The CEOs Baby Mama

Chapter 1

"I refuse to marry Mr. Hernandez. He is a crass and uncouth individual, and I will not submit to such an alliance." Ebiere's defiant words clashed with the clink of silverware on china.

"My dear, this marriage will solidify our family's position in society. It is not a matter of personal preference." Her father said regarding her with a measured stare over their breakfast.

Ebiere clenched her jaw, "I'm not going to marry Mr. Hernandez, he's a rude brat and I won't settle with someone like him." Ebiere argued further.

"We have no other option, my dear. This marriage will secure the future of our company and ensure its return to its former glory." Her mother stated.

"Mother, listen to yourself! Mr. Hernandez murdered his own brother for power. We are aware of his ruthless nature, so why are we even entertaining the idea of marrying into such a family?" she demanded, her words an ardent plea for reason.

"There is no concrete evidence of his involvement in the death of his brother. Besides, that matter is none of my concern. As long as his presence can enhance our company's standing, I see no issue with our union." Her father offered a dispassionate retort while savoring his breakfast.

Ebiere, her patience wearing thin, let her spoon clatter to the table in frustration causing her parents to pay attention to her.

"Father," she hissed, "your ravenous desire for wealth and authority remains unquenchable." her words a poisoned arrow aimed straight at his heart,

"Ebiere!" The mother called at Ebiere's sudden outburst,

"Let me speak, everything he does is for the company."

"Mind your words, Ebiere." Mr. Ignacio started, "You know well that you defied my wishes to pursue your career as a romance writer, and now you have the audacity to speak of my ambition as though it were a vice. Let us not forget who has sacrificed the most for the family and the company."

Ebiere rose from her chair and stormed out of the house, "I will not allow you to dictate my every move," she declared.

No sooner had she taken her leave, than her manager was quick to follow her, his hurried steps a silent attendance to her rage.

"Miss Ignacio, there is a press release announcing your impending marriage to Dante Hernandez," he informed her.

Ebiere halted in her tracks by the words of her manager, "That's ludicrous! Take it down immediately," she demanded.

"We cannot take it down, Miss Ignacio." He replied hesitantly.

"Why?" Ebiere persisted with a single word of interrogation.

"The decision to release this information was not mine to make, Miss Ignacio," he replied, his words tripping over each other in an attempt to placate her.

"What do you mean, you cannot take it down?" Ebiere furrowed her brows.

"The press release was issued as a marketing strategy to boost sales for your latest novel, 'Author's Love'. Secretary Jones has expressed concerns about the novel's poor performance, stating that the reviews have been less than favorable due to your unmarried status, which calls into question your credibility as a romance writer. This publicity stunt was intended to remedy that."

Ebiere slammed her fist into her palm, her jaw clenched in a righteous rage. "And?" she snapped.

Ebiere inhaled deeply, "This is not what I desire," she declared, her breath violent with frustration.

"We require this marriage, Miss Ignacio. It will greatly benefit us and address the concerns raised by Secretary Jones. I beseech you to reconsider."

Ebiere rolled her eyes, a gesture of profound contempt. "Did Luke call today?" she inquired.

"Indeed, Miss Ignacio," the manager confirmed, "Mr. Luke called earlier, and he expressed his approval of this marriage between you and his brother, Dante."

Ebiere sighed again and stepped into the waiting car and a bodyguard closed the door.

"Take me to the book signing event." Ebiere, commanded the chauffeur.

"Miss Ignacio, Mrs. Dawson, Mr. Hernandez's secretary, called earlier to remind you of your scheduled meeting with her boss." Mrs. Jones, who was in the car with Ebiere, reported.

"He should wait, I will meet him when I'm done with my book signing event." Ebiere replied with a hint of nonchalance.

*******************

Dante's gaze fixed upon the glowing screen of his phone, scrolled through his messages.

Among the sea of notifications, a message from Beatrice caught his attention,

"Is this true?" Beatrice's text demanded, "You're getting married to someone? When were you planning on sharing this news with me?"

Dante's face etched with worry typed a reply, "Beatrice, I am deeply sorry," he typed, "But this alliance with the Ignacio's is vital. It promises to secure my place in the business world, solidify my position in the company, and ensure that our future is secure."

"What about our relationship? What about our love? Our bond?"

Dante read the text before he turned off his phone followed by a gentle knock on his door,

"Come in!" He commanded and Mrs. Maya, his secretary, walked into his office carrying a tablet, and she handed it to him carefully.

Mrs. Maya, a portrait of professional poise and efficiency, entered the room, a tablet clutched in her hands. With care, she presented it to Dante who collected it from her.

Dante's eyes fixated on the contents of his tablet, where Mrs. Maya Dawson had recently uploaded the marriage contract.

"This is the marriage contract," she stated standing near him.

Dante acknowledged her with a subtle nod, his attention still absorbed in the digital document. "Why was this not provided in hard copy format?" he asked, his voice bearing the weight of a furrowed brow. "I believe it would have been more prudent to present this document in a more tangible form, considering its significance."

"Miss Ebiere Ignacio has expressed her preference for a digital format, as she believes it is more efficient and will protect her reputation." Mrs. Maya Dawson explained.

Dante made an incredulous scoff, "Preserve her image? Who does she think she is?"

"Miss Ignacio is the renowned writer Ebiere," Mrs. Dawson replied, a hint of pride in her tone. "She's well known for her erotic romance novels Love in Summer and the Author's Love."

"And now," Dante remarked with irony coloring his words, "the illustrious Ebiere seeks a contract marriage. What poetic irony." A sly smirk lingered on his lips.

"Why has she not arrived yet?" he queried, "Am I to wait here all day?"his voice a mix of irritation and curiosity.

"Miss Ignacio is attending a book signing event for her fans and will visit after that." Mrs. Maya Dawson interjected.

Dante, filled with a lightning strike of fury, discharged his hand upon the table harshly jolting Mrs. Maya.

"This is preposterous!" he exclaimed, "I am expected to wait here indefinitely for Ebiere to grace me with her presence? This is nonsensical!" he bellowed,

"I will call Miss Ignacio again," Mr. Maya stuttered, in a quivering voice strained with apprehension.

Dante's voice is a glacial blade, sliced through the air. "Do it now," he commanded.

In a hurried scramble, Mrs. Maya fumbled for her phone, her fingers trembling as she brought the cellular to her ear. "Yes, hello...Miss Ebiere...my boss is growing impatient," she stammered,

In that moment, the door of the office swung open, the defiant swish of her crimson dress and the purposeful click of her heels echoing through the space.