Chapter 2: To Freedonia

“I can’t believe people fall for this!” Freya muttered, watching the latest video from their European competitor, Veloura.

On Veloura’s social media, the owners had posted a sentimental trip to their old town and apartment. They reminisced about their love story and, in the end, introduced their new collection called “Memories.”

And the designs? Holding hands pendants, and a bunch of chains symbolizing their “bond”?

“This has no class. Not even that many diamonds! It’s just marketing,” Freya scoffed. “We could hire couples to represent our new line—”

“But Miss King, what Veloura’s selling is a married couple making designs based on their experience. And it’s kinda working,” Geneva replied.

They were on a private jet to Freedonia.

Freya didn’t waste time.

Hearing her assistant, Freya’s head snapped toward her. “What did you say?”

“Um. Never mind, Boss.” Clearing her throat, Geneva asked, “Aren’t you on vacation? Why are you on your laptop again?”

Freya glared.

“Haha. I was just wondering. If you’re on leave, do I still get paid for six months without working?” Geneva teased.

The plane’s temperature dropped.

Freya usually had a pleasant demeanor, but today wasn’t the day. “Since you’re with me, you’ll get paid to do whatever I need, including finding out why Kenneth got involved in this!”

“Maybe he has a crush on you,” Geneva joked.

“That’s ridiculous!” Freya snapped. “We’ve known each other since we were kids. If he liked me, he would’ve said something.”

She had known Kenneth since diapers. Their mothers were close, and her father, Adrian, had been a good influence on him. But they lived in separate cities. They had never built a tight bond.

Meanwhile, inside her mind, Freya’s inner devils munched popcorn in silence, taking all the information in.

“I—I—I thought he was gay!” Freya blurted. “He’s never been linked to any women! At least I tried dating!”

“That good-looking thing is gay?” Geneva gasped. “Miss King, that would be a waste of manly beauty. Maybe you could… straighten him out? Someone of your class should show him what he’s been missing.”

“Stop talking nonsense!” Freya scolded. “We—” She frowned. “We never saw each other that way.”

“And the rumors? They’re recent,” Freya added. “I don’t even know if they’re true.”

She went quiet, thoughtful. Soon, she muttered, “Maybe I can convince Kenneth to let me buy the shares in his name. That’ll solve everything. The board can’t say a word once I become the major shareholder.”

Her gaze shifted to the plane window. She still couldn’t believe Kenneth was part of this. ‘Just what is his game plan?’

***

Freedonia International Airport.

“To WrightCode Global, please,” Freya told the bodyguard.

“Yes, ma’am.”

Despite sitting for hours and her butt aching, Freya wanted to head straight to Kenneth’s office.

Geneva had arranged everything: their hotel accommodation, luxury car, and two local bodyguards.

It was past ten when they landed, a Wednesday. Kenneth should be in the office. Just to be sure, Freya called.

Unfortunately, Kenneth did not answer.

She hadn’t announced her visit while still in Halliport. She didn’t want Kenneth prepared if he was involved in her father’s decision.

While in the car, Freya looked around. There were trees. Lots of them.

“Wow, Boss!” Geneva inhaled deeply, her window down. “This place smells like pine trees!”

Freedonia still had untouched land, and apparently, the monarch liked it that way. She said, “I heard the country’s leaders are environmentalists.”

“No wonder Sir Kenneth likes it here,” Geneva replied.

As they reached the city proper, buildings rose into view. But they didn’t stop there.

“WrightCode Global is just outside the city,” the bodyguard informed.

Freya nodded.

They passed by a few more patches of greenery, and then one striking skyscraper caught her eye.

WrightCode Global.

“Wow! That’s huge for one company,” Geneva said.

“WrightCode Global is the most powerful company in Freedonia,” said the bodyguard.

Freya already knew. The company was worth billions. People called Kenneth self-made, conveniently ignoring his family fortune.

But she would never deny his brilliance. It wasn’t money that made WrightCode Global flourish. It was Kenneth. His skill. His drive. His vision.

Their vehicle pulled up, and Freya walked in with Geneva close behind.

Heads immediately turned, and whispers followed.

“Oh my god, she’s gorgeous.”

“Is she an actress?”

“Those jewels! They’re worth a fortune!”

“She must be someone important.”

Freya ignored it. She was used to attention.

She tried calling Kenneth again. Still no answer.

At the front desk, she said, “I’m here to see Kenneth Wright. Please tell him Freya King is here.”

The receptionist blinked. A polished redhead asked, “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

Freya repeated herself.

The redhead turned to her colleague. Then, they both burst out laughing.

“Oh my god! Another one!” said the redhead.

“And I thought we’d get a break from the delulus,” the woman with black hair added. “This job’s wild.”

Inner Devil: ‘What the—’

“Delulu?” Freya frowned. “I just landed from a fourteen-hour flight. I’m exhausted. Kindly inform Kenneth I’m here.”

They laughed harder.

“You’re not the first to claim you’re close to the boss,” the redhead said. “We’ve got orders to brush you all off.”

“Well, she’s prettier than the others,” said her colleague. “And her breast implants look more natural.”

Freya: “...”

“I do not have breast implants!” she snapped. “These are natural!”

Inner Devil: ‘It’s actually a compliment, Freya.’

Inner Devil 2: ‘We are proud of your boobs!’

“Rumor says he’s gay,” the receptionist shrugged. “Give up. Or hey—” she glanced at the bodyguard behind Freya, suggesting, “you can try him instead.”

Freya’s fury flared, but before she could speak, Geneva yelled, “Are you mocking my boss? Her family is friends with the Wrights! You’ll regret this!”

“Oh?” the redhead said, amused.

They laughed again.

“If you’re that close to Mr. Wright,” the black-haired woman taunted, “why not call him?”

Freya narrowed her eyes. She warned, “You still have one chance. Just inform him or his assistant.”

They ignored her.

Freya muttered, “I swear I’ll get them fired.” She called Kenneth again, but it went to voicemail. “He’s not answering!”

“Haha! Of course not,” one of them mocked.

Inner Devil 2: ‘Let me out. I need to slap that woman’s face!’

“All this drama! Just leave,” said the redhead.

Losing her patience, Freya texted Kenneth: [I’m in Freedonia, at your building lobby. Your receptionists refused to inform you. I need to speak with you. It’s life or death.]

She called again. And again.

“I think it’s time to call security,” the redhead murmured.

Then, finally, Kenneth answered. “Freya.”

“I’m downstairs. Read my text. Come now. Your receptionists are disrespecting me,” she revealed.

Kenneth paused, then after a moment, he said, “I’ll be right down.”

Freya hung up. Locked eyes with the receptionist. “Kenneth is on his way. You will face the consequences of disrespecting me.”

Inner Devil: ‘Show them, Freya!’

Inner Devil 2: ‘This is why I love her. Feisty!’

But the women just laughed. They did not believe Freya at all!

“We’ll be waiting forever,” said the black-haired one.

“Haha!”

Five minutes later, their smiles vanished.

Kenneth Lee Wright walked out of the elevator, tall, composed, and undeniably handsome. His presence was so commanding that the lobby hushed.

His dark brown eyes found Freya.

“Freya.”

Inner Devil: ‘I know I have seen him before, but damn! I’m wet.’

Inner Devil 2: ‘I’m drowning in an ocean of wetness!’