Chapter 7 VII
What do you think about this dress Rowan? Would it be perfect for our date tonight?
I stared at the message with a smile. It's been two days since the awkward dinner with the Ricci's, but now things were back to normal and Alessandra and I were going out on dates again.
I haven't been to the Ricci's home in that two days, which means I haven't seen Alessandro again. Which is a good thing, because that guy intimidates the hell out of me. He looks at me in a way that makes my stomach churn.
I had no idea what he means by that last statement at our last meeting. But I don't want to find out, so I have to make sure I avoid him at all cost.
With a smile, I replied to Alessandra's message.
I don't care what you wear. You look good in anything.
You're such a sweet talker.
Only for you.
I sent that last message and proceeded to gathering my things so I could leave. Lucky for me, this two days has been good enough to finish up all my paper work. Now I truly have time for a proper date with Alessandra.
My secretary was still at her desk when. I left the office and she smiled when she saw me. "Are you leaving early today boss?"
"Yeah, I have a date."
"With Alessandra Ricci huh?" She said with her brows raised in a suggestive manner. By now everyone already knows about me and the president's daughter. My secretary and I are close enough for her to tease me about it.
I brushed her off. "You can leave early too if you want."
"Thanks boss! I hope you have a splendid date." I nodded with a smile as I walked out of the office.
Right now, I am on my way to the Ricci's home for the first time in two days. I sure hope I don't get unfortunate enough to encounter Alessandro Ricci.
When I got to the house, Anna answered the door as usual. She smiled when she saw me. "Hey Rowan."
"Hi Anna." I greeted back and step inside.
"Miss Alessandra is getting ready. She said you can wait a little for her." I nodded with a smile, but these days, Anna hasn't been too friendly with me and I usually wonder why, but I never bother to put too much thought to it. "Also, why you wait, Mr Ricci would like to see you in his study. He told me to inform you when you get here."
My heart fell a little at that information. Whenever Mr Ricci wanted to see me, it's always about something that he wants me to do. After asking me to marry his daughter and become his heir, I am frightened of the crazier things he might have in store for me.
I left Anna and headed for Mr Ricci's study. Anna who usually lead me there did not bother to do so today. She was really acting strange, but I don't want to pry into her life.
As usual, Mr Ricci was seated at his spot in the middle of his room behind his study desk, his nose once again buried in a book. He senses my presence and looked up to stare at me.
"You're here Rowan. Please have a seat."
I moved closer to the empty chair across him and sat down timidly. "Hello sir. What do you want to see me about?"
"It is something important." He began in a steady tone and I prayed that whatever he must want to say would not be as ridiculous as him asking me to marry his granddaughter. "I know that I didn't think about your own interests when I asked you to marry my granddaughter."
He began which caused my heart to leap in my chest. Where was he going with this.
He sighed and continued, "and I can see that you're not even that into my granddaughter. I have come to realize that I forced you into this relationship with my Alessandra using my influence on you, and that was wrong of me."
I was speechless. Did Mr Ricci really noticed my lack of interest in Alessandra? I thought I hid it well, but I guess I'm not that good at hiding my feelings.
I lowered my head in guilt not knowing what to say to that. I can never say no to Mr Ricci. That would make me an ingrate, that was why I forced myself to go out with his granddaughter. I'm really glad he recognizes his mistakes.
"I understand your respect for me Rowan, and I'm sorry for using that against you. I want you to please forgive me because I will have to do it again."
I looked at him confused about what he means. Do it again? Does he mean he wants something ridiculous from me again even while knowing I am suffering because of the first favour he asked of me?
I dared not speak my mind. I was only a vassel in his hands. He raised me, so I had no right to complain about anything.
"What do you need sir?" I asked eagerly. Ever since I was little, it was my one goal in life. To please Mr Ricci. After all, he had trained me for that very reason.
He looks pleased with my question. "As you already know, my son is reluctant to take over the company after me. I asked you to marry my daughter so you will become my heir just to see his reaction, but the truth is, I really want my grandson to take over the company."
I gulped wondering where he was going with this. "What do you want me to do sir?"
He looked me straight in the eye and said. "Since you do not want to marry Alessandra, it means that you also do not want my company, and believe me Rowan, I am not angry at you. I am actually impressed. It means you're not selfish, and so I've come up with a deal for you." I gulped as I waited for him to continue. "If you can convince my grandson to take over the company, you won't have to get married to Alessandra anymore."
My eyes widened to the size of soccer balls. Convince Alessandro Ricci to take over the company? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard.
"B...but sir, we aren't even friends. Your grandson hates me. There's no way I can even get close to him enough to convince him to take over your company."
He waved a dismissive. "Don't worry Rowan. As for getting close to him, everything is already settled. With some effort, I've talked to Alessandro and he has agreed to undergo training under your care for three months. In those three months, if he still doesn't have an interest in the company, I will let him be so he can live his life as he please. But then you would have to get married to my granddaughter and take over instead. But if he develops an interest in the company, then you will be free to break off your engagement with my granddaughter and live your life as you please."
Mr Ricci leaned closer with a serious look on his face. "So what do you say Rowan? Would you try and convince my grandson and be free, or would you give up and marry my daughter?"
This was crazy. It's even crazier than getting married to Alessandra. Alessandro Ricci hates me. How the hell am I supposed to convince him to take over his grandfather's company?
But if I succeed, that would mean getting out of this forced relationship with Alessandra. I won't have to hurt Alessandra anymore.
I looked back at Mr Ricci in determination. I know Alessandro hates me and it will be close to impossible to convince him, but I just have to try.
"Sir, I accept the deal. I will convince your grandson to take over your company."