Spoilt Rotten

The metallic black Mercedes pulled up infront of the hotel and the driver quickly got out and opened the back door and a well distinguished gentleman stepped out. The man was in his early 50s. He was dressed in a tailor made suit and had his dark hair with hints of grey neatly groomed away from his face. The man buttoned his jacket as he stepped out of the car and looked at the high building.

He had purchased this hotel a few months prior and had renovated it and tonight he was to reveal himself as the new owner. This hotel was as addition to his hotel line: Lawson Hotels. Stephen Lawson was a hard working man hardly had time for leisure since the death of his wife over 2 decades ago.

Alison had passed away during child birth and left him and their new born baby Candice. Stephen had dedicated his life in raising Candice and making sure he gives her everything a little girl could ever want. Candy was her daddy's little princess and she always got everything she wanted.

Tonight Stephen was going to introduce Candy to her fiancé whom he had chosen for her. She was a spoilt brat but had always went along with all the decisions he had made for her in the past knowing he had her best interest at heart. He had chosen someone he knew could take care of his only daughter and also treat her right.

The decision had been decided by both families and it also meant a merger between their businesses. Both families were extinguished and owned multiple businesses. This merger meant success for both families. Stephen was sure Candy would go along with his decision. He invited all his business associates and of course a few other high class people.

Stephen went inside the glass doors and disappeared into the hotel. There were already guests inside but more were still arriving. The event was said to start at 9pm. Stephen was talking to the event planner checking if everything was going smoothly and he sent a quick text to Candice to see if she was ready. There was no reply.

"Mr Lawson it's almost 9pm, you should get ready." Said Paul and gave Stephen an encouraging smile. "Don't worry about Candy I'll keep trying her cell just go and welcome the guests.

Stephen hesitated for a second then nodded slightly and walked away from Paul who had planned this event. Stephen had to admit Paul had done a wonderful job. He was pleased with everything so far but he was feeling a little uneasy not being able to reach Candy on her phone. She knew how important this day was to him and he wanted to surprise her with the news of her fiancé. If she didn't show up Stephen wasn't sure how he was going handle that ....

He merely pushed the thought to the back of his head as walked towards the small podium specially made for speaker of the event. Of course Candy was on her way. She was probably held up at the salon or something. She always took her own sweet time getting ready for these kinds of events. She just wanted to look pretty, Stephen thought.

He walked up the platform and stood behind the small podium and the hall fell silent. He smiled and begin:

"Good evening family and friends. We appreciate everybody who came here tonight to celebrate with us the grand opening of this hotel. We hope you enjoy yourselves tonight and wait for the big surprise at the end of the night ... "

The was a loud applause and people raising their wine and champagne glasses at him. The hall was filled with soft music, laughter and chats. This was also a chance for some to mingle or just socializing. Stephen was scanning the entire hall with his eyes but there was still no sign of Candy. Paul was walking towards him and he could see the panicked look on his face and Stephen quickened his pace to meet up with him.

"Sir, I'm afraid Candy is not coming ..." He said in a shaky voice showing Stephen his mobile phone. Candice had texted Paul to tell him she knew about her father's plan to marry her into the LaRue family and she wasn't interested.

Stephen's face went pale. Never has Candice ever went against him. She has always obeyed every decision he has ever made regarding her future. He thought this was probably a joke. He took out his phone and called her number.

"Daddy." her voice answered.

"I don't see you anywhere. Where are you?" Stephen's voice sounded a little high pitched with a hint of urgency.

"I can't do it Daddy. I'm sorry I just ... " her voice trailed off and Stephen ended the call.

He was livid! If Candice found out about the engagement why didn't she talk to him about it? She just decided she wasn't even going to attend the opening of the new hotel? How were his associates going to react? And the LaRues. They were supposed to meet their future daughter in law tonight and she was nowhere to be found.

Stephen tried to calm himself down and he knew he had to think of a way to fix this. So far nobody was aware of what was going on. It was customary for Candy to arrive late to these kinds of events that would buy him some time to think of an excuse as why she wasn't coming at all tonight.

As if Paul could read his mind he pulled him aside to whisper something in his ear. Stephen nodded and patted Paul on his shoulder and walked away.

Aaron LaRue was walking up to him and Stephen forced a smile while making an annoyed sound deep in his throat as he approached him.

"LaRue." He grabbed his hand in a firm handshake.

"Congratulations." Aaron smiled and looked around as if searching for someone.

"Looking for Candice?" Stephen asked. "I got a text from her earlier saying she is not feeling well. You know she wouldn't miss an event like this. I was just about to come and inform you. How about we postpone the engagement.. " Stephen said nervously.

Aaron raised his eyebrows not sure what to think. He had known Stephen for a long time and this was the first time something like this has happened. Everything about the man was perfect and so were his business deals. Stephen was a man of his word. He would never make a promise and break it. Aaron decided Candice must be really sick and he decided not to think much about it.