06-16. Gold Digger Romance: Part 2

Emad having settled matters with old man Walsh and his son Bo-- not to mention facing another showdown with Majid (aka Bunter)--Stage Two of his Wealthy Wife Project began in earnest.

For Bebhinn, career came first. So Emad wasn't going to waste any more time. He seduced her.

The next morning, before Bebhinn rushed to the office, Emad made sure the two of them were a happily committed couple. Bebhinn was no longer a free woman.

He watched her leave for work, sending her off with a genie cleanse. The least he could do after keeping her awake half the night. ... As for his day, there were a few people he needed to contact.

The first person Emad visited was Tony Donherty,  the married man Bebhinn had been having an affair with.

Emad: Tony, it's only fair to warn you that Bebhinn and I will be getting married soon. Of course, that means the two of you are through. Wouldn't want your wife to find out about your little indiscretion, now would you? Not that I judge your heartbreaking habits, but you see how it is?

Tony: Please! Don't tell my wife about Bebhinn! She'd throw me out. I'd be finished. Destroyed!
Emad: Yes. I imagine you would be. We'll just keep this between ourselves for now. Maybe you can do me a favor sometime in the future, seeing as how I'm being so open-minded here.

Next stop was Bo Walsh's humble home. Emad wondered what was wrong with this kid. He'd rather live like this than at the Walsh mansion? Well, Bo's lack of worldly motivation could be used to advantage.

Emad: I just stopped by to tell you that your sister and I will soon be married. Now I understand that you have no interest in your lost inheritance, and I wouldn't dream of interfering in your desire for independence.

... But if there's ever a time when you need a favor--a boost in your career, a debt forgiven, an enemy silenced--don't hesitate to come to me. We'll arrange something beneficial for the both of us. ... Same goes for you, David.

Bo: Well, I can't see how anything like that would come up. I'm just a civil servant, you know.
Emad: But I hear you're an inventor! Some day you might need a door or two opened.
David: He's right, Bo. Getting inventions on the market isn't easy.
Emad: Smart man. Better listen to your friend here, Bo. He has your best interests in mind.

Emad decided to see how the elder Walsh was dealing with the ultimatum he'd been given and was not surprised to learn the old man had come around. Ambition, greed, and meanness had won out.

Emad: I'm going to do all I can to further your daughter's career and to make Walsh a name to induce respect and fear here in Rinn Fada. Faraz and Walsh, a sound partnership, don't you agree?
Walsh: I've been thinking it over, and I do believe you have the qualities I've been looking for in a son.

That night, Emad took Bebhinn to the Lake of the Unicorn. The magical creature was close by when Emad embraced Bebhinn and then asked his question.

Emad: Bebhinn Walsh, will you marry me?

Her answer was yes.

The Wealthy Wife Project had gone more smoothly than Emad had dared anticipate. Add a touch of magic to romance and even the sky holds no limit. Emad was surprised to discover he was enjoying Bebhinn's company.

But nothing would stand in the way of the speedy wedding Emad had planned. Forget the wedding arch; forget the reception; forget the honeymoon. None of that mattered. He found a community room at a local equestrian ranch. Bebhinn liked horses, so why not?

Emad ignored the locals at the club, but instructed a few of his lackeys to attend the ceremony and make sure there was no interference from his brother Majid or Bebhinn's family.

The private wedding proceeded without a single problem. No interruptions, no second thoughts from the bride.

Vows were said and rings were exchanged.

Mr and Mrs Faraz danced. Love was in the air ... or was that Evil filling the room?

Emad suggested a quick roll in the hay as a token honeymoon, and Bebhinn did not protest. He was beginning to really appreciate this woman. Spending time with her was proving to be quite satisfying.

Then the after-wedding wishes appeared. All about ghosts. ... Whose ghost did Bebhinn wish to see? Was someone blocking the path to her and Emad's rise to power?

For Emad, there was no doubt who he wanted dead. It was Bebhinn, his blushing bride.

But Emad was still feeling indulgent at that moment. He'd been pleased to find his new wife enjoyed getting a little dirty. He wondered if maybe she might be more valuable to him alive, rather than dead. At least for a while.