns. Instead, he thought about the time limit and what it would mean to his company. A link-up with a prestigious investment firm will only boost his company's stocks.

If he played his cards right, fifteen years will go by easily and who knows, maybe he will like to be married to Devin's daughter and wouldn't want a divorce in the end. James was full of hope then.

"Deal", the word that sets the balls into motion.

James never questioned the hasty marriage that took place not a week after that agreement. Nor did he ask whether the bride is willing. Everything happened in a blink of an eye.

In his ignorance, he believed that it's due to the delicate circumstances circulating his company. He should have known...after what he has gone through in his childhood, he really should have known that nothing comes easily in his life.

It didn't take long to unravel the blindfold around his eyes and face the truth. But by then, James understood how well and deeply he got himself stuck. He counted each day after that until he could be free of these chains.