His second sin

I need answers

Chapter2___

Violet

The first mission: get Darien’s number. Simple, right? Except I don’t have his number. I’ve tried everything, checked every possible contact but had no luck. I have to get his number and text him or call him to actually meet him. And until I do, it feels like I am standing in front of a locked door with no key in sight.

I would have texted him in gram, but that man doesn’t have any social media. The only way to get his number is through my grandpa and, honestly, I am not that brave enough. If I ask him now, he’ll start reading into it, thinking I am onto something or worse, too impatient. How am I supposed to pull this off without looking desperate?

But I have to do this. I had to ask him for his number without looking desperate. So with all what courage I have, I marched toward his room. I knocked once, twice and then a third time—just to make sure he was inside.

For a moment, there’s a silence and the door creaks open. “I was expecting you, Vi,” Grandpa opens the door for me. He always addresses me by the half name “ Vi.” Only people close to me call me by that name, although there’s not that many.

“Did I disturb your sleep, grandpa?” I asked. “Nonsense, I was not even sleeping, my child.” He returned to his desk, adjusting his papers before glancing up at me.

My grandfather is a successful business person. He built his empire from the ground up, so strong that it could last a hundred generations. I never got to see grandma, although I have heard a lot about her from him. She passed away from cancer when my dad was just 13. But his eyes light up every time he talks about her, as if every memory is a treasure he’s been guarding all these years.

That’s the only reason I believe love doesn’t fade. It stays. It’s because of him I got to know that with love, you can endure anything. Every night I pray to god that may this kind of love find me. My grandpa believes in the power of love and so do I.

I never got to see my parents either. Only heard about them in stories. To me, they are more like distant dreams than real people. Sometimes I wish they were alive, but other times I feel nothing. Ever since I was a child, the only constant in my life has been grandpa. Every comfort, every lesson, every ounce of strength I have traces back to him and for that I will never take him for granted.

“Are you happy?” Just three words—that’s all grandpa says. His voice is calm, yet it carries so much weight that my chest tightens. He never forces me into doing things, always considers my feelings before making any decisions that involve me.

I just nod at that. “Being Darien’s wife is not going to be easy for you. That man is hard to break. He doesn’t believe in marriage, not before and certainly not after.” I swallowed at that. I know what he’s talking about.

One year ago, Darien’s fiancé left him at the altar and ran away, leaving him there in front of everyone, exposed and humiliated. Some say she got cold feet or had another man all along. Nobody knows the truth why she left, not even Darien himself. Rumor has it that ever since his wife ran away, on their wedding day, he has turned even colder. He barely sleeps in his mansion, the only time he comes home is to meet his grandfather or talk about business.

My heart softened for him when I heard about that. Nobody deserves to be abandoned like that on what should have been the happiest day of his life. That's why I promised myself I would love him fiercely and patiently, even if it might take time for him to accept it. I will change his perspective on love and marriage." I know, and I will keep that in mind," I simply said, not wanting to appear confident.

“I actually wanted something from you. Darien’s number. Can I have his number, Grandpa?” Before he could say anything," I added, “I just wanted to talk to him about a few things, basically related to marriage. You know what he is wearing or what flavor of cake he likes or flowers, venue.” I was practically running out of breath by the time I was done explaining.

He just laughs at my behavior and hands me his number. That was easy. I left the room wishing grandpa good night. The first mission is complete, now onto the second mission, which is ten times harder than this.

By the time I reached my room, I was sweating from anxiety. What if he doesn’t pick up my call? What if he refuses to meet me? My heart sounds so loudly I can hear it echo in my ears.

Just dial the number already.

With my shaky hands, I press a call button. My pulse quickens with every ring. If he doesn’t pick up my call, I swear I will faint.

“Hello” comes the voice from the other side—low, steady and calm. For a second my mind went completely blank. Why did I even call? What was I supposed to say again? Gathering whatever courage I have left, I swallow and manage to say, It’s…it’s me.”

There’s a pause on the other hand, long enough for me to panic. Then he speaks, his voice low and measured, carrying that calmness. “What is it?” My heart drops at that. He sounds very distant and unbothered.

“I just…wanted to ask if you are free tomorrow?” I managed to say, my voice barely over a whisper. “Not a date or anything, just wanted to have a few words with you, regarding marriage.” Another silence. Just when I thought he was not going to agree, “Sure, text me the time and address.” With that he cut the call.

Another disappointment hit me: “ Does he hate me or something? If he’s against marriage, then why did he even agree to it? It’s not like he was forced or was he? Who dares force the only heir of Lockwood? That question gnaws at me. And that's why I have to meet him tomorrow. I need answers that are too clear, no matter what it takes. Even if I s**t myself out of sheer terror.