Chapter 2
1285 Words
DAMON FOX
I adjusted my bow tie when my doorbell rang. Celina, my home secretary, answers and I can already hear my grandmother invade the room.”
“Impeccable as always,” She praises me.
“Miss Sophia, what are you doing here?”
“I came to make sure you weren't going to mess up. I heard your grandfather talk about this Isobel.”
“Don't worry, I know what I'm doing.”
“Don't do this to yourself, much less to this girl.”
“I'm not going to marry her, grandma.”
“Even if it means losing the contract?”
“The contractual condition that the Hidalgos respect most is the integrity of the contractor. I just need to gain their trust.”
“Getting married is not a solution. Don't act dumb.”
“Grandma, I’m not going to marry Isobel. You need to calm down.”
“Don't mess around. I'm worried about you.”
“You don't need to be, I'll be fine. Aren't you going to the party?”
“No way. I'm going to help with the church's charity party.”
“And gossip with friends?” I teased.
“If the gossip brings donations, that's great. There's one person in particular I want to help.”
“Do you need something?” I don't get too involved with charity, but if I can do it for my grandmother, I don't mind.”
“No. This family is too proud and wouldn't accept anything they didn't work for.”
“Proud?”
“There are people who only have this in life and it is non-negotiable. We can learn from them.”
“Well, I hope it’s helpful. I'm leaving.”
I said and I dropped a kiss on her cheek before leaving.
***
As soon as I arrive at the party, I find James watching everyone in the corner. He does this to find out what profitable business a party can yield.
“Your grandfather has already asked for you three times.” He said as I approached him.
“Tonight I will go on a quest to test the waters. Who knows, I'm lucky enough that Isobel finds the idea as absurd as I do. We've met each other a few times and she never showed any affection towards me.”
“Isobel has always wanted something more with you, Damon. You were too distracted to notice.”
“But if tonight doesn't go as planned, call Lauren tomorrow, don't say why. Make up any excuse.”
The party was exquisite. It was done in a large hotel in the city, where powerful people come together to showcase what the world already knows they have.
“Miss Isobel, happy birthday,” I said as she approached me.
“How about we leave the formalities? You can call me Isobel.”
“Alright, I'm Damon then.”
“I hope we can have fun together.” She hints and I offer her a smile. James' idea is terrible, but at the moment it seems unique to me since the birthday girl seems inclined to think we are soulmates.
“It's your night, you deserve it.”
“How about a drink after everyone leaves? The view from the rooftop is incredible.” She suggested.
“Ah! I see you've seen Damon.” Mrs Hidalgo said as she approached us.
“Mrs. Hidalgo, good to see you again.”
“Enjoy the party, dear. I didn't see your grandmother.”
“She didn't feel very well tonight but she sent her regards.”
“I intend to visit her at any time. Now, go dance! Please enjoy the party.” She said and walked away. Good riddance.
The dance started with Isobel practically inviting me to have f**k. It was a tempting invitation but she wants marriage and it's clear I don't want the same.
Later that night, Mr Hidalgo invites us to travel together as a family to the Bahamas the coming week. Isobel's and my grandfather's acceptance of the offer made me want to puke.
I look at James who stood some feet away from us with a silent plea on my face.
I took my glass of wine and extended it to my grandfather as if congratulating him on his excellent strategy in joining one of the most powerful families in the automobile sector in the world. He smiled, thinking he was brilliant. I could tell Mrs Hidalgo already imagined her daughter as a bride.
“What do you think, Damon? A trip to the Bahamas seems amazing. We could get to know ourselves better.”
“Yes, you're correct. Unfortunately, I will have to decline.”
The whole table goes silent. My grandfather's eyes went round like saucers as if they were about to pop out.
“I need to check with my fiancée if she would like to accompany us.” I immediately said, sending questionable looks my way. There was no fiancé, there was no woman in my life and I just made a stupid decision.
“A Bride?” Isobel asked and blinked a few times.
“You didn't make mention of this, Edmund.” Mr Hidalgo sent daggered looks at my grandfather.
“It just happened and it's still new. We haven't made the official announcement yet and my baby loves her discretion.”
“And your grandfather knows nothing about her?” Isobel asked in dissatisfaction.
“No, he doesn't. I needed to make sure she wouldn't run away from this because of the old man, she's a little bit scared of him.”
“The way you talk about her, seems like she's from a scary home.” Mrs. Hidalgo said, trying to lighten the atmosphere for the benefit of her daughter.
“We're happy for you, boy. Congratulations.”
“Why didn't she come?” Miguel insists. With the way Grandfather was looking at me, it seemed like he wasn't buying it.
“I'm sorry to interrupt—” James intervened. Thank goodness.
“Damon, the call is for you.” He handed me the phone and it was off.
“Your bride.” He mouthed and I took the hint.
“Excuse me,” I said, getting up and walking away. I had another look at the screen and realized there was progress and it was my grandmother.
“Grandmother?”
“You completely forgot about the spankings, didn't you?
What?
“Tell them your fiancée is on the phone with you because she didn't want to leave you alone.”
“Oh”
“Yes, he called me to save your ass. I'm not a fan of this, but I'll do it if I have to free you from this absurd marriage, without losing your deal. When I watch you put a ring on someone's finger it will be out of love.”
“Yes, I owe you one, Grandmother.” Duty for my grandmother is almost like deciding to pay with your life.
“What will you want in return?” I asked.
“I get to choose the bride.”
“Grandma, you know she doesn’t exist, right?”
“Of course I do. But I need you to find someone that will be excellent for that role.
“You know the profile of the bride grandfather is waiting for, right?”
“Yes, I'm very much aware. Do not worry. I'll take care of everything.”
“Why do I feel like I'm going to regret it?”
“I am old. I needed some fun. Just relax, I got this. She will be in her office on Monday.”
- Writer
