Ethan's pov
I dragged myself to my inner closet with half bottles of whiskey. I dialed my private investigator contact again after several times.
"Where's my wife?" I thundered across the phone the moment I got connected, sweating profusely. As far as I am concerned Sophia remains my bride.
"Sir we've got no information about Miss Sophia for the past few hours but we have to keep trying!". He assured me politely but I wasn't listening to him.
I wanted to know why Sophia left me and why she can't cope with the marriage. Was she safe or was forced to do it? Those thoughts spread widely like fire in my head.
I poured myself another shot gulping it down as the hotness ravished down my throat. I felt more sober and exhausted.
I find it hard to forget the moment I spent with Sophia, we were all over each other hoping to get married soon.
"You can't track her phone and not even where she's likely to be?". I asked again but it was abortive, it seems Sophia really planned it all along or someone's really doing this to get at me.
"We assure you once we get information about Miss Sophia, I will definitely get across to you sir". The investigator assured me professionally before we hung up.
My heart belongs to only one woman, which is Sophia. I wanted to call my assistant to cancel out all scheduled meetings tomorrow and draft out the marriage arrangements but then I remembered she's the bride now_my secretary.
I reached out to my manager to draft out a marriage contract with Claire. Giving her all necessary needs and entitlement with a limited debit card stating clearly for her not to expect any form of attachment or feelings from me and just a few times public appearances as a couple when needed.
"Can you also cancel all activities scheduled for tomorrow? I asked lazily.
"But sir, I think you should talk to Claire about it, You have a very important…"
No but! Don't tell me what to do, Do as I say. I hollered loudly, denying him from completing his sentence.
" I need the arrangements ready tomorrow morning. I demanded and hung up. That seems to be the best way to protect my interests at the moment.
I felt strength leaving me as I wallowed in betrayal forgetting everything else that matters. I ignored several calls and drank from one bottle to another to put aside all memories with Sophia.
"I hope Claire doesn't expect any love from me because I'm empty. I don't want to feel this way again." I muttered sadly, squeezing the shot with my palms. The glass shattered in pieces cutting through my flesh before I let go. It's supposed to be our wedding night, with Sophia not Claire. I struggled to drag myself to the bathroom.
The cold water ravished my thick skin while I draw enough strength from the coldness before welcoming sleep
***
The buzzing sound of my phone kept ringing in the air non-stop. The caller must have had a death wish as I struggled to pick the call. My hands fumbled around the bed several times before I found the phone.
"You want to die?" I yelled at the person on the other side of the phone without hesitation.
"Let see who dies first, when you decided to ruin what I have spent my whole life building "_ The deep baritone voice resonated in my head freely.
I didn't bother to check my screen, I recognized my father's voice _Mathew.
Why would father call me this morning?.He hardly interfered in the company affairs ever since he retired as a businessman. I sighed heavily with my head banging ridiculously from the Nightcap.
"Father! I managed to call out weakly but he snapped out.
" Ethan! You have a board meeting with the Insurance Company and their overseas Investors in less than thirty minutes. Why schedule a meeting you can't attend?". Father beckoned
"Listen The Carter can't afford to lose that investment to the hungry opponents because of your unwillingness! Get hold of your emotions and do the needful now". Father thundered over the phone while I listened in shock.
"Make sure you stop by with your new wife!". He demanded
She's not my wife! I retorted but it was too late. Father hung up.
How come no one told me the meeting is today;my manager and even Claire. I fume in anger as I rushed over to dress up, I hate being late, not even when we need the insurance investors with many competitors dragging the deal with us.
In less than a few minutes I bolted out of the room in a flash. My body becomes heavy along with my head whamming down the Sweeping staircase.
I was welcomed with a strong espresso flavor of Cappuccinos coffee drifting across my nose from the table set with Bagels with lox and cream cheese aroma coming from one of the kitchen angles . I can't remember the last time I had breakfast before work.
I had personally asked my chefs not to bother with breakfast since most times I barely nimble on them.
"Morning masters!" The chef and a few maids greeted in unison.
"Good morning Ethan". A distinct soft tone Enunciated from the kitchen entrance_ Claire walked out from the kitchen with a tray Featuring smoked salmon creamed cheese, capers and thinly sliced onion on a toasted bagel.
What does she think she's doing? Besides, how did she get to my house?I got pissed knowing Daniel must have been the one capable of bringing her.
" You're not my wife nor my cook_ Claire Lawson you are my secretary; that's what I paid you for"! I found myself Blasting out angrily. I don't want her to care, I don't need love.
With a cold glare throwing her daggers, I covered the space between us threatening her with my aura.
" Consider yourself fired! if the investors cancel out on our insurance investment." I thundered and stormed out of the house
I can't remember asking her to move in or telling her I need a chef sort off. Isn't too early to start acting like a wife. Jeez! I can't believe I asked her to marry me yesterday to save my image.
I picked up my phone to call when I realized I had multiple missed calls from Daniel,Claire, my manager and a few staff and father. I guess they must be trying to reach the meeting but there's my secretary busy turning herself to cook in the house.
"What are you waiting for? I asked my driver sitting at the wheel.. "You have Ten minutes to arrive to the office !" I demanded with full authority.
I can't believe Claire is losing her competence overnight.