Chapter Three

     To say Dylan was pissed off would be an understatement of the century.  He actually saw red at the sight of Jason, sure he knew that this was a welcome home party for all four of them but he hadn’t expected his reaction to be this intense; almost feral even.

    He had wanted nothing more than to punch the arrogant jerk’s face. God he could feel the raging adrenaline coursing through his veins but he had managed to curb his anger or so help him God heads would’ve rolled.

   He almost took out his anger on an innocent maid who was only doing her job. He made a beeline towards his office and made an order of beer.

   With a strict do not disturb order Dylan shut the door and skimmed off his jacket which he threw across the brown leather sofa. He poured himself a glass before plopping onto the high-back swivel chair. He took a sip of the amber liquid relishing in its burning sensation as it travelled down his throat. He allowed his thoughts to wander through so many things; the life he thought he had, Savannah and Jason’s betrayal, and the past rebellious weeks of his life that had now steered him toward a path he never thought he’d get to in his life.

    He could still feel the painful sting of his grandfather's palm as it connected with his face, the impact jeered  his head to the side and almost numbed his jaw.

   He had experienced first-hand some of Don Fernando’s unadulterated rage many a time but nothing had prepared him for the icy anger in older man's piercing blue eyes.

   ‘’This sort of action is outrageous and unacceptable! What were you thinking?’’ Don Fernando’s angry voice rang out which even in old age appeared to be above average.  ‘’I left you to live your life so you wouldn't feel caged and this is what I get for my unselfish decision?’’ his pointer poked at the tabloid on the desk in front of him. Dylan didn’t need to pick it up to see what was on it because the bold letters were staring back at him like a damn predator: VERGARA HEIR ON A RAMPAGE.

    He didn’t need to read the article to know what it’s about, the violence only took place last night and it had been two weeks since he found out Savannah was cheating on him with his best friend and he had been a depressed, drunken mess ever since.

  Don Fernando hadn’t cared about his drunken spree on the contrary, he thought it was the best way for him to unwind but oh how wrong he had been. The last straw came last night when he pummelled a guy and sent him to the hospital half dead.

   Actually, it wasn’t the first time the violence started and every other time he has had to pay for the media’s silence but this was way beyond him and there was no stopping a lawsuit.

    Don Fernando thought that he had been too strict with Dylan’s father and made him into the cold and ruthless man he had been but now he’s sorrier for letting Dylan off the hook and letting him have his way.

   Even though he had no doubt at all that his grandson had loved this girl and that her betrayal had hit him hard, it wasn’t an excuse.

   Don Fernando couldn’t help but feel hurt as he watched his heartbroken grandson–his face all bruised up and his knuckles were covered in bandages–he decided finally that there was only one way to put an end to all these mess…

   ‘’You’re going back to the Philippines.’’ Relief flooded Dylan’s  handsome features but the next words that came out of Don Fernando’s mouth were strong enough to knock the air out of his lungs.

   ‘’I’m going to get you a wife.’’ Don Fernando stated purposely oblivious to the frigid demeanour that was now his grandson’s mood, he added. ‘’It’s time you settled down and become a responsible man.’’

   ‘’And you think getting married will make me responsible?’’ Dylan has heard so many absurd things in his life but this was more than absurd, it was outrageous!

   ‘’You have to get your act together once and for all or I’ll be forced to dis-inherit you. I’m tired of having to be the one to clean up your messes so I think it’s time you grow up and behave like a man don’t you think?’’

   ‘’Grandfather, I’m only twenty-two I can’t get married.’’

   ‘’The earlier the better Dylan. I was only nineteen when I married your grandmother.’’ Dylan knew that once a decision has been made by the great Don Fernando Vergara there was no taking it back and of course there was no arguing.

   Like the law of the Medes and Persians–unalterable.

   ‘’You’re not going to let me be the one to decide are you?’’

   Don Fernando shook his head and sat back down as his feet had begun to ache. Dylan knew the answer but he still dreaded it. ‘’I’m afraid it is non-negotiable. This is for your own good grandson. An empire like Skyline needs a stable and responsible leader. I’m sure with time Savannah will be nothing but an unpleasant memory.’’

  ‘’Can I at least choose who I want to marry?’’ he hoped his grandfather wouldn’t refuse him the privilege.

    Don Fernando mused for the space of three seconds before he sighed. He knew there was no way his grandson would back down without a fair argument.

   ‘’Fine.’’ He decided eventually, ‘’you have seven days to find yourself a bride or I’ll be forced to find one for you. Even if I have to drag you to the altar.’’

   And that was it. The conversation was over.

Dylan found his thoughts inadvertently revert back to the feisty little brunette from moments ago. He had been piqued to see her raise her voice at him.

He had met so many people; young, old, poor, and rich not once had anyone talked back to him they were almost, always eager to do his bidding no matter how unpleasant.

  

He must hand it to her though, that was some enormous guts she had there and even though he wouldn’t admit it he was actually impressed.

He had been smiling like an idiot for the past minute and to think that it was because of some tacky girl from the slums who in the space of fifteen minutes tonight had managed to express her immense dislike towards him in not so many words.

   He decided much later that he needed some air.