The Idea That Struck

~~Elena~~

I tried to stay calm. The sound of my heartbeat grew louder. I thought he had already left.

Carlos quickly adjusted his chair and he sat down majestically. I slowly raised my head to look at him, but he didn't even spare me a glance. I felt so broken.

The entire room was filled with an awkward silence, everyone seems to be uncomfortable by his presence, I wasn't excluded either.

Right now I felt like going back to my room.

Suddenly, the woman cracked her voice, breaking the silence.

"Jandro, I know controlling the office is a bit stressful... wh... what if Carlos assists you in the office?" she said with a breaking voice. He sipped his café con leche without even saying a word.

She quietly shoved the old man's hand, indirectly asking him to say something.

But he didn't. I sipped my orange juice, hoping this awkward breakfast would finally come to an end.

"Alejandro, I think it's time you settle down also," the old man said. His words came so unexpectedly that I almost spat out my juice.

"So... sorry," I managed to say, as all eyes turned to me. I looked at him, and this time I caught his charming hazel eyes. I could barely hold his gaze. Quickly, I turned away. Embarrassment washed over me-I had almost exposed myself.

"Hope you are okay,?" the old man asked.

"Yes, Sir," I replied. His expression darkened.

"Not sir, call me Grandpa."

I nodded, whispered the word, and forcing a smile.

"You’re almost thirty-five, and you don’t even keep a woman around," Grandpa continued. "Since Valentina left..." He paused as Alejandro dropped his cup, it was as if he was giving a warning.

Valentina? Who is Valentina? Wait-are they talking about Valentina Morales? My idol back in high school? I used every product she advertised. I was completely addicted to her lifestyle.

For the first time, I felt belittled by my own looks. I hope it is not her, because yes, I might be attractive, but I knew I was nowhere near Valentina’s level. Slowly, I looked at him. He showed no expression at Grandpa’s words.

Instead he stood up and adjusted his tie.

"We will talk about this later, Dad. I trust your choice," he said, before dashing out. Fear and confusion twisted inside me.Is he really going to settle down?How am I going to watch him get too close to another woman? The thought of that made me so jealous.

"Dad, you didn’t even say anything about Carlos," the woman said, her voice heavy with disappointment.

The old man rose from his chair and asked me to help him to his room, I quickly stood up and held his hand.

I could feel her deadly stare burning into me, as though I was about to steal something precious from her.

"Come along, Carlos," the old man commanded.

He hesitated, then followed behind.

As soon as we entered his room, I noticed a picture of a woman hanging on the wall beside the queen-size bed.

She looked young and beautiful, her smile frozen in time.

For a moment, it felt as though her presence lingered in the room, watching over him.

I guessed she might be one of his daughters, or maybe his wife? I don't really know much about this Rodriguez, but it seems they are governed by many secrets.

"It’s a good idea for you two to go out together on a date. I’m sure that’s how young people do it,you get to know each other," grandpa said.

"Grandpa, I’m busy. I don’t have time for a date," Carlos replied.

I was so excited at his reply, but I kept calm.

"What are you up to, Carlos, apart from spending my resources and your time on your whores?"

"Not that, Grandpa.

It’s a high school get-together party," he replied, placing his right hand on his chest, as to be asking for trust this once.

I stood in silence, hoping for all this to end.

"Take Elena along. She is a beautiful girl, use this opportunity to showcase her to the your friends," Grandpa said.

My chest tightened. What is happening here? And why on earth should I, be paraded like some trophy by this womanizer? The thought made my skin crawl.

"Grandpa, I don’t think it’s a good idea," I said firmly, though my voice trembled at the edges.

“So, you think my words are wrong?” he asked.

That look–Alejandro’s look–flashed across his face. The same unreadable expression that always left you wondering what ran through his mind. No doubt, father and son shared more than just blood.

Quickly, I shook my head in protest.

“I didn’t, Grandpa. You’re absolutely right. I’ll go,” I said, forcing a smile.

People in this house… each one was strange in their own way, carrying a character I could never quite place.

“You can all leave now. I want to rest,” he said, dismissing us with a wave.

Without another word, we filed out of the room.

I was about to head in my own direction when Carlos stopped me.

“I’m only letting you come with me because of Grandpa,” he said flatly. “Don’t get any ideas-it’s just for show. Besides, you’re not my type.”

Look who’s talking, I thought bitterly. The words burned on my tongue, but I swallowed them back. For Grandma’s sake, I needed this marriage to work, no matter how humiliating it felt.

“I’ll send a dress for you,” Carlos added coldly. “I don’t want to embarrass myself in front of my friends.”

Of course. A show. That’s all this was. Otherwise, why would I ever choose to walk anywhere near this man?.

He left. I watched him, every muscle in me burning with the urge to run after him and punch him so hard.

I entered the room, torn between anger and fear. The thought of my fiancé infuriated me, yet the reality that Alejandro would soon settle down left me trembling with dread.

“What a day,” I muttered as I threw myself onto the bed.

The house was too quiet, almost unsettling. I needed something–anything–to keep me occupied.

Suddenly, an idea struck. Without wasting time, I grabbed my phone and dialed Mariana.

“Hello, Mariana. Let’s meet up,” I said.

She agreed almost instantly, as if she had been waiting for me to call.