Chapter 1- I'm Not Marrying Her

Lily's POV

My dream is to become great in everything I do. Calling myself perfect became my obsession. I'm afraid of making mistakes. I'm afraid of disappointing people around me. I don't wanna end up being useless or worthless. I always find a way to be helpful because I believe that is my purpose. That is why I'm living.

"Lily, the Don wants to see you."

"Huh?"

She burst into tears. "He's dying, Lily."

My heart raced. The Don is the one who built the Utopia, a cosmetic company that has been reigning the business for almost 80 years now. Don Rogue Harrison I is my late grandfather's best friend and I treat him as my own grandfather.

Afraid of the news, I rushed to the hospital with my cousin Louie, who shared the news to me.

My eyes are puffy and I'm sobbing as I run along the hallway of the private hospital he's in.

I slowed down after I saw the Don's family gathered in front of the Intensive Care Unit. I sobbed again.

"Lily!" The Don's daughter-in-law grabbed my trembling hands.

"Lily, Papa wants to see you. Lily, please give him everything he asks. He adores you so much. He might stay with us longer if you agree to whatever he requested."

I nodded and chewed my bottom lip. "I-I'll do everything, Aunt."

"Thank you, darling."

I glanced at the other family members. My eyes found an unfamiliar man who resembles the Don and his son. I swallowed hard. That's certainly Rogue Harrison III.

Rogue Harrison II, the Don's only son, went to me. His eyes are reddish.

"Lily…"

I smiled, trying to light up the heavy atmosphere. "I-I'll do everything to help, uncle."

"Thank you, Lily."

I slowly entered the ICU. The Don's eyes immediately darted to me and he flashed a sweet yet weak smile.

"Lily…" He whispered my name.

I sobbed and slowly held his hand. "Don…"

"I-I told you to… call me grandpa."

I chewed my bottom lip. "G-Grandpa, please don't leave us yet."

He lifted his arm, reaching my cheek to wipe my tears.

"Oh, dear…" He panted. "You resembles… your grandfather so much. I-I'm excited to meet him there."

"Grandpa!" I groaned as tears rolled down my cheeks again.

He chuckled. "I-I'm not dying yet, my dear. I want to see you marry."

I pressed my lips together. "I-I don't have a boyfriend. So you have to wait for another 20 years."

He laughed despite his weak state. He slowly shook his head. "You are… already 29, Lily. Get married. I-I found a man for you."

"Grandpa…"

He smiled. "Marry my grandson Rogue."

My heart instantly became untamed. I saw him outside with his girlfriend. No! That's impossible.

I glanced behind me and met Rogue's pair of dangerous eyes. His arms are wrapped around the waist of a beautiful woman beside him. He's watching me intensely. Everyone's eyes are actually watching, but his eyes are so captivating and dangerous.

I immediately averted my gaze and looked at the Don. "G-Grandpa, he has a girlfriend."

He frowned. "I've met that girl… and I don't like her."

"Grandpa…"

"Marry my grandson, Lily. I want you for my grandson."

I'm starting to panic. This can't be! I'm not close to Rogue and I feel suffocated whenever he's around. My heart would always go untame whenever I feel his presence, meet his eyes or simply hear his name. I'm not stupid not to name the strange emotions I felt towards him. Obviously, I'm in love with Rogue Harrison III. But he has a girlfriend. I'm not a relationship wrecker.

"Don't you want your old man… to be happy, Lily? I want you… to marry my grandson. I'm not forcing you. This is a request. Y-You can… say no."

I squeezed my eyes closed. Of course, he's manipulating me with his words using my emotions. He's a businessman anyway.

"Grandpa…"

He smiled. "Call them, Lily. Call Rogue and his parents."

I chewed my bottom lip and nodded. I swallowed hard and went to the door. I saw my mom and cousin watching me intently.

"What is it, Lily?" Rogue's dad asked.

I squeezed my eyes closed. "H-He wants to talk to you and your s-son."

I saw how Rogue stared at me with a creased forehead.

They immediately entered. Rogue's mom held the Don's hand.

"What is it, papa? Do you want something? We'll give you everything, papa." Aunt said, almost crying.

The Don smiled. "Don't cry, my sweet. I just… have a little favor to ask."

"What is it, papa?" Rogue's dad asked.

The Don signaled me to come. I went to the other side of the bed and he held my hand before he looked at his son.

"I want Rogue to marry our dear Lily."

"What?!" Rogue was the first one to react. He sounds so angry.

I squeezed my eyes closed. I knew it!

"Grandpa! I have a girlfriend for pete's sake!"

"Rogue, your grandpa…" Aunt softly said.

I slowly opened my eyes and glanced at him. He's clenching his jaws while glaring at me. I immediately looked away. My heart is racing inside my chest.

"Papa," Rogue's father called. "We want the kids to choose the person they want for themselves. I don't wanna force them."

Grandpa shook his head. His eyes are weak and disappointed. "I'm not… forcing them. It's okay if they refuse. This is just… a request from a dying old man."

"Grandpa!" I couldn't help but to complain.

"Papa, don't say that!" Aunt, who's now crying, complained too.

Grandpa smiled bitterly. His eyes looked so sad. "I always… wanted the best for my family."

I chewed my bottom lip. This can't be happening. I don't wanna force Rogue but his grandfather… I don't wanna fail the Don. I don't wanna disappoint him.

I sucked my breath and spoke with my eyes tightly shut. "I-I'll do it, grandpa. I'll marry R-Rogue."

A deafening silence filled us until Rogue's voice roared like thunder.

"NO! I'M NOT MARRYING HER, GRANDPA!"