Forced

It was a good thing that I wasn't drinking at the moment he said that. The idea came from out of nowhere that my brain just froze in surprise.

I've heard about his children but we weren't close at all so the last time we met was quite a few years ago that I couldn't even remember what they look like. The only thing left of note that I can remember was Uncle Alan was quite strict with them especially with his eldest son but I couldn't remember his name.

I looked down, hiding my eyes from his excited gaze by putting my coffee slowly to the table. As slow as it could get since I was caught off guard and I scrambled my wits just to find an appropriate reason.

"I just came from a breakup, Uncle," I said, scrunching my face to drive home my unwillingness.

He rolled his eyes at me, "Those words would have worked if I didn't know you well. You're too practical to get involved with that kind of useless emotion. We both know that the only thing that hurt you was the loss of benefit from it."

I couldn't help but laugh even though my reason didn't work on him at all. He really knew me like the back of his hand.

"I've too much to deal with right now in the company, Uncle," I still refused his suggestion.

Normally, I would've at least considered it but I somehow feel uneasy to even do that. I unconsciously glanced towards the door, lost in thought.

"You don't have to think hard about it right now. Just think of it as just a simple meeting between you two, no pressure," he insisted, despite my refusal.

"Uncle," I exasperatedly called at his persistent behavior.

"Leon is out of the country at the moment so he'll just contact you. I'll be leaving now since I promised your Aunt that I'll be taking her out for dinner," he stood up quickly after saying his piece, not even giving me any time to say goodbye as he rushed off.

I sighed heavily.

In the end, it still fell into my lap even though I already said no multiple times. I guessed I would just have to talk to his son personally.

How troublesome.

Inside the study, I flipped the reports that I still needed to review on my day off. I remember Quinn telling me that I needed some kind of hobby aside from working but I never found one that I like. Rather than wasting time at home, I could just reduce my workload that I'd be doing once I come to work. It's more practical and efficient that way.

I was marking the document for some changes that I wanted the staff to do when my eyelid started twitching for some reason.

Oh no.

It looked like something bad was about to happen. Immediately, I shook my head at the thought. It's just a silly superstition. I should have more trust in science.

I focused back on my task at hand as my other hand that wasn't holding the pen, expertly grabbed my coffee mug without looking. It was then that my doorbell started chiming nonstop that it even drowned out the background music that was playing in the room.

I removed my glasses and rubbed my nose bridge while wondering who was at the door since I wasn't expecting any guests.

I looked at the screen and saw Elaine at the other side of the door. I don't remember her saying that she was coming over. Puzzled, I opened the door.

"Were you screening my calls?" She asked in an accusing tone as if I killed her cat, Fluffies.

"Why would I?" I replied, getting more confused by the minute. Opening the door wider so she could get inside.

I went in search of my phone while she followed me closely like a ghost. I went back to the study but I didn't find it there. I was so busy with work matters that I didn't even notice it was missing. I had to look everywhere before I managed to find it in my room. I checked and did see lots of missed calls from Elaine.

"Sorry, I didn't hear the ringtone from the study. Why were you calling anyway?" I glanced back at her with curiosity.

"The masquerade charity party is today and you're still not ready!" She exclaimed in disbelief.

Uh oh. I had no recollection whatsoever about this. Trouble did come knocking.

I muttered with suspicion, "I don't recall you telling me about this event."

"I told you about it months ago and I was about to remind you again but you hung up on me when I called," she quickly blamed me, looking incredulous.

"Oh."

"Oh?!"

"I thought you called just to tease me," My voice sheepish.

"Nevermind that. Let's just go. It's going to start soon," she hurriedly urged me.

"I haven't had the time to get a dress for it," I was quick to refuse.

It would have been nice if it was your usual charity but since it had a theme like this. It was bound to have tons of unnecessary stuff in the program and formal.

Elaine smiled like the devil, "Don't worry, I knew you'd say that so I already ask Lila for help. You just need to be there."

I suddenly wanted to run away from my own home. Elaine always acted differently when it came to the charity parties she organized, like a switch that flipped on. Everything about it had to be perfect and contrary to her usual scatter-brained self, it was always a success. It was no wonder that she was the chairman for the Wheeler Foundation that she built from the ground up though lately there's been friction between her and the family.

Most of the time, people in business just use charity as a means to beautify their reputation. It was bad practice and insincere and it's still rampant nowadays.

But with Elaine, I could see that she was really passionate about it. She was really popular and well-connected with Non Profit Organizations both in and out of the country because of her hardwork in the field. That's why a lot of people from all sorts of backgrounds who had the means flocked to her charity parties as it was beneficial for them all around.

It was always covered by the press as there were a lot of celebrities from different fields and those who chased for exposure came. Businessmen who loved to mingle with other people and expand their networks. Of course, the socialites from those elite families never missed a chance to attend. As for Elaine, she didn't care who attended. All she wanted was their money for the charity's chosen beneficiaries.

It was the first charity party she was holding in The Book Club so it was special and she's already going extra crazy with it from what I can see.

Before I knew it, I was already being dragged to the door and could only shout, "Let me get my phone and other things."

"Hurry up! Also, don't forget your wallet. That's the most important," she called out impatiently and I responded with a glare.

". . ."

Dad was right.

It was really important to choose the right friends.