Fresh

Two

You are saying that you want to marry me just for an agreement you have with your grandfather,” Becky calmy said.

She and Antonio were dining at an exquisite restaurant for the evening, a meeting that had been quickly arranged when Antonio explained the urgency over the phone. They were basically of the same age, but Becky still maintained her youthful and elegant beauty. And she was naturally beautiful with shapely hips and curves, full lips and adorably dark raven black hair that models would be envious of. Years of separation after their highschool hadn’t dulled her seductive effect that she had on him, even if he tried to deny it.

“Why me?” she asked curiously.

Antonio stared at her briefly. “Why not you? In any case, this arrangement is primarily to show my grandfather that I’m responsible enough to continue the Brandon legacy.”

Becky Handersen was the fourth child and second daughter of the investment magnate, Frederick Handersen. She herself was a force to be reckoned with in the business world, being the founder and CEO of Gloriosa Couture, a leading firm in the beauty and fashion industry.

There was unspoken truth to her words. She and Antonio hadn’t really been on the best of terms since he broke up with her in high school and years later when she got engaged to Dominic.

“The last I heard is that you are known to have a string of women to grace your arms and bed,” Becky said. Antonio was the epic example of the playboy image, and he sensed that she wasn’t one to easily share lovers with other women. “And I was engaged to Dominic; you want to take hus place in my heart.”

“It would be better for both of us if we got married. We understand each other better than most do,” Antonio replied. “So basically you are still marrying into the same family.”

“You are treating this in a clinical way, as if we don’t have a history together,” she accused.

She and Antonio had been highschool lovers and childhood friends even longer. Becky had always fantasizd that he was her Prince Charming, and that after highschool they would beuild a family together. Until, one evening before prom, he called of the affair. He wasn’t ready to be in a committed relationship, not with college and and running a business before him. His words cut deep into her, and she didn’t even have the courage to tell him that she was pregnant.

“I’m sorry how it’s turning out but I’m out of options,” he said.

“What will I happen to gain from this?” she asked.

“An opportunity for us to start on a clean slate.”

“Not convincing. Did your grandfather demand this from Dominic?” she asked.

Antonio shook his head. He couldn’t really blame her hesitation to believe his plea. “You were engaged to Dominic because he loved you not because of the company.”

Becky shrugged. “So what’s expected of me?” As the possible future wife to the Brandon heir.

Antonio slipped over a brown folder to her.

*****

“Seems like someone’s being avoiding me, lately,” Sebastian grinned as he walked into Antonio’s office.

Antonio looked up, not at all surprised to see his grandfather as he made himself comfortable in one of the expensive leather chairs in the office. His grandfather had beebeen pestering him for days, asking about progress on the marriage plans. So far he had managed to evade him, burying himself in work during the day and hot pleasures at night.

“I told you before that I’m working on an acquisition at the moment,” Antonio replied.

“Still, you haven’t given me any updates so far. And I’m considering that your silence means you haven’t met success or that you aren’t interested in the family welfare.”

Antonio slammed shut his laptop. “I am still interested. The delay is because the preferred lady hasn’t given me a response so far. I’m still waiting.”

Sebastian shook his head displeased. “You can’t wait forever; your deadline is fast approaching and I need to have something tangible at the next Board of Trustees meeting. And who is this lady?”

“I can’t say who but I promise that I won’t disappoint you,” Antonio maintained.

“There’s still the list of eligible ladies available for you,” Sebastian offered.

Antonio shook his head. “I don’t need it now.”

*****

Becky sat demurely beside Antonio in the grand lobby of the Brandon mansion awaiting Sebastian’s entrance.

The elderly man moved with poise and grace as he came to meet them. “I take it that you finally have news to share,” he said, sinking into one of the plush leather seats.

“Grandpa, Becky and I have decided to get married. We came here to seek your blessing.”

“You chose Becky! Any reason why?” Sebastian asked.

“We understand each other very well. And I believe the loss of Dominic has in a way brought us closer,” Antonio hastily answered, clutching Becky’s hands in his.

“Well, I give you my blessings. Becky, I expect you to keep Antonio in line, hmm. He has a knack for straying,” Sebastian grinned and pulled out a folder from beside him. Becky nodded her understanding.

“The terms of the marriage for you to look through,” Sebastian said, offering the folder to Becky. Antonio quickly snatched it before she could get it.

“She’s already read the copy I gave her,” he said. “She’s satisfied with the arrangement.”

“Including about the children?” Sebastian asked.

“What thing about children?” Becky asked, looking from one man to the other. Antonio was visibly uncomfortable.