Chapter 1
Keegan’s POV
I closed my laptop and took off my glasses to rub my eyes. Perks of not having to wear make-up at work gives me no worries of smudges and looking like an utter wreck. It’s been 3 days since I last saw my bed and I am seriously sleep deprived. I guess running a hospital and being a full-time cardiothoracic surgeon can take a toll on your sleeping rhythm.
It’s been only one and a half year since I graduated from Harvard and moved back to London. It’s really great being home but I do miss the US vibe and definitely getting used to the British accent again. Of course I visit London every other summer but it’s been 3 years since I last came back due to my studies.
My phone started ringing and saw the caller ID of Catherine my bestest friend ever since I was born like literally. ‘’Hey Cath, wass—‘’ before I could even finish my sentence she immediately cut me off with a scream ‘’AHHHH OMG like OMG, you bitch! How did you not tell me you are getting married?! How is this even possible? You are crazyyyyyy! I can’t belie—‘’ , ’’Catherine what are you saying? I’m not getting married. Where did you even get that rumor?’’ I frowned and stood up from my seat and picked the paper works from my desk.
I wasn’t shocked because I knew rumors were going around about me even when I was at Harvard just because my parents owned the biggest hospital chain and multiple charities around the world. ‘’Umm, that’s not what my mother said. Ragazza it’s also all over the tabloids. You are getting married to THE hottest bachelor here in London, Arion Donte. Ooooh your baby will have some Italian blood and I’m going to be the best godmother evaaaaah.’’
I froze. Like literally. I don’t like reading tabloids but I still do because I definitely don’t want to look oblivious to the world. Makes it really easy when all you do is lock yourself in the hospital barely getting any sunlight or exposure to the paparazzi’s. Just that moment my parents came in with another couple that I saw before in one of those charity events my parents held about a month ago.
‘’Catherine, I’m off tonight so let’s meet up at the usual. I have things to do… yeah, sure. I’ll see you soon. Ciao.’’ I called my secretary in and not longer than a second she came in the office. ‘’You called, miss Hale?’’ I smiled at her knowing she called me by my surname just because my dad was here.
‘’Hi Jean, yes. Could you please send these papers to doctor Lindon so he could start reviewing for the patient in room 3104 and then please send in some coffee and tea for our guest. Afterwards you can take your break. Thank you so much.’’ She nodded and held the papers to her chest as if it was some treasure while leaving my office.
‘’Hi mom, dad.’’ giving them a kiss, ‘’to what do I owe you this pleasure?’’ I smiled at the couple who were definitely around my parents’ age. ‘’Darling, this is Mr. Matteo Donte and his lovely wife Mrs. Laila Donte.’’ I shook Mr. Donte’s hand when he pulled me in for a fatherly hug and so did Mrs. Donte – well, of course more like a motherly hug. ‘’It’s finally great to put a face to your name Keegan. That name surely lived up to your beauty honey!’’
I blushed at the compliment still not used to accepting them. I muttered a shy thank you before Jean came in with some coffee, tea and biscuits. ‘’Thank you Jean. Have a great break.’’ She nodded a thank you and left me with my spontaneous guests. ‘’So what brings you here?’’ I asked while pouring some coffee for myself while the chic women wanted tea. I guess coffee has become my go-to drink since university. Cliché.
‘’Well Kee, Matteo and I went to the same University here in London when we were younger. Maybe you know that he is from Italy so he moved here to study. Anyways, Donte Enterprises is expanding rapidly and no doubt they have gained billions over the years. Noticing that our medical activities have been expanding as well, such as our new researches we decided to finally work as permanent business partners making our businesses bloom in just months’ time.’’ My mother jumped in saying ‘’Oh, get to the point Ric.’’
I laughed at how savage my mom can be. Can’t blame her though. Laughter filled the room while my dad was pouting – uhm nope please don’t. ‘’I was getting there Pam. Anyways, Arion Donte is their eldest and we want you both to get married. It’s logi—‘’, ‘’Excuse me, come again? What is logical about that? You can’t be serious dad. I am just beginning my career. Those long nights of studying until I dropped can’t go to waste when all I’ve been working for was to be exactly where I am now.’’
I stood up from the couch and looked at them in disbelief. ‘’I know honey, this must be such a shock to you. This is the only way to secure our partnership. The empire these men built can’t fall onto the wrong hands and it has to be you and Arion to protect the companies.’’ My mother told me trying to convince me that this was the right thing.
‘’Mom, what about my life? His life? You can’t be serious. I’m sure he has plans in his life too and I am not on the list.’’ I told them trying to make a point that he is the worst bachelor here in London, getting into every woman’s pants whenever he wants. This is unbelievable.
‘’Don’t you worry about Arion.’’ Mr. Donte stood up giving a comfortable smile. I sighed trying to massage my temples. Dropping this type of news to a sleep deprived woman is really dangerous. ‘’Let it sink in first. We hope to see you at the charity ball this weekend Keegan.’’ Mrs. Donte said as she stood up and picked up her bag. ‘’I think we better get to our lunch meeting. I’m sure Keegan has other work to attend to.’’ Mr. Donte said as he was talking directly to my parents while giving me the best smile he could give.
My parents stood up and hugged me. ‘’We’ll talk about this at home, honey. Have a great day.’’ My dad whispered. They bid their goodbyes with some hugs and left the office. I sighed and sat on my chair. I know I won’t get anything done after that and after being deprived of sleep I think the only thing I can do is go home and get some sleep before heading to ‘Tilula’ just some famous pub here in London.
I took my bag from the small side table of my L-shaped desk and packed all my necessities in it before grabbing my keys and head out the door. As I locked up my office Jean stood up from her desk and smiled at me. I smiled back saying ‘’Hey, look I’m taking the rest of the day off. If there are any emergencies then just tell Dr. Lindon and he should handle the rest. He’s replacing me anyways for the shifts. If you’re done with any work then go ahead and enjoy your time at home.’’
‘’Finally taking a rest, Kee. No problem we should be able to handle things around here when you are off. Just take some good rest.’’ Jean said as she smiled barely seeing her eyes anymore. ‘’Thanks. I’ll see you on Thursday then. Bye.’’ With that I took off and headed for the private garage and sped off in my car.
