Family Dinner

AIDEN'S POV 

"I want to know what's going on grandma........" I continued as I stared at her.

The last thing I'd do is to let myself be used as a puppet for the family , not anymore.

"Oh would you just calm down Aiden!" Grandma blurted out few seconds later. "Nobody is going off the market, no we are not bankrupt and we do not owe the bank any money" she explained 

"Then why do I need to marry into that family?" I asked with concern written all over me 

"Because they are the perfect match for us..... for you. They fit our standards perfectly well" she continued 

"...and how certain are you about this?" I asked 

"Trust me Aiden, ofcourse I did my assignment " she replied and then continued. " Besides, we've known the Vegera's for quite some time. They aren't exactly strangers, we are good acquittance and what better way to get closer than making our children get married to each other?" She asked rhetorically 

I let out a deep sigh as I processed all she said.

A moment later, I replied. " I understand you wanting me to settle down, but I should at least be the one I choose my bride... don't you think?" I looked between her and Jason once again.

"I need you to trust my guts Aiden.....I know what is best for you.... for the company. Believe me you won't find another woman like Olivia Vegera, soon you'd realise that I am doing you a favour" Grandma continued 

"Hold on grandma " Jason started. " What is soo special about this woman that you keep insisting on?...I'm pretty sure Aiden is capable of finding himself a wife " he added 

" Thank you!" I said to Jason 

Grandma let out a sarcastic laugh. 

" What do you know Jason?" She asked him. " What do you even know Aiden?........yes we have the fame and money, but marrying into a family like that would give us the power that we need . Ingrid Group of Companies would become extremely powerful" she concluded.

I stared at my food in silence.

I knew deep down that I wouldn't be able to love another woman the way I ought to. I made that promise 5 years ago to never give my heart to any other woman. I did that before and what did it get me? Heartache, frustration and depression. 

I got my heart broken in pieces. At the very least I feel I still need to get closure in order to be able to move on without any iota of doubt, I was still very much stuck in my past. 

My emotional life is a mess and bringing someone else into the mess is most likely going to be a catastrophe and would complicate things more than they already are.

" Grandma...I honestly feel you shouldn't pressure Aiden.......let him focus on the company for now" Jason states 

I watched as grandma gave him a glare that spoke volume. 

"How about you worry about yourself Jason Hart? Worry about yourself and let Aiden handle his own business!" She said to his face.

Jason raised both of his hands in surrender. " Okay ma.....I will pull back " he said to her and then faced me. " I tried cousin...I really tried " 

I let out another sigh. Was this really happening? Will I really let my grandmother talk me into marrying Olivia?

As if hearing my thoughts she immediately blurted out. " Olivia is not a stranger and you know that. You both used to be friends" 

I remained silent. Olivia and I went to college together. She majored in fashion while I did business but it was just that, simply platonic, at least on my end.

I was obviously running out of defense mechanisms. 

"You should at least meet her, and then get to know her first before deciding against the whole arrangement" grandma continued. " Promise me Aiden...... Promise me that you'd meet with her, and be open about it. She might be exactly what you need, you never can tell " she added 

Just one date. What's the worse that could happen?

" Okay fine..... just one date" I blurted out a moment later 

" You see..... now you're beginning to return back to your senses." She replied and then added. "I knew you wouldn't disappoint me Aiden " 

I shrugged my shoulders in response and then returned back to eating my meal. 

" Now that that's out of the way can we please talk about my retirement party......?" Grandma asked out loud 

" Yes grandma...... your elaborate party, we know that is what you want " Jason said to her. "How exactly do you want it?" He asked 

" It's my seventh, the guest list needs to be well articulated " she explained 

" Don't worry about it ma, just give us the names of the people you want there, Jason and I will make it happen " I said to her 

" Good......I love as both my grandsons are going to work together " she said 

" Relax grandma, since when have we need really not worked together?" Jason asked 

I smirked 

" Even when he was overseas, we worked together to keep the company going..." He explained to her and then faced me. "Tell her Aiden "

" He is right Grandma" I replied 

" And you think I didn't know that?....did you both think I was just CEO for show? Ofcourse I knew everything that was going on" She defended. " What I am saying is, after a long time, if feels soo good to watch you both physically work together to achieve a common goal.....and in this context, my seventh birthday party " 

" We understand you ma....and don't worry, we are going to throw you a memorable party ". I placed my hand on hers as the words left my mouth.

I watched as grandma Gloria beamed in excitement. It was obvious that she was really looking forward to it.

A moment later, she asked " so how did it go with the people of Bioflor?.....are you going to sign with them?" 

I looked at her in surprise as I continued my meal. 

" I didn't know that you knew about the arrangement" I said to her 

" Oh dear Aiden....you underestimate me too much." She stated. Just because I'm retired doesn't mean I won't know what is happening in the company. " 

" But what's the whole point of your retirement and putting me in the position to lead if you are still going to be very much involved?" I asked in concern. 

I was trying as hard as possible not to get affected by the information she just gave out.

She chuckled. " Don't worry about me Aiden. My job from now on is just to observe.....The only time I'd come in is when it is absolutely necessary" she explained.   

Jason and I shared a knowing look with each other, .... it's obvious that she's keeping tab on especially me.

" .... just consider it a way of keeping you both in check....I need to make sure that my grandsons aren't making irresponsible decisions" she added 

" Is that really necessary?.....I mean if you can't even trust us I wonder who you really trust " Jason stated 

" There's nothing to worry about..as long as you do your part properly, there won't be any need for me to step into your business "  

I remained silent as she spoke.

" So...did you sign with them already?" She asked me

" Not yet grandma......I need to review the papers once again and then meet with the key members of the team" I explained.

" Okay...I trust your judgement. Do not disappoint me Aiden " Her last statement made me freeze. But I decided to ignore it.  

Soon I will prove to her that I am capable of handling the company on my own.