Chapter 1 Meeting

“Are you sure about your plan, Euphrasia? The agreement you want to enter into is no joke. You cannot just enter and when you decided that it was not meant for you, you cannot easily back out,” Zanaida expressed with concern, her words laced with worry, the familiarity of a best friend and soul sister.

“I know what I’m doing Zanaida. Also, you know that I have no choice. My father bound me to this Will without having to think about my feelings,” I answered calmly, my voice tinged with bitterness.

We were in the hotel suite where I temporarily stayed. Zanaida decided to help me arrange my things for my flight this coming Saturday.

“This is just ridiculous! Your father for sure was not in his right mind when he did that Will,” she said in dismay and fell on the sofa.

I chuckled. “I’m just his illegitimate daughter. I already expected this. It's even more than I initially anticipated. I thought he wouldn't leave me anything.”

My father, Eugenio Acosta, just died of a heart attack. Out of his wealth, the only thing he left to me was my trust fund worth five million and our land on an Island in Palawan. The land on that Island is not even productive unlike the real estate properties my father has given to my two sisters.

“But still, your father’s blood still runs through you. Your father is just unfair, to think that it’s not even your fault why you existed in this world,” Zanaida argued.

“He still left me something Zanaida. That’s enough for me to be grateful. That’s my mother’s haven. It’s important to me.”

"But he shouldn't subject you to this kind of torment. Just admit it. Your father is really unjust to you even when he was still alive.”

I cannot sell or develop the land unless I get married. Besides that, if I turn 26 and I’m still single the land would be passed to my sisters.

I discovered my father's identity after my mother's death during high school. At the age of thirteen, I lived alone. My father isn’t fond of me. More so, his family. His wife hates me so much to the point that she divorced her husband because she really couldn’t accept the fact that her husband cheated with my mother and I was born. My two sisters loathe me because I broke their family.

Even though my father didn’t like me, he didn’t abandon me. He secured a condominium for my residence since I wasn't permitted to stay in their house. He ensured my education at a reputable school and attending to my necessities. I understand that he did that out of responsibility.

I’ve been living alone since then and it’s fine. Sure it is. I can’t do anything either. I’m not the type to push myself around people who don’t want me.

Sure. Living alone was truly hard. At the age of thirteen, I learned to be independent. Doing things alone without the help of other people. I have no problem with money.

Since then I have not got any affection or love from my father. That was sad and I accept that. That’s why I couldn’t understand how he could do this to me. Why would he need to bind me with these conditions? I don’t understand why. Doesn't my emotional pain mean nothing to him? Why does he have to hurt me even after he's gone?

I was really hurt. No one has really hurt me like this. Only my father.

“Is there no other way to claim your inheritance without getting married? You don’t know Octavious Allejandro. He’s a proud man. He is a cruel businessman. You’re only 21 and he may not agree to your terms. This is really not a good idea Euphrasia,” Zanaida cautioned.

I shrugged my shoulder. “Don’t worry. I have a feeling that he will agree with this. He wants my land. He cannot buy it at whatever price. The only option he can choose to use the land is to marry me.”

Octavious Allejandro, the ambitious, impatient, and uptight man I have ever known. I have not seen him in person but based on what I heard from Zanaida and other acquaintances, it is not a good decision to negotiate with him. He owns several famous hotels, restaurants and malls in the Philippines. And according to what I heard form business world, he is planning to build a resort on an Island located in Palawan. Unfortunately, it is also the very island on which my inherited land was located.

According to my lawyer, Mr. Alejandro and my father have scheduled a business meeting about that land. But the sudden death of my father doesn’t make it through. The next meeting, which is tomorrow will be our first meeting. I will be the one to negotiate because I am the new owner of the land.

When I finished packing, I immediately called our family lawyer to ask if the contract I signed had been completed.

“HI. MY NAME IS Euphrasia Acosta. I have an appointment with Mr. Allejandro,” I flashed my smile to the woman behind the reception area of one of the tallest buildings of my soon to be husband.

“Yes ma’am. It’s on the 17th floor. This way to the elevator.” The receptionist guided me and pressed the elevator herself. I was the only one inside.

My formal smile disappeared as the elevator closed. My eyes rolled and I reached for my cellphone in my purse.

I called Zanaida. She answers it after a ring. “Don’t go to the restaurant. There’s a change in location,” I informed her.

I saw my reflection at the back of the elevator. I wear smoky eyeshadow and red lipstick to emphasize maturity and power because, in this meeting, I should be the one leading. My hair is on a stylish updo made by Zanaida. I’m also wearing a black bodycon dress with a blazer and black stilettos.

“What? Why? I’m almost at the restaurant!” Zanaida protested.

“I’m going to his office now. His secretary said that he has a sudden meeting at this time that’s why I was advised to just go here instead of waiting for him.”

“Hah! Euphrasia! You shouldn’t agree! They're the ones in need of you. They should be the ones following you, not the other way around."

“It’s fine. His office was not that far from the restaurant. It’s not a big deal.” The elevator stopped. “Alright, I’ll just see you at the hotel later.” I hang up and put my cellphone back in my purse.

It’s not really a big deal. Although it was kind of irritating. I was already at the location and then suddenly, they will change the plans. They should have informed me beforehand so that I wouldn’t waste my time.

“Miss Acosta?” The secretary stood when I entered the floor.

I nodded my head and beamed at her.

“Ma’am, you can wait inside. Sir’s meeting is almost over.”

She leads me inside the office. I was greeted by the large office. In the middle part there is the office table and chair. In the back there is a tall glass wall. On the right side is the couch. I sat there.

“What do you want for refreshment ma’am? Coffee, juice, tea, or water?”

“Just sparkling water please.”

The secretary went out and I was left inside. I couldn’t help being amazed at the interior of the office. Very modern. From color to its furniture.

While waiting, I just browsed on my phone. The secretary immediately returned with the water. I said my thanks and she left.

I was emersed by the videos I was watching when suddenly, “Euphrasia Ray Acosta?” a man’s voice called out to me.

I turned around. “Yes?” I was stunned to see who had called me.

He’s dressed formally in a white dress shirt and a black tie. It clings to his body, defining the muscle lines from his arms to his torso. His black slacks hung languidly from his belt, and his black and shiny shoes completed his look.

His face was chiseled, and he emitted a powerful aura. His unsmiling lips only added to his intimidating appearance. His pupils were cold and black. His stare, although look cold, but it made me feel hot all over. He appeared arrogant, commanding, and even violent. He’s screaming with vigor because, even though we’re meters apart, still, he’s making my legs tremble with excitement.

I blushed at the things that were running in my head. It makes me confused a bit because it’s not my thing to describe someone as if he’s a specimen that needs to be discovered. It doesn’t feel like me. This man definitely aroused the primitive instinct deep within me and it doesn’t sound good.

The man approached me and held out his palm. “I am Octavious Alejandro the fifth.”

Octavious Allejandro… The fifth!