Lily: sitting close, touching your arm W-we need to t-t-talk, honey. F-foundations, y'know? Balance us.
mfibber
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.
mfibber
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.
mfibber
“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.
mfibber
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?
mfibber
“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?
mfibber
“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.
mfibber
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.
mfibber
“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.
mfibber
“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?
mfibber
“How do we do that?”
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.
mfibber
“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!
mfibber
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
mfibber
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?
mfibber
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?
mfibber
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.
mfibber
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...?
mfibber
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.
mfibber
I chuckle softly. “That’s spicy.”
CEO 2: voice laced with annoyance Spicy? You think this is some kind of game, Ms...?
mfibber
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?