MR CEO'S PROMISE TO HER

CHAPTER THREE

XANDER'S POV

“We will now read the will of the late Mrs. Nicholas.“ Our family lawyer spoke solemnly in my grandmother's study.

I looked around at the five of us in the room. My grandmother didn't have a lot of people whom she trusted.

Everyone here knew I would be getting the bulk of her shares and her properties, along with the total ownership of the family business. It was a no-brainer.

I was bored out of my mind as I listened to the lawyer drone on about what the other three people in the room were getting.

“Finally, ownership of all the family business will be transferred to her only grandson, Xander Nicholas, with immediate effect granted that he get married to Estrella Reymond.“

My head whips up in shock. Who, now? I was not the only one confused by the stipulation my grandmother left.

“Excuse me,” I spoke for the first time since the meeting began. “Who's she?“

“It is not my place to question my client. She trusts that you'll find her.“

“What if I don't?“

“Then the shares and company will go to a pre-selected board of trustees until you're ready to marry this woman. I don't think you have a choice unless, of course, you have no desire to head the companies.“

He hands me a picture of the Estrella woman, and I have to admit that she's pretty. Nonetheless, anger coils my blood at my grandmother for forcing my hand like this. Of all the plans I have for the next five years to get the companies under me to new heights, getting married is not one of them.

“Find her.“ I say to my private investigator the minute I get back to my office.

“Yes, Mr. Nicholas.“

“Immediately. Stop everything you're doing and concentrate all your resources on it.“

“So this chick is the key to everything you've been working all your life for?“ My best friend, Rain, laughs, finding amusement in my misery.

“I'm glad you find this so funny.“ I scowl at him.

“It is.“ He laughs again, and I kick his legs off my desk. “Woah, dude, is this her? He picks the picture on my desk. “She's smoking hot.“

“How old is she anyway?“

“I'm sure she's legal.“ I mutter.

“True. What are you going to do?“

“I don't know. I'm going to see when I find her.“

“Damn, if you don't want her, I don't mind taking her off your hands.“

“Shut your damn mouth. Don't you have work to do?“

“See ya, boss.“

Three days later, I park my car opposite a small diner an hour away from the city. My PI told me she would be here. I also know she has a shift today.

I intentionally came an hour before her shift so I could be able to see her when she comes in. Thirty minutes later, she's walking into the diner, and I immediately find myself wanting to go after her.

I stay two more hours without ordering anything before she steps out again with two trash bags. She smiles her greeting to her coworkers and talks to patrons.

Why would my grandmother want me to marry her? What is their connection, and most importantly, what makes her so special? Sure, she's pretty, but it's evident that over the years have done a number on her skin.

I debate going in and talking to her, but I decide against it. I want to see if there's anything else I can figure out before I approach her.

For the next week, I become a regular in the same spot. At this point, I am now a stalker, but that doesn't stop me from going to see her work every day.

One time before she comes in, I walk in to the diner when I know she won't be there to order coffee. I almost asked her coworkers about her, but I decided against it. I don't want to arouse her suspicion.

What do I say to her? Hey, so we're supposed to get married so I can get access to my grandmother's company? It sounds odd to my own ears too.

Besides, she has no reason to want to get married. She seems happy with her life here. She's been here for three years with no sign of leaving anytime soon. I wonder if she has a boyfriend in her life. My PI would have mentioned anyone like that in his investigations.

“Maybe you should give up.“ Rain said when we met in our usual bar.

I glared at him, but he was unbothered. He had to be the only person immune to my cold stares.

“I can't give up my company. You know how hard I've worked for it.“

“I know, but I don't think you know. If you know what's at stake, you won't be so scared to talk to her. You have only a week left, you know?“

“I know.“ I was frustrated as hell.

“Maybe I should follow you next time. I can definitely get her to talk to us.“

“I don't need your help.“ I'm aware of my best friend's charm, but I think I can handle this by myself.

So the next day, I walk in to the diner with a clear purpose in mind, to get her to talk to me. I was deep in thought about the best way to approach her when someone dumps coffee on me, jolting me from my thoughts.

“What the?“ I swore loudly at the burn of the coffee, but I stopped when I noticed who crashed into me.

“Oh my God, I'm so sorry.“ Estrella says, dabbing tissues on my chest.

“It's okay.“ I say reassuringly, but it doesn't work. In fact, she looks like she's going to cry anytime soon, and I wonder if something happened to her.

“No, it isn't.“ She says frantically, still cleaning the stain. “It's my fault for not paying attention.“

“It's okay. Actually, can I talk to you?“