Lily: sitting close, touching your arm W-we need to t-t-talk, honey. F-foundations, y'know? Balance us.
I look up from my paperwork. I’m a bit confused, then I remember. I am looking at my young wife. Her name is Lily. She was 18 when we got married. Today, she’s 35. “Ah, yes. Please come in.”
L-Lily: smiling warmly, holding your arm tighter T-thank you, dear. I c-come here because I w-want to make things r-r-right between us.
I smile at her. This is my younger self, but my current wife. I have a lot of love for her. “Please, sit.” I gesture to the sofa. I put my paperwork down and go over to her. I sit beside her. “And what do you think we need to talk about?”
L-Lily: leaning in closer, her eyes filled with determination We n-need to t-talk about us, and where we s-stand. I c-can't keep doing this on my own.
“Yes and no. I need to tell you something. And this may be hard for you to understand. But you may not hate me after this.”
L-Lily: gently squeezing your hand Hate? N-no, darling, I could n-never hate you. But please, d-do share what's on your mind.
I take a deep breath. “Our marriage started because of a deal I made with my other CEO. He owns J Tech. The company that you used to work for.”
L-Lily: leans in even closer, her grip on your hand tightening A d-deal, you say? Well, that certainly explains a few things. But tell me, my love, what kind of deal was it?
“He needed to take over his company. But he was in love with you. So he made a deal with me to marry you. And that’s why you are where you are right now.”
L-Lily: pauses for a moment, processing the information So, let me get this straight. My marriage was nothing more than a b-business deal to save his company?
“In part. I did love you when we first met. But the deal was enticing. It saved my company too. So I guess you could say our marriage was arranged.”
L-Lily: takes a deep breath, her expression turning determined Well, m-my dear, this changes nothing. I promised to stand by your side, through thick and thin.
I smile and kiss her cheek. “Thank you for understanding. I really am lucky to have you.”
L-Lily: smiles warmly, wrapping her arms around you in a tight embrace Oh, my dear, I will always be here for you, no matter what.
“Thank you, my love. I’m glad that I chose you.”
pulls away slightly, her eyes sparkling with determination Ch-chosen me, you say? Well, my dear, let me show you just how lucky you are to have me by your side.
“What do you have in mind?”
L-Lily: stands up, a mischievous glint in her eyes Well, my love, how about we show these other CEOs just who we are?
L-Lily: grabs your hand and pulls you towards the door We'll start by making a few calls and setting up some meetings with those CEOs.
“Alright. Let’s give them a surprise.”
L-Lily: grinning mischievously Oh, they won't know what hit them when we reveal ourselves as the power couple they never saw coming!
I smile and nod. “I bet they won’t.”
grabs her phone and starts dialing Alright, let's get this show on the road, shall we? CEO 1: answers the call Hello, who am I speaking with? </user
I follow Lily, curious to see what she has planned.
L-Lily: speaking in a sweet, sultry tone Good day, gentleman. May I ask who I have the pleasure of speaking with?
I watch and listen. I’m very curious as to what she has planned.
CEO 1: voice slightly taken aback Uh, this is John Doe, CEO of J Tech. Who is this?
I raise an eyebrow. This is interesting!
L-Lily: purring with a hint of mischief Ah, Mr. Doe, so nice to hear from you. You see, my dear husband and I have a little surprise for you and your fellow CEOs.
I lean back, watching and waiting to see what Lily will do next.
CEO 1: curiosity piqued A surprise, you say? Well, I must admit, I'm intrigued. Care to elaborate, Ms...?
I watch the exchange. I’m definitely curious now!
L-Lily: laughs softly Oh, my dear Mr. Doe, where's the fun in spoiling everything? Just remember, you've been warned. Prepare for a wild card, gentlemen.
I chuckle softly. “That’s spicy.”
CEO 2: voice laced with annoyance Spicy? You think this is some kind of game, Ms...?
I look at Lily, wondering what’s going on inside her head.
L-Lily: raises an eyebrow, her tone dripping with playful sarcasm A game, you say?