Linda S. North - The Dreamer, Her Angel and the Stars

by Linda S. North

  “Of course not. Have security send her to my office right away,” Kiernan crisply ordered.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Kiernan knew Ariel was here to plead her mother’s case. If she were in Ariel’s shoes, she would do the same. She wanted to see Ariel, but not under these circumstances.

  Not a day passed she didn’t think about Ariel and what she could have done to convince her to accept her proposal. In a way, she was angry with Ariel and thought her a fool. She could provide her and her family a secure future. She admitted part of her anger was because Ariel had dealt a blow to her ego by refusing her offer. But the greater part of her anger was due to Ariel making it difficult for Kiernan to obtain what she wanted.

  “Ms. O’Shay—Hey, you can’t—come back—” Kelly’s voice said over the deskcom.

  The office door opened forcefully and Ariel strode in with an irate Kelly following close behind.

  “Ms. O’Shay, I —” Kelly protested.

  “It’s all right, Kelly, you may go,” Kiernan said, and stood behind her desk to face her visitor.

  Kelly shot Ariel a glare before exiting the office.

  Kiernan surveyed Ariel, noticing her black jacket, blue jeans, and a pair of black Teflahide boots. Her hair was in a ponytail, leaving no doubt she had ridden her motorcycle over. With a stiff stance, she glared at Kiernan with outright hostility.

  “Have a seat so we can talk.” Kiernan motioned with her hand toward the armchair in front of her desk.

  Ariel ignored Kiernan’s request, her voice strident and accusing. “This is your way of getting back at me for not accepting your proposal, isn’t it?”

  Feeling a rush of anger, Kiernan replied with irritation. “I resent that remark. I would never do anything like that. That’s not me. Not me at all.”

  “So you say. You expect me to believe that?”

  “Yes, because it’s the truth,” Kiernan said emphatically, annoyance still evident in her tone.

  “No, it’s not.”

  Kiernan let go of her anger with a sigh. She knew nothing she could say would convince Ariel otherwise. “She failed the polygraph test.”

  “I don’t care. My mother isn’t a liar or a thief. She didn’t need the money. How do you explain that?” Ariel followed her words with a challenging stare.

  “I’m sorry. I know you believe her and I respect your loyalty. But, I can’t let her get away with this. If I do that, others will attempt it. Corporate espionage is a crime. She could have damaged this company. I’m sure, seeing as she has no criminal record, or even a speeding ticket, the judge will be lenient. Perhaps a few months in jail—”

  “I’ll do it,” Ariel said quietly.

  “Do what?”

  “Marry you and have your child, if you don’t press charges against my mother.”

  Kiernan couldn’t believe what she was hearing. This is what she wanted. But did she want Ariel like this—coming to her under these circumstances? Ariel would always believe Kiernan set this up and she’d resent her. But Kiernan would have Stellardyne and the resources she needed.

  Kiernan tapped a button on her deskcom. “Kelly, cancel my three o’clock meeting with quality control, and get Mr. O’Shay in my office, pronto.”

  “Very well, ma’am.”

  Kiernan saw Ariel was pale and had placed her right hand on the back of the chair for support. “Have a seat, Ariel, before you drop.” She went to her bar. “Can I get you anything to drink?”

  Ariel ignored the offer. “Does your proposal still stand?”

  Kiernan finished pouring her drink and took a sip of brandy before leaving the glass on the bar. Turning to Ariel, she searched her eyes. “Yes, my proposal still stands. Fifty million a year to you, and twenty million for your family. There are, of course, a few more things I would like to include in the agreement.”

  “What things?” Ariel asked suspiciously.

  “If you take a seat I’ll tell you.”

  Ariel slipped into the chair and perched on the edge. Kiernan walked to the front of her desk and leaned back against it, facing her. “I want you to take the name O’Shay. Our child will also carry the name O’Shay.”

  Ariel nodded in agreement though her frown conveyed her distaste.

  “You’re going to be my wife. And you’ll have obligations as my wife. One obligation is that you must maintain a certain decorum, and you’ll have specific duties. I expect you to accompany me to any social function I attend, be it related to business or otherwise. There’ll be times I entertain at home and at those times you’ll be expected to be by my side and act as a gracious host.

  “This includes you showing me respect in public. I don’t expect you to fawn over me, but I would like for you to at least pretend you hold some regard for me.”

  Ariel closed her eyes, her posture sagging slightly, and let out a resigned sigh. “All right.”

  “There is another matter. You will tender your resignation from your teaching position effective immediately.”

  Ariel’s eyes popped open, and she straightened up. “I can’t do that! I’m under contract until June.”

  “All you have to do is tender your resignation and tell them it is family related, and you must resign at once. If they give you a hard time, I’ll deal with them.”

  “Please enlighten me as to the reason for your—command—before I do that.”

  “I want you to have time to adjust to your new status and duties as my wife—and after our child is born, you’ll have enough duties taking care of her to occupy your time. My grandmother’s will states I’m to stay in the marriage for at least five years, and we will reside together throughout the duration of our marriage. I expect you to agree to this, and reside in my home, Crestview.”

  Ariel put her head in her hands and shook it in apparent disbelief.

  “Oh, since I am required to have an heir within the next two years, you will agree to be impregnated with an ovum, which contains both of our DNA, within one year after we’re married.”

  Kiernan heard the shuddering breath Ariel took before she said, “Yes.”

  “I’ll have those things put in the contract. However, this won’t go into the contract, but will be part of an oral agreement between us. You will have no further contact with Mysha Leavill.”

  Ariel stared at her in disbelief. “You can’t do that. She has a right to know!”

  “She has no rights! Not where you’re concerned.” For some reason, Ariel’s statement infuriated her. She took a moment to calm herself and continued, “You may contact her by telecom and tell her you’re breaking it off with her, but you will not see her, and you—”

  “God damn you to hell, Kiernan O’Shay!” Tears rolled down Ariel’s cheeks. She wiped them away with her hand.

  “Ariel—”

  Kiernan started to say more, only to have Kelly interrupt her by announcing over the deskcom, “Ms. O’Shay, Mr. O’Shay is here to see you.”

  “Tell him to wait a few minutes. I’ll tell you when he can come in.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Kiernan walked to the other side of her desk, opened a drawer, and withdrew a box of tissues. She handed the box over to Ariel, waiting while she dried her tears.

  When she saw Ariel was composed, she said, “Did you tell anyone of my proposal and the reasons for it?”

  “I only told my mother,” Ariel glared pointedly at Kiernan “after your false accusations.”

  Kiernan didn’t let her irritation show at that last remark. “Was there anyone else?”

  “Ian Broxton, my mother’s attorney.”

  Ian Broxton was reputed to be honest and wouldn’t reveal what was an attorney/client confidence. “Caution your mother if she tells anyone the reasons behind my proposal it won’t only embarrass me, but you as well. I don’t want people thinking you’re a gold digger, or that I bought you. I’ll create a story of how we met and fell in love, and you’ll go along with it.”

  “My mother wi
ll know why I’m marrying you. That you’re a vindictive bitch!”

  “I may be a bitch, but I’m not vindictive, at least not where you’re concerned. This is about me getting Stellardyne. I know these are unusual circumstances. And as such, I don’t want to make a big social event out of this. As I’m sure, you don’t either. We will have a private ceremony at Crestview, attended by immediate family, and my household staff. I’ll arrange it for the Saturday following this one.” Kiernan wanted it soon so Ariel wouldn’t change her mind.

  “But—that’s only eight days away.”

  “That shouldn’t present a problem, unless you have something more pressing to do,” Kiernan said in a tone of voice that said she knew Ariel had no plans, pressing or otherwise.

  Ariel exhaled. “I guess that day is as good as any.”

  “I want you to come out to Crestview tomorrow morning and get acquainted with your new home and the staff. I’ll come by your place at nine to pick you up.”

  Ariel glared at Kiernan, her voice indignant. “Crestview will never be my home.”

  “That might be how you feel. However, it’ll be where you will reside for the foreseeable future. I’ll also talk with your mother when I come out to pick you up.”

  “Don’t expect a warm welcome.”

  Not commenting, Kiernan leaned over her desk to push a button on the deskcom. “Kelly, send in Mr. O’Shay.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Kiernan returned her attention to Ariel, not saying anything further, but noticing she was still upset.

  The door opened and Theodore entered. “Kiernan, what’s—Ms. Thorsen?”

  “Ms. Thorsen—Ariel—has agreed to marry me, and we need the prenuptial agreement drawn up as soon as possible. I need you to clear your calendar today so I can get with you and go over some of the details.”

  “I can arrange to have it done, but what’s the rush?”

  “The wedding is going to be held a week from tomorrow in a private ceremony at Crestview.”

  Brief surprise passed over Theodore’s face. “I’ll be able to have it done by next Tuesday for you and Ms. Thorsen to go over.”

  “Very well. We won’t be pressing charges against Joanna Thorsen.”

  “I’ll take care of it,” Theodore said.

  Kiernan said to Ariel, “I’ll arrange for David to take you home. I don’t want you on your motorcycle—not while you’re upset.”

  “I’m perfectly capable.”

  “You don’t need to be taking your bike out on the road—”

  “Dammit! Don’t tell me what I need, or don’t need! I’m riding it home!”

  Noticing Ariel’s flushed face and frown, Kiernan decided not to press the point and make Ariel more upset.

  Ariel stood. “If that’s all?”

  “Uncle Theodore, please give us a few minutes alone.”

  Theodore exited the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

  Kiernan walked up to Ariel, searching her face and eyes, before softly saying, “Ariel, we can make this work. We can make this into what a marriage should be. I’m willing to try.”

  Ariel lurched back, disbelief on her features. She met Kiernan’s eyes with a glacial glare and said contemptuously, “Get this straight, Ms. O’Shay, I hate you, and that’s not going to happen. Not in a million years.” She pivoted and stomped out of Kiernan’s office.

  Kiernan watched her go, thinking the five years the will was consigning her to could very well feel like a million years— especially if Ariel held on to her resentment. Then she remembered that old adage “Time changes everything.” She would have to wait and see whether it would apply to this marriage.

  “WHAT? YOU CAN’T be serious!” Joanna was beyond shock, feeling she had entered some surreal world.

  “I’m very serious,” Ariel replied. “I’ve agreed—”

  “No! You’re not marrying her. I forbid it!” Joanna sprang from her chair to gape at her daughter, who sat on the edge of the sofa.

  “I’ve agreed. If I go back on my word, there’s no telling what she’ll do.”

  “I don’t care, you’re not doing it!”

  Ariel stood, placing both hands on her mother’s shoulders. “It’s my choice, and the only choice.”

  Joanna broke out of the grasp, agitation in her movements. “No, Ariel, it’s not. I won’t allow you to do this—not for my sake.”

  “It’s not only for your sake. Think of the twins. Ms. O’Shay was prepared to press charges against you. If you go to prison— what then?”

  “That’s a chance I’m willing to take.”

  “No, Mom. You can’t take that chance. Sit down. I want to tell you some details of what I discussed with her.”

  “I’ll not hear them.”

  “Please, Mom, listen, that’s all I’m asking.”

  Silence stretched for a good ten seconds until Joanna sighed and said, “Fine, but I’m not changing my mind about this. And what about Mysha?”

  Ariel’s eyes ghosted over with pain. “I’ll handle things with Mysha. But for now, listen, and please don’t say anything until I finish.”

  Joanna took a seat on the sofa, and Ariel sat beside her to fill her in on the main details of the agreement. Joanna bit the inside of her mouth to keep from commenting. Finally, Ariel finished and searched her mother’s eyes as if hoping for some understanding.

  An oppressive sadness pushed Joanna near to tears. “Sweetheart, what you’re doing is sacrificing yourself, and the child you’ll have, and you know it. I don’t care if she gives us a billion dollars a year, it’s not worth it, and I won’t accept her money.” She put her hands on either side of Ariel’s head and searched her eyes. “Sweetheart, please don’t do this. We’ll fight her.”

  “We can’t take that chance. Think of the twins and how you being imprisoned would affect them. I have to tell you truthfully, Mom, I’d have a hard time taking care of them without you.”

  “It’s worth a try.”

  “No, it’s not. I’ll not risk it and neither should you. Even if you’re found innocent, you’ll still have a reputation in shambles, and people will know the details. It’ll be all over the news. You won’t be able to get a decent job, and this could jeopardize Seth and Leigh’s chances of attending the best colleges. Your trial could stretch out for months, even over a year, and the legal cost would be exorbitant. I can’t allow this to happen. Not when there’s a way out.”

  “Sweetheart, marrying her will ruin your life.”

  “It’s my decision and nothing you can say will change it now.”

  Joanna searched her daughter’s eyes. Ariel had a decidedly stubborn streak. Once she made up her mind, you stood little chance of changing it. Oh, she would listen to whatever advice Joanna offered, and often she saw the logic in the advice and might choose another course of action, but hearing her daughter now, Joanna knew Ariel was set on this course. Nothing she said would change it—not on this, maybe the most important decision Ariel would ever make in her life. Not only the most important, but also one that had far more serious consequences for now, and the future. Joanna couldn’t protect Ariel from the consequences she would reap, only offer advice her daughter might or might not follow. “I want you to contact Ian Broxton before you sign any agreement.”

  “I’ll do that.”

  Joanna started weeping, drawing her daughter into a close embrace.

  Ariel’s own tears fell as well, but there was one thing about which she was certain: no sacrifice was too great for her family.

  JOANNA RETIRED EARLY from exhaustion and grief, leaving the twins in Ariel’s care when they got in from school. Ariel told them their mother didn’t feel well and to let her rest. She didn’t feel like cooking dinner, so she let them decide which Pop-hot to eat. When they retired to their respective rooms to do their homework, she went to her own room.

  She reached for her IMP on the nightstand by her bed and checked to see whether there were any calls. One message was from M
ysha. She’d called Mysha early yesterday morning to update her on the polygraph test. Mysha was sympathetic and supportive, even volunteering to fly home right away after the awards ceremony on Friday night and not wait until Sunday. Ariel informed her not to do it, that at this point nothing could be done.

  With shaking hands, she ordered the IMP, “Play message.”

  Mysha’s image appeared on the screen. “Hello, babe. I miss you and I hope your mom is doing well. I know this is tough on you, and I wish I were there to help. I’ll be home a week from Sunday to help out any way I can. I know Beijing time is fourteen hours ahead of you, but don’t hesitate to call at anytime. I’ll try calling you Monday at seven in the morning, your time, before you leave for work.

  “The workshop is going great and almost everyone here has read my paper and thinks it’s wonderful. Well, I had better go. Give my best to your mom. See you Sunday. Bye bye.”

  Ariel dropped the IMP on her bed and smothered sobs into her pillow to keep the twins and her mother from hearing. How was she going to break the news to Mysha that she was marrying Kiernan O’Shay? Oh, God, why now? she thought. This is one of the most important times in Mysha’s life—receiving recognition for her work—and how could Ariel ruin it for her? She would have to explain when Mysha got back. Ariel didn’t care what Kiernan O’Shay wanted. Mysha deserved to know why.

  Her thoughts shifted to Kiernan, rage engulfing her, and she screamed into her pillow, her words muffled, but the anguish behind them was understandable: “I hate you! I hate you!”

  Chapter Eleven

  THE BLUE SEPTEMBER sky promised a good day. The sunlight had that certain slant giving everything a golden sheen portending the change of the season from summer to fall. Kiernan exited her silver BMW, smoothed down her chocolate brown jacket over her camel pullover blouse and straightened the waist of her chocolate brown trousers. She surveyed the modest residence of her fiancée and saw a slight movement of a curtain in the living room window.

  On the stoop she reached out to push the doorbell, but before her finger touched the button, the front door opened. Joanna Thorsen stared at her with disdain.

  “Ms. Thorsen, may I come in?”