Chapitre 16: Chris doesn't know love

"What? She yanked your hair when you take her to the bed!?" Peter's laughter erupted, joined by the infectious chuckles of Thomas. "Can you even picture Chris in a situation like that?" he managed between fits of laughter, his amusement uncontained.

Liam, absorbed in manipulating a Rubik's cube to align matching colors, finally interjected, "I did mention that Suzy wouldn't let Chris get close to her. She's unlike any woman we've encountered so far."

Meanwhile, Chris seized a handful of darts and hurled them at the dartboard in frustration. "Cut it out, you two!" His tone carried a clear warning as one dart struck the bullseye on the dartboard. The joviality of both Peter and Thomas was abruptly silenced.

"Suzy wanted to send me to the college, but I didn't let her," Chris's lips curled into a smug smile, a touch of pride illuminating his expression. "She failed in her task, which Grandpa gave her."

Liam's curiosity was thoroughly piqued. "How did that happen?"

"I challenged her to give me a kiss," Chris declared, his posture relaxed as he settled into an upholstered chair. "I was well aware she'd never agree to it," he continued, the grin on his face widening as he recounted the memory.

"This is a first time someone refused to kiss you. Don't you think she's a wonderful woman unlike the ones who are ready to fall in your arms?" Liam asked while praising Suzy. Liam commented, offering praise to Suzy. "I do wonder if you're off making out with other women now that you're married," he mused aloud.

"That would be considered cheating," Peter chimed in, causing Chris to shoot him a quick look. "After all, your father did cheat on your mother. I have faith you won't follow in those footsteps with Suzy," Peter asserted.

Chris remained silent, prompting an exchanged glance between the three of them as they awaited his response.

"I'm eager to be rid of her soon. While I've been treating her with care thus far, her presence is becoming an interference in my life," Chris muttered, his frustration evident in his growing discontent.

"We're certainly curious to witness how you'll manage that feat," Liam quipped, his fingers fumbling with the Rubik's cube once more. Eventually, he flung it toward Chris, who caught it adeptly.

"If you can solve it, I'll impart a strategy," Liam challenged with a playful glint in his eye.

"Actually, I've got a plan in mind already," Chris responded, his fingers deftly maneuvering the Rubik's cube. Swiftly, within a minute, he aligned all the colors, showcasing his accomplishment to the others. The three of them clapped for Chris, who placed the Rubik cube on the small round table beside him.

"She has welcomed me in her company. So, I'm going there," Chris rose to his feet and told them he would see the three of them in the club later in the evening.

"Mom is back from her trip. She's expecting me home by six sharp, so I won't be joining you all," Thomas relayed.

"Got it," Chris acknowledged, taking his leave to make his way to Star Corporation.

Sliding into his sleek sports car, he cruised toward his destination to meet with Suzy at her workplace.

~~~~~~~

Suzy was showered with well-wishes and gifts from the company's executives, which filled her office to the brim. The room was practically adorned with presents.

After settling all the operational matters, Daniel eventually made his way to her office. She was casually leaning against her desk, her gaze locked on him as he advanced towards her. With a slight pause, he came to a halt a mere few centimeters from where she stood.

"Why did you enter into this marriage? And why did you keep it from me?" Daniel's voice was laced with inquiry as he confronted her.

"I didn't see a need to, Daniel. This marriage is merely a deal for me to save my company," Suzy affirmed, her tone resolute.

"Seriously, Suzy? Do you even comprehend who Chris Onetti is? You tied the knot with a man renowned for indulging in frivolous affairs with countless women!" Daniel's voice rose, a mixture of frustration and concern evident in his words.

"Does that even matter?" Suzy asked him. "Who cares what he does with his life? Whom does he hook up with or make out with? For me, saving this company was crucial. I couldn't see it collapsing. You know how much I worked for my company. You also joined me right after finishing your masters. I couldn't let this Empire we have built fall," she affirmed.

"Suzy, why do you always put others before yourself? You've essentially traded your own happiness to rescue Star Corporation. Have you considered the implications of this decision on your own life? Can you truly lead a life devoid of personal freedom?" Daniel's worry was evident in his inquiry.

"Furthermore, I need to know if Chris did something to you last night. You know his reputation – he uses women and then discards them without a second thought," Daniel inquired with genuine concern.

"I was unaware until you enlightened me. But how do you possess this knowledge?" Suzy questioned, her features etched with bewilderment.

"Chris toyed with my sister's feelings," Daniel replied, his expression growing serious. "That's how I became acquainted with him. You must initiate divorce proceedings swiftly, Suzy. He's not the right man for you," he advised, the memory of how profoundly his sister had been hurt by Chris's actions still vivid in his mind.

"It was Chris Onetti!? Why didn't you never tell me?" Suzy's disbelief was palpable in her inquiry.

"Freya pleaded with me not to divulge the details to anyone," Daniel explained.

"Chris doesn't know love; he's adept at merely luring women into his bed. My feelings towards him are of pure aversion. And now, my closest friend is ensnared in matrimony with him. I can't bear to witness you endure suffering at his hands, Suzy," Daniel expressed sincerely, his concern as a friend evident in his words.