Without further ado and with all my courage, I walked toward the table where he was seated. He gazed at me coldly. The angelic face he had for a moment was gone. It felt like my heart will come out from my chest because of his ruthless stare.

I sat on the available chair in front of him. He smirked at me that sent shivers down my spine. I tried to smile but damn it! My knees felt weak right now! The ruthlessness of his aura is eating me up.

“Risha Nathalie...” He mentioned my name formally.

Even the sound of his voice appears to be undeniably perfect. The way he uttered my name, it is just very unfamiliar to me. It’s like a soothing melody and I’d love to hear it more often.

“Good evening, Mr. Zendejas—”

“Please call me Evan.” He uttered huskily.

“A—alright, Evan...” I called his name softly.

Damn! I am just so shy right now and this is the first time I ever felt this kind of feeling in front of a man! I breathed heavily and smiled a bit. I couldn’t even say a single word. I blinked several times as he’s still looking at me intently

Chandria is just fucking right. This man affects me already! He’s like a virus that gets into my system faster than I thought and it makes me weak in a different way.

He let out a huge sigh and poured some wine on his wine glass, and then he emptied it and re-filled it with another wine. I got worried as he was getting really drunk.

“Uh, I— I think you have enough...” I told him hesitantly.

“You can eat, kid. Please, don’t mind me.” He replied in a cold tone.

I got offended by that. I cleared my throat as I felt invalidated. He thinks I’m a kid, huh? But this kid will be his wife anytime soon!

“Just so you know, I am already twenty-two years old. I am not young anymore,” I defended myself, and annoyed at the same time.

“You looked sixteen to me. I apologize then,” he smirked once again

There it is! I lose my patience as I didn’t expect him to be this rude! I raised an eyebrow and smirked at him. This man needs to respect me as I’ll make sure that he’ll spend the rest of his life with me.

“Please don’t talk to me that way. My name is Risha Nathalie Saavedra, and I am your fiancée.” I pointed out in a cold voice.

He was surprised for a moment but then he flashed his devilish smile at me. Now I think I won’t be able to escape.

He nodded, agreeing to my statement. He leaned back in his chair, with his one hand resting on the table. I bit my lower lip as I have to admit that he’s more charismatic now that he’s releasing his devilish side.

“I’m impressed about the fact that you’ll marry someone you barely know,” he taunted me.

“I have to, Evan.” I shrugged and leaned forward. I rested both of my elbows on the table and smiled playfully at him. “And I guess you will have to do the same.”

He smirked back at me.

_______________

“How was the dinner date?” My mom asked me curiously when I went home that night.

I went immediately in their room because they wanted to know the details of the said dinner date. I can see the excitement in their hopeful eyes and I could not blame them. This is what they have dreamed for the longest time. I smiled at them as I put my hands at my back, intertwined each finger as a sign of a new white lie I am about to tell.

“It was great...” I answered as I faked a smile.

“Do you think he likes you?” Mom asked me once again.

“I think so, Mommy. I mean that’s the first time we met. It’s really hard to tell but I hope so...” I lied.

“What did you talk about then?” my father asked.

“We talked about the business, dad. He knows everything about our company and he’s quite impressive,” I answered, still intertwining each finger at my back.

“That’s a great start, honey!” Mom walked towards me and embraced me tightly. “You’re such a good daughter. I didn’t doubt you on that. I know you will never disappoint us!”

“Of course, mom. I won’t do anything that will disappoint you...” I assured her and smiled a bit.

I went out of their room after our small talk and damn it, that gave me a sigh of relief. I am not fond of telling lies and I hate myself for doing it earlier just because I wanted to save my ass.

He likes me? That’s the biggest lie ever! I shook my head as I remembered how Evan acted during that freaking dinner we had!

I noticed my bodyguard, Riley, waiting for me in front of my parents’ room. He bowed his head as a way of his respect to me.

“I hope you won’t them what really happened. It’s embarrassing, Riley.” I told him warily.

“No worries, Miss Nathalie.” He replied formally.

“Good. Thank you,” I said and went upstairs.

I went inside my room and sat at the edge of my bed absentmindedly. I just had a long day and I cannot believe it all happened. Chandria was right. That guy is sinfully handsome. He’s an angel who will turn himself into a devil to scare a person. I was confident right before I talked to him. Now, I doubt myself!

He talked and looked at me with such overflowing cruelty. Not to mention that he sort of insulted me and assumed that I was a minor? I shook my head in disbelief. It is really a detractor... but why do I still have this unfamiliar urge to know him well?

“I’m impressed about the fact that you’ll marry someone you barely know...” I remembered him say.

He doesn’t like the idea of fixed marriage, that’s one thing I’m sure of. If he’s against it, then he doesn’t need to meet me. He doesn’t need to follow this set up. Why did he meet me then? I just shrugged. Whatever the reason is, I guess it’s no longer important.

At the end of this day, I still have to pursue him. I need to know him more. I want to be closer to him. That’s how it should start.

We’ll get to know each other.

We’ll be friends and then everything will be just intimate.

I smiled playfully. That will happen... It must happen...

Damn it! I was forced to wake up early the next day as my best friend, Chandria, kept calling me on my cellphone. She was too excited to know every details of my dinner date with that man, if that went well and how did I interact with Evan Zendejas. It was just seven o’clock in the morning and seriously, I was curious as to where she got all her energy.

“What? Did you drool? I told you that he’s gorgeous and a head turner! Not to add that he’s one of the famous bachelors in the Philippines! I did a background check and found out that he doesn’t have a girlfriend and he couldn’t even move on from his first love, so he’s basically a loner! If I were you, I’d do my best to lure him and make him fall for me!” said Chandria, with an excitement evident in her voice.

I rubbed my right eye and yawned. She kept providing a lot of information; however, I was too sleepy that my mind couldn’t catch up. I closed my eyes hoping for another nap and just put my phone on top of my ear even though I don’t really want to listen to her at this moment.

“Oh, and I almost forgot to tell you that his friends are all good-looking! Geez, you really have to introduce me to Evan so that I’d have a way to meet his circle of friends, Nathalie!”

“Chandria, it’s too early. Can we just talk about this later? I’m just too sleepy for heaven’s sake,” I groaned.

My best friend laughed on her end but then, she just continued where she left off. She also mentioned about Evan’s friends that I don’t even know. It seemed that Chandria has able to get to know that guy upon doing a background check while here I am, completely puzzled about his life. I don’t even know a single thing about him other than the fact that he’s a Zendejas and he’s the one I would be marrying in the future.

“I heard Evan’s first love is beautiful and one of a kind reason why he could not move on from her,” she added.

Her last statement made me open my eyes. For a damn moment, I felt wide awake! I shifted my position and held the phone on my ear.

“What? He can’t move on?” I asked curiously.

She chuckled a bit. “Well, that’s what I heard. Maybe that is also the reason why he doesn’t have a girlfriend. He doesn’t even bring a woman to some gatherings and parties. What could be the other reason right?”

I mean... Where did she get all these information? She’s really a stalker!

“Or maybe he’s gay? What do you think? You should have noticed it on his movement!”

Damn! I almost cringed at the thought that Evan is gay. That’s just really impossible. I remembered his ruthless stares at me last night. Based on his aura and movement, I am sure that he’s not gay.

Oh, goodness, Chandria!

“He’s not gay, that’s for sure...” I uttered firmly.

“Alright then, when will you meet him again?”

I rolled my eyes. She’s really something!

“I’m not sure but I’ll try to see him again. Maybe today?”

She laughed once again. “Well, good luck on that!”

I couldn’t get back to sleep after our conversation. I felt that I need to know a lot of things about Evan. Out of curiosity, I asked Riley to do a background check on him.

***

I was in the library and reading a book when Riley showed up and handed me some papers. I put the book down and scanned the information printed on the papers. Like I requested, Riley did a thorough background check on him.

Based on the information I have, he’s 27 years old and a graduate of Business Administration course in college. He took over his family business at a young age and is currently the CEO of Zendejas Company. They are managing hundreds of hotels and restaurants in the Philippines. He also has two siblings, and three closed friends, which has been discussed by Chandria a while ago.

“Irish Esquivel. Is she his ex-girlfriend?” I asked curiously.

“Yes, Miss Nathalie. Miss Esquivel is already engaged with the Lopez’s first son.”

“You mean Nathan Lopez?”

“Yes, Miss.” He confirmed.

Poor, Evan. It appears that he can no longer get her back unless he is the type of man who would show up on his ex-lover’s wedding day and would stop it by hook. I smiled at my own thought.

I also figured out his hobbies. So, he’s basically into racing and drifting, surfing and motorcycling. Riley also got his work schedules.

“Oh, so he’ll be working in their company today?” I asked Riley.

“That’s correct, Miss.”

“Alright! I appreciate all these information, Riley. You have to get ready. We’ll leave at ten o’clock to visit Evan at his work,” I said as I put down the papers on my desk.

Riley left after my command. I leaned back in my swivel chair, with a small smile on my lips. I can’t even stop thinking of him!

If he thinks that I am just a girl who would marry him right away because of his worth then he might be kidding himself. I am sure that he’s not going to marry me that easily too.

He’s a stranger to me, and I know he thinks the same way but it’s workable. I have all the time to get to know him. I want to find out if he’s really a man who can’t move on from that girl— Irish Esquivel. I want to dig deeper and understand every detail about him before we step forward and get married.

I didn’t waste any time. I took a bath and make sure that I am presentable, and beautiful enough to tame him. I wore a champagne color crepe back satin midi dress and a pair of black sandals.

I stood up in front of my mirror and put some light make up on my face. I wore a red lipstick and smiled at my own reflection. I ran my fingers through my curly hair and decided to let it hang on my back. After a short while, I am all prepared.

I grabbed my phone and sent a text message to Chandria.

To: Chandria

I will visit him at work.

I stared at my reflection on the mirror again. The side of my lips curled up for a smirk.

Just so you wait, Evan. We’ll see how this arrangement goes.

I was on my way to visit Evan in his office when Chandria phoned me. Being the most excited best friend like she is when it comes to this arrangement that started to happen in my boring life, she started whining and gushing while on the phone with me.

“Are you sure that you want to visit him at work? Isn’t it so sweet of you?” she exclaimed, high tone as ever.

“Yeah, I’m on my way actually.” I said, biting my lower lip.

Riley, who happened to be my driver gracefully drove our way out of our mansion. I continued to talk to Chandria.

“That’s the spirit! And hey, don’t forget to introduce me to his friends once you get closer to him, alright?”

I giggled. She’s really into one of Evan’s friends. I don’t even remember their names. The only thing I’m aware of is the fact that Chandria has a crush on one of them. Nevertheless, it is clear that my priority is no other than Evan.

“I’ll try and see what I can do. Let’s hope that Evan will cooperate.”

“You can do it, Nathalie! Show and prove him that you are different from the woman who broke his heart,” she said and then she laughed out loud.

She’s crazy. Silence engulfed the whole car after the conversation I had with Chandria. In less than an hour, I could almost see the skyscrapers in the city of Makati. The place where Zendejas’ company is located.

I could feel the loud beating of my heart inside my chest. I am not sure whether it is because I am excited or because I am freaking nervous at the same time. My mouth ran dry just when Riley parked the car in front of the main entrance of Zendejas’ company.

Oh, my goodness! I think my chest is about to explode! I could not even breathe properly now that I realized that I am in front of his company. Riley went out of the car first and then made his way to open the passenger’s door for me. I let out a heavy sigh, and then went out of our car too.

I tried to compose myself as we entered into the building and holy cow, my mouth was wide opened upon seeing the elegance of their place. The walls are painted with pure gray porcelain, there are interior plants designs everywhere that makes a good ambiance, an extravagant chandelier on the centre part of the ceiling, and the floor seems to be created out of expensive stone.

We walked towards the front desk area. Riley coordinated with them and after a few seconds, an employee led the way for us. I also noticed that most of their employees are wearing formal attires and I looked very different in my midi dress.

“This way, please.”

We followed the front desk employee. We went inside the elevator and out of curiosity, I tried to ask a question.

“On which floor is Evan’s office?”

The front desk employee smiled at me. “It’s on 37th floor, Miss.”

I nodded slowly.

Great! I wanted to know where his office is, so that the next time I pay a visit here, I would know where to find him.

The elevator door has opened when we reached the right floor. Another lady welcomed us as soon as the front desk employee left me and Riley. The pretty lady in black formal attire must be Evan’s secretary.

“Good morning, Miss. Do you have an appointment with Mr. Zendejas today?” she asked me politely.

I glanced at Riley who is standing beside me. He seemed to have no idea about it and I didn’t expect that I must have an appointment first in order to visit Evan. I looked back at the woman who is waiting for my answer. I faked a smile.

“Actually, I am his fiancée. My name is Risha Nathalie Saavedra. I did not make an appointment but I just want to visit him if that’s alright?” I managed to say politely.

The lady in front of me seemed to be surprised when she heard the word ‘fiancée’. I just faked a smile once again.

Holy cow! I am not sure if telling her that I am Evan’s fiancée was the right thing to do. I just want to see that guy for Pete’s sake!

“N-Nice to meet you, Miss. I will inform Mr. Zendejas that you are here and would like see him,” she said in a formal tone.

“Great!”

She went back to her desk and pushed a button on the intercom. I inhaled heavily. A sudden fear has eaten up my entire senses that I could not think straight.

“Mr. Zendejas...” the secretary has started talking.

“Yes?” a familiar baritone answered her.

The side of my lips curled up for a small smile. Though I feel the fear inside my chest, I felt very excited to see him again after hearing his voice.

“Uhm... Your fiancée is here and would like to see you, Mr. Zendejas.” The lady informed him carefully.

Got that, Evan? Your fiancée is here. I am here to see you again. I can’t wait to ask you out for lunch. My heart is pounding aggressively; excited for the things we’re about to do... and way more excited to get to know him.

“Wait— what? I don’t have a fiancée. Who is that?”

Oh, fuck...

My jaw has dropped on the floor, literally. It felt like there is a growing death inside me and I just want to pass out after hearing him saying those words. My whole body froze up...

What did he say?

Did he just deny me right in front of Riley and his employee?

I clenched my jaw as I felt the sudden rage inside my chest. My hands started shaking because of the extreme anger that is eating me up. My eyes glared at the clueless intercom where I heard that irritating voice of him.

“I-I am sorry, Mr. Zendejas...” the secretary got confused. “Y-You have a visitor here and s-she’s claiming—”

The fact that he just denied me, I’ve lost all the patience in me and went to his secretary’s desk and grabbed the intercom’s microphone so that I could do the talking.

“Jessica, you know that I am busy. I don’t like to welcome any visitor right now.” He said firmly.

Now, I am fuming mad as hell! I can’t believe he’d do this to me when I made an effort to visit him!

“Fucking bastard...” I spoke in a hard tone. “I didn’t realize that you will play this cheap game, Evan Zendejas.”