The Arrangement
1113 Words
I was startled when the bathroom door opened. Vincent is now well-groomed and looks steady and ready to face my father.
"I am done, querida. The bath is all yours. I will talk to your father. Meet us downstairs when you are ready." He said calmly. But there was something in the way he looks at me that makes my knees tremble. I could not even meet his stare.
I did not wait for him to finish what he was saying, and I made my way to his bathroom. When I reached inside, I see how there is a fresh towel sitting on the rack. I also noticed that the new toothbrush I opened last night was also already kept in a place next to his.
I grabbed the toothbrush and absentmindedly stared at my reflection in the mirror. Next, I washed my face and took a quick shower. When I came out, I saw one of Vincent's fresh shirts and a small boxer brief. They were on the bed.
I quickly changed into them and brushed my hair with my hands. I can hear my dad's voice from Vincent's room. I kept on fidgeting with my fingers as I slowly descended the stairs.
"Por favor, Ashton. Let me take care of Samantha. What happened was my fault. I will take responsibility for what happened."
That was all I heard and when I reached the bottom of the stairs. I was confused and guilty at the same time.
What just happened? What does he mean he will take responsibility? Ah, no. I must correct the misunderstanding now.
"Dad, calm down. Nothing happened. I swear --"
"It's okay, querida. It was all settled."
"What? What do you mean settled? How?"
I gave both of them a questioning look.
"Vincent is now betrothed to you." My father gave a deep sigh before he continued, "But he has some conditions that he wishes to discuss only to you."
My jaw dropped.
Are we engaged?
Honestly, I don't know what or how to feel about that. I searched Vincent's face for answers, and I shuddered to the anger that I saw in his eyes.
Ah, why do I feel that this isn't good? Why do I suddenly feel that he has changed? It feels like he accepted me to be his fiancée, but I can feel the bitter taste of rejection is coming my way too. What have you done, Samantha?
My dad rose from his seat, and then in a serious tone, he said: "I am not done talking to you yet, princess. Max will return later to bring your belongings."
"Wait, what?"
"From now on, you will stay here with Vincent. Isn't that what you have always wanted?"
"No! Dad, please. Let us talk."
He just raised his hand in front of me, and then he left. When I turned to Vincent, he was on the phone. Judging by the softness in his voice, I guess I know who is on the other line. I sank myself on the sofa and watched him walk back and forth. He kept his free hand inside the pocket of his shorts, his face calm, his eyes are sparkling. The crease between his brows that were so prominent just earlier was gone too. In front of me is Vincent, who is smitten by Jessica Vasquez. She is the well-renowned interior designer of the elites.
"Thank you for your understanding, Miel. Yes, I will talk to the child. I will have this all sorted. Nos vemos mas tarde. Te amo."
Miel? Te amo? Hold on a second. Didn't he agree to be engaged with me?
My thoughts were interrupted by Vincent's cold voice.
"Follow me to the comedor. Let us eat first. Then we will have lots of things to discuss."
Great! I wonder how long do I have to deal with these mood swings?
I buried my face in the palm of my hands, and then I got up and followed Vincent to the dining room. I found him cooking bacon and pancakes.
Now he is cooking my favorite breakfast. What is he up to?
He must have felt my presence, for when he turned around, he automatically pulled a chair to let me sit. And then he placed a plate in front of me. I know he was about to make myself a cup of coffee when he reached for the coffee mug from the cupboard. I was startled when he slapped his hands on the top of the counter.
"Go and make your coffee."
I left my seat and did as he said. I dislike this version of Vincent. I hate how he made me feel as if I am walking on thin ice.
"Will you please talk to me?" I tried to grab his arm, but he moved away from me.
"Later. I am starving." And then he took the seat across me.
The silence was deafening. I can hear Vincent sigh from time to time as he checks his phone. I bet he is texting her. I feel like my heart is being sliced into tiny little pieces every time his phone beeps, and he excitedly responds to every single one of her texts.
"Stop this."
I did not intend to say it out loud.
Vincent was startled. Under a different situation, both of us might have laughed at the way he almost dropped his phone. But this moment is different. The air is full of tension when our gazes meet.
"Tell me. What are you up to?" I couldn't control the anger in my voice too.
Vincent smirked. "Granting your heart's desire, mi querida." He then propped up his elbow on top of the table as his face approached mine. Our cheeks were touching. I can feel his breathing in my ears when he whispered, "But under my rules and conditions."
I felt fear shuddering down my spine. Vincent's voice was absolutely threatening. I knew that he was trying to send me a message. I knew what he was about to do will make me regret the stupid decision I had last night.
"Now, eat."
He was clearly ordering me. And as if on cue, my hands automatically reached for the spoon in front of me. Vincent rose from his seat abruptly, picked his plate, and almost threw it at the washer.
"I am done. Follow me in the study when you are."
I have many things I wanted to tell him. I wanted to talk back. But my tongue seemed to be stuck in my throat. All I managed to do was to nod my head.
- Writer
