Elizalde
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Okay, let's start the real deal.
I composed myself, and Donatello opened the door for me. He winked, and I swallowed hard. I've heard all their conversation. This room was built to have a secret room for hearing conversations on the other side. This is where most of my business deals happen whenever I want to do a background check before signing them into our business.
When our eyes met, I immediately felt an electrifying feeling inside me.
Dammit. Why do I feel this every time I see her? I want to get it out of my system.
Our eyes locked. Her deep brown eyes met my blue ones. My jaw tightened as I stepped inside, and she blinked in astonishment when I stopped a meter in front of her.
Donatello cleared his throat and introduced me to her. She didn't say a word. Not even a single smile on her face. She remains the same.
When I sat down, she turned on her back and took a deep breath. I can feel her tense, which gives me a silver lining of hope. I smiled, but it was quick. I bite my lower lip the moment she turns towards me. She smiled and then sat down.
"I'll get you a cold drink, Sir," Donatello offered, and I nodded. He then left us.
I knew it. When Donatello closed the door, she wasted no time saying her piece.
"You? How could you do this?" she calmly started.
I smirked and leaned back against my seat. "Is there a particular law that tells me not to bid into your father's company? Or perhaps you forgot that you put your company into this?"
Her eyes grew more extensive, like she aimed a dagger towards me. How lovely. For some reason, I miss this type of conversation. It's better than not showing any attention at all.
"What do you want?" she asked, dead serious.
"Isn't it obvious?" I put my arms on the table and leaned closer to her, "You rejected me three times, love. How far do you want to go?" I smiled, offering it nicely to her.
Our eyes locked, and she lifted her chin a little. "And my answer is still the same. No! Over my cat's dead body."
I chuckled and bit my lower lip. If only she were in a good mood, I'd have a good laugh by now.
"Well, too bad your cat is dead," I jokingly said. But, of course, there's no way Mimi is dead. Our cat is still fat and alive.
She swallowed hard. "That's my final answer, Elizalde, and I can't take it nor accept it. Get over it! That was ten years ago! Everyone has moved on. What else do you want from me? How desperate are you to do this and to my father's company? Aren't you happy that my life is going down as you wanted? Aren't you satisfied? You heartless jerk!" she said, looking at me angrily.
I gritted my teeth while looking into her angry eyes. She's still the same. Short-tempered, funny, and clumsy at times. Indeed beautiful and even prettier now than ever. She had light make-up on, but her hair was a little messy because she had no aircon in her car, and probably the wind twirled her hair while driving to come here. But that never affected her beauty. Her pointy cute nose, hearty shape, kissable lips, and everything on her turns me on—a damn gorgeous.
No. Get a hold of yourself, Elizalde. Appearances are deceiving. She's a witch.
"Then I have no choice but to back out and get all the rights from your father's company. Make up your mind now, Lizzie or your family's fortune will all go down the drain. Do you think I like this?" I smirked.
"I'm just like you. I have no choice but to make my mother's last request. Do you think I'm still in love with you? Huh, come on, get over. I'm not that person anymore. Let me tell you straight. I despise you the way you despise me. The feeling is mutual." I seriously said and held my breath. It felt like my heart would soon explode at any moment. My jaw tightened.
She didn't say a word. Her hand fisted. I see that. And for the record, I'm not a heartless jerk! It was the opposite. She should be thankful for this.
"Be my bride. Let's get married legally. That's my offer," I started. She chuckled and perked up.
"It's an agreement, of course, with conditions that I want. Come to think of it. I'm your knight in shining armor whether you like it or not, Elizabeth—simple set-up and display. Let's play we're in love in front of my parents, especially my mother. I will provide everything you want that entitles you as my wife. Of course, I don't expect you to sleep in the same room as me, but I'm easy if you want," I smiled mischievously, "Let's do this for two years, and then let's divorce," I suggested.
Her mouth came partly open. This is fun. She's getting pissed off by the look on her face.
"Over my dead body! You're the last man I've ever wanted to sleep with."
"Correction, I was the first," I proudly interrupted. I chuckled and leaned back, watching her.
"You are an absolute jerk!" she uttered, fuming with anger now.
"At least I'm not a bastard like your ex-boyfriend who slept with your step-sister."
Now she's looking at me with her murderous eyes. "Damn you, Elizalde!" she said bitingly, emphasizing my name.
Her lips pressed together, "You are still the same. You're the worst man that a woman could ever have!"
"Really? Then good luck to you. You ask for this. So be it. You have three days to make a decision, Lizzie. After all, it's your choice, love," I said and stood up. I could no longer help myself, so I better get out before everything turned nasty.
"I hate you, Elizalde!"
I turned and walked away from her. I just raised my right hand as a sign of my agreement.
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c.m. louden
Lizzie . I got home feeling defeated, but I will never give up. I will show him what I got. There's no way that he will win this. I have tried to escape all the means to marry him, yet here I am in this war again. It's not yet over, Elizalde! "I can't believe this, dad! Why did you lie?" I looked at my father, desperately looking for answers. "I-I didn't know what was happening. I swear." He raised his right hand, looking at me innocently. Okay, I believe my father. There's no way he will agree to this. "I didn't know what are you talking about, my dearie. Is there something wrong with your meeting with Mr Miranda? What are his demands?" I look at him suspiciously and grab his cold drink. I drink the whole bottle. I need to wake up from this dream. I hope this is just a dream, but it's not. It's a freaking nightmare! I swallowed hard, took a deep breath, and then faced him. "Dad, the owner of the winning bid was no other than Elizalde El Del Real." He blinked in astonishment
Elizalde . "So, are you ready to be tied up?" Faustino formally asked in the corner. All the boys looked at him. "You can't be that serious, Zalde. I thought it was Nestor's turn. But, unfortunately, it looks like your wedding will happen soon before his." Nathaniel chuckled. He looked at Nestor jokingly. "Everyone has its own time, you idiot!" Neo wrapped his arms around Nathaniel's neck, and the young idiot almost choked. Everyone laughs. It was evident Nathaniel was only acting, a character of him. "Cheers for you, bro!" Nestor raised his glass of wine formally, "Congratulations," he continued. "It's not yet final, and I don't want a celebration." I opposed. I have a terrible feeling that something will happen sooner or later. However, reading Lizzie's behavior yesterday, she cannot quickly agree. So, although I am confident with a fifty-fifty chance of winning, I still have to take precautions. It's too early for a celebration. "Who's the lucky girl?" Neo asked. He's the t
Lizzie . I hate him! My body slumps into the mattress, and my face touches the pillow. Why is it too hard to accept that I got defeated and have to accept his offer? I couldn't bring myself to give my answer in front of him. I can't swallow my pride. It's embarrassing. "Why does it have to be Lizzie, Dad? If I only had known that it was Elizalde El Del Real, I would have come forward for the deal." "You are not what Elizalde wants, Snow. He only wants Lizzie, and there's nothing I can do. I'm thankful that an El Del Real saved the company from going down." "Even so, dad. I can change Elizalde's decision regarding the woman he wants to marry. Ugh, he's got no class in choosing a bride. What did Lizzie say? Did she accept it?" "I don't know. I will talk to her tonight." "Don't force Lizzie if she doesn't want to, Dad. I'm here. I am willing to be a bride for Elizalde. I'm ready." My lips parted when I heard Snow's stupid suggestion. What a sly bitch, a boyfriend snatcher, a re
Lizzie . Seeing Elizalde's mother in a condition, I didn't expect this big blow. She lost a lot of weight. She's in a battle for something about her health. It's still the same personality as what I remembered. Full of life and inspiration. "You know what? I used to keep every recipe of your mother in my diary. So I told Elizalde that I'm keeping them for you. And if the two of you will have kids, I want to cook for them. I hope I am still alive if that happens." Her eyes twinkled as she smiled at me. I smiled back with sincerity. I adore and understand now why she was away for many years in America. It has something to do with her cancer treatment. "Thank you," I politely said when she gave me the lemon ginger tea she had made from scratch. I tasted it. The scent reminds me of my mother, and the warmth provides a beautiful feeling that reminds me of yesterday. We both look at the garden through the glass window of this kitchen. We were quiet. It was dark outside, but the lights
Lizzie . What a stunt! And what do I expect? Of course, he's an El Del Real, and everyone wants to know the lucky girl Elizalde will marry. I thought it was going to be simple, but I was wrong. When I signed the papers and stepped out of his car, all the cameras flashed, and my life turned into a fairytale. "Mr. Elizalde, is it true that Elizabeth Amantes will be your wife? When is the wedding? How did the two of you meet?" one of the reporters asked, and many more. Elizalde smiled and just nodded at them. He didn't say anything, but it was apparent. All the news reporters and showbiz paparazzi were following him. Even at the grand opening of his new hotel resort, they didn't stop. My face was all over the media, showbiz TV, and whatever social media. They're digging into my life. About what I was in the past, which school I've been to, what degree I had finished, and what kind of family I have. It was a disaster, worse than I expected. I didn't like this. I'm not into this. I d
Lizzie . For better, for worse. . . I do hope it's all for the better. Because here I am, facing my worst nightmare! For richer, for poorer. . . For richer, I guess. I agreed to this deal because my father's business needs Elizalde's wealth. And here I am, being a bitch gold digger like those nasty comments I read on the internet earlier, saying that if not for Elizalde's money, I wouldn't tie the knot with him this easy. Damn, that was harsh and absolutely the truth. In sickness and in health. . . Oh well, at least I can assure him I will care for him if he gets sick. I don't care about his health! Till death do us part. . . Yes, until hell do us part! "Elizalde El Del Real, you may now kiss your bride," Judge Suzanne speaks. Her lips pressed together, holding a simple smile while looking at the two of us. I looked at Elizalde, and my knees were shaking. Is he going to do the kiss like he did earlier? Damn him! His holding my hands and giving me a fake smile makes me want
Elizalde . "How dare you make a move without my permission, Zalde!?" Her beautiful light brown eyes lit up, and it didn't resemble the angry tone of her voice. The expression on her face seems furious, but looking into her eyes tells me the opposite of hers. I expect this to happen, but not sooner, like it will happen tonight. "Who else knows aside from Emma?" I smirked and walked past her. I'm half drunk. That's how I celebrate today's event. My body landed on the soft couch. I loosen up my tie and undo a few buttons on my top. "And where have you been?" in her calmer voice. "I want Mimi here. It's boring and scary on my own." Boring and scary? Is she kidding me? Our eyes locked, and now my vision clouded. I smile. I want to smile because I finally got the woman I want to have with me. I got the woman who inflicted so much hatred on me. I got her, okay? But why the hell still I miss her? She's here standing in front of me like beauty and hell. I want her. I want to kiss and
Lizzie . How slowly I chew my food is the same as everything around me. Elizalde is beside me, talking to my father. They get along very well. Not new to me. Snow? Of course, she's sitting across the table and dressed seductively. I know what she's trying to do. She's going to seduce my husband. She hasn't changed at all. Go on and seduce him if you can. Who cares! "Elizalde, my son, try this while it's still warm." Stepmom's sweet voice. She gives Elizalde his share of apple crumble with ice cream on top. "Thank you." He politely answered, looking into my bowl and me. I twisted my lips slightly when our eyes met, and he smirked. "I can't wait for the wedding. When is the wedding?" Snow raised an eyebrow as she asked. Her eyes were fixed on Elizalde. I bet she purposely asked this. I don't have a wedding ring. We don't have one. When we exchange our vows in front of Judge Suzanne, the only token that proves our marriage aside from the marriage certificate is the round pendant