Trapped between love and lust

Chapter 3 Conflict

*ADRIEN*

I received a call from my grandfather requesting a meeting. Surprisingly, he also called for my sister, who was flying in from Texas. My sister and I practically grew up as twins, given I was only two years older. We were incredibly close, especially after our mother's passing and our absent father. I tried to push away those painful memories that lingered in my mind.

I wondered why Grandfather suddenly wanted both of us. What did he have planned?

All I wanted was some peace and quiet after a long day. But my grandfather wouldn’t let me.

"Hello, sir, welcome," Maria, my grandfather's caretaker and assistant, greeted me as I entered the house. I tried to force a smile and nodded in response, following her inside.

"Mr. Hawksely has been expecting you," she pointed towards my grandfather's office. "And my sister?" I inquired. "She'll be here any moment now."

Grandfather cherished us deeply, but sometimes, he could be difficult. That often led to petty arguments between him and my sister—childish, really. They acted like a bickering couple, possibly because Camila resembled our late grandmother so much, especially with her long black silk hair. I shrugged off those thoughts and walked into Grandfather's office.

"Looking as dashing as ever," I commented as I closed the door behind me. He was wearing his navy blue suit, his gray hair slicked back. He'd sported that haircut for as long as I could remember, probably a habit from his time in the army.

"Ah, you know me, the archaeologist extraordinaire. Unearthed a T-Rex's toenail yesterday," he quipped as he turned to face my direction.

"Oh my… you look old," he said, his sarcasm evident. "I'm pretty sure I aged a few years just this week because of work."

"Yes, I can see that. You look like a zombie," a grin appeared on his face.

"You called, and I’m here, so what’s up?". I wanted to wrap this up as quickly as possible and burry myself under my covers for a peaceful nights rest. I looked at my watch and my sister was sure taking her sweet time getting here.

"Oh, come on Adrien, you just got here. Am I that annoying?" he asked, strolling towards the whiskey table and pouring a glass for both of us.

"To a certain level, yes," I retorted.

"Ohh, don’t be a prick," he said while handing me the glass and settling in his chair.

"How’s work?" he asked.

"Surviving, old man, surviving. Climbing the ladder, one annoying coworker at a time,” we both chuckled.

“And you, how’s business at the 'Ancient Artifacts Emporium'?"

"Oh, steady as always. Selling a few ancient scrolls, a cursed goblet or two... typical Tuesday. You know, the usual antiquities stuff,” he concluded.

“Grandfather!?” I heard my sister call out. Thank goodness, someone to finally entertain the old man’s issues. She walked in, completely ignoring my existence, and walked straight to grandfather.

“Princepessa!” Grandfather exclaimed, his smile widening and shining as bright as ever as she took him in an embracing hug.

“Hi papa, drinking again?” She frowned, showing her dislike of grandfather drinking in his old age.

"Cut the man some slack, will you?" I blurted out, and my sister was now facing my direction.

“Well, if it isn’t Mr ‘I’m so busy all the time I can’t call my sister and check on her.’”

“Will you let it go if I apologize?”

“Not a chance” she shot back wearing an angry face.

“He’s too bored he drowns himself in his work, all he needs is a woman” I was wondering why grandfather kept that suspicious grin plastered across his face all this time.

“I don’t need anything aside from sleep”

“No, you definitely need a woman to satisfy your needs” Camila added. Was this whole meeting about me? I wondered.

"Grandfather, get to the point will ya, Camila is here now," I pressed, the uneasy silence making my liquor taste even more bitter.

“I’ve got good news and good news,” Grandfather announced.

“What’s the good news?” Camila inquired before he continued. “I’m retiring, and the two of you are taking over the company,” he stated casually, as if dropping a massive bombshell didn’t phase him. I couldn’t take over the company; I had my own business to care for.

“What? I can’t do it, Papa,” Camila protested, wide-eyed. “I’m a photographer now, I have my own life out there with nature. I can’t do it, Papa.”

“How can you make such a decision without informing us, Grandfather? We have lives, you know. We can’t just bend to your whim whenever you feel like it,” I added, feeling the weight of the sudden demand.

“I understand it’s all of a sudden, but it had to be you or nobody else; you’re the only family I have.”

“How about Aunty Penelopy? Uncle Mike?” My sister’s voice hinted at worry.

“No, I wouldn’t dare. I want to give the company to the both of you.”

“Give us time to think about it; that’s the least you can do,” I commanded, my voice devoid of emotion.

“I can do that. Does two months sound good to you?” he questioned.

“Yes,” Camila and I answered in unison.

“The second good news?” I asked, not wanting to waste any time. “I found you a fiancée,” he said with a smile. ‘Was he f*****g kidding me right now?’