Chapter 2

We didn't exchange a word from my office to the elevator. He didn't even open the door for me when he parked his car in front of the restaurant. I wanted to be annoyed because even though I wasn't wearing a sexy outfit, I am still a woman and deserve to have the door opened for me and be assisted while getting in. I saw stolen shots of him with various women in a magazine before. He always escorted them to the passenger seat and I could only assume that he opened the door for them like a true gentleman would.

I struggled with the seatbelt as I sat down. But unfortunately, even that was stuck and couldn't be pulled! It kept clicking and until now, it refuses to cooperate — just like his attitude, irritating! I could feel his gaze on me along with his impatient breathing.

"Let me do it," he said irritably, furrowing his brows as he looked at me.

He was so close that I could smell his aftershave and body wash. Even his cologne had a pleasant scent and wasn't overwhelming. Unlike other men who practically bathe in perfume. This guy is really something, and even his face has almost no pores! I examined everything closely. He's always clean-shaven and his long hair is always neatly combed. Maybe that's what attracts the women to him. Who is his latest conquest? Erin or Mollie? Not that I'm a gossip, but let's blame Cleo for that. She's updated with JL.

But even JL struggled with the seatbelt, and in his attempt, his arm brushed against my chest. I'm blessed with a B cup and even though there are women with bigger ones than my thirty-six, I'm fine with it. The last thing I want is a back injury. Have you seen those women struggling because of the weight of their breasts? More silicone please!

But my body's reaction is something I can't understand. My nipples instantly hardened, as if his hand brushed against them even though I was wearing a bra. What's happening to me? Even though JL is handsome — okay, I have a slight crush on him! It's not like I am sexually attracted to him or anything.

"Stop staring. You are not my type," he said to me.

I blushed at his blunt rejection, but my anger also rose. He is indeed very good-looking, but he is also incredibly arrogant. So full of himself! He thinks everyone is interested in him. Yes, there are many who are, but not everyone, including me from now on. I don't want to have a crush on him anymore!

"You're staring already? Can't you just give me some space so I can turn my face away? It's difficult for you, huh? You think everyone is interested in you," I told him with a smirk.

He chuckled slightly. "Oh really? So that means you're not even a little attracted to me?"

I swallowed hard. "None."

"Not even a bit?" he leaned his face close to mine as if I were an insect that needs to be examined up close.

"Still deaf? Repeating the same thing?" I raised an eyebrow. "Seriously, you're too close. We might be late, so just put on your seatbelt."

He laughed. "You're difficult, you know that? You keep staring, now you're deaf. Didn't you hear the seatbelt click earlier? Bring some cotton buds with you and clean your ears," he said grinning and then adjusted his seat in the driver's seat.

He started the car and soon we were on our way to Batangas. There was slight traffic, but not too busy. Besides, JL was a skilled driver, so I felt like I was being lulled to sleep. Lately, I haven't been able to sleep much due to the condition of the inherited property. Furthermore, convincing JL has been a major problem. With what's happening today, he's blatantly rejecting me. It wouldn't be a problem if I didn't need him. The question is, what could he possibly need from me so he'd help me?

Because with JL's type, he wouldn't even kneel before Tito Alfonso to agree to a marriage. They don't need money because they're also wealthy. They have houses and land. What could I offer? Nothing. Even if I strip in front of him, he would still refuse me — not that I would do it. But eventually, I have to. I need to have a child with him after marriage. My gosh! This is so hard. It's even harder than Mrs. Papio's final exam!

"Don't fall asleep on me, and you're not my chauffeur," I heard him say. When I looked at him, he immediately looked away from me.

He doesn't even want to look at me. Am I that ugly in his eyes? This guy is really something. I chose not to respond and almost put toothpicks in my eyes to keep them wide open. Besides the faint sound of music that I didn't know, the roar of cars, and honking horns, there was no other conversation between us. If he doesn't want to talk to me, that's fine.

Then his phone rang, and because it was connected to his car, he quickly answered it. I saw Mollie's name appear on the screen. So, this is his new girl?

"Hey, sweetheart," he greeted her.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. Is this the same girl he was texting earlier in the office when he had that cheeky smile on his face? Or is it Erin? Mind your own business, Genovia.

"I want to show you my new lingerie. Turn on your cam, loverboy."

Ew. Ew. Ew. If only I could go deaf so I wouldn't have to hear that woman's bedroom voice seducing him. They might even end up engaging in phone sex.

"I'm afraid that's not possible," JL said.

"Oh, why?" she asked in a disappointed and pretentious tone. She was not only unable to show him her sleepwear on video, but she was also heartbroken. Give me a break.

"I'm on the road. I have to meet with my father, but after this, I'm going to see you."

The woman on the other line chuckled playfully, "Ooh! I like that! I will see you then," she said flirtatiously. Based on their conversation, I knew exactly what they wanted to do, and that put a not-so-pleasant image in my head. I tried to erase the thought that JL might not be a virgin anymore. I could still hear Mollie's kissing sound before she hung up the phone.

If this is his type, I don't even know why my father set me up with him. I wouldn't be surprised if sex is just his pastime!

***

DINNER was awkward. The food was delicious, but I couldn't taste it because I was nervous about JL's potential reaction to the agreement between our fathers. Come to think of it, their deal wasn't even legal. I mean, our fathers' agreement can be compared to a child's game.

"Care to tell me what this dinner is about, Dad? This is not your usual style." He looked at me but I couldn't read his face. It's as if he's also wondering why I'm here in the restaurant.

"It's best if we finish our food before we talk about it," Tito Alfonso answered, continuing to eat without looking at his son.

I heard JL sigh and aggressively bit into a lobster. We are having surf and turf for dinner. It's a combination of steak and lobster with mashed potatoes on the side. It's a classic North American dinner that the Pastors offer here in their restaurant. It would've been enjoyable if I wasn't so nervous about what's going to happen next. Plus, I have no one else to talk to here.

After dinner, Tito Alfonso ordered three cups of coffee.

"Do you want some cake, hija (daughter)?" he asked me with a smile. JL was busy looking at his phone.

I shook my head. "No, but thank you. I am not really fond of sweets," I said to him.

"Really? I thought you liked sweet things. You drink that tea stuff with black, round things," JL said. He was talking as if I was one of his subjects. He didn't even look at me and occasionally furrowed his brows while looking at his cellphone.

"It's milk tea. It's not sweet," I argued.

"Whatever. If it has sugar, that is sweet to me."

I would love to exchange some banters with him, but not today. Tonight, I need him to agree with the arrangement.

"Are you ready to listen to what I have to say, son?" Tito Alfonso asked his son.

"Is it about business?"

"You could say that," his dad answered.

Yes. You could compare their agreement to a business deal. We might as well be featured in a movie with the way our lives are going. Speaking of wealth, the two families will become even richer if JL and I get married. But first, I need his consent.

"I need you to marry Gia a month from now," Tito Alfonso said directly.

JL paused for a moment, then looked at me and burst out laughing. Tito Alfonso was not laughing. I couldn't say anything. I didn't know if he was laughing at what his dad said or at my appearance. Maybe both?

"I'm serious, Jose Luis. I don't apprecia —"

"Dad," JL interrupted his father. He only calls him by his full name when he's angry.

"I want to know if you're going to do as I say or not, so we can find another solution."

"Solution to what? Dad, this is not a simple business you're asking me to do. Not to mention... she's not my type," he looked at me briefly, disapproval evident on his face.

"Gia needs your help."

"So? She's not my responsibility. I have a life of my own. I'll do whatever you want, but I am not marrying... her. She's... look at her! We're not a match," JL said disappointingly to Tito Alfonso. He even wiped his face, probably out of irritation. His dad fell silent.

"All you had to say was a yes or no. You don't have to insult me as if I'm a piece of bad meat that you don't want to have. Frankly, you are not my type either." I saw him raise an eyebrow, but I didn't mind it. I have to say what's on my mind, or else I'll explode. "But because of the condition my dad put in the last will, I agreed to this dinner. For the record, Tito Alfonso only said it was dinner. I didn't know he was going to open up this topic because, like me, I'm still unsure if I can stomach what needs to be done according to the document," I firmly replied.

"Oh come on! Like you don't want to marry me?" He laughed and shook his head. "You're lucky if I'm the one you're going to marry. You won't look for anyone else," he arrogantly said to me.

I scoffed. "I've seen better, Jose Luis. You're just too full of yourself." I laughed at him.

"You little wi —"

"Jose Luis," Tito Alfonso interrupted him. "Can you please be rational about this? And stop this nonsense with Gia."

"Nothing is rational about what you need me to do, Dad. This thing with Gia...this is all nonsense."

"Is that your final decision?" I boldly asked him.

"Why? Are you thinking that I might change my mind and marry you?" he challenged me.

"In case you haven't noticed, Jose Luis, no one is forcing you to marry me. Your father asked, but instead of answering his question, you mocked him and beat around the bush. You even have the gall to insult me. So I'll make this easy for you. I would rather lose everything than marry you." I took the table napkin from my lap and wiped my lips. "If you'll excuse me, Tito Alfonso."

"Where are you going? You don't have a car," JL reminded me. He stood up and seemed about to stop me.

"That's none of your business, and I am a grown woman. I can go home on my own," I said firmly.

"Don't be ridi —" I cut him off. I've had enough for tonight.

"Go to hell and don't act like you suddenly care, you dimwit."

I left him there, dumbfounded. Luckily, there was a taxi waiting in the lobby. I had it take me home and paid the driver double fare since it was far. I need to get out of this place and fast. Jose Luis is the most chauvinistic pig I have ever met. I don't know why my father would want me to marry someone like him.