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.”

Silence engulfed us. I swore to God that the moment I see him, I will definitely beat the shit out of him!

He chuckled on the line that made me so angry as hell. Riley walked towards me, who looked unsure about what he’d do with the situation. In the end, all he does is to run his fingers through his bald head.

“Risha...” he called me huskily.

Hearing him call me on my first name sends shiver up to my spine. No one has ever called me that way. It felt unfamiliar for a moment but I tossed this thought away.

“Fuck you,” I breathed heavily. “I was just going to ask you a little time to have lunch with me and I am surprised that you denied me just like that.”

“Let’s talk.”

Yeah, we will talk!

“I will kill you.” I said through my gritted teeth.

He chuckled once again. This guy, really!

My lips formed a thin line. I looked at the double doors on the right side of this table. That must be the door to his office. I didn’t waste time and walked my way to Evan’s office. He’s definitely dead!

I pushed the double doors and entered into his wide office. I saw him on the center corner, sitting on his desk like a boss arrogantly while holding a piece of document on his hand. Yes, the first word that flashed into my mind is arrogant, because that’s what I see in him. He’s wearing a gray colored formal coat with white collared long sleeves as an inner cloth. He looked at me with menace evident in his eyes.

“Risha...”

I swallowed the big lump in my throat. I couldn’t even think straight as the thought of him denying me in front of our people makes me so frustrated. I went closer to his desk and without further ado and with all the strength and anger I have, I slapped him very hard. So damn hard that it made him froze up.

Yeah, he froze up a bit but was able to smirk right after a few seconds. My forehead creased and my breathing is getting ragged.

“That was... for denying me.” I said through my gritted teeth.

He smiled devilishly and stared at me with cruelty. My heart pounded aggressively when he stood up and walked towards me. The side of his lips curled up for a smirk. He’s obviously amused for God knows why! I swallowed the lump in my throat and tried to look away.

“Would you still be mad at me if I agree to have lunch with you?” he asked, almost like a tease.

I clenched my jaw. I really thought that he’s just cruel when he’s drunk but it seemed like he is way crueler when he’s sober. It’s like his normal behaviour and the only thing he’s good at.

I scowled at him. Never will I forgive him for denying me!

He laughed a bit. He took another step, removing the distance between us. My body froze up when his hand caressed my cheek gently. For a moment, I felt my knees getting weak and my heart is like in a racing field.

“Don’t touch me!” I yelled at him and then I removed his hand from my face.

He grinned devilishly and leaned back to his desk. He’s still staring at me with his dark and menacing eyes.

“How about if I go out with you? Would you still be mad at me?” he then asked playfully.

My lips formed a thin line. I can’t believe that I am hearing all these nonsense from him! A simple apology is enough, you idiot!

“Or would you like it if I sleep with you?”

I laughed sarcastically. I feel like barfing because of his last question. Do I look like someone who’s chasing him just for sex? The nerve of this guy! I never thought I could feel this kind of fury towards a person!

Yeah, he may be damn wealthy and has a name he’d be proud of. Nevertheless, if he doesn’t have a heart and manners, everything he has will be just put into waste. His parents might have been so busy making money that they have forgotten to teach him some manners!

“I am giving you options, Risha...”

I glared at him darkly. “I think I just realized why that girl Esquivel dumped you. You’re a stupid jerk, arrogant and cruel...”

His eyes grew darker as he stared at me. The hell I care!

“You are a fucking loser and an ill-mannered man, Evan. You know what? Your ex-girlfriend made a better decision when she dumped you.” I continued. “You’re not the type of man who is worth all the love from someone.”

I saw the rage flashing in his eyes and I feel like dancing in victory. It seemed like Chandria was right. This man hasn’t even moved on from his first love.

***

I am still mad as hell when I went back home. I ran upstairs and shut my room door closed. My hatred towards that man is still powerful and evident that even I tried to calm down myself; it is not working at all.

That Evan Zendejas is a proven arrogant and bastard! What a stupid jerk!

I really wanted to yell at his face! This is the first time that someone has denied me. Not by my parents or friends but my fiancé! And he did it in front of other people!

I would understand if he doesn’t want to marry me. That would be totally fine with me, the hell I care! But the fact that he made me so stupid because he denied me is just really unacceptable. Damn him!

I had a good motive, alright? I wanted to know him so bad and see if things between the two of us will work out. I wanted to try and see how things will be like if I get to know him. I just wanted to at least learn more things about him so I could decide whether I will proceed with this goddamn agreement or will just abandon the promise I made to my parents.

But he’s a ruthless guy. He’s truly an evil person I don’t feel like messing up with. I just lose my interest in him...

I don’t think I could marry someone who’s very evil. He’s a pain in the ass!