Hey guys,
I don't own any of the characters, except for one for now, or the song. I only own the plot and Jennifer Herondale. How weird does that sound? I own a character. Hmm.
Oh well, this is my first fanfic ever. I only decided to do it because I'm on my holidays and have nothing better to do. I've always wanted to write a story, and now seemed like the perfect time.
I welcome all types of criticism- good, bad and constructive. I also accept any suggestions that you guys offer. I hope you guys like it. Please review.
To all those who have reviewed, followed and favorited (if that's even a word (; ), thank you.
I plan to update atleast once a week. Maybe twice in a week too, depending on how my time goes.
I understand that there are other stories with similar plots. I have read a few, but I do intend to change it with a few twists here and there. If it is similar to any other story that I haven't read and you have, please do let me know.
Thanks guys xx
Clary POV
Crap crap crap! Not today, don't do this to me today! Oh hurry up, I thought at the red lights. Sometimes I wish there were no traffic lights, but then again, the human race would die out. Life is so challenging sometimes. Hmmph.
As soon as the lights hit green, I stepped on the pedal, revving up my Ferrari, my little baby. Nikita, I call it. I got her last year and she's the best thing that's ever happened to me, except for my job of course.
Caught up in my thoughts, I almost missed banging into another stunning Ferrari, swerving at the last minute. I didn't stop though, I saw a flash of a blonde head with a fist waving outside the window. I sped up and finally arrived at the office at 8:58.
Crap! I had 2 minutes to get to the meeting. The CEO was coming in for some major change that is about to happen. That's been the talk around the whole office as of late. Valentine Morgenstern, a crude-minded businessman who happened to be my father.
I entered the conference room just in time, about 5 seconds before my father walked in. He must have noticed my lateness because he playfully gave me the stink eye before he turned around and smiled at everyone around the table.
"Good morning, everyone," he said and of course everyone replied back cheerily. Everyone loved him. He may have been a crude businessman, but he was very respectful and considerate when dealing with other people. I loved that about my father. I guess I have developed that attribute and it is a very strong value of mine.
My mum walked in 2 minutes later apologizing for being late. At the sight of her, everybody brightened even more, if that was even possible. There is nobody in this world that could possibly hate her or have any ill-feelings towards her. She's what my grandma would call "a gem."
"So let's get started," Mr and Mrs Morgenstern announced together smilingly. "As you know, there are going to be some major changes that will be happening to this company. We can practically smell the anticipation in the air," my mum said smirking. Everybody laughed at that.
"My wife and I have decided to merge companies with the Herondale firm. We do realise that they have been our no.1 competitor, along with the Verlac firm, but it is obvious that the firm will be in safe hands if we do merge with them. Together, we'll be unstoppable and we will rule New York city, as far as ruling law firms go. Jocelyn and I would like to take a break temporarily and travel. The company will be put in Clarissa's name, as Jonathan has his own affairs to deal with, being a doctor and all."
At that, everyone turned and smiled at me, either mouthing or whispering "congratulations." Not one face showed jealousy. Maybe it had to do with the fact that I had done my work placement here and started from the bottom and then worked my way to the top, with not special treatment given because of my parents. Everyone here were like my family. I would fight for any of them. Besides, everyone knew I was the best at my job in the firm, after my parents of course. I smiled slowly and thanked everyone before my father continued.
I caught my mum's proud smile on her face. However, beneath the exterior, I also saw worry etched across her face. No one could read her better than I could, not even my father.
"There will be no other changes though. You will answer to us, and not the Herondale firm. If they do approach you with any cases, make sure you confirm with the managing partner of this firm beforehand. Everyone will stay in the same position. One employee will be promoted to Clarissa's position. So," my father said dragging out the so, "I suggest y'all up the competition a bit, as we will be selecting who it is to be promoted by the end of next week. Are there any questions, ladies and gentlemen?"
I saw Aline raise her hand up meekly. She was new to the firm. As shy as she was, she was the best paralegal available.
"Yes, Ms Penhallow?" Mum asked
"When will Clarissa start her job as the CEO?" she asked
"Clary will start her job at the end of next week, just before we start our travel. Remember people, this is just a temporary change. If all goes well, Clary will retain the position permanently. Are there any more questions?"
Only silence filled the room. "Very well then, the meeting is over. Have a good day," my dad said smiling around at everyone. "Clary, can you please wait," he asked as everyone started leaving.
As soon as we were alone, I went around and hugged them.
"Congratulations baby," my mum said with tears in her eyes, "I know you've always dreamed of reaching this position, I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks mom," I hugged her.
"Congratulations Clarissa, I am proud of you too. I hope you continue to make us proud," dad said.
"I promise I will," I replied.
"Clary, there's something we need to tell you. You may want to sit down," mum said wearily. Dad held her hands in his. Uh oh, I thought. This can't be good. "Honey, in order for these companies to merge…" Oh God, not one of those cliché marriage stuff, please no.
"You will have to marry their son, Jonathan Herondale. We have no other choice sweetheart. It was a deal we agreed upon 27 years ago. If we ever do merge, it will only happen through marriage," my dad finished for her. My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach at his words.
"But why?" I asked
"Because honey, it is a way of sanctioning the merge. Once y'all are married, neither of us can go back on our words, nor cheat the other firm in any way."
"Why not Jonathan? I'm not ready to get married yet! I'm only 23. Don't they have a daughter that Jon can get married to? He has been REALLY friendly with Jennifer Herondale lately."
"But the agreement is that-", my mum started.
"Give me the exact details of the agreement. We're lawyers; I'll find a way to get around this. Please mom and dad," I looked at them pleadingly.
Dad sighed and left the room. Mum just sat there, her eyes distant. It was a tense environment in the room right now, I was thankful that my dad walked in again, with some papers in his hand.
I read through it, my heart practically falling with each word. I looked up at my parents who were looking at me anxiously. It hit me then, they didn't want my marriage to be like this. They were hoping for me to find something.
"Give me an hour, I'll find something," I said.
"You only have half an hour darling. We're expected to call Celine and Stephen at 10:30," my mum said apologetically.
Can this day get any worse?! I just nodded and left the room. I practically ran to my office and got to work.
Jace POV
Too much light in this window, don't wake me up
Only coffee no sugar, inside my cup
If I wake and you're here still, give me a kiss
I wasn't finished dreaming, about your lips
Don't wake me up, up, up, up up, up [x3]
Don't wake me up
The red lights on the clock glared at me, 7:30 am. Too early, oh God, 5 more minutes…
Bzzz bzzz, something was vibrating on my leg, and it was starting to get annoying. Why can't I get peace for 5 minutes! I gave in to my phone and woke up looking at the clock, 8:30. I sat there frozen looking at the clock. My phone started vibrating again. I jumped and ran into the shower.
10 minutes later, I was on the road to my firm, technically my parent's firm, but one day it will be mine, Herondale firm. I loved working there, I loved my job, my parents, my friends, my life. I was the best in the firm, even better than my parents sometimes. Sure, I accept that I was given a top position from the very beginning. But I had proved that I belong there, I'm still proving it. I had a beautiful black Ferrari to die for. All in all, I was proud of my accomplishments.
I had looks that could make any girl swoon; 'The Golden boy' is what a lot of people called me, both guys and girls. I did not have a girlfriend, but I did have a couple of one night stands. I was what you'd call a player. The truth is, I'm just not ready to settle down yet, and I'm not really interested in one night stands. But I do have an image to uphold amongst my peers.
Just as I was so caught up in myself, I mean, I am also referred to as a Greek God, how could anyone not get caught up in me, a red Ferrari zoomed past me, swerving to avoid hitting me. My fist automatically went out the window even though I was the one at fault. I saw a mop of red curls and had a flash of déjà vu. But that was soon forgotten as my phone started ringing. 8:58, oh God. I saw that it was my dad, Stephen. I didn't answer and just sped up.
I got to the office half an hour later, stupid traffic. My peers were just leaving the conference and I knew I had hell to pay for being late. Stupid Jace, just stupid. I walked in and kissed my mum on the cheek. Her eyes betrayed her too cheery smile, but she kept smiling anyway.
"Well, since you're so late I'll get to the point right away. I don't even know if we're doing the right thing. We've decided to merge with the Morgenstern firm," dad said. I stared at him in shock. They were practically our enemies at work, aside from the fact that Mr and Mrs Morgenstern and my parents were the best of friends. "In order to do so, you will have to marry into their family-"
"-to avoid any fraudulent disputes," I finished for him.
"Yes," he looked at me saying, "it's for the best. In doing so, we've also decided to make you the CEO of this firm temporarily. Your mother and I are going to travel around the world with Valentine and Joeclyn. But I'm starting to think that it isn't such a good idea given how much of a bad role model you are, in terms of punctuality and such."
"Traffic," was all I said. I was too shocked.
"Honey, we realise that this is all too sudden for you, but it is something both the families agreed on many years ago if the 2 firms were to ever merge. Clary's a nice girl too. You used to play with her when y'all were small kids," my mum tried consoling me.
"Yes mom, when we were kids! How do I know she's still the same? Basically I'm supposed to marry a stranger?! I don't even remember her for God's sakes."
"You don't think we're stupid, do you? We've been watching her closely as she's grown up, honey. We knew that at some point this could happen. We only want what is best for you. And trust me, she is the perfect girl. She is a lawyer too, the best amongst her peers at their firm. I think she's your equal match, except that she's got a better personality than you sometimes."
"Thanks Dad, that hit me right in the heart," I said rolling my eyes at him.
He just laughed and said, "think about it, son. Do it for the firm, it's about time you settled down."
The thought of taking charge of this firm was exhilarating, but getting married? I don't think so. They do have a point though; it's about time I settle down, I'm 25 now. I haven't really seen their daughter in years, Clarissa Morgenstern, the short and beautiful redhead with sparkling green eyes. The last time I saw her was when she was 16, just before Jonathan and I graduated and left to University. Even then, we hadn't spoken much. It did surprise me that she became a lawyer though. I remember her as the sweet and shy girl who hated any attention on her.
Her brother, Jonathan, is my best friend from when we were toddlers in diapers. I have a sister, Jennifer Herondale. Jon and Jen seem to be getting along really well. Why couldn't they get married? I mean, it would be eas- That's it! They could get married.
"Show me the agreement," I said flatly, "I think I have a way of getting around this whole marriage thing without affecting anything else."
"Honey, we doubt it-" my mum started.
"No mom, I have to try to-"
*Knock knock* Kaelie walked in, in her ridiculously short skirt with a low and plunging neckline shirt, not that I was complaining. But what the hell is it with people barging in and cutting others off mid-sentence today?!
"Sir, Mr Morgenstern is on the phone for you. He says its urgent," she said, and stood there expectantly, but sneaking a glance at me every so often.
"I'll be there in a moment, thank you Kaelie," Dad said, and she left.
"That's what we're talking about, Jace! You're getting too much female attention, not that it's a bad thing, but you need to settle down eventually!" my mum calmly spoke, as dad left to get the phone.
I wonder what Morgenstern wanted now..
