THE REPLACEMENT FOR THE FIANCÉE

Chapter 5: An Order

"I want you to come live with me for a while; that way we can come to an agreement on everything related to the company's succession. Furthermore, you wouldn't neglect Mia."

"Grandfather, that won't be possible because we both have plans."

"I am not consulting you, it is a decision already made! Furthermore, I know Mia will love keeping me company. In fact, I need someone to monitor my medication doses, since I don't trust anyone, and who better than my new granddaughter to do it. Mia, I also want to keep an eye on my grandson so he doesn't return to his old womanizing ways, because I will not accept you being the laughingstock of society."

Shit. Iván and I were in the same position: we couldn't contradict the order his grandfather had given us because he was blunt, and beneath his gaze lay a clear threat. We both squeezed the hand we were holding and nodded our heads.

"I am glad to know we are in agreement. Furthermore, Javier is also here, who can keep Mia company while you work."

"Javier has no reason to keep my woman company, Grandfather! This is not a children's game!"

"Calm down, Iván, it was only a suggestion. Besides… he is your brother and would never try anything with his sister-in-law. Stop being so possessive or you will tire her out!"

"I will never stop being possessive with what belongs to me! Remember we are talking about my woman, the one who will be the mother of my children!"

I tensed up even more than I already was and let go of Iván's hand to wipe the sweat running down my forehead; it was autumn, but this raised my temperature. This man intended to make us live under the same roof!

"Grandfather, we need our privacy and you know how Javier is."

"Yes, I already thought about that, so he will sleep in the west wing, where my room is."

I swear I was like a demon; I could feel my veins bulging. First, because I would have to live with this little girl under Grandfather's supervision. But what annoyed me the most was that Javier would also be here; and it's one thing that she and I are nothing, but it's a very different thing to let another man touch my woman, and I don't care if it's my brother, because what is mine is respected.

Iván was going to pounce on his grandfather at any moment, so I stepped in and hugged him.

"Darling, there is no problem with that! You'll see that we will get along well like the family we are. Relax, please; your grandfather shouldn't be bothered by something like this."

I was staring intently at her, wanting to murder her, because it's obvious this suited her perfectly… because she would have Javier in the same house. I closed my eyes and counted to ten. Then I opened them and looked at her.

"You are right, princess, but I don't want you to feel uncomfortable." I gave her a kiss on the forehead and looked at Grandfather, who seemed delighted with the scene he was witnessing.

"I can't believe it… The great Iván has been tamed. Ha, ha, ha. Forgive me for saying it like that, Mia, but this man has never calmed down when he is angry; he destroys everything in his path regardless of the time or place."

I was very pleased because this girl is changing my grandson for the better, though I am still not convinced about their relationship; that is why I want to keep them in my house for as long as possible.

"Good morning, family!"

"Good morning, Javier! Will you have breakfast with us?"

"Of course! I want to get to know my sister-in-law well!"

"Do you two go to the same university?"

"Yes, Grandfather. You don't want me to study Architecture, but you must thank me because that was where my brother met Mia."

"Well, that is true. And when will you find such a pleasant girl?"

"Grandfather, I am young for that… Enjoy my brother's engagement. Don't you think they make a lovely couple?"

"Yes, I was thinking that. But don't think I will ignore the fact that you smuggled a girl out before coming to the dining room. This is not a motel!"

"Forgive me, Grandfather, I promise I won't do it again… That's why I like staying at my apartment."

"That is over! I want everyone to live with me because I am old now and I need company."

"Grandfather, you can't do this to me. Let Iván and his wife live with you; I need to do other things. Furthermore… you don't approve of my career."

"If you want to graduate, you will have to follow my orders because I am not consulting you! Is that clear?"

"Fine!" I sighed out of annoyance, because my grandfather was forcing me to remain under his yoke, but while that was happening, I felt a gaze drilling into me; so I looked up and found a very furious Mia… I winked at her; later I would take care of making it up to her, after all, she always forgives me. "How was your first night together?"

"It is none of your business what happens in my bedroom!"

"Excuse me, little brother, you are angrier than usual today. That must mean your dear Mia didn't treat you right!"

I rose from the table to grab Javier by the neck.

"I don't allow you to insinuate things about Mia! Is that clear? Next time I'll break your face!"

"My, how sensitive you are today!"

"Javier, your brother is upset because they will have to live with me, but he'll get over it. On the other hand… I want to tell you to help Mia with anything she needs until she gets used to the house."

"Of course, Grandfather; it will be a pleasure to help Mia with whatever she needs."

"Javier!"

Iván was about to get up to beat his brother to a pulp and I grabbed his arm to stop him.

"Darling, your brother is joking, don't make your grandfather get upset by seeing you fight. I am sure Javier will behave, right?"

"Sister-in-law, you are absolutely right; I will behave. Now relax, brother, and eat your breakfast; remember that I was the one who brought her."

I felt like hitting him, but I didn't want to raise any more suspicions after the hints my brother threw out; so, against my will, I ate breakfast just to make Grandfather happy.