Surprised Bryan

But the call ended right away.

Bryan stared at his phone in frustration. He couldn’t afford to miss this opportunity. This was his only chance to make his grandfather proud and to save their family business.

“What am I going to do now? What if the girl isn’t good enough? What if she can’t handle the questions they’ll ask? They didn’t even send me her name or a picture,” Bryan worried aloud, but no answers came.

Just then, his phone buzzed again. “Speak of the devil,” he muttered, before answering the call.

“Grandpa! How are you?” Bryan tried to sound calm and steady. He didn’t want to worry the old man.

“Bryan, are you ready for the gala? I can’t wait to see my amazing future granddaughter-in-law today!” His grandfather’s voice was cheerful.

Bryan stammered, “What do you mean ‘today’? Are you coming to the event?”

“I wanted to surprise you! I’m already at the venue. Since you won’t bring her home, I’ll see her at the event with everyone else!”

From the way his grandfather spoke, it was clear he wasn’t just excited about the event,  he was excited to meet the woman who might become part of their family.

Bryan and Chloe had been friends for years, but it was more of a friends-with-benefits situation. Chloe stayed around because of the money and the fancy gifts Bryan gave her. Bryan stayed because of the sex ; Chloe was very good at that.

He never introduced Chloe to his grandfather because he knew their relationship wasn’t serious. His grandfather wanted something real and lasting.

Suddenly, Bryan started sweating. The cold room no longer cooled him down. He was terrified, not only would he disappoint his grandfather, but the old man might end up back in the hospital from the stress that night.

“Sir, it’s time!” A soft knock on the door brought Bryan back to reality.

He took a deep breath and went to the hall where the event was happening.

The small hall was already full. Important men from the city were seated, along with the Choi group and their wives.

“They must really care about this deal... or maybe Grandpa made them come,” Bryan muttered as he walked through the crowd.

“Hey!” his grandfather waved at him, showing his old, worn out teeth.

“Where is our bride?” the old man asked gently.

“Stop it, Grandpa! We’re here to sign a deal, not a wedding ceremony!” Bryan said.

“I know, I just want to see what she looks like before everyone else does,” Grandpa replied.

Bryan’s heart pounded. He didn’t even know the woman who was supposed to be his fiancée for the night.

“She’ll be here in the next ten minutes,” Bryan promised.

“Can I at least see a picture of her?” Grandpa asked.

But just then, Bryan was called to the stage to officially open the event.

“Oh God, what am I going to do now?” he muttered, trying to sound confident as he walked up.

A few minutes later, Bryan stepped down, and the representative from the Choi group began their introduction. Bryan kept dialing the number of the man who was supposed to bring the girl.

“How could I be so foolish to trust this illiterate with such an important job?” Bryan muttered, staring at the entrance, feeling restless.

After the Choi group finished, it was time for Bryan’s fiancée to speak. She was supposed to present their ideas, just like the CEO of the Choi group requested.

“Now, let’s welcome the soon-to-be daughter-in-law of the Millers group! Everyone, please stand!” the announcer said.

Grandpa’s applause was the loudest, though he couldn’t stand because he was confined to a wheelchair.

Bryan’s hands trembled, and his feet shook. He didn’t know how to tell the announcer to skip that part. Everyone’s eyes were on the door,  including the media.

Five minutes passed, but the door didn’t open. The crowd started whispering. The once quiet, orderly hall grew noisy, and people sat back down.

“What’s going on, Mr. Miller? Why is your fiancée taking so long?” the announcer whispered to Bryan.

“I don’t think she’s coming tonight. She had a...” Bryan began, but was cut off by applause.

A beautiful, elegant woman entered the hall. She wore a smart blue gown, flat office shoes, glasses, and had a bright smile.

“Wow! Mr. Miller, your fiancée looks stunning!” the announcer said, admiring her as she walked slowly to the stage.

Bryan recognized her face but tried to blend in with the crowd, clapping while trying to remember where he had seen her before, while praying she wouldn’t let him down.

“Hello everyone, I’m sorry to keep you waiting,” the woman said as soon as she reached the stage.

“Wait! What is she doing up there? How did she even get here?” Bryan thought, recognizing the woman , she was the last person he wanted to see.

“Now, if you have any questions, you can ask my fiancé, and he will answer,” Elena said after reading the proposal. She looked around, trying to find her unknown fiancé to point at.

Bryan started clapping immediately. He understood what was happening and didn’t want to ruin the moment.

“Why is he clapping? What is he even doing here? Oh my God!” Elena whispered, her heart racing when she saw Bryan.

Mr. Miller, I know this isn't part of the proposal, but when are you going to propose to her? She's not just smart, she's beautiful too!" someone from the Choi group called out.

Bryan forced a smile and answered, "Soon!"

Elena, shocked, paused on the stairs. Bryan was the son of the Millers and her pretend fiancé for the evening.

"I'm so embarrassed! What must he think of me now?"

As the event continued, Elena hurried to the restroom to collect herself. She wanted to leave, but she needed to finish the job to get paid.

When she left the restroom, she accidentally bumped into an elderly man in a wheelchair.

"I'm sorry, sir. Please be careful with him," Elena said to the person pushing the chair.

The old man asked, "Why don't you want to marry my son?"

"Me? Are you talking to me?" Elena replied, remembering she had to act as Bryan’s girlfriend.

"We're getting married soon, Grandpa! I was planning to announce the date next week," Bryan quickly said from behind.

"What? Getting married? To whom? How?"