Chapter 15: The Engagement That Shook the Boardroom
Mariano Enterprises — Executive Lunch
New York City
The long glass table gleamed under the afternoon sun.
Mariano Enterprises executives sat on one side.
Watson Enterprises executives on the other.
And at the head… my father, Jaspfher Mariano, seemed unusually calm.
I sat next to him, my lunch barely touched.
Across from me, Keifer Watson adjusted his cufflinks, watching the room with that familiar piercing gaze.
Even in the midst of a business lunch, the tension between us was palpable.
Percy, of course, had to make it more dramatic.
"Wow," he whispered. "This is basically a royal wedding in the making."
I rolled my eyes.
"Percy—"
He smirked. "Just saying."
The Announcement
My father cleared his throat.
"I think it's time we settle a matter that affects both our companies."
Everyone leaned in slightly.
Even Keifer raised an eyebrow.
My father continued, calm and commanding:
"For the benefit of Mariano Enterprises and Watson Enterprises, and to secure a stable partnership between our two families, I propose a formal engagement between Jay-jay Mariano and Keifer Watson."
The room went silent.
I nearly choked on my salad.
Keifer froze mid-bite.
And Percy practically fell out of his chair, whispering:
"Oh… this is happening."
I stared at my father, stunned.
"You… what?"
"It is for business," he said, cool as ice. "A formal engagement, legally binding if necessary. This will strengthen both companies and prevent any hostile moves from other Watson relatives."
Keifer blinked, then leaned slightly toward me.
"Do you… want me to stop it?" he asked quietly.
I shook my head, firm.
"No need. I forced an engagement with Yuri in the past for strategic reasons. I can handle this."
He hesitated, his fingers brushing the table, then nodded.
"Alright," he said softly. "If that's what you want."
After the Announcement
As the meeting continued, the room buzzed with whispers.
Executives were excited.
Lawyers were already drafting documents.
Percy leaned back and whispered to me:
"You're officially the CEO princess now."
"Percy—" I muttered.
Keifer remained calm, but I could see his jaw tightening slightly every time a Watson advisor muttered about our "union."
Once lunch ended, Keifer pulled me slightly aside in the office hallway.
"You know," he said quietly, voice low, "we're actually engaged now."
I gave him a sharp look.
"Yes, I know."
"I can't help but wonder," he continued, brushing a hand gently against mine, "if you'll hate me even more now because of this."
I shook my head.
"I don't hate you… yet."
He smirked faintly.
"That's progress."
I raised an eyebrow.
"And don't get any ideas about using this engagement as a shortcut to forgiveness," I added.
Keifer laughed softly, but there was something in his eyes.
"Maybe I don't want a shortcut," he said quietly.
I stopped walking.
"Then what do you want?"
"I want the real thing," he whispered, his face only inches from mine.
My breath caught.
"Keifer—"
Before I could finish, he leaned in slightly and brushed his lips against my forehead.
A small, intimate gesture, but it sent a shiver down my spine.
"Don't push me away too hard," he murmured.
"I'll try," I said softly, unable to stop the slight smile tugging at my lips.
For the first time in weeks… the tension between us felt different.
Still fiery. Still frustrating.
But… somehow, a little warmer.
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