Imperfect Match (Elixir Bachelor Billionaires #1)

“I know much of what’s been said is nonsense, but some people genuinely wonder if this is the end for the Hawthorne family. The easiest solution would be for you to marry, Charles.”

I wring the napkin on my lap as my teeth grit. “I’m not going to marry because the media believes that I’m more fit to run the family business with a woman beside me. I’m not going to be played like this, Grandma.”

“I’m fully behind you, Ace.” Dad gives my back a reassuring pat, but any relief is short-lived as Grandma clears her throat.

“It doesn’t matter what we support, Oscar,” she interjects, tapping a button on her phone before placing it in front of me.

On the screen, a news reporter stands beside an elderly gentleman, framed against the picturesque backdrop of the town square’s gazebo. Beyond them, the Christmas market twinkles with holiday lights and cheer, while part of frosty Lake Cherry glistens under the wintry sky. Everything is nestled by surrounding hills, guarding our town like a medieval fortress.

“How long have you lived in this town, sir?” the reporter asks.

“I was born here seventy years ago and never left.” The pride in the man’s voice is hard to miss.

An outsider wouldn’t understand it, but I do, because I feel the same emotion rising in my chest. It means the town my forefathers built is enough for people to not leave their homes, their roots, in search of something more lucrative outside.

“Not even for school or work?”

“No, never.” The gentleman shakes his head. “This town has everything, and a large part of the credit for that goes to the Hawthorne family, who are dedicated to making Cherrywood one of the best small towns in the country.”

“So you’re optimistic about the town’s future?”

“I am, but I’m also a bit concerned. We all love Charles Hawthorne. He took over the family business from his grandmother without a hitch. Even though he’s media-shy, we know he has everyone’s best interests at heart. But his reluctance to settle down worries me.”

“But he’s still young?” the reporter asks, and my mood has taken an unexpected detour down Disappointment Lane.

“He is. But instilling the same sentiment of responsibility to his kids won’t be an easy job. Charles had great role models in his family who mentored him from a young age. He learned early what this town means to his family and how much the Hawthorne family means to us. Every Christmas, my family says a prayer for the Hawthorne family. I know a lot of other people do too. Charles needs to settle down and have a family so his kids can get the same education he did.”

Did he just say kids?

“I’m not having kids because of some interview, Grandma.”

“I’m not suggesting you rush into having children,” Grandma says cooly before leaning back in her seat. “I’m simply saying you can’t dismiss people’s concerns just because you’re high up in your office tower and have made yourself nearly inaccessible. Just get engaged, Charles. Give them something else to talk about, and buy yourself some time.”

“And you don’t think it’ll look like I’m playing right into the media’s hands if I suddenly show up with a fiancée who didn’t exist until yesterday?”

“You’re known for being private. People hardly know anything personal about you. We can always spin a story, how you didn’t want to share her with the press, but with all the uncertainty in everyone’s minds, you changed your mind. I can find a perfect match in just a week.”

My muscles tense, coiling like a spring ready to snap. Before I can rush out of the room, my stepmother throws her napkin beside her plate on the table.

“Mom! Charles might already have someone he likes. Isn’t it bad enough that we’re pushing him to announce his personal life on a billboard, and now we want to get involved in who he marries?”

The whole conversation must have pushed her limits because, in general, she avoids getting confrontational with Grandma.

“He’ll have a choice, Kristy. I won’t just bring up a girl out of thin air and announce her as his wife. I never planned on doing it to any of my children, despite what they might think.”

Before this dinner completely unravels, I place my hand over Mom’s on the table beside me. It’s enough to draw both her and Grandma’s attention back to me.

“I know this is important, Grandma, and I promise to think about it. Just give me some time.”

The dinner ends, and before I can escape the stifling atmosphere and take away all the suffocation that will stay with me the whole night, Dad invites me into his study.

He lights a cigar and pours whiskey into two glasses, then hands one to me before sinking into his cherished wingback chair, casually draping one leg over the other. His brown Bontoni shoes catch the light of the chandelier.

“I understand you’re in a tough spot, Ace. But I don’t have any advice on how to navigate it.”

“It’s okay, Dad. With everyone in town offering their opinions on how I should proceed with my personal life, I’m glad you’re not pushing pictures of potential matches my way.”

He groans. “God, no. I’d never do that. I’m sure you’re much better at hunting for a bride than I am.”