1 Chapter 1: His past

*MIDNIGHT, IN A PREMIUM LOUNGE BAR*

"Hudson Salander is extraordinary because he has accomplished so much at such a young age," the woman on the left, to whom Hudson put his arm around the shoulder, spoke.

They were now seated on a long couch in the far end of the space to avoid being disturbed. He gulped the most expensive wine in the world.

"You are right; who would have imagined that he would be the CEO of the Salander Group, the world's largest firm, at that age?" The lady who spoke was the one to his right arm. The woman's hand crept Hudson abdomen with her hand. "Not only that, who are we to not admire a man with a perfect face and fit figure. I will do everything, Hudson, for you —- "

"Sitting here, surrounded by several women and unconcerned about your tarnished reputation, while our father becomes weary of the various ways he may cover up the foulness you spread." Lucas, Hudson's brother, arrived as everyone heard in his voice how firmly he spoke out.

On the other side, the lady raised her head because of not completing what she was about to say as a result of Lucas' abrupt remarks.

"What brings you here?" Hudson questioned rudely as the women with him were now being shooed away. He sat up straight and stared at Lucas with the ferocity of a knife.

"Your company's reputation and your image are being damaged dramatically. Daddy isn't sure what he'll do to cover up the disgusting things you're doing while not being aware of the media!" The man's shouting became louder, but Hudson maintained his composure. "Stop behaving like a casanova and dragging ladies you happen to come across on the road. It is not worth your time to mourn Tracy's disappearance for another guy; simply look — "

"And who do you think you are to vomit your meaningless words in my face?" Lucas stopped speaking when Hudson's tone got confrontational.

Lucas groaned, not wanting to see them dispute over this again. As a response, he shifted the topic to lighten the mood between them. He sat on his brother's opposite couch and resumed speaking, "Dad wants you to find a woman to marry so that you may immediately give him a grandchild." Lucas shrugged, took a glass of wine from the table in front of him, and continued. "If you are unable to do so or if you refuse to do what he wishes, he will be the one looking for a woman for you. You know how dad is; he cannot be stopped when he desires something."

"I have a mind and I'm already grown; he doesn't have to lead me in my decisions anymore. I will marry if I decide to change. He has no power over me." Hudson's tone of voice grew firmer once again as he stared intently into the glass as the ice melted slowly.

"Also, Raymond asked us about his upcoming engagement celebration, which will take place tomorrow morning. Her fiancé also invited her friends, so perhaps the event will provide a chance for you to meet a lady and fulfill our father's demand."

"I will reiterate that I will never let another woman destroy my life. When Tracy cheated on me, I vowed to myself that I would never fall in love again. They will do anything to wound you if they realize you love them too much.'' Hudson said and it was like a stone in his chest, since the scar caused on him by Tracy was evident to this day. The woman left an imprint on him, he was hesitant to try again, knowing that the next woman he would fall in love with would only bring him trauma.

"Talk to father. I am leaving." Lucas sighed, knowing that regardless of what he tried, he would never be able to persuade his brother. He also departed when Hudson remained silent.

When Hudson was the last one left, he leaned his back on the couch and closed his eyes as hundreds of memories came in. He rationalized that if there was a method to alleviate the pain he was experiencing, he would have taken it since he, too, was becoming exhausted with it. He didn't intend to be as heinous as his brother and father perceived...

In his mind he was just hurt too, he was just damaged by the woman he trusted wholly.