Femme Fatale

Chapter 2: Deal

"Her strength doesn't come from what she can do. It comes from overcoming the things she once thought she couldn't."

VERA

As I walked inside my grandfather's office, I saw him sitting on his usual chair while busy reading what was written on the front page of the newspaper he was holding.

"Good afternoon Abuelo." I greeted him as I kissed his cheek.

"Good afternoon too, my ever so beautiful granddaughter. You really looked like your Mom." He replied while smiling widely at me.

My heart immediately melted just by seeing his warm smile. I miss him.

"My secretary told me that you were looking for me. Is there something you want to talk about with me, Abuelo?" I politely asked as I sat on the sofa near his office table.

"Oh, good thing you're finally here. Yes iha, I want to talk to you about something very important."

I suddenly became nervous while anticipating what he was going to say next. He seems very serious, which is very unusual for someone like him who's always wearing a radiant smile on his face.

"Since I'm getting older day by day, all I want is to see you settle down. Before I die, I wish to meet the man you will spend your lifetime with."

I swallowed hard just after hearing his words. Oh God, I think I don't like where this is heading.

"Vera, your Abuela and I were just concerned about your future. We want nothing but the best for you. So we came up with an idea. Let's have a deal. You have to marry the guy whom you have freely chosen. But first, you need to let me and your Abuela meet him. We still have to make sure that he's up to our standards as well. We will make sure if he really deserves to have your hand in marriage. I'm giving you a month for that. Or else you won't have access to any of your inheritance."

My mouth went agape after hearing what my Abuelo had just said. My system is becoming wild and chaotic.

Where the hell can I find a guy who'll pass their standards? Eh, I don't even have a freaking boyfriend right now.

"Are you really serious about that, Abuelo? I just turned twenty-three. Still too young to marry." I asked him while looking like a broken puppy. Throwing him a pleading look and almost out of breath.

"Yes, iha I'm certain about what I've said." My grandfather answered with seriousness laced in his voice. And with that, I know nothing can really change his mind.

I left my Abuelo's office still feeling confused and down. My head can't function clearly. I couldn't process it all.

For my twenty-three years of existence, I've never had any flings or even a boyfriend. Yes, up until now, I have been single. I'm more concerned and focused on running my parents' clothing empire. That's why I didn't really have time to mingle with anyone. A lot of guys have tried their luck by sending me flowers and food, but no one really caught my attention. I don't have time to date either. And now, I have no choice but to comply in my grandparents' favor. No matter what, I have to obey my grandparents. They're the only ones left to me. I don't really care if my future is at stake. I would do anything just to see them happy and proud of me.

I dialed my secretary's number and after a few rings she immediately answered.

"Aria, I need you to make a list of all the single bachelors in town. I need to marry a man who will suit my grandparents' tastes. I need you to help me find someone as soon as possible. My Abuelo only gave me a month."

I ended the call still with a crease on my forehead. I tried massaging it just to calm my raging nerves.