Part 16

16

Just by observing how Vano fought relentlessly for Celine, willing to do anything, Carlos had a bad feeling. He didn't want Vano and Celine's marriage to bring a catastrophe for the second time. Carlos didn't want his son to become the next victim, as he believed that the grudge from the past still lingered.

Recalling that ever since his rival Celine's father lost the business battle, his company had almost gone bankrupt and was still struggling to survive. If it weren't for financial injections from others, the company would have crumbled and gone bankrupt.

"It feels challenging to bring up those bitter memories, but perhaps it's time for me to share it all with you," Carlos said seriously, looking at Chelsea. This time, he would open up about his painful past to Chelsea, even though he had been in a serious relationship with Margareth. Still, he had no intention of sharing his wounds and grudges.

However, for some reason, when Chelsea asked what the issue was with giving his blessing, Carlos was willing to open up about half of his dark past.

"It's not that I don't want to approve of Vano's wish, as you know, he's of a suitable age to have a wife. But unfortunately, the parents of the girl caused my wife's demise, even though the police claimed it was just an accident with no evidence of intention. Nevertheless, until now, I am convinced that the accident was carefully planned.

And ever since that accident, my world has been shattered. Fortunately, Vano is still my source of strength in life. So, yes, as you may have suspected, the girl's parents are the ones who took my wife away from this world. They also threatened to destroy all the happiness I had if I continued with the major tender at the time."

"Ah, I see now, if that's the case, I'm also convinced that something isn't right with the accident involving Vano's mother, Sir," Chelsea said, worsening the situation.

If Vano were to find out about this, he would surely be furious because Chelsea was meddling in his affairs. However, Chelsea deliberately did all this in retaliation for Vano deviating from the agreement they had made.

"You're right. And even though you've only heard a little bit of the story, you already agree with the grudge I carry. But I'm puzzled as to why Vano can't understand this."

"Well, that's love, Sir. It can blind us to everything," Chelsea replied as if she were on Carlos's side. However, deep down, she felt sorry that Carlos wouldn't give his approval merely because of the past. Moreover, the incident had happened ten years ago, and Celine's parents might not still hold a grudge. 

"That's why I hope you'll help redirect Vano's world."

"Of course, Sir. As we agreed, I'll approach Vano."

"Thank you, Chelsea." Carlos shook Chelsea's hand. "Starting now, as I mentioned earlier, don't call me 'Sir' anymore, but 'Dad,' just like with Vano. Consider it practice before you get married."

"All right, Dad," Chelsea replied, forcing a smile. It turns out that wearing a mask to deceive others can be exhausting. If all of this had nothing to do with her and her father, Chelsea would have already left Carlos and Vano's lives.

"Van, I want to talk to you. Meet me at our usual spot." That was the content of the message Celine sent before Vano started his car's engine. He sighed in frustration. He was actually reluctant to meet his girlfriend, especially since they had just finished arguing.

Vano had a gut feeling that Celine was looking for trouble every time they argued. Nevertheless, rather than letting the problem escalate, Vano agreed to meet Celine.

Within about half an hour, he arrived at the cafe, their usual meeting place.

"What's this about? If it's just to pick a fight with me, you'd better think twice. Honestly, I'm not ready to discuss sensitive issues right now because I just had an argument with my dad, just like with you earlier," Vano said.

Celine pursed her lips. "Don't use me as your punching bag, Van. If you want to argue with your dad, it's your problem."

"Don't start," Vano warned, cutting Celine off. He knew that if he allowed her to continue, she would just escalate things.

"All right, instead of arguing over trivial matters, let's get straight to the point," Celine said, taking a deep breath to gather herself. She needed to make her request to her boyfriend as calmly as possible.

"Here's the thing," Celine folded her hands on the table. "I just got home, and my dad questioned our relationship again, asking when it will be official. I've been ridiculed by my extended family. One of my younger cousins is getting married this month, and I'm twenty-eight years old, but you still haven't found a way to marry me. So, my dad gave you a message. I'm going to be married to one of his business colleague's sons. It's happening in about two months if you still haven't committed by then."

Vano was taken aback. "Y-You said what?"

"I'm getting married in two months, to the man my dad has chosen. If you don't marry me, my dad will do everything necessary for my reputation and our family's honor. My younger sister is getting married, and I don't want to be left behind. So please understand, whether you like it or not, I'll accept my father's offer because you're a coward who can't make a decisive move," Celine emphasized every word she uttered.

Celine had grown tired of being in this limbo. She had even offered to her father to find her a suitable match, not because it was her father's wish, as she had told Vano a few seconds ago.

It was up to Vano whether he wanted to be angry or not, as long as it was in the name of her father, Vano wouldn't be able to get angry, let alone refuse.

"But, Celine, haven't I told you to be patient until..."

"I can't be patient anymore. I'm embarrassed by my status, being a lecturer but still single. As you know, there are a few lecturers at the university who have feelings for me and have proposed. But because of you, I'm still alone, fighting for a relationship that seems like it will never see the light of marriage. So, I'm leaving it all up to you. These two months, I'll wait for you, but beyond that, I'll get married first."

Celine stopped speaking there, immediately stood up, and left without allowing Vano to explain or defend himself. Today, Celine was determined to give Vano a shock and assertiveness so that he would take a different course of action and not just accept any decision made by her father.

Celine also tried to convince herself that she could still live without Vano. Although it hurt, it was better than nurturing hopes that would never materialize.

Working as Carlos's impromptu assistant wasn't such a bad thing. In fact, Chelsea found herself enjoying it. She didn't even realize that the day had already turned into evening due to her focused and diligent work.

"Thank you for today, Chelsea," Carlos extended his hand. He genuinely expressed his gratitude for Chelsea's assistance.

The job had been quite relaxed today. "As for a gift, what do you want tonight?" Carlos asked before they left the room.

"Nothing, Dad. I just want to rest at home. It turns out I'm tired, even though I've only been sitting and staring at the computer all day," Chelsea replied, trying to cheer Carlos up. He had been in a bad mood since the argument with Vano earlier, but Chelsea was trying to win him over and keep him from dwelling on the issue.

Since Vano had decided to betray her earlier, Chelsea had also changed her mind. She would conquer both Carlos and Vano at the same time. She didn't care where her feelings would ultimately settle; being so close to both a man and a woman would make it impossible not to develop some kind of affection.

"All right, let's go home so you can rest." Chelsea nodded her head, without hesitation or fear. She even held Carlos's hand as they walked side by side toward the elevator. Chelsea didn't care about the stares of the employees who noticed their closeness. She would also thicken her skin to win Carlos over.

No matter what, she had to make Carlos fall in love so that her mother would be heartbroken, betrayed by her own daughter. It was easy to imagine how Margareth would cry blood, begging her to stay away from her beloved. That's where Chelsea would command Carlos to get Margareth out of his life if he wanted to have a serious relationship with her.

Once in the elevator, Chelsea didn't let go of Carlos's hand, and strangely, he had no intention of releasing her hand either.

Carlos seemed to enjoy and feel comfortable with Chelsea's hand in his. In fact, he tightened their grip, and when they got out of the elevator, Chelsea did something surprising. Carlos wanted to refuse or avoid it, but he didn't want Chelsea to feel embarrassed in front of the employees who greeted them every time they passed by.

Do you know what Chelsea did? She daringly wrapped her arm around Carlos's waist, as if to assure everyone that they had a special relationship. Let people think of her as a cheap woman willing to sell herself for money; Chelsea didn't care. What mattered was that people recognized that they had a concealed relationship.

Furthermore, Carlos was a widower, so there was no way he would be considered a home-wrecker.

"Chelsea, you..." 

"Dad, I'm sorry. I used to live with my father, filled with love and affection, and we always walked together everywhere. But since Dad can't walk anymore, I haven't been able to walk like this. Since you've already considered me your daughter, please allow me to consider you my father as well."

Carlos could only sigh deeply, unable to protest as Chelsea seemed sincere in her words. He was confident that Chelsea wouldn't deviate from the agreement they had made. Furthermore, Carlos believed it was impossible for Chelsea to fall in love with an older man like him.