Encounter

Matthew

Everything still felt like a dream. From the very first day that I arrived on the island up to the day that I decided to go back to the city. I knew I would be facing my father’s anger but most of all facing the woman who deceived me, whom I thought was different from any other. Turns out to be a fake one.

I thought that we had a chance after that hot and steamy night that we shared. But one day after it happened, she was gone. No goodbyes, no notes or letters. She was gone like a dream and a memory to hold on to. Cleofe said Ale would be back after a couple of days so I waited for her. I spent the days alone.

After almost a week of waiting, I barged into her house hoping to find a clue about where she went. I found her diary instead. It was a very long story and it looked old. I was shocked when I read it, my name was all over the pages. What shocked me most was that she happened to be my fiancee’s sister.

The sister that was hidden like Rapunzel in the tower. She was not allowed to join the crowd. She wrote everything in perfect detail like she was writing an autobiography. From the day her parents had a divorce up to the day that we met on the island.

She narrated everything perfectly about me, like, how she first met me and how she fell in love with me up to now. Everything in that diary solved the mystery of why she looked familiar and how we got along easily on the first day that I arrived.

It was very touching and enchanting to unravel someone’s affection for me but I could not find the heart to feel its essence. I feel betrayed and deceived that I wanted to strangle her neck. How dare she deceive me like that? She pretended not to know me and yet she gave herself to me.

I hate her and I promise to return the pain she gave me when we see each other again. After discovering Aleia’s deception, I packed my things and traveled back to the city where she said I truly belong.

I was still reluctant to go inside when I reach home. Just when I opened the door, I saw my brother Jared watching something on TV. He was surprised to see me.

“Matt! You are back?” he said smiling.Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

I walked toward him ang tapped his shoulder. I throw myself on the sofa beside him. I closed my eyes and think back to all the happy memories that we had. A dream that turned out to be a nightmare.

“What are you watching, bro?” I asked with my eyes still closed.

“The press conference of the Grymes. Are you aware that your fiancee has a half-sister?”

I opened my eyes and I saw Aleia’s face on the TV. She was more elegant and classy compared to how she usually looked on the island. She was more beautiful than ever but I could not admire her. I hate her and I will make her pay for what she did to me.

“So how’s dad?” I asked again.

“Mad about your runaway thing. You better watch out. He might even hit you,” he said grinning.

“I just went on a vacation to think about it. I need some space to think. But I’ll fix everything.” A bright idea came into mind. It could be my way of getting back to that woman. I stood and fix myself.

“Where are you going?” Jared asked

“KTI,” I replied. I need to talk to dad about my plan. I went to my room to change my outfit. I can’t show up looking haggard.

Everyone was surprised to see me, from the guards to our employees. They were all watching me as if I was a miracle. Even their greetings sounded awkward and I just nod as a response as I walked to my office to inform Yana about my come back.

Yana was startled to see me. ” Sir, is that you? You’re back?” she said.

Yes, I’m back with a vengeance.” Yes, Yana, I’m back for good. Anyway, is dad is in his office right now?”

“I am not sure, Sir. Do you want me to call her assistant?”

I shook my head.” There is no need for that, I’ll just drop by his office. I need to discuss something with him.” I said as I walked away from Yana.

My plan could not wait any longer. I wanted to do it right away. Dad’s assistant was also surprised to see me. I guess all of them were having the same feeling. She gestured for me to come inside so I did.

Dad was reading something when I came in, still unaware of my presence.

“Dad,” I called. Dad immediately stood up when he saw me.

Anger, frustration, and many more we’re visible on his face. It was too late when his fist hit my face. Jared was right, dad hit me. I even tasted the blood on my lips.

“You, childish and irresponsible brat! How dare you vanish and just show up like this as if nothing happened?” he shouted as I wiped the blood on my lips.

“Well, you did not inform me in advance about that engagement to Nathalie. I needed some time to think it over,” I replied.

“So have you thought about it?”

I sat on the chair in front of him and even tapped the table, creating a slow beat. My eyes are on my fingers while I was visualizing everything. I have given it a piece of consideration but it was the other way around.

“I am not marrying, Nathalie. Not now, not ever,” I declared firmly.

Dad’s eyes widened in shock.” What?”

“You heard it right, dad. I’m not gonna marry Nathalie but I have another offer. Just in case you are interested,” I said chuckling, and when dad did not say anything I continued.”Well at least to lessen the embarrassment that you had with the Gymes. Interested?”

Dad sighed heavily.” Make sure it would be good news or else I will disown you, Matthew, and throw you somewhere.”

I smiled. I never thought he is capable of doing that. But not a problem, I can survive wherever I am. I leaned closer to dad.

“Here is the thing. Instead of marrying Nathalie Gyrmes, I have decided to marry Aleia Grymes. The Grymes’ first daughter from his first wife. How about it?”

His brows furrowed.” How did u know about that woman?” Dad asked.

“I saw it on Tv. Jared was watching their press conference at home. So how was my offer?”

There was silence for a while. Maybe dad was thinking about what I said so I stood and roam around his office. That woman will surely agree. It was her dream to be with me. I’ll give her what she wanted and make her life a living hell at the same time. She deserved it for everything she did to me.

“What made you choose her instead of Nathalie? It was Nathalie who wanted to marry you and not Aleia, Matthew. I’m not sure if it will work, either, “Dad said.

“That Aleia is more interesting and besides you cannot force me to marry that brat, Nathalie.” I stood and was ready to leave when Dad spoke.

“Why are you making it complicated, Matthew? You are giving me a pain in the ass,” he said, scratching his forehead.

That’s what you got for dragging me into this trouble, dad. You did not even consult me about it.

“That’s the least that I can do, dad. Take it or cancel your agreement with them. I’ll give you time to think about it.” I waved my hand and bid farewell when dad called me again.

“Matthew! Stop walking away from me. You idiot!”

I stopped midway and turned back on him. I could not help myself from smiling. Just a little push and everything will be in my control.

“Are we doing it?” I asked.

I saw dad clench his fist.” Fine! We’ll talk to them tonight and we’ll try to convince Aleia to do it.”

That is easy. That woman is head over heels in love with me that she even painted a portrait of me. It would be a dream come true for her to marry the man she loves. A dream that I will make into a nightmare. I’ll make her regret the day she met me. She is a cunning woman just like everyone I knew.

I was good to her that I even fell for her charm. But it was all a facade. She was fake and she deceived me. She made her prince become a monster.

I can’t wait to see her and make her dream a nightmare!