“Yes, well Roscoe might not be able to take on everyone,” he said shaking his head “and it might give me peace of mind to have somebody walking the perimeters at nighttime at least.”
We began to walk inside. “At least it was only one reporter or photographer” I pointed out as Grayson began to pull out cereal from the pantry.
He frowned “You don’t suppose they’ve found out your real identity?” he asked, looking over his shoulder.
I shook my head, Roscoe lying down on the floor now, with his head between his paws “No, I think maybe they were just looking to expand on the story of our secret wedding” I pointed out with ease.
He smirked “Maybe I should have sent him to Charlotte’s house then. I’m sure she would have been more than eager to talk to him.”
I giggled “That’s not nice Grayson,” I said as he put a bowl of cereal in front of me and handed me a spoon and milk.
“It’s true” he laughed joining me and beginning to eat “As it is I won’t be surprised if she gets married in a hurry” he added with a shrug and a nonchalance that surprised me.
“Oh?” I said, not comprehending.
He gave me a sidelong glance “She wants the company as well. Now I’m married, she’s going to have to hurry if she’s got a chance of getting her hands on it.”
The cereal felt thick and lumpy in my mouth as I swallowed. It was tasteless. Just like that, I felt the overwhelming obligation to give Grayson what he had requested before the wedding and our marriage. It was left unsaid, but I could see the look of hope in his eyes and the questioning expression on his face. I forced a smile on my lips, “I guess that we have to get a bit more serious then” I said quietly, staring down at my cereal.
I saw him frown, saw him open his mouth to say something when his cell phone began to go off upstairs.
“Shit, I better get that” he cursed and jumped to his feet, dashing upstairs while I stared morosely down at my cereal.
It no longer held any appeal to me.
Grayson POV
What a morning. I was pissed that a photographer had gotten onto my property, but my main concern had been for Flair. Roscoe had surpassed all my expectations and I no longer had any doubts about keeping the dog. He’d earned his place in his home as far as I was concerned. But I was an idiot for mentioning the conditions of our marriage to Flair. Why did I have to open my big mouth? The second I did I saw the light dim in her eyes, saw her shoulders slump and her smile fade. I wanted to take back the words, to tell her that I wanted to change the contract, but before I could the phone rang and I was left racing upstairs.
“Hello,” I said tersely, not in the mood for pleasantries.
“Grayson” Grandfather’s voice was on the other end “Excellent. I’ve managed to catch you before you left for work. You need to take today off” he instructed me.
I frowned at the phone. Typical of the old man to think he could order me about as though I was his puppet. “Old man, I am not your’s to order about on a whim. You forget, I am not my father” I said angrily.
“Perhaps but you’re going to anyway. Today is an auspicious day for your sister Charlotte” he said calmly.
Great. Just fucking great. What did I care about what Charlotte did? We weren’t full-blooded brothers and sisters. We didn’t even like each other. What was the old man playing at now?
“Spit out what you want,” I said tiredly “I’ve had a hell of a morning and I’m not in the mood for your damn riddled and nonsense.”
“Mind how you speak to me” Grandfather growled.
I rolled my eyes. “I’m waiting” I bit out.
He sighed “Your sister is getting married today. I require both you and Flair to be present at the wedding ceremony in the courthouse.”
Was he mad? I had no desire to witness Charlotte getting married to Flair’s ex-husband Johnathon Rourke. Nor would I require Flair to be forced to watch him marry Charlotte. That was beyond cruel.
“You’re insane. The answer is no” I spat.
“Here me out. I cannot have the media speculating as to why both you and Charlotte had such hastily arranged marriages. If you and Flair are present, it shows that neither of you is upset over Charlotte’s decision to marry Johnathon and that you have no hard feelings over it. Charlotte’s already been portrayed as a bit of a spoilt brat in the media, you and Flair being present would go a long way to establishing a more positive image” he said tightly “I’m asking this because I must, not because I want to hurt you or Flair. That is the last thing I intend.”
“Grandfather, why would I care about Charlotte’s image so much? She has done nothing but degrade me over the years or speak ill of my mother.”
“I’m asking for the sake of the company that you both desire so much. The stock prices will continue to plummet unless you both form a united front. You know that scandals cause a loss in profit and damage the reputation of the company” my Grandfather said as I hesitated “and the Deluca family name means something to me, even if it means very little to you.”
Damnit, now he was going for sentimentality. I gripped the cell phone tighter. “What about Flair? She might not be so magnanimous when it comes to forgiving her ex-husband and his affair with Charlotte?” I said irritably “and I wouldn’t blame her for it.”
“Then I would be asking why she’s still so hung up on it when she’s married to a far better man now,” my Grandfather said with a hint of smugness “Flair will do anything you ask of her. Do you or do you not have a contract marriage” he pointed out, causing me to scowl “and she promised to help you get your hands on this company” he added “so it stands to reason she will do what she needs to, including attending this wedding ceremony.”
“I doubt Charlotte or Johnathon want us there,” I said annoyed.
“They don’t have a choice either,” My Grandfather said imperiously “I have already notified the media and they are going to be there to take pictures and publish the story. Charlotte’s wedding will be front page news, unlike your own which you took such care to hide. I don’t want speculation she’s pregnant already or any other such nonsense” he exhaled.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.