I Do Series: Betrothed

A gentle knock on the door echoes through Andrea’s room. She was busy putting on her earrings as she turned in the direction of the door. Her father, Rupert, the Chief Executive Officer of Servante Containers International, their family’s business that's still growing bigger. More than when her grandparents started it a few decades ago. “We're going now, princess; we can’t afford to be late,” her father announced. “Just give me a minute, Dad,” she said when she finished with her earrings and now reached for her necklace to complete her look. She scanned herself for the last time in the mirror. “Perfect!” She complimented herself as she brushed her fingers against the baby pink square-neck and a puff-sleeve satin dress she was wearing for dinner. They are about to go to that she paired with white-colored ankle strap heels and a set of diamond jewelry. At the same time, she curls chestnut brown-colored hair and ties it in a low ponytail. She picks up her clutch bag and phone and then heads down the stairs waiting for her parents. Together with their friends from Zamora International Line and Wilcox Freight, her grandparents organized a dinner for the three families. That’s why she must be presentable at all costs. Because this dinner is not just about business, but, most likely a special dinner with distant relatives, both of the families have been friends for the longest time. Her grandparents are friends with the other founding Executive Officers of the two companies working with them since the humble beginning of their company. After all, their businesses are connected since they are all in the shipping industry.   The venue will be the garden restaurant in the city. Her grandparents managed that for more than twenty years now since her grandfather stepped down from his position and passed it down to her father.  The warm light, fresh scent of flowers, and jazz music welcomed them as they stepped inside the restaurant. The other two families, together with her grandparents, were waiting. Andrea immediately puts a sweet smile on her face as she greets each Wilcox and Zamora family member. Her smile fades for a moment when she's about to welcome Alexander. He stares at her thoughtfully as if he is asking what's happening. Despite that, she still greets him with a warm smile for the elders beside them who are always watching them, the young ones in the family. “You look gorgeous, Andrea,” Augustine complimented her. “Thank you,” she replied as she sat down on the vacant chair next to her mother while in front of her was Alexander. His facial expression remained stoic as if he was bored enough to join the dinner that his grandparents also organized. And just like the previous dinners, all of the members of the families talked about nothing but business matters. It was like a conference meeting from Andrea’s point of view, which she’s already used to since for as long as she could remember. While their parents were busy discussing the partnership of their families' businesses, Andrea remained silent, the same for Alexander. He looked like he was about to explode in boredom while Augustine was busy typing on his phone with a silly smile on his face. A little later, the direction of the conversation turns to the three of them. Then their grandparents begin dropping questions after questions regarding what's going on in their respective positions as if their parents are not working at the same office. A few minutes later, the waiters served their food, which changed their table's mood. The conference-like atmosphere now turned into somehow a little bit like an authentic family dinner. Both Alexander and Augustine’s family never stop praising the chefs of Servante’s restaurant, which is a piece of music to the ears of the two elderly who take pleasure in working. “Now,” Mr. Leonardo Servante said in a firm tone after the waiters finished pouring red wine into their glasses. His firm voice made Andrea alert since she rarely heard her grandfather talk in this tone unless he was about to announce or talk about something important.   “I want everyone to listen to what I’m about to say—especially you, my granddaughter, Andrea. Also, you, young man, Alexander,” Mr. Leonardo continued. Upon hearing his name, Alexander immediately sits up straight, ready to listen to the announcement of Mr. Servante. “Alejandro and I agreed a long time ago,” the old man began.  Mr. Alejandro just nodded his head to confirm what his long-time friend stated. While the young ones, Andrea, Augustine, and Alexander, frown in confusion. “We talked about this agreement again the other day, and we again agreed that it’s about time for that to fulfill,” Mr. Leonardo continued, which piques their curiosity more. While their parents remained silent and continued enjoying their wine as if they had already seen what was coming. “Leonardo and I agreed before when we were just starting our business. That was before we met Mauricio,” Mr. Alejandro Zamora continued in Mr. Leonordo’s stead. “What agreement is that?” Augustine curiously asked. “We agreed to have our grandchildren marry each other-” “What!” Alexander exclaimed, cutting off his grandfather from what he was about to say. “You must be joking, right? Grandpa?” Alexander asked in disbelief. “Young man, will you let me finish what I am saying?” Mr. Alejandro said with a hint of warning in his tone as he averted his attention to his only grandson. Alexander didn’t respond; instead, he just lazily leaned his back at the backrest of the chair. He was giving up and not wanting to anger the older man. “Going back to what I am saying,” Mr. Alejandro began. “My old friend Leonardo and I agreed to arrange the marriage of our grandchildren if they happen to be a boy and a girl. Thus, we now want to fulfill this long since the paused agreement, as soon as possible. We already have the date for the wedding.” “But, Grandpa, I-” Alexander opposed as he slammed his hands on the table and immediately stood up. But, his father, Mr. Angelo, directly taps his shoulder to stop and warn him. “Sit down, listen to your grandparents first,” Angelo whispered to his son while he pulled him down to sit back properly. “This agreement will benefit not only the relationship of both families but our businesses since the Servante Containers International and Zamora International Line will finally become one. It will secure us at the top spot in the cargo and shipping industry,” Mr. Leonardo explained. “Why me? Grandpa? We also have Augustine here,” Alexander reasoned out and opposed. “No! They can’t!” Andrea and Augustine’s parents immediately disagree in a chorus that startled him, Andrea and Augustine. “They can’t. That’s final,” Therese, Andrea’s mother, said firmly, making Andrea question why they strongly disagree with Alexander’s suggestion. “The decision is not in your hand’s young man. This marriage is final, and we can’t just put it off. Whether you like it or not, you’ll get married to Andrea,” his grandfather firmly said.  “Besides, our Augustine is already seeing someone. So he can’t,” Mr. Mauricio said, making Augustine blushed and embarrassed since he hadn't formally introduced his girl to the other two families.   “But, how can you decide like this? Mom? Dad? Don’t tell me you also agreed with what Grandpa wants? Grandma?” Alexander questioned his family members. “Because there’s nothing to lose nor reason to refuse, isn’t it?” his mother answered. “You’re about to reach your thirties soon, and we are looking forward to having a grandchild. Besides, you have already known each other since you were a child, so there’s no need to react that way. You’re hurting Andrea’s feelings,” his father said, which made him sigh exasperatedly. Alexander harshly brushed his fingers against his hair in frustration as he stared at everyone at the table who was busy enjoying their wines. Again, he heaved a sigh. He stared intently at Andrea, bowing her head, and remained silent despite his upfront disagreement into the sudden announcement of their engagement. “You can’t just decide like that for me. I have my own decisions and opinions, okay? Can’t you just take a little of your time and ask me if I want to get married, especially to Andrea?” Alexander asked in frustration that they were ignoring his opinion. “Better watch what you say, my dear, remember the Servante’s and Wilcox are also here. How dare you talk like that in front of them,” Mrs. Leonora, his grandmother, warned him. “Andrea, my dear. How about you?” the old lady asked her as she turned her gaze to Andrea. Andrea immediately froze in her seat when fourteen pairs of eyes turned in her direction.