3 - He Hates Me

"Forgive me for keeping you waiting, Miss Matthews, but I had an urgent call to take, and I needed to wrap that up first," Fabio explained. He extended a hospitable hand towards Sapphire's father. "It's nice seeing you again, Mr. Matthews, and you're both welcome to my humble abode. I hope everything around is to your liking."

Sapphire stood there, observing Fabio's face. She had previously seen a few pictures of him on the internet, but nothing compared to how striking he appeared in person.

His tall and well-built frame coupled with his perfectly sculpted face made him seem as though he had fallen straight out of heaven, and his mere presence made Sapphire feel small, not just due to their height difference, but also because of his aura and the icy gaze he had on his face.

A faint smile played across Fabio's lips, but it was obvious to Sapphire that it was forced. He seemed as if he would rather be anywhere but here.

Sapphire's father responded, "Thank you for having us, Mr. Rodriguez. You have a very lovely home, by the way." Sapphire inwardly rolled her eyes at her father's attempts to curry favor.

"I'm delighted to meet you, Mr. Rodriguez," Sapphire said, mustering the courage to speak to him first since he didn't seem inclined to initiate conversation.

She couldn't help but feel a strange sensation that Fabio didn't want to talk to her. It may sound weird, but that's genuinely how she felt. It seemed as though he deliberately avoided making eye contact, and she couldn't fathom why.

Wasn't he aware of the impending marriage arrangement between them?

"Likewise, Miss Matthews," Fabio responded, stretching out his hand for a handshake.

After a moment's hesitation, Sapphire clasped his hand briefly before promptly releasing it. A shiver ran down her spine as their hands parted. Throughout their brief interaction, Fabio avoided making eye contact with her, and it left Sapphire feeling unsettled.

"Please take a seat," Fabio offered, pointing them back to their previous seats. Her father and she returned to their places, while Fabio settled on the sofa opposite Sapphire. "Have you been offered anything? Is there perhaps anything you'd like to eat or drink? Feel free to request anything, and I'll have it brought to you immediately."

Sapphire couldn't shake the feeling of unease that permeated the room. She had anticipated this meeting to serve as an introduction between her and Fabio, as they were engaged to be married. However, it now felt more like she had simply accompanied her father to a meeting with one of his clients, where her presence was entirely disregarded. Fabio's lack of eye contact or conversation with her only heightened her discomfort.

"There's no need for that, Fabio. What we ought to do now is get straight to why we're here. You've already met my beautiful daughter Sapphire, and I think it's better that I excuse myself so that you two can get to talk privately," her father suggested unexpectedly, causing Sapphire's heart to sink.

Did her father just suggest leaving her there, all by herself, with a man who seemed to want nothing to do with her? How could her father even consider such a thing? What was wrong with him?

Sapphire turned to her father, attempting to convey her displeasure, and was momentarily relieved that he noticed. However, instead of heeding her unspoken plea to stay, he simply ignored her and walked out of the living room, leaving her alone with a man who appeared on the verge of leaving at any moment.

An awkward silence engulfed them after her father's exit. Sapphire despised such uncomfortable and silent moments; they ranked among the most taxing situations she could find herself in.

Nervously clearing her throat, Sapphire mustered the courage to initiate conversation. "So, Mr. Rodriguez, is there anything in particular that you'd like to know about me? Do you have any questions before our marriage?"

Fabio countered with a question of his own, "Well, is there anything you'd like to tell me about yourself?" Sapphire couldn't help but scoff in response. Fabio looked at her quizzically, innocently asking, "Did I say something wrong?"

Sapphire decided against abruptly leaving and instead resolved to take charge of their awkward exchange. "Listen, Mr. Rodriguez, I came here today because my father explained that we have to get married as part of a business arrangement, or something along those lines. Although I still don't fully understand why it involves me, I'm willing to make an effort to speak with you. However, it doesn't seem like you're putting in any effort at all," she said.

"I'm aware this situation isn't exactly conventional, but could you at least look me in the eye? Since you walked in, it's been obvious that you've been avoiding making eye contact with me, and it's deeply upsetting,” she continued, attempting to conceal her irritation.

Fabio remained silent for a while, observing Sapphire with an inquisitive expression. Unsettled by his gaze, she averted her eyes, focusing on anything but him.

"It seems to me like you're the one avoiding me now, Miss Matthews," Fabio finally remarked. There was something inherently dangerous about his calm and gentle tone, making him oddly captivating.

Fabio continued. "Anyway, I apologize if I made you uncomfortable, Miss Matthews."

Sapphire interrupted his attempted response, emphasizing, "Sapphire. The name's Sapphire, Fabio. The formality isn't necessary."

"I apologize if I made you uncomfortable, Sapphire. It wasn't my intention," Fabio corrected. The way he pronounced her name sent a thrill through her, despite her attempts to mask her emotions.

"I hate to say this, but I'll have to apologize to you again, Miss Matthews. Something came up earlier, and I need to attend to it as soon as possible. I know you made the effort to come all the way here, and I'm truly sorry that our conversation will have to be cut short," Fabio explained, his words lacking surprise.

Sapphire wasn't surprised either, though she found his excuse of important tasks to attend to rather feeble. She wouldn't be shocked to discover he simply desired her to leave and had been seeking an opportunity to send her back home because he didn't like her. Perhaps she didn't meet his expectations, causing him to reconsider their impending marriage.

Although she wasn't sure whether to be relieved or hurt by his potential change of plans, Sapphire had no intention of revealing her true emotions to him.

"No problem, Fabio. I completely understand," she lied, forcing a false smile upon her face.

"Well, to make it up to you, I'd like to invite you to dinner tomorrow night. If you're interested, of course," Fabio unexpectedly proposed, leaving Sapphire taken aback.

"You want to have dinner with me?" she questioned.

"Yes, I think it would provide us with an opportunity to converse more comfortably," he responded.

After contemplating for a few minutes, Sapphire decided to offer a response. "I'll need to check my schedule, and if I'm available, I'll let you know," she informed him. Fabio merely nodded before rising from his seat.

"Leaving already?" she asked.

"Unfortunately, I must, Miss Matthews. Please get back to me regarding my offer. Once again, I apologize for this abrupt conclusion to our first meeting," he replied before walking away, leaving Sapphire alone with her thoughts.