Chapter 2

Bryan's POV  

"Argh!" I let out softly, my forehead furrowing as I tried to sit up, holding my head which was pounding furiously.   The scent of the early morning sun rays and its warmth mixed with the scent of the sunflowers sitted calmly in the ceramic vase close to my window filled the room.    As I stretch lazily, blinking away the haze of sleep still heavy on my eyes, I realize I'm not alone.   A woman is lying next to me, the sheets pulled up to her chest.  "Hassshh!" I sighed as I struggled to recall the events of last night's party. I had gone out like every other night, and had returned drunk.   Quickly, I tap her shoulder. "Get up," I say gruffly, "It's time to go."  "Uhmmm…" She muttered softly, her tone showing she was still very much sleepy. "I need more sleep." "Yesterday night was so good that it took all my strength away." She added, a flirtatious smile appearing on her face as she ran her hands across my hairy chest.   "Get up and leave!!" I growled with a frown.   "Fine!" She snapped, "Can I at least use your bathroom first?" she asked.   "Why?" I grinned scornfully. "Don't be ridiculous.   "You know the rules. This was a one-night stand. Now get dressed and get out."  She huffs as she begins to gather her clothes. I watched her, impatient for her to leave. Quickly, I drew out my brown leathered wallet and threw some bundles of money for her.   "Take this," I uttered scornfully. "Hey! Don't forget your stuff," I added, gesturing to her purse she had forgotten to pick up.   Fuming with anger, she glared at me, but I ignored her as she scurried out of the room.  "Finally! Some peace and quiet." I soliloquized as I collapsed back onto my bed but then I heard the door open again.   "Didn't you hear get out?" I yielded immediately, but on seeing my grandfather, Jonathan Rodriguez step into the room, I mellowed.   "Ohh!" I voiced.   His face was contorted in anger as his eyes burned red.   You're not getting away with this behavior," he bellows, obviously thinking I'm still with the woman.  "Grandfather," I start, surprised to see him standing there. "I wasn't expecting you..."  He cuts me off. "I don't care who you were expecting. I'm here to make an announcement about the decision I have made for your future, and you're going to listen whether you like it or not."  "I won't be spoken to like this," I growled, but my grandfather was not intimidated.  "You have no choice," he growled back. "I've made my decision. Now listen! You're getting married."   "What?" I echoed, trying to make sense out of the words my grandfather let out.   "How?"   "That's not all," my grandfather continued ignoring my reactions. "And until you prove to me that you're a responsible adult and provide an heir for our family, you're going to be cut off from the family fortune."  "What?" I barked. "You can't be serious! That's outrageous!"  He shakes his head. "You've brought this upon yourself with your irresponsible behavior, Bryan." He paused for a few seconds, and continued, "If you want access to your inheritance, you're going to have to earn it."  "What do you mean to earn it?" I asked, my eyes firing triggers at him.   "Well, you can start by coming back to work for the family company," he continues. "I'll provide a monthly stipend, but only if you work for it. No more partying and wasting your life away. You're an adult now, and it's time you started acting like one."  My fist clenched as I fumed in anger. How dare he treat me like this? I asked beneath my breath.  "You can't do this," I let out. "I won't let you."  "You're in no position to argue," he replied.   "It's done. "And if you think you can defy me," he continues, his voice colder than ever, "remember that I'm the one with all the power. I built this company from the ground up, and I can take it all away with a snap of my fingers. You'd be nothing without me."  I struggle to contain my rage. I know he's right, but I can't stand the idea of being controlled like this. It was outrageous, but I had no choice. I couldn't afford to be without my inheritance.   "Fine," I say through gritted teeth, folding my hands into a fist. "I'll work for you. But don't expect me to enjoy it."  My grandfather nodded curtly. "I'm not asking you to enjoy it. I'm asking you to do your duty. And if you can prove yourself, if you can make something of yourself, then maybe, just maybe, I'll consider restoring your inheritance."  I glared at him with a clenched jaw. But I know he's right. I have no choice but to accept his terms.  "Fine! Not like I have any choice." I spat angrily in agreement after letting out a deep, resigned sigh.  "Good," my grandfather replied, a mischievous grin laced in his face. "You can start by moving out of this penthouse and into the townhouse I've arranged for you. And make sure you clean up your act, because the girl will be arriving tomorrow.  Tomorrow?" I stuttered, my eyes widened in shock. "You expect me to be ready to meet whoever this girl is in less than 24 hours?"  My grandfather shrugged. "I'm not asking you to love her, just to marry her. You have a duty to this family, and I expect you to fulfill it."  My clenched jaw tightened as I stared at him.  "I can't do this," I say, my voice low. "This is too much, too fast. I need more time to adjust."  But my grandfather remains unmoved.   "You've had plenty of time to 'adjust' to your responsibilities, and you've wasted it. Now it's time to grow up, to face the consequences of your actions. You will marry Emelda tomorrow, and that's final." He spat through his gritted teeth.  I turn away, unable to look at him any longer.  "Wait a minute," I said, my voice dripping with suspicion as I thought. "You know who Emelda is, don't you? You planned this. You arranged for me to marry her."  My grandfather's expression was impassive as he stood still, not uttering a word. But there was just something in his eyes. Something that was hard to figure out. I couldn't tell what he was up to.   "You're using me." I spat, my blood boiling. "What are you up to?" I asked.   Silent and unconcerned, my grandfather shrugged, as he walked towards the door. Stopping in his tracks, he turned to face me. His expression changed.   Jonathan Rodriguez smiled, a cold, sinister smile.   "Pick yourself up and get ready."