The Clastu

Chapter 4

"Here's your tequila, sir, and a soft drink for you, miss," the waiter said, placing our drinks carefully on the table from a silver tray.

"Thank you, sir," I replied politely, unlike Roderick who just handed him a tip without a word.

"So, when should we get married?" Roderick asked, glancing at his watch.

"Well, I think within four months would be okay, right?" I said, not wanting to rush him.

"Two months," he said authoritatively but softly, his gaze fixed on mine.

I nodded in agreement, realizing it didn’t matter when, as long as Grandpa would be happy.

"Okay, I have to go. Come on, I'll give you a ride home," he said, getting up.

We walked to the car and got in.

"You know, as my wife, we're going to practice kissing," Roderick said with a mischievous smile, clearly enjoying teasing me.

"What?" I gasped, turning red as I looked at his amused face.

"Why do you like doing this? Do you just enjoy teasing me?" I said, my hands nervously clinging to my dress and my face full of embarrassment.

Throughout the ride, I couldn't stop thinking about what he said. I couldn't stop imagining it — what would it feel like to kiss him, or anyone, for that matter?

"You think too much. Are you thinking about what I said?" Roderick asked as he parked the car.

"Ha? Me?" I said, startled by his voice.

"You haven't said a word, and you didn't even notice we arrived home. Have you kissed anyone before, Camila?" he asked, making my heart skip a beat.

"No... I mean, I've seen it in movies, but I've never practiced it with anyone," I admitted shyly, staring at my lap.

"You can get out now," Roderick said coldly, his eyes fixed on the steering wheel.

I suddenly felt a pang of sadness, like I had said something wrong.

"Okay. Sorry," I said softly, opening the car door. I watched him drive away without another word.

Walking inside, I kept replaying our conversation — at the hotel, in the car — and how he always made me feel a rush of emotions I didn't understand.

"Why does he always do this? I haven't even been with him long and he already affects me this way," I whispered to myself as I opened the door.

Grandpa was waiting for me, a warm smile on his face.

"Oh, Camila my love, welcome home. You're just in time — we're about to leave, and Sisi will come along with us," Grandpa said cheerfully.

I blinked, confused for a moment, until I remembered our conversation from that morning.

Sisi ran up to me and gave me a huge hug. She had always been my childhood friend and best friend — wild, beautiful, playful, with a figure I always secretly admired.

"Come on, girl! Your grandpa already gave me the gist. If he's hot, I'll marry him too so we can have a double wedding!" she said with a big grin, which quickly turned into a mock frown.

"Hold on — why didn't you tell me you had a boyfriend? I’m your best friend! You just date someone without telling me?" she scolded, annoyed.

I smiled anxiously, trying to signal her to be careful so Grandpa wouldn’t get suspicious — he knew I told Sisi everything.

"Oh, remember two months ago, that guy I told you about?" I said, winking.

Sisi took a deep breath, understanding immediately, though her face clearly told me I owed her a long explanation later.

"Okay, I remember. And maybe if he's hot, we could have a double wedding," she said teasingly, making me smile nervously.

"Okay, come on, girls," Grandpa said, already heading to the car and taking the front seat.

"Yes, Grandpa! Let's go!" I said, following behind.

The drive took almost an hour, but when we finally arrived, I couldn’t believe my eyes.

"Wow, is this really the place, Grandpa?" I asked in amazement, looking at the massive, beautiful mansion before us.

"Of course. It’s the home of my future husband!" Sisi chimed in excitedly.

Grandpa laughed, but I noticed Sisi’s excitement — and I couldn't help but pity which ever one of the brothers that falls for her because I knew there will be a divorce in less than a year with half or all his property gone. I mean she did it once and she came with a lot of cash, which she gave to here parents who were struggling financially.

We parked and were greeted warmly by Mr. and Mrs. Clastu.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Damian," they said, smiling broadly.

"Good afternoon. How are you both doing?" Grandpa replied warmly.

"Oh, Camila! Is that you? My God, you’ve grown so beautiful!" Mrs. Mirenda Clastu exclaimed, walking up to give me a big hug.

"Thank you, ma’am. It’s been a while. I’m so sorry I didn’t reach out sooner," I said apologetically.

"It’s been ages since we saw you, Camila," Mr. Clastu added, his face lighting up with happiness.

"Come in, come in! I heard you already have a fiancé, but I’d love for you to meet Adrian. It's been so long since you two met," he said, leading us inside.

"Boss!"