Tainted Vows

~Natalie~

Fuck it!

Damn every single thing that has to do with anything related to the Sterling group!

I am tired of being a good girl! The good daughter who does every single thing she's being asked of. Right now, I don't care what daddy thinks, he could give the company to his lovely son, who is barely sixteen. At least 3 more years till he comes of age

My chest fumed in anger as I stormed into the club as dad's words echoed in my head.

“You are a woman, Natalie. " You can't handle this, let the men do it!” He had said those words to me.

Fragile woman at my foot.

How could he change his mind when I worked my ass up for the company, made sure my image was as neat as a new book? I had a clean slate, worked as hard as anyone who has just started a start-up company, and now he wants me to get married to his best friend's son before I can take control.

I clenched my fist as the bouncers let me in. “There is no way I would cry!” I muttered to myself. The loud music was jarring as I walked towards the bar.

My hair was let loose, and I wore a short silver gown I got at the boutique nearby. Just by looking one would know I wasn't meant to be here. But I don't care if it taints my reputation or my father's, he's already said it clearly that he doesn't want me to be an heir.

Leon shouldn't have done this to me! He did me dirty, and I am going to pay back!

Twelve years of my life were wasted just like that. He told me he was proud of me. But not proud enough to make me his heir.

There were signs, and I was blind to see them. This isn’t fair; The world has evolved, and women lead the industry, yet why wouldn't he give me control?

Not a single soul in the boardroom was going to go against his orders. They would willingly obligate since they knew how good I was at taking care of the company.

All the training, degrees, pitching a million-dollar project– and he still didn't trust me enough to handle it.

“What would you like to have?” the bartender asked, bringing me out of my reverie.

“Something strong,” I yelled over the loud noise. 

“Alright, I have something that would help,” he responded with a roguish grin before winking at me. I rolled my eyes, before watching people dance on the floor while the rest did their dirty deeds.

Bass thumping, lights flashing, body grinding and, despite the vibes here, my anger is still simmering.

I can't remember the last time I went here. I've been so focused on the company I barely had time for myself.

“Here, miss,” the bartender said, returning with my drink. My phone vibrated in my pocket as I grabbed my drink. I rolled my eyes when the caller was Dad, hissing, I switched off my phone.

If he is trying to make me change my mind, then it isn't going to work. I need to do something and I certainly won't settle for less. I downed the drink in a go. My throat burned, but I didn't care.

I gulped another drink, my hands trembled and yet the burn did nothing. I felt hollow and furious!

Gritting my teeth, I stepped onto the dance floor letting the alcohol guide me. The music wrapped around me like a fog and, for once, I just let it be. Not thinking about the consequences that would occur.

I tuned out the people around me, eyes closed till I felt everyone disappear, and it looked like I was the only one on the dance floor. 

Someone tapped me from behind, my eyes flung open as I turned to see a guy smiling seductively at me. 

“You are alone!” he shouted, and I nodded my head, smiling back at him. He was handsome and suitable for a nightstand.

“Sure,” I mouthed, and he grinned.

The cute stranger offered me a drink and I accepted it without a second thought. The moment the content touched my tongue, I got excited. It was different and sweeter, and I definitely liked the taste and what it did to me. I was high beyond control.

It made me alive and untouchable, like I was a new person.

I screamed aloud, jumping till I got exhausted. It didn't take long for the room to start getting blurry. I tried to shake it out, but it worsened.

“Hey… are you okay?” a voice asked. It was the young man that handed me the drink. I tried to respond, but my tongue was thick. The floor tilted. I stumbled while trying to reach for something– someone.  

Laughter echoed around me.

Then nothing!

[The next morning…]

I jolted up, the sun slicing through the sheer curtain. I groaned, protecting my eyes with my hands to reduce the brightness entering my eyes. A throbbing headache hit me hard and I hissed.

“Where was I?” I asked, not remembering last night. Before I had time to think about it, I grabbed my phone and switched it on. Standing up, I walked to the bathroom. Thankfully, I still had my clothes on.

I rinsed my face and let out a sigh as yesterday's event was replayed.

I was glad the strange cute guy dropped me here yesterday and no harm was done.

I was about to brush my teeth when the notification popped like a firecracker.

“Just a night of rest and they won't let breath,” I grumbled and strode out of the bathroom.

I picked up my phone sluggishly, my eyes widened in shock.

65 MISSED CALLS, 132 MESSAGES!

“What the heck!” I muttered as I fumbled with my phone.

From: Board Secretary 

NEWS HEADLINE…

I tapped on one of the messages with trembling hands. I wonder what had gone wrong within those few minutes.

Freya: ‘Natalie, what happened yesterday? You are trending and your dad… just call!’