Chapter 7

• Elleina's view.
• "It's not necessary. Since your mother grew up in the US, it makes sense."
• "I haven't gone to college. Singapore is not even on my map. Is China close by?"
• "No, that's Hongkong," he said with a sigh and a shake of the head.
• "Who cares. I don't want to lie and act like a socialite when I'm not. "I don't even know how to act like one," I said with a disgusted twist of my lips.
• "If you want me to keep your mom's rehabilitation going, you have to do what I say. "If you have to lie, do it," he said in a low, firm voice. "Shiela will find someone to teach you how to be a sophisticated woman."
• I was angry again and ready to blow up like a stick of dynamite. I hated that he had the card and was in charge of my life.
• He said, "Be nice to the Grandson or you'll never get a dime from me again," and that was the end of our conversation.
• ___________
• We made it to the Grandson house. The electronic iron gates were very big, and in the middle, there was a big, bold letter G. The limo drove through the gates and sped along the wide road that led to the beautiful mansion.
• An older butler opened the door and led us to the living room, where Mr. and Mrs. Grandson, a beautiful middle-aged couple, were waiting. Greetings, introductions, and niceties were said right away.
• When I met Mr. and Mrs. Grandson, I felt shy all of a sudden. I felt very scared. They looked like they were very professional and smart. I was glad that they welcomed me with open arms. In fact, they were very nice and willing to help. I wondered if the same things were true of their son.
• "Our son just got home from work, he'll be down in a bit," Pia Grandson said, making me feel at home. "I heard you just got back from Singapore. "How's your trip?"
• "Uh... well. It was delicious. "You know, sushi and sashimi," I said.
• "You really like Japanese food. "I'll remember that," she said with a big smile. "Tonight, we're having French food." Do you have one that you like best?"
• "Uh... french fries?" I couldn't think of any French foods, so I said something stupid.
• "Same," she said. "With sour cream powder, it's heaven." I liked her because she was so nice. She helped me feel comfortable.
• "Elleina just got her degree in business. Grandpa was very pleased with how well she did."
• "That's so cool!" Then Mr. Grandson asked, "What's your major?"
• 'Oh no, I don't know any business major courses,'
• My eyes got big as I tried to think of something to say. "Um... my major?"
• "Yes," he said with a nod, waiting for me to reply.
• "It's...it's business," I said, looking at Grandpa to save me. He never did, though.
• Mr. Grandson nodded and smiled at me. "Oh, you mean Business Management and Administration," he said.
• Pia gave me a glass of wine, and we sat down on a couch to talk about Singapore. I didn't know much about Singapore, so I just nodded along with everything she said. She was telling me about the history of the Merlion when the person I didn't want to meet finally showed up.
• "Where did I go wrong?" I heard the voice of a younger man.
• My heart started beating right away. As soon as I turned around, I saw Alexander Kenneth Grandson face to face.
• "Oh my God! It's him! The same guy I saw last night in the bar who made all the women nervous.'
• Yes. When I was so confused and weak last night.
• Who would ever not want to see him? He was tall, thin, and very attractive, and his face looked like that of a Greek god. He had smooth dark brown hair, thick eyebrows, a perfect jawline, and a smile that would make your pants drop.
• He was well-known in the bar, and many people, especially famous people, came up to greet him. Men shook his hand and tapped him on the back, and the women were flirting with him openly. The way he talked and moved was so smooth, fascinating, and hypnotic. I just couldn't stop looking at him for too long.
• Based on his slim, muscled body, he's probably a model or a well-known athlete. I have to say, I was hypnotized. When he ran his fingers through his hair, I imagined how silky it felt. I wanted to be the one to touch his lower lip when he rubbed it with his forefinger. I wanted to kiss him every time he smiled...
• Out of control. I had a sudden, strong desire for someone I shouldn't have. I've never been in love before, but it felt like love at first sight or whatever you call it. But I was glad when I saw him kissing a smokin' hot blonde girl on my way to the bathroom. It put an end to it right away.
• Oh, he's got a girlfriend.
• I just gave him a shrug and forgot about him.
• Now he's standing in front of me as the man I'm going to marry. I'm shocked and very sad that the man I'm going to marry is in love with another woman. Could she have just been a one-night stand? No matter. I didn't like him from the start.
• When Grandpa talked about the arranged marriage, I never bothered to look for Alexander Kenneth or any of the other Grandsons. I didn't want to get to know him because I still thought I could convince Grandpa to change his mind. But he seemed determined and like he wouldn't let me break my promise.
• Saying "Alexander!" Mrs. Grandson stood up and gave her son a quick hug, asking, "What took you so long? We had to wait for you."
• Alexander said, "I'm sorry, Mom. I had an important call to make." He then turned to me. "How are you? My friend called me Kenneth, but my family called me Alexander. "It's nice to meet you," he said as he firmly took my hand and looked into my eyes.
• I tried to ignore it, but all of a sudden I felt like I was being charged. Face to face. Hand to hand.
• Avoid Elleina. I told myself that I should keep my wall up.
• I was able to say, "It was nice to meet you, too."
• Be quiet. It felt like a lot of angels went through the space between us.
• "Hey, you guys. You'll soon be getting married. Grandpa's words, "You can do better than a handshake," made me pull my hand away from Alexander's.
• I made a disgusted face. Grandpa's rude behavior really turned me off. What is he looking for? A session of making out on the first date?
• "That will happen when we know each other better," Alexander said with confidence.
• "Of course! Grandpa laughed and said, "I can't wait for you two to get married and bring our families together."
• I was happy that Alexander Kenneth didn't give in to what his grandfather wanted. That would make us both look bad. He was very sure of himself and never let Grandpa's aristocratic behavior scare him away. In fact, he was able to beat it.
• "How is your life going?" As we walked toward the dining room, Alexander asked me.
• "A little bit better now," she said. It was true that life got a little bit easier after Mom's illness was taken care of.
• "Good for you," he said, and then he stopped talking about anything else.