The CEO’s Perfect Mistake

Ashton\'s POV

"Happy Happy Birthday, son." My father greeted me the moment he met us in the living room.

"Thank you, Dad," I said, and my father looked at us all with a beautiful smile on his face, and I realized he must be in a good mood because he seldom smiles.

"Time flies fast; look at you, son, you are now taller than me, and I could say you are stronger and more attractive." He said, and I laughed.

"Are you guys ready?" He asked us.

"Yes, darling, we are all ready." My mom said, and my father took her hand as he smiled at her, and they looked at each other with full of affection.

My eyes got bigger when I saw Zach getting inside the living room, and I couldn\'t be happier to know that my best friend was coming with us.

"Oh, Zachary, I am glad you were able to clear your schedule for tonight. Have you seen Lauren?" My dad asked, and my eyes widened in disbelief; and I realized my dad invited Lauren too, and I couldn\'t hide my irritations anymore. When I looked at my siblings, they all shrugged their shoulders, and I knew they could do nothing about it too, and I wanted to walk out and hide in my room. But I am not allowed to do that in front of Gregory Pritzgold. He is the king of this house, and his voice must be obeyed and respected.

A few minutes later, Lauren arrived looking as beautiful as ever. My ex was wearing a red satin gown that hugged her body perfectly, and the happiness that I saw on her face was enough to tell me she was enjoying all this while I felt so frustrated and defeated at the moment. How could my dad ruin my birthday? And I became more shocked when she walked closer to me and greeted me happy birthday, and Lauren kissed me on my lips. I hate that she wore a sinister smile on her face after she kissed me, which made me angrier. Still, I need to fake a smile in front of my parents, and I know Zach and my brothers will help me get rid of Lauren, but I could tell Lauren will do everything she can to make my night miserable.

We flew to one of our properties in the country, the favorite vacation home of my parents. It was a beautiful house perched on top of the cliff facing the ocean. My siblings were so excited about it, especially my brothers. 

I used to love that vacation house so much, but now that I have Megan in my life, leaving Astikoz City even for a while made me feel lonely, but I need to enjoy this moment with my entire family. I called Megan before we left home, and I could tell she sounded so excited for me to spend time with my parents and siblings. And I wanted to tell my girlfriend that my dad invited Lauren, but I don\'t want her to worry and feel jealous about my ex; besides, I don\'t have enough time. I plan to tell her the moment we come back to Astikoz.

I couldn\'t stop thinking about my sweet girlfriend, and knowing that something had happened between us, I could feel we became closer to each other. I was seated next to Lauren, and I pretended that I was sleeping the entire ride because I didn\'t want to talk with her. And I am still upset with Lauren for hurting and insulting Megan at the parking lot after our football game. And I know, if my grandfather wasn\'t there, I could have lost my chance to be with my girlfriend again. Lauren could have said no to my father, but instead, she came with us even if she knew I didn\'t want her to be around because she would only cause trouble.

My ex was talking with my siblings, and I can\'t blame them because Lauren is charming, but I could say it was because she wanted to have my attention, and she was trying her best to win my family.

When we arrived at our vacation home, I didn\'t expect my parents to prepare a party for me. No wonder my mom asked us to wear suits while my mom and Lauren wore gowns. My parents\' guests, mostly my father\'s business partners, greeted me warmly. And I am surprised that my mom hired the most popular caterer in the country, and she also hired a host and live band. They all sang a birthday song for me, and how I wish Megan were here to celebrate this moment with me. We ate dinner, danced, and sang with tha band, and I was having fun with my family, but I couldn\'t deny I missed Megan even if we were together hours ago.

"Hey, it is your birthday, little brother; you need to look happy, and don\'t ever let dad see that face." Isabelle declared the moment we got back on our table, and I felt so glad Cole, Lennon, and Zach make Lauren occupied, and I know how much my ex loves dancing. I looked at my sister as I released a heavy sigh. 

"I know, Isabelle. But I can\'t stop myself from wishing for Megan to be here with me." I said.

"I know, Ashton, but I want to remind you, dad will never accept her. If you want Megan to have a happy life in the future, I don\'t need to tell you what to do because you already know about it, and I hope you will make the right decision." She responded, and I know she has a point, but I can\'t give up Megan now.

"Do you know why dad invited Lauren?" My sister asked, and I shook my head.

"Dad wants you to get back with her." She replied.

"What? That is ridiculous, Isabelle. You know I don\'t want Lauren anymore; besides, what we had was just a fling. It was nothing compared to what I have with my girlfriend now. I am in love with Megan." I responded.

"I know, Ashton, and do you think you can tell dad about her," She asked, and I was speechless.

"If he insists, then I don\'t have a choice, but tell him everything," I responded, and my sister\'s eyes widened.

"Don\'t do that, Ashton. Once dad finds out about Megan, I am sure he will ruin her right away." Isabelle said, and I became more scared about my relationship with Megan, and before I could reply to my sister, I felt a strong arm draped around my shoulders, and when I turned my head, I realized my father was standing beside me.

"Your mom was looking for you, Belle." My dad said to my sister, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw my sister looking at me with pleading in her eyes before she walked away from us.

"Happy birthday again, Ashton. I know we haven\'t talked lately, and I miss talking with you, son." He said while he removed his arms around my shoulders, and my father faced me while he was sipping his champagne.

"Thank you, Dad, for the party and everything," I responded.

"You are welcome, Ashton, you are the future CEO of our company, and as early as now, I want you to meet my business partners so they will know you, and you will have their full support when I turn over the company to you." My dad said.

"I think it is still early to talk about it now, dad," I replied.

"In few months, you will graduate from high school, Ashton. Time passes too quickly, and before you know it, you will already graduate from college." He said, and I smiled at him since I didn\'t want to upset him in the middle of my birthday party.

"We already talk about this son, I only allow you to play football since you love it, and you are good at it, but I will never let you play pro. And that is final, Ashton." He said as he tapped my shoulder, and I was speechless as I curled my fists inside my pockets while keeping my fake smile plastered on my face. I don\'t need to argue with my father right now, and I will tell him everything the moment I leave our house, and I will be on my own.

"It would help if you were enjoying this party, son; go to the dance floor, and dance with your future wife." He added that it made me cough.

"Lauren has been waiting for you to dance with her, Ashton. Go now!" My father declared as he pushed my back, and I didn\'t have a choice but to stride towards the dance floor, and Lauren was smiling from ear to ear.

I felt so glad the party ended past midnight, and I went to my room immediately and took a shower. I couldn\'t stop thinking about my father\'s words. My dad didn\'t want me to play pro in football, and he wanted me to marry Lauren. And I couldn\'t stop myself from feeling so frustrated about those things he wanted for me in my life. And because of my anxiousness, no matter how I tried to sleep, I couldn\'t sleep at all. Things are getting complicated, but now that I have Megan in my life, I am more determined to follow what my heart wants.. And I will do everything I can to protect Megan from my father.