Christian
" has been calling you non-stop," my secretary said as she handed over my phone. I swiped through the screen, staring at the multiple calls from my grandfather.
I knew he had been expecting me to visit since I had promised to come to the mansion as soon as I returned, but I hadn't gotten the time yet. I first visited my parents' grave, stopped by my penthouse, and then went on a date with someone I didn't even like. But it turned out to be enjoyable—because she was there.
As I stepped out of the car onto the winding driveway, I was immediately greeted by the familiar, breathtaking view of my grandfather's estate.
The majestic mansion rose before me, its elegance and grandeur still awe-inspiring. I had visited countless times, yet the beauty never failed to leave me breathless.
I approached the entrance, stopping momentarily as the soft gurgling of water caught my attention. The fountain stood proudly at the front, depicting a giant lion with water dancing from its mouth. "Grandfather still keeps this place alive," I commented, remembering when I used to run around here as a child. More memories flooded in as I walked past the family portraits in the lobby and noticed my grandfather's favorite armchair—the one I used to sit in just to upset him. I couldn't deny that I missed this place. It brought back so many memories.
"Welcome, young master," Daniel, my grandfather's butler, greeted me in his low and dignified voice. "Your grandfather has been expecting you."
With a subtle nod, Daniel gestured toward the hallway that led to my grandfather's room. I followed his direction, my heart beating harder with anticipation.
As soon as I stepped into the room, my eyes fell on the frail figure lying in the bed. My grandfather, once so strong, was now surrounded by medical equipment. Wires snaked from his chest and arms, attached to beeping machines that monitored his vital signs. Seeing him this way—so fragile—was heartbreaking.
As if sensing my presence, his hoarse voice broke the silence, barely above a whisper. "Ah, young Christian, welcome."
My heart skipped a beat when I heard his voice. " Christian Senior," I responded like I always did, moving closer. "Grandfather."
With a weak gesture, he beckoned me nearer. "Come closer, Christian," he whispered.
I took another step toward him, and instinctively, my hand reached out to hold his. His skin felt thin and cool, and I could feel his hand trembling slightly in mine.
"I'm here, Grandfather," I said softly.
"You're here," he murmured, touching my face. "Christian Junior."
"Christian Senior," I replied, a smile tugging at my lips as I called him the name we always teased each other with.
My grandfather had named me after him because he believed I would follow in his footsteps and become a great businessman like him.
"Were you expecting to find me dead?" he asked, the same question he had asked me for years whenever I visited. "Or were you hoping I would leave without seeing you married and made chairman of the Royal Group?"
I sighed, gently rubbing his hand. "Grandfather, you're not going to die, and—"
"Yet," he cut me off, finishing my sentence. "I'm not going to die yet, but an old man at eighty doesn't have much time left. I won't leave without seeing you married, so I have decided that you must marry soon."
I lowered my head, unable to look into his eyes as I struggled with what to say. He had always ensured I had everything I needed and had trained me since my parents passed away when I was just eleven. Yet, despite all that, I hadn't achieved the one thing he wanted most from me.
Marriage—and support from the board to become chairman.
At only twenty-seven, it was a heavy responsibility, but my grandfather believed I could do it. He had allowed me to enjoy my youth, unlike many conglomerate families that forced the burden of leadership onto their heirs as soon as they became teenagers.
I spent most of my life abroad and only returned five years ago.
My grandfather relied on me, and I didn't want to disappoint him.
"Don't worry, Grandfather. I'll find someone and introduce her to you."
"No," I shook my head firmly, correcting myself as I spoke. There was no way I could marry just any girl, especially one I didn't want to be with.
"But I am going to die soon, and there is going to be a meeting with the board and the extended family soon."
At the mention of the extended family, I frowned. That meant facing my half-brother, as well as my uncles and aunts—none of whom had contributed to the success of the Royal Group. Everything had come from my grandfather.
Three years ago, when I joined the business, I had managed to secure exclusive billion-dollar deals for the company, both domestically and internationally. But it hadn't come without a cost.
A year after my first deal, I began receiving threatening messages on my phone. And every Wednesday, a box would be left at my gate—filled with pictures of me, smeared with red ink, with messages like: "The company is not yours. Leave, or you will die."
In response to the threats, I tightened security around my house. But the messages didn't stop. I had considered telling my grandfather, but I feared it would worry him, and I didn't want to risk anything happening to him in his delicate condition. I decided to handle it on my own, but I still haven't been able to stop the threats.
"Christian," my grandfather's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. "You've gone quiet. Are you thinking about marriage? I heard you went on a date today," he chuckled. "How was the lady?"
I frowned, thinking back to the so-called date with Ashley. I hadn't even considered the other part of the evening since I could only think about her. "My informant told me you took her to your favorite spot on the bridge."
I rolled my eyes, knowing my grandfather always found out everything. He was the only one who knew about my spot on the bridge.
Years ago, after my parents' death, I tried to take my own life there, but my grandfather found me and convinced me not to go through with it. Since then, the bridge has become a special place for me.
"It wasn't a date, Grandfather, and—"
"You sure?" he asked, laughing again. It felt amazing to hear him laugh, and I wondered how he would react if I introduced Ashley as my wife.
She wouldn't want that, I thought.
After all, she had just broken up with her boyfriend. But she was the only one I wanted to be with—not because I loved her, but because I liked her.
"When will you introduce me to her?" he asked.
"Grandfather!" I gasped. "She and I are not—"
"Will she be here next weekend for the family dinner?"
I raised my eyebrows in confusion and glanced at Daniel, who avoided my gaze. He hadn't told me about any family dinner. But since my grandfather mentioned it, it must be important. "Oh," I pretended as if I knew. "I'm not sure if she will—"
"Bring her here, Christian. I want to meet her so we can start the wedding preparations!"
I sighed, knowing that explaining myself would be a waste of time.
My grandfather never gave up once he had set his mind on something. I wasn't about to disappoint him.
"Alright, Grandfather," I said, rubbing his hand gently. "I'll bring her."
I didn't know how to do it, but somehow, I believed I would.
As if on cue, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out and saw a notification with her name on it.
Ashley: Hi, this is Ashley. Thank you for today.
A grin spread across my face as I read the message, and then the next one surprised me even more.
Ashley: I'd like a proper date tomorrow if you're free. Unless you're busy.
Busy? There was no way I would be busy when the woman I had had my eyes on since I was a teenager had just asked me out on a date.
She didn't seem to remember me when we met at the restaurant.
Still, I could never forget her face, nor the way she had comforted me when I lost my parents years ago. Even though we had been separated for so long, we were finally reunited again, and this time, I was not going to let her slip away.
"I see you're grinning at your phone. My grandson must be in love," my grandfather commented, and I realized he had been watching me.
I couldn't help but laugh, and soon he joined in. "I can't wait to meet the girl who is making you smile."
Me too, I thought.
With that, I texted her back, telling her I was free.
"Let's have a date."