Dinner with the Grayson's

Ethan Pov

The atmosphere in the dining room was getting more and more suffocating as we ate. Early this morning, Mr. Greyson, my grandfather, invited me for breakfast alongside my uncle, Jonathan.

I couldn't eat anything but found myself stabbing the steak in my plate while glaring hard at Jonathan. Oh sweet lord, how much I wish he was the one on my plate other than the steak.

Grandpa knew too well that Jonathan and I never got along, so why did he have to call us both over? Was he trying to play some sort of game? Or did he call to announce the company being handed over to Jonathan?

I was way too curious that I simply stared at my grandfather as he ate hastily. Just then Jonathan cleaned his mouth with a wipe and I knew he was about to say something.

“The meal is so delicious father, it reminds me of the old days when Ethan's parents were still alive,” he said with a smile, and my grandfather who was in the middle of twirling a few strands of spaghetti into a ball halted and wiped his mouth too.

“Yes, you are right Jonathan. Your brother, James, loved eating steak a lot. It still pains me so much that he died in a very sad way.” Grandpa wiped the tears from his eyes.

Uncle Jonathan reached for Grandpa's back and began to pat it as he said, “I missed him too Father. We all do, right Ethan?” he asked, looking straight into my eyes.

I clenched my fist tightly and released it right after. I threw a cold glare at my uncle but he smirked instead, which caused a sudden rage within me. I hate him so much that I feel like strangling him to death.

I opened my mouth to say something but instantly kicked against it and kept Mum instead. Just then my grandfather turned to me as he sniffed in. He has already stopped crying.

“The last time you came to my penthouse, you blabbered about getting married but never told me about the lucky girl.” Grandpa narrowed his gaze at me as he spoke.

I knew too well that he had called me over because of the marriage. However, I don't want to say anything in front of Jonathan but I know better than my grandfather that he would keep me here for a long time if I refuse to say anything about it and I don't want that.

After mulling over the issue for a while, I decided to begin a conversation. “Grandpa there is someone I like and the truth is, we have been seeing each other for a while now.”

“Wow! So you have a secret girlfriend? That is awesome!” Jonathan chimed in before releasing a throaty chuckle. I knew it was a laugh of mockery.

“Yes I have a girlfriend and I'm getting married to her very soon. Don't worry Uncle, I will make sure to take care of the company very well” My voice came out calm as usual following the faint expression I had on my face.

Immediately I replied to him, and his facial expression stiffened. “I'm looking forward to it, Nephew,” he finally squeezed out a few words.

I still don't understand what exactly is his problem. Just why is he trying to take the company away from me? He is fifty-five years old and should be thinking of living his best life, but he's just being a nuisance.

“Enough!'' Grandpa shut us both and stood up. “About your girlfriend, I would love to see her tomorrow. Arrange for it and don't make any mistake Ethan.” Grandpa uttered frostily before walking away.

Now this was my chance to make it happen and I won't miss this opportunity. I stood up from the table too and grabbed my phone before going outside.

I dialed Ashley's number right away and she picked up in one go. “Good morning Ashley, trust you had a blissful?” I asked expecting a reply from her but there was none, so I continued.

“I will send you an address right now. Meet me there in thirty and no questions asked.” I quickly hung up and rushed inside to get my car keys.

“When will you stop all this nonsense, Ethan?” Uncle Jonathan's question unwillingly halted me on my track. Turning around, I could see him looking at me with all seriousness.

His arms were crossed on his chest as he glared hard at me. Although he was fifty-five years old, one could never tell since he had this body stature that screamed thirty.

“I won't stop until I beat you and secure what is mine. I told you, didn't I? I will never lose my hard work all these years to a useless twat like you.” I replied frostily before walking away.

Arriving at the location I had sent for Ashley, I was surprised to see her there already. She stood outside the mall and kept tilting her neck to every corner. As soon as she took a look at me, a beam appeared on her face as she waved at me.

Wait! Was she waiting for me outside?

“Mr. Greyson!” She welcomed me with a smile before tucking her hair behind her ears. It was then I realized that she had a beautiful set of hazel eyes accompanied by her vanilla-colored hair.

“Let's go in.” I ushered her inside and she obliged. As we entered the mall, I heard her gasp over the beauty of it.

However, I had no time to waste and picked up a dress from its shelf. Just then the manager rushed to the scene as he spoke sophisticatedly, “This is the latest design that arrived from Italy yesterday, Mr Greyson. I bet it would look very beautiful on her.”

Ashley simply stood in front of me, as I imagined her putting on the dress and indeed she was beautiful. I took a step closer and handed the dress over to her but she gasped once again.

“Hey! What is wrong with you? Do you know how much this costs? It's 10,000 dollars!” she whispered and yelled and I laughed.

“Don't worry about how much the dress costs. Spending the money is my job and your job is to have a successful dinner with my family. So, don't mess it up!” I warned and pushed her inside the dressing room.

Wait! How come she is talking so casually with me? Seriously, that girl is something else. After a few minutes of waiting, the dressing room opened and she walked out graciously.

My mouth dropped open at the beautiful sight in front of me. At that moment, the world stopped moving, except for my heart which continued beating like a madman.

What is this I'm feeling? Have I started falling for this girl in front of me? No! It's impossible. I must be feeling this way because of the gown she was putting on.

“The dress is beautiful, I should go and pick a shoe and a bag that matches it right?” I tried to sound like myself but it turned out to be embarrassing.

After shopping for a few hours, we both decided to part ways. “The dinner is tomorrow at 7 pm. Don't miss it and try to make it on time.” I made sure to tell her the details.

“Yes, I won't. See you tomorrow evening, Mr. Greyson,” she said with a smile before leaving. While I only watched her leave till she was out of sight…