Chapter 2 The Final Countdown

~ Audrey ~ “Dad? Oh my god, what happened?” Audrey gaped and stepped closer. “It’s just a small heart attack, not a big deal, don’t worry about it,” her dad waved his hand carelessly and turned to the doctor, saying “Leave us for a moment, will you?” The doctor nodded quickly and collected his equipment, saying, “I will be right back,” Audrey was in complete shock. She never knew that her dad was having health problems. Behind her dad stood Sebastian, her dad’s most trusted advisor. Audrey greeted him with a confused look and he replied with a shrug as if to say he didn’t know anything either. As soon as the doctor left the room, Audrey turned to face her dad again and asked, “A small heart attack? Dad, you never told me you’re sick, I would’ve come earlier if I knew!” “I’m not sick, I’m just expiring,” her father said as he adjusted his shirt back. “Dad,” she warned. “How are you, Audrey? Have a seat. How’s school?” he changed the topic, motioning for her to sit across the table from him. Audrey sighed and took a seat. “I’m doing great. I just finished finals week, so I’m gonna be a senior next semester,” Audrey paused for a moment before continuing, “But I know you didn’t call me here to talk about school. You get all that information from my dean anyway,” “Right. You got a B+ on creative non-fiction. You’re slipping,” he said as he grabbed a fresh cigar from his cigar box. Sebastian was quick to offer him a light. Audrey thought for a moment if a person with a heart condition should be smoking cigars in the daytime. “I’m gonna do extra credit for that class,” she muttered under her breath. “Dad, why are we talking about my grades anyway? You don’t care about how I do at NYU. You said it yourself, creative writing is not a real degree,” she mimicked his words bitterly. “I was trying to make small talk, you know, like other normal people?” he huffed. “But you don’t make small talk,” “Ha, you know me so well. You must be my daughter,” Audrey took note of his dad’s attempt at a joke. She knew very well that her father wasn’t the kind of man who would make jokes. She narrowed her eyes and said, “Dad, what is it with you? You’re acting kind of… strange,” “Time does a lot to a man, Audrey. Time can do the same for a woman,” he replied even more suspiciously. Audrey stayed quiet, waiting for her dad to continue. “Speaking of time, you’re turning twenty one next week. You’ll officially be an adult,” “Just on paper,” she shrugged. “On the inside, I’m still twelve,” Her dad ignored the comment and continued, “With you becoming an adult and me turning into fertilizer with each passing day, I think it’s time we talk about your future,” Her dad turned to his advisor and said, “Sebastian, the papers,” Sebastian nodded quickly and pulled a stack of papers from his briefcase. He walked around the table and placed them in front of Audrey’s confused eyes. “What is this?” she asked, her fingers rifling through the pages. The very first page was a letter with her dad’s official letterhead, some sort of invitation for a dinner. “It’s an invitation to a birthday dinner. Your birthday dinner,” her dad answered. “It’s dated tonight? But my birthday’s still next week,” “As you can see, Audrey, time is of the essence for me,” She didn’t understand what he meant by that, so she kept flipping the pages, looking for more information. On the next page was something labeled ‘The Guest List’. Audrey scanned the list quickly and recognized all the famous last names. “Here’s the deal, we are throwing you a special birthday celebration tonight. Sebastian and I will make sure to keep the guest list very well vetted. There will be plenty of suitable matches for you at the party. Go make some friends, get connected, get to know some of them. I have a feeling that your future might be in attendance,” “My future? Wait—what does that mean?” her eyes shot up from the paper back to her dad. “You only have a few hours before the party. Go get dressed, wear something nice. Have Linda help you,” he waved his hand dismissively and stood up as if he was about to leave. “Dad, wait a second, don’t shoo me off right now, I’m not done!” she called out after him, “What is this?” Her dad turned around and shot her a serious look, saying, “To put it simply, it’s your twenty first birthday party, and I want you to find someone to marry from the list of options I’m giving you,” “Marry?!” she almost choked on the word. “I’m not going to live forever, child. Time is running out,” “But, I’m only turning twenty one!” “But you’re also a Huntington. The sole heir of my company. You need to be in the right position to assume control after me, do you understand?” “I am in the right position, dad. I’m smart and hardworking, I can do anything for the company,” she argued. “Choosing NYU and that basketball kid is not the right position, Audrey. Not even close!” her dad’s voice boomed around the room, “A marriage is perhaps the biggest decision a woman can make and I will not stand by and watch you throw your life away. You’ll marry someone of my standards and the two of you will continue my legacy,” Audrey’s eyes were wide open and her jaw had fallen to the floor. Shakily, she asked him, “Dad, you’re not serious, are you?” “Do I look like I’m kidding?!” he yelled again, and this time he felt a small pang in his chest. His hand went to his chest to apply pressure as he calmed his breathing. Sebastian saw that his boss needed help convincing Audrey, so he quickly stepped in, saying, “Miss Audrey, Mr. Huntington had specified in his will that unless you are married to someone from the list or higher, you will not be able to inherit the company and all its assets after your father’s passing,” Audrey whipped her head instinctively to face Sebastian as if to say ‘what?’ “It’s all in the documents,” Sebastian pointed to the stack of papers. Audrey was totally lost. She thought to herself, this must be a joke. But no one in that room was smiling. She looked at her dad again, somewhat wishing he would suddenly break into laughter and say, ‘ha, gotcha, it was just a prank!’ But of course, that wasn’t her dad. Maxwell Huntington didn’t make jokes. He took one look at his daughter before turning away, saying, “You will attend the party and you will meet your suitors. I’m expecting a marriage by next year at the latest,” “But dad—” “And that’s final!” * * * - - - - - To Be Continued - - - - -