Chapter 3

Shocked, Anders' brows pull together at the information he’d just heard. But he is even more shocked when Electra suddenly grabs the lapels of his suit jacket, stirs him towards her and locks her lips with his.

His surprise only lasts for a brief second as he gets into the kiss. His hand circles to the slim of her waist and he pulls her in, closing whatever distance lay between them. He deepens the kiss, savouring the taste of her.

Damn! She tastes divine. And she fits perfectly in his hold. Why is he thinking this?

The smell of her perfume fills his nostrils, making him forget he is supposed to be pretending. He inhales sharply, feasting on the intoxicating aroma. Involuntarily, his hand begins to journey down the flare of her hips.

He is quite disappointed when Electra pulls away. Her face flushes and her lips red and swollen from the kiss. His gaze lingers on her, darkening as he reads the effect of their proximity in her eyes. She is aroused.

Not wanting to confront what just happened between them, Electra turns to Karl.

“You were saying?” She asks in a breathless tone. Her hand finds Anders’ elbow and she loops her hand in them, holding him close.

Anders tugs his jacket, smoothing the creasing that formed from Electra’s pull. His intimidating gaze rests on Karl.

“Sir.” Karl calls respectfully. He forces a smile at them, nods before he leaves. But Anders doesn't miss the anger that flashes across his eyes.

Anders’ gaze wanders about the hall. The pair of eyes looking in their direction is a testament that their little display was very entertaining.

He looks down at Electra. “What was that about?”

“Just doing my assignment. I’m your girlfriend, remember?” She is wearing a false smile.

“Not that. I mean with Karl.” He clarifies.

“Well, you heard him.”

“He’s your boyfriend?” The sheer perplexity in Anders’ voice cannot be missed.

“Ex. He’s my Ex.”

Anders flashes his brows. “You had a boyfriend?”

She doesn't get to respond.

“There you are!”

Anders is pissed with the distraction, but Electra is grateful for it. Karl is a past she doesn't like to discuss.

Simultaneously, they turn in the direction of the voice. Anders rushes to the older woman who comes to stand by them.

“Granny, you shouldn’t be moving around too much.” He scolds and Electra catches the worry in his voice.

“I was eager to see my future daughter-in-law.” The old lady says. She turns her gaze towards Electra and smiles warmly at her.

Daughter in-law? The title sends a cold shiver down Electra’s spine.

“Granny, this is Electra.” Anders introduces as he moves to hold Electra. Electra stills from the contact. He's close. Too close.

“Electra, my granny” He forces a smile.

Granny’s smile widens. “I’m Laurel.” She says.

Electra steps closer, smiling at her. “Ma’am.” She calls with a slight bow of her head in greeting.

“You don’t have to be so formal with me! We’re practically family!... And I heard the good news.” Grandma Laurel beams with excitement. “But I'm not happy that I had to hear it from outsiders first.”

Electra passes a look to Anders. The expression on his face reveals that he knows nothing about the good news Laurel is talking about.

“What good news, granny?” Anders asks.

“You asked Electra to move in with you!” Sheer joy lit the woman’s voice. Her eyes sparkled with lively excitement.

Anders furrows his brows. “What?”

“Everyone is talking about it.” Granny says, and looks around the hall.

Anders looks around. The few gazes he catches, glint with amusement, confirming Granny's words.

Electra’s wide surprised eyes rest on Anders. Her mouth parts as her shock intensifies when she sights someone approaching them.

“Dad?” Electra calls as her father appears behind Laurel. He smiles at her. “What are you doing here?”

“I invited him.” Laurel supplies. “He is family too. He should be here.” Laurel says.

Electra’s father, Kleon, was a good friend to Laurel's husband. Although there was a huge gap in their age difference, Laurel's husband considered Kleon his equal and they had a good relationship. And even after his death, Laurel maintained that relationship with Karl.

When Laurel's son and his wife met with the unfortunate accident that took their life, she promised them on their deathbed that she would ensure Anders marries right this time.

After several, countless failed blind dates, he decides to set Anders up with Kleon’s daughter. Kleon was thrilled and revealed he had been trying to get a good man for his daughter.

Laurel was more than happy when they interpreted that Anders takes an interest in Electra. Her husband would be pleased too if he were here. Now she can die peacefully.

Electra swallows. Her father moves to shake Anders’ hand. Anders takes his hand and nods courteously.

“I didn’t think my baby girl would be leaving me so soon..You're moving really fast.” Kleon strikes a conversation with Anders.

Granny chuckles. “Better fast than slow. I think this would let them know each other faster and better.” Laurel contributes. She is overjoyed about this.

“Have you told him about your new job at Brimstone architectures?” Kleon asks.

“She got the job?” Laurel squeals.

“Yes. She's the new in-house architect for Brimstone.” Kleon says and pats Electra's back proudly.

“Congratulations.” Laurel says to Electra. “They're not only moving in together, and she's got a new job. How wonderful!” She claps her hand together. “If things continue to go at this pace, I won't be surprised if we start planning a wedding by next month.” She finishes with a laugh.

Kleon joins her. Electra lets out a nervous chuckle and Anders' hard expression doesn't stir.

Anders glances at Electra. Their eyes met. They know they are stuck.

Anders cannot break Granny's heart by telling her they are not moving in together.

Electra is too terrified to break her father's heart and let him find out she's nothing like the daughter he'd envisioned.