Chapter 3

“The family business…” Amara muttered, laughing herself bitterly. Well, a powerful Family Group was awaiting her back to manage yet she kept delaying it for someone who wasn't worthy of her love at all. What did Tobias call her? A gold digger? If only he knew what family name she was born to have. The Crawford owned business everywhere in this world. If it weren't for the unexpected shipwreck, her fate would never have intersected with Tobias'. Why should she keep on the wrong way? It was time to back home. Seating into the black GMC Yukon, Amara picked up the call from her grandfather, Elvis Crawford. “Grandfather, good evening.” She politely greeted, dipping her head subtly even though the man couldn’t see her. “Evening Amara,” the old man asked directly. “Have you finally decided to stop playing house?” "Yes," Amara replied firmly, carrying the tone of an elite who had been trained by the finest tutors. "I'll divorce Tobias Larsen and back home soon. But I have a request, I want more time to deal with something here first." The other end of the line was silent after her words, making her palms sweat. Amara scrunched up her face. She just didn't want to disappear like the wind, making Tobias and Celestine think she was defeated. “Please respect my decision Grandfather. I’m not coming home now. I don't want to leave like a loser. I want to build my name here before I go back home." It felt like an eternity passed before Elvis spoke, “You know I especially hate when you disobey me,” “I’m aware Grandfather. I apologize.” She apologetically bored her head, ready to accept whatever words her grandfather would throw at her. She knew she was being willful again. “But you're right, there's no coward in our family. I'll give you a year to stay there as the manager of the London branch." "And in return, you must have raised the company’s profit by thirty percent within a year.” “What?! Grandfather, thirty percent, that’s three billion!” “And? Are you incapable of doing so?” “No.“ “Good. But let me be frank, failure to do so would also have consequences.” “Like?” “I have a close friend of mine whose son is interested in you. I’m sure you both would make a wonderful couple.” Amara’s brows twitched. She understood the meaning in her grandfather’s words perfectly well. “An arranged marriage.” “You were fine with the first one, weren’t you? And let me tell you, unlike that bastard, Ah, I should have him castrated,” Amara chuckled lightly at how her grandfather had trailed off topic. “Unlike that bastard, Elijah is a fine man. He’d treat you well and-“ “That won’t be necessary, Grandfather,” Amara interrupted, politely. “I’ll raise the company’s profit by Thirty percent, and then I won't need this marriage anymore.” “Yes.” “Alright then, Deal.” Amara agreed. “I've done that much for granddaughter, so please, decease from disobeying me once all this has come to an end.” “Yes, grandfather. Thank you.” “Don’t thank me. I have to attend my golf meeting now, rest well.” “Have a nice time, Grandfather.” Just like that, the call ended, leaving Amara alone with her thoughts. One year, thirty percent profit. Don't see her agreeing lightly, and only she herself knew how much pressure this would bring. During the past six years, Amara had abandoned her identity as well as talents only to be Tobias' wife wholeheartedly. But it all turned out to be a worthless daydream. Yes, it was time to wake up. And she was not that generous to forgive everything. "Xavier," she spoke, softly rubbing her temple with her fingers. "Get ready to acquire the cosmetics company of Melanie Woods at once and make sure we're faster than the Larsen." "Yes, my lady," the man in the front seat replied respectfully. "I'll definitely live up to your trust." Amara looked out of the car window and a smile curled on her lips. She knew her new life started. *** “Melanie, what are we doing here?” Staring up at the huge club building in front of her, Amara couldn’t help but feel puzzled. She glanced to her side, finding Melanie who had just finished checking their attendance with the bodyguard, before she continued. “You said we were going out…to celebrate.” Melanie nodded her head. After learning that Amara had decided to divorce Tobias, Melanie couldn't wait to celebrate her best friend being single once again. Amara agreed because being depressed for days over a dick like Tobias wasn’t her thing. But now, staring at the rather flashy club in front of her, Amara was doubting she had made the right decision. “Come on Mara,” Melanie spoke as she pulled her by the wrist and into the club. “Where else did you expect us to go while dressed like this?” The moment Melanie said this, Amara passed by a floor-to-ceiling mirror and caught sight of her dressing for the second time this evening. Knee-length, tight, black leather gown, boots that stopped at her ankle, and a glistening golden necklace that highlighted the curves of her neck exposed by her wavy brown hair which was now pulled up into a tight ponytail. She looked stunning, felt confident, and unlike the unappealing woman who had been married to Tobias for six awful years. And the stares she got the instant she walked into the club told her every bit of that was true. “You’re single now, Amara, we gotta celebrate that. Especially when it’s you that’s dumping that asshole.” Amara chuckled, dryly, while Melanie ordered a third drink. She really admired her friend's hostility towards Tobias. It was on a whole other level, unlike her half-assed one. “Four shots of whiskey for the two beautiful ladies.” The bartender announced as he came back with the drinks Melanie had ordered. When he placed them down, Amara sent the man an innocent smile that had him blushing like a high school geek. “Even the bartender has it out for you,” Melanie commented as she picked up the first shot and downed it, soon urging Amara to do the same. “Just celebrate the single life, Mara!” She cheered after their second shot, immediately hopping off the stool, pulling Amara with her in the process, and rushing into the dance floor. Amara could only but chuckle at her friend's optimistic attitude. Melanie was clearly determined to see her have fun. And she was having fun, despite her gloomy mood, she had managed to keep a smile on her face the whole night. But clearly, the universe had other plans for her. As Amara and Melanie danced and swayed on the dance floor, a tall, lean individual dressed in a suit stepped into the club, beside him was a blonde beauty that quickly caught the eyes of many men in the club. “Toby, where do you want to seat?” Celestine asked as she wrapped her arms around his upper arm, acting innocent as she pressed her chest against his arm. “Wherever is fine,” Tobias responded, seemingly not disturbed by her actions. Celestine didn’t like that, but she knew better than to complain, because the moment she did so, or tried any harder, Tobias was sure to notice the shift in her innocent demeanor. “How about there?” She pointed to a spot beyond the dance floor. Tobias followed the direction of her finger, but suddenly, something, no, someone caught his attention.