Claiming Lily Morgan Book One 18+ [GXG]

“What?! No! I can’t marry that -- whoever she is! I’m not a lesbian Dad, for Pete’s sake! “My voice echoed in the living room of my apartment where me and my parents were talking. Shocked and disbelief was written all over my face.

We’re all sitting on the couch but I can’t help standing up as I heard the craziest and stupidest thing I’ve ever heard in my entire existence. And I don’t know what to think or do. I just can’t control my emotions right now.

“We’re not saying you are Lily; this is just marriage for convenience, just to secure our business future... your future. And to your future children if ever.”

“And how on earth can I possibly bear kids if I’m marrying a girl?”

“Well, I heard about this special treatment that they do nowadays--”

“You’re impossible!” I sighed in disbelief.

“Lily, sweetie, can you just hear your father first?” My mom stood up and held my arms as she mentioned to me to calm down.

“No Mom, I’ve heard enough of this foolishness. And my answer is no.” I said firmly.

“Lily, our company is at stake here. And we expect so much from you.”

“Really, Dad? Who’s we? You and your business associates? Do you really expect me to marry someone I don’t even know existed, and for the love of God a lesbian, in exchange for the company’s status quo?” I asked sarcastically.

“It’s not me I’m talking about neither the board. I can cope up, we sure can. But not the people who worked for the company for almost their lives. I’m more worried about them.”

“Oh, God! This is insane!” I cried helplessly and sat down, my knees are getting weaker by the moment. “I can’t give up my life just so other people can have theirs. That’s so unfair.” My eyes went back to my parents. “But surely, there’s other options. There’d better be.”

My heart jumps for joy when I remember something. “Yeah, how about our properties in Warsaw and in Wilcza, and the ranch in Lesna that I inherited from grandma. I can wave that. We can liquidate those properties, can we?” I asked Dad but he gazed at me with sadness and then shook his head.

I look at mom asking for an explanation why my dad just shook his head.

“Sweetie, even if we sell all our assets. It’s still not enough for our company to survive.”

“But Mom, that’s worth billions. So, you mean the debt of our company is more than that?!”

My mom didn’t answer me, she just kept silent and bowed her head so I changed my gaze to my dad.

“Dad, how can this happen? I thought Morgan Chain of Hotels is one of the top and growing hotels in the country? You said it yourself, how come we’re facing bankruptcy now?”

Dad took a deep breath.

“In the past two years our hotels have faced a lot of troubles. The competition became so tight that we hardly survived. Mandarin Plaza Hotel was not an easy competitor. They’re huge and so much stronger than the Morgan Hotel.”

“We can’t beat them and so we merge with them, huh? But at my expense? What a great business strategy to save the Morgan Hotel.” I said, full of sarcasm.

“Lily, I don’t have a choice.” Dad replied agonizingly.

“Of course, you have! We all have Dad! You just want to choose the easy way out!” I blurted out in anguish.

I saw the hurt slowly register on his face. And suddenly I wanted to regret the words that came out of my mouth.

“Do you think if I have a choice, I will force my only daughter to marry someone she doesn’t even know?” He whispered, almost teary eyed.

I’ve never seen him this helpless until now. The mighty Alexander Morgan, a well known hotelier. Never for one moment did I think that I would see him in this situation, almost begging for help.

“Dad, I know you just wanted what’s best for everyone. But this is my life and I’m the only one who can decide for myself. Not you, not Mom and certainly not the board.” My voice croaked.

Dad held my hand and looked at me with his lonely eyes.

“I’m sorry sweetheart.” He sighed. “You’re right, I’m only choosing the easy way out. I’m sorry for dragging you into this mess.”

Dad just gave me my freedom. I should feel relieved but then it’s the opposite that I’m feeling. I felt guilty turning my back on them when they needed me most.

That exact moment, I made a drastic decision.

“No Dad, I’m already a part of this even before I was born. It’s my birthright. Morgan Hotel is your dad’s legacy, your legacy and soon to be mine. More than anything, I’m a Morgan and it’s my duty to protect that legacy.” I said firmly.

I saw a tear fall from Dad’s eyes before he could spread his arms and gave me a tight embrace.

I bit my lower lip to control my emotions. I wanted to cry but what’s the use of crying? My parents need me now, more than ever. I need to be strong for them, for the people who depend on us, and for the company... our legacy and the future little Morgan’s legacy. I need to save Morgan Chain of Hotels. How will I do that without a wedding bell involve. I still yet to think about.

That conversation happened two weeks ago. And now here I am, at the airport waiting for my flight bound to Poland.

I took a week off from the glitz and glamour of the modeling world to save our hotel’ ass from declaring bankruptcy. But prior to my flight I already made an appointment to talk to the mysterious Artemis Sanford, the owner of Mandarin Plaza Hotel and happens to be the CEO of Sanford Corporation. I was hoping to make a good bargain with her so that the merging of our hotels will push through without involving a wedding bells.

For days now, I tried to gather information about the woman. But the problem is, she’s one hell of a mysterious lady. I already search Google and all the social media she doesn’t have any single picture.

Yes, there are news about her but it’s all about all the businesses she’s handling and how good she is as a business woman. But apart from that nothing more personal information about her.

Is she that really a private person, even picture of her back she doesn’t have?

What kind of human is this, she doesn’t have any social media accounts?

Maybe she’s fat and ugly that’s why she doesn’t want to post her picture

I giggled at my own thoughts.

I imagined her as a short ugly fat lady with too much pimples on her face with hair like a witch, sitting on her executive’s chair wearing thick eyeglasses. I don’t know if I will laugh or be disgust by the image I’m imagining in my mind about Artemis Sanford.

No wonder she’s a lesbian. Because no man dare to court her coz of her ugly face.

Eeewww! If she will be my wife and everyday I will be lying on the same bed with her I would rather kill myself. God please have mercy on me!

Dont get me wrong, I'm not also favor in discrimination when it comes to gays and lesbians. Coz in modeling world, it’s normal to have a same sex relationship. I saw the likes of them everyday in my line of work that’s why I'm used to it but never for one moment did I ever thought that I will be on the same situation. I’m not prepare and I will never be prepare to this kind of relationship. I was born to be a woman, was raised to be a woman and will die a woman. I’m straight and I didn’t even dream of having a girlfriend.

So, NO to marriage for convenience. NO hanky panky, just pure business.

I stood up from the bench and took my handbag when I heard my flight being called.

This is it! I said to myself as I walked through the small passage leading to the plane that will bring me to my native land.

After a few minutes sitting on the plane, I feel that someone is standing on my left side.

“Excuse me? Do you need something?” I asked her. I took off my sunglasses to have a clear vision of the woman standing right next to me.

“You’re on my seat.” The girl replied coldly.

“Oh, I’m sorry but can we exchange seats? I don’t want to sit right next to the window. I’m afraid of heights.” I said, smiling sweetly.

I can’t see her eyes behind those big dark glasses that she’s wearing but I know she was intently looking at me.

The woman smirks. “Look Miss, I’m not interested. So, can you just please move over? I dont have much patience today.”

“What?” I was confused by her words.

“Do you speak English?” The girl asks, irritation laced in her voice.

“Of course I do.”

“Then move over. “The stranger snapped at me.

“Excuse me Ma’am, do we have a problem here?” The flight attendant approached us.

We answer her at the same time.

“Actually, there is.” The girl

“No, we’re fine.” I said

The flight attendant stared at both of us with confusion in her face, she didn’t know where to put her gaze.

“We’re really fine. Just a simple misunderstanding. Nothing that we can’t handle.” I explained the whole thing by forcing a fake smile.

When I quickly glance at the girl she smirks at me with victory on her face. That makes me more annoyed, but I took all my patience not to show it to my face.

After the flight attendant left I quickly went to the other chair so she would not pissed me off more, but deep inside I wanted to punch her face.

The girl sat down as she positioned herself comfortably on the chair I was occupying a while ago and put on her seatbelt. I was thinking maybe she will sleep now. I can’t see her eyes because she didn’t bother to take off those dark glasses.

I cannot control myself not to look at her. Her presence was so strong that I couldn’t help myself from taking a glance.

I must say that she’s a beauty despite the big sunglasses that almost covered half of her face. The kind of beauty that you will not get tired looking for your entire life. She has a pointed nose and kissable lips.

I wonder what her eyes look like...

Surely behind those dark glasses is a pair of gorgeous eyes to compliment her arresting face.

Based on my observation, she’s just in her early twenties. But with the way she carried herself she made it appear like she’s older than her original age.

You are beautiful but your attitude is like a witch. I whispered softly.

“Don’t you know that it’s impolite to stare?”

I was caught off guard because I thought she was already asleep.

“Cat got your tongue Miss I’m-Afraid-Of-Heights?” She asked again as she turned to me.

I frowned at her. The nerve of this woman!

“Please, don’t flatter yourself Miss Whoever-You-Are. I’m not staring at you.” I said sarcastically.

“Really?” She gave me a lopsided smile. “Even if my eyes are closed I can feel that you are staring at me. But sadly, you’re not my type.”

My eyes went wide with her conceitedness.

“How dare you?!You--you lying conceited...beyotch!”

“Well, that makes two of us.” Then shrugged her shoulders.

I was about to answer her but the plane just took off and I saw in the window that we are already not in the runaway.

I quickly close my eyes and control my breathing. I tightly hold my arm to rest because I can feel that I will vomit. That’s what I hate about flying. I always felt like I'm going to die everytime the plane took off.

“Hey,are you ok?” I heard her say that to me but I didn’t answer her. I just close my eyes and I can feel that my heart is beating fast.

“Hey, it’s ok. Everything’s going to be fine. Come on, look at me.” She said softly and gently cupped my face.

I shook my head wildly.“No,no,no I told you I’m afraid of heights.”

My eyes still tightly close while breathing heavily. I feel that any moment my heart will jump out of my chest.

“You have to open your eyes to conquer your fear.”

“No!” I said firmly.

"Baby please, trust me. I’m here, I won’t leave you. Just open your eyes and look at me.”

I don’t know if it’s the gentleness in her voice or the endearment that made me trust her because I did what she said.

I slowly opened my eyes and met the most mysterious eyes I have ever seen in my entire life. Her eyes are so beautiful, almond brown orbs that I almost lost it.

Suddenly, I forgot where I am and the people around me. I’ve seen nothing but only her.

Her eyes gave me a sudden calmness and I’ve never felt safe until this very moment.

I slowly removed my hand that tightly held my armrest and my heartbeat was back to normal.

“Feeling better?” She asked for a while.

“Y-yeah.” I nodded.

“Good.” Then she smiled at me. For the first time since we met.

After that she slowly removed her hand that cupped my face.

I’m still in awe while gazing at her.

Again she put on her dark glasses and leaned back on her seat comfortably.

“Next time, don’t travel alone. Not everyone can be a good Samaritan.” She’s back on her cold and rude self again.

“Yeah,right. Thank you then... good Samaritan.” I can’t help the sarcasm in my voice.

“It’s just a warning. You don’t have to be sarcastic with me.” On her cold voice.

I become angry again

“Look, Miss Whoever-You-Are, not because you saved me in my panic attack, you have the right to tell me what I should do. And don’t expect me to show some gratitude because in the first place, it’s your fault why my fear triggered.”

“I’m not imposing, I’m just saying. And don’t worry cause I don’t expect anything... not to you at least.”

“And what was that supposed to mean?” My eyes narrowed in slits.

I can’t help my irritation from rising up.

“Nothin.” She answered coyly.” Let’s just sleep. We have a long flight ahead of us.”

She positioned herself comfortably on her chair. Even though I cannot see her eyes behind those glasses,I know it was close and about to fall asleep.

She’s right. This is going to be a long flight for both of us. And I wonder what’s her business in Poland.

Is she going for vacation in Poland or she just finished her vacation here in America.

She doesn’t look like a full blooded Polish, but she speaks the language well.

Well, whatever it is, it’s not my business anymore.

I fell asleep thinking about the mysterious girl beside me. I didn’t know why I was wasting my time thinking stuff about her. I have so many important things to think of, way more important than this gorgeous stranger beside me.

Exactly : in the evening when our plane touched down at the runaway of NCI international airport. We didn’t bother to talk to each other while getting off the plane.

What for? It’s not as if we are friends!

We’re both just ordinary passers by in each other’s lives. No more, no less.

But I didn’t know why I have this feeling of regret not to get to know her more.

I walk through the hallway. I know she’s just on my back walking.

After we reached outside the airport I immediately saw my family driver that will pick me up. And a car stopped also in front of the mysterious girl. My driver went down and opened the car door for me then put my luggage in the back compartment.

Before I enter the car I glance at the mysterious girl one last time.

An oh escaped from my mouth when I saw a girl went out of the car and shamelessly kissed her.

Oh my, is she a lesbian?!

Surely. Or she won’t exchange saliva with a girl in a public place.

But she’s strikingly beautiful. I quickly averted my gaze when she was about to turn her head on me after her public liplocking to that girl.

I quickly entered the car and asked the driver to start driving so I could take a rest. My head hurts after what I saw.

I am still in a state of shock while sitting in the backseat. I can’t believe the stranger who was seated beside me on the plane is a freakin’ lesbian! She definitely doesn’t look like one. Well, she’s wearing a suit but everybody wears suits nowadays,including women. I have lots of suits in my wardrobe. But how come I didn’t notice that she’s different considering that I already talked to her?

What the hell is your problem Lily?! Brush it off! Let her live her life and mind your own business. I told myself.

But I cannot help to think about how beautiful she is and she also likes beautiful women. Oh my!

I had a glimpse of the girl who kissed her. They were near enough for me to tell that the girl was a beauty. The girl looks classy.

In a way, they look good together.

But not perfect enough to stay together. I said bitchly to myself.

“Ma’am, how’s your flight?” Our driver asked.

“It’s okay, just a little bit tiring but it’s okay.”

He just nodded and asked again.

“Ma’am, do you know the girl that rides the white car near to us in the airport?”

I frown because obviously he is talking about her.

“No, but we had the same flight. Why did you ask Mr. Wang, do you know her?” I asked, trying to sound casual though deep inside I’m starting to get curious.

“She looks familiar Ma’am. She looks like the girl I saw in your family mansion before.” He answered while thinking deeply. Maybe he’s trying to recall where he saw the girl.

I got excited thinking that we will cross our path again.

“Really, How come? I know all of Dad’s business associates. He did mention that he has a new executive member.”

“Maybe they just have the same shape of face Ma’am. Hahaha sometimes people think I’m Lee Min Ho.” He joked while laughing.

I just smiled at him. Sometimes Mr.Davis is really funny.

I turned my head and looked outside the window, gazing at the busy streets of Warsaw.

I remember again the beautiful face of the girl and her mysterious eyes. Deep brown almond eyes that look like they hold too much mystery.

Our family driver said she looks familiar. And she even went to our mansion.

No, it can’t be! I quickly doubt what I’m thinking.

She can’t be Artemis Sanford because she’s not fat and ugly. That stranger is one helluva sexy lady and every inch of her was irresistibly gorgeous.

How did you know that Artemis Sanford is fat and ugly? Have you seen her? My stubborn head.

I quickly shook my head.

No! She’s not Artemis Sanford. They are completely two different people. I knew it and I’m hundred percent sure about it. My instinct told me so.

So whoever you are Artemis Sanford, get ready! Tomorrow we will face each other and I will save Morgan Chain of Hotels from your manipulative hands.

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