Alexander POV
With my briefcase in my hand, I walked into the dinning room and met granny and Olive, chatting happily. I smiled at how lively granny looked while talking to Olive.
I cleared my throat to announce my presence, swiftly, they both looked at my direction.
Olive scooted her seat backward and ran to my chest, gleefully.
“I missed you,” She murmured as she wrapped her hands around my back. I breathe out softly before unlocking from her grip.
She took my hand and we both walked up to the dining table.
“Good evening, granny” I bent down and kissed her gray hair.
“Evening, son”
“How was work today?” She asked as I sat down next to her, while Olive sat across us- beaming.
“It was great, guess what?” I asked her with so much excitement, and her face lit up immediately.
“You won the contract!” She shrieked with happiness.
“Oh my, granny, you’re a genius,” I commented as I went into her opened arms.
“Congratulations, son,” She said while patting my back.
“I’m happy for you, Alex” Olive stood up and turned around to hug me again.
“Thanks, Olive”
“This calls for a celebration,” Olive said with all smiles before sitting down.
I nodded in agreement.
“Yes dear, it’s a double celebration” Granny added. I blinked my eyelids twice before turning to look at her.
“What’s the other celebration, granny?” I asked her, dimly.
She grinned, while staring at Olive.
“I’ve found a bride for you, son,” She turned to me and said. On hearing that, I felt my heart leapt as my smile faded away.
“Who?” I murmured.
She tilted her head towards Olive again, whose cheeks had turned crimson already- she held my gaze for a minute before lowering her head.
I gulped down.
“Who, granny?” I asked audibly this time.
“It’s Olive, she’s your bride to be,” She announced, and I felt my heartache.
“I’ve decided to travel back to California with her, so I can meet with her parents,” She explained, smiling broadly.
“What?”
“But granny, you can’t possibly decide without my consent,” I pointed out.
“And I’m certain Olive doesn’t want this either”
“Of course I want it Alex, I’ve always wished to become your bride someday” Olive chipped in, with a nervous smile on her face.
I scoffed.
“So what now?” Granny says.
‘I can’t marry Olive, granny,” I declared.
“Why?”
“Isn’t she pretty?”
“Isn’t she good enough for you?”
“Olive is a good girl granny, but not even for once in my life have I ever imagined us to been together as a couple,” I said, calmly.
“You can start imagining, Alex”
“You don’t get it, granny” I stood up, while ruffling my hair.
“Then let me get it” Granny also stood up, shooting me a fierce look.
“I only see Olive as a sister”
“It doesn’t matter, why would you even see her as a sister in the first place, when you’re not even related?”
I sighed deeply before facing Olive.
“I’m sorry, Olive, but I can’t marry you,” I said ruefully.
“I made you understand this before, isn’t it?” She just stared at her fiddled fingers, without saying a word.
“There are many good guys out there for you Olive, just go for one and let go all kind of feelings you might have for me, I only…”
“Keep quiet, Alexander!” Granny scowled at me. I breathe out and turned to her.
“It’s the truth, granny”
“You’re getting married to Olive, whether you like it or not”
“I’m not getting married to her, whether you like it or not, granny!” I shouted.
“Are you threatening me now?* She asked quietly.
I stared at her face for a while before walking out on her.
“Come back here, Alex!” She yelled, but I didn’t stop nor glanced back. I’m really pissed now.
I got out of the house and went straight to the garage.
-Nicholas POV-
I sat down alone in the clubhouse, sipping at the glass of beer slowly. I watched people on the dance floor, most especially the couples. They danced rhythmically to the rock music blaring from the speaker.
*I mean, why on earth would you barge into my office and blame me for your bad luck?* His lines kept reeling through my head.
Was this really bad luck?
Since I emerged as the CEO of my dad’s company, I’ve never won a contract, no matter how hard I worked for it.
It was really frustrating and I am fed up!
How do I explain things to dad once he finally regained consciousness? How?
I carried my glass of beer to drink when my eyes landed on her figure, she was swaying her hips to the music. My fist clenched, when the guy behind her held her waist.
I quickly sprang on my feet and rushed to the dance floor.
Oh, my… I don’t even know her name, I forgot to ask her earlier. But nevertheless, I was happy to see her again.
Kiara POV
I was dancing crazily with a dude on the dance floor, I was really spirited, and I’m enjoying the atmosphere. Suddenly, I felt a light tap on my back. I stopped dancing and turned around to meet with a familiar face.
He smiled at me and I quickly recalled that he was the same guy who gave me a lift this noon.
“Nicholas?!” I raised my voice, so he could hear me, due to the loud music.
He nodded, curtly.
I wanted to walk away with him when I felt a strong hand dragged me back.
Huh?
It was the dude I was dancing with.
“I’ll be right back” I told him, but he didn’t seem convinced until Nicholas scared him away.
“You danced really good” Nicholas commended as we climbed down the stage.
“You think so?” I glanced at him and asked.
“Of course I know so, I got mad when I saw that guy holding your…” He completed his sentences with a small cough, and I laughed.
Funny.
“Let’s seat here” He pointed to a suitable seat and we both walked up to it and sat down.
“I’m sorry about earlier today” He apologized immediately we took our seat.
“Sorry for what exactly?” I furrowed my eyebrows.
“For keeping mute throughout the journey, I couldn’t even get your name,” He said, bitterly.
“It’s okay, I assumed the news you received then wasn’t a good one,” I said innocuously, hoping he would say something about the Alex he had made mentioned of.
I’m really curious about it.
He only smiled and sighed softly.
“What would you like to take?” He asked, warmly.
F**k him!
“Uh mm…” My phone rings inside my jean skirt trouser. I brought it out to see Mom at the screen.
Huh?
“Excuse me, I need to pick this call,” I told him while standing up.
“Take your time, please,” He said. I gave a quick nod before finding my way out of the club.
Why’s she calling me at this hour?
The moment I stepped out, the phone had stopped ringing.
I dialed her number and waited, while it rings.
“Hi” I heard a familiar voice at my back.
I turned my head and I could feel my heart race, instantly.
One look at his face, one could tell he was also surprised.
“You?”
“You?” We both mouthed, simultaneously.
Jeez!
What was he doing here again?
Not when I am trying to forget about him.
I needed to get rid of whatever I’m feeling for this guy!