Chapter 5

• Alexander POV.
• “Your grandpa Pablo insanely did that, and now, you’re paying for the price,” he clicked his tongue, “that land is connected to ours. The idea of combining them gives us the opportunity to create something immense.”
• “Exactly. This is the reason why I am so determined to obtain it.”
• “I understand where are you coming, but being married to Pallister granddaughter… I encourage you to rethink your decision, my friend. The price of that land loses its value if it means sacrificing your happiness.”
• “I would really appreciate it if you could come on board and support the decision that I have made. The fact that you don't believe in love is what makes you the perfect person to understand my situation, and I consider you to be the best for it.”
• “True. I witnessed firsthand the destructive impact it had on individuals. Like my parents. From my perspective, their love story is not what I consider being ideal. They had gone through an extensive series of hardships before eventually coming together. Tragedy happened. Dad was tortured that ruined his face. He underwent facial plastic surgery and changed his name.” He raised his hands briefly in the air. “I won’t endure that kind of thing for love. That’s stupid. Same thing applies to my sister, Chloe, as well. I suppose you know about her story. Am I correct?”
• “Of course, with Ixigo.” I nodded, “so, you agree on my decision?”
• “Nope. One of the beliefs ingrained in your upbringing was the idea that marriage should be based on love. You were so engrossed in it that you couldn't stop talking about it. It is evident that the idea of an arranged marriage does not align with your preferences or values.”
• In a display of disappointment, I shook my head from side to side. “You're very much like my parents, specifically my dad, who didn't see eye to eye on this particular topic.”
• “Because he’s right. If this is your means of getting over your ex... to move on, then you’re just adding problems to your life. I'm sorry to say, my brother, that this is not the solution we seek. Just love yourself first and enjoy the freedom of dating women. For the past four years, you have been embroiled in a relationship that is completely worthless and serves no purpose. It’s time to explore.”
• “You’re not making any sense, man. It is you, and no one else, who is really into it. You made the decision to enter into an arranged marriage with Stella Valeria.”
• “You’re right, but in a very distant future,” he shrugged, “You don’t have to do it now? We’re still young. Society tends to view marriage as a stage of life that is more suited for men who are middle-aged.”
• “I can’t wait, dude. I need that land for our next property development project,” I told him about the prospective plan for the next five years.
• “Good luck. I hope with all my heart that your bride won't bring you any heartache.”
• “I won’t let that happen,” I said confidently, then we continued playing golf. There was never a moment where I questioned or hesitated about the decision I made. I made the choice to get married based on my intuition and trusting my gut instincts.
• I can vividly remember sharing the information with my parents just last night. The intensity of their disagreement with the idea was quite evident. Their concern stemmed from the belief that my entire future would be compromised if I made the decision to marry without love.
• “I find it hard to believe that in today's world, there are still people who would engage in such actions. We’re in the future, Alexander. People only do that during medieval times!” My mom, Pia Rosiel Grandson, was really upset upon hearing the news.
• “How could you agree to him without consulting us first?” Dad looked disappointed.
• “I’m not a kid anymore dad, I can make my own decision.”
• “But, son, that’s a major decision. The consequences of this change extend beyond just your future, as it would also have implications for ours.”
• “Exactly,” Mom butt in, “you haven’t even met the girl yet, and you agreed to marry her! What are you doing? The decisions you are making are leading to the destruction of your life. If this is your method of seeking retribution against Trisha, I urge you to think twice before proceeding.”
• “This had nothing to do with her.” I let out a frustrated groan. “I told you my reasons.”
• “Yeah, to unite two old Greek clans and get the land back,” Dad’s lips curled in anger, “your grandpa should find a way to own it back, not you sacrificing for what he did.”
• “He already did, but Constantine Pallister is stubborn. Regardless of the amount offered, he is determined not to sell the land for more than its market value, even if it is ten times that amount. The land is of utmost importance to us and holds significant value. It belongs to our ancestors. It is part of our heritage that made who we are now. For years we wanted it back, and now is our chance.”
• “Your grandpa is crazy, losing it in a bet,” Dad hissed in rage. “I disagree with this, Alexander. My sincere desire is for you to lead a happy and prosperous life in the future. How can you achieve that if you don’t love the woman you’re going to marry?”
• “I don’t want you to live a miserable life,” Mom was teary-eyed. As she looked at Dad, a sense of comfort washed over her and they tightly embraced.
• With a heavy heart, I stood motionless, my eyes locked on them, unable to tear my gaze away. To guarantee their peace of mind, I went ahead and assured them. “Constantine told me she’s young, beautiful and smart. For sure, I’ll fall in love with her easily.”
• Mom's eyes instantly became brighter, filled with a sense of optimism. There is no question in my mind that you will also be successful in winning her heart. Alexander, you possess such charm that it's difficult for anyone not to love you.”
• _____
• A month had passed when I received a call from Constantine Pallister.
• “My granddaughter just arrived here in New York. She is prepared and looking forward to seeing you.”
• “Good. My family and I will see her tomorrow.”