Break The news to Megan!

Diego father stood in leaning on the wall "Diego, Why are you still undressed,the guest will be on their way soon.

Diego cocked an eyebrow, "What guest?" he asked, curiosity dancing in his voice. 

Raymond hesitated for a moment,*How could he explain it * "Oh, you'll find out soon enough," he answered cryptically, offering a casual wave of his hand to downplay it.

Diego narrowed his eyes, suspicion etched on his face as he creased his brows"You can't just say that! Who is it? Do I know them?"

"Dad, come on! Don't leave me hanging." Diego was clearly becoming more impatient, his curiosity peaking. 

Raymond chuckled, attempting to ease the tension bubbling between them. "Okay, okay. Let's just say I think you're going to enjoy meeting her. 

" You'll soon see the woman I've chosen, and I'll go to great length to make things work between you two" his dad replied 

. "She's" he continued but stopped… well, let's wait for her to arrive. I don't want to spoil the surprise!"

"Dad please make things fast,I need my position back at the company"

"Hmmm,I can see someone is running out of patience" his dad said with a smirk 

Raymond turned, his expression shifting to one of mock seriousness. "Well, you won't know until you meet her, will you? Besides, you've never been one to shy away from a woman.

"Come on,get dressed quick Diego, I'll go handle some few things downstairs in preparation for our guest" his dad uttered walking out of the room.

"I feel like going nuts, dad is only making it harder" he thought walking to his wardrobe.

He brought out a white suite neatly ironed, taking off his clothes he quickly wore his suit.

Diego stood in front of the mirror, admiring his reflection. The white suit hugged him just right, a perfect fit that made him feel more mature and confident. The crisp fabric contrasted sharply with the soft glow of the light. He couldn't help but grin at his freshly styled hair, a simple yet elegant look.

"Not bad at all," he muttered to himself, adjusting the collar of his shirt. He did a quick once-over, ensuring everything was in place. The shadows under his eyes had vanished with a touch of concealer, "Tonight he was going to meet the woman he never dreamed of spending the rest of his life with" he thought letting out a sigh. 

For a moment, he worried if he could live up to his parents expectations. But after a deep breath, he pushed the anxiety aside.

He picked his phone from the bed walking out from his room.

As he walked downstairs,the scents of dinner wafted through his nostrils.

"Hey, Diego! Lookin' sharp as always!"his dad called out, his voice filled with pride. 

"Thanks" Diego replied looking away.

His eyes scanned around,he could sight the dining room filled with dishes.

"What's so special about tonight" he thought with a scoff.

Diego sat on the edge of the couch, tapping his fingers on the couch

Just as he was getting lost in thought, the doorbell rang, Diego felt tensed the moment the doorbell rang

"Looks they've arrived, Diego Can you get that?" Raymond said with a smile on his lips.

He walked to the door with his steady hands, he reached for the doorknob and pulled it open.

Diego stood at the door, his heart drumming in his chest as he swung it open wide, revealing a sight that made his mind whirl. There were Nelson and Camila, The duo stood on the porch, Nelson's warm smile contrasting with Camila's soft but curious gaze.

"Hello, come in!" Diego greeted, stepping back to allow them entry. 

"Welcome to the Alejandro mansion," Raymond chimed in as he appeared from behind,His voice was full of pride.

"Thanks for having us," Nelson said, stepping inside with a jovial flourish while Camila followed closely behind, her demeanor more reserved yet graceful, exuding a calmness.

Diego offered a firm handshake to Nelson, matching the warmth of his greeting. "It's great to see you, Nelson"

Diego eyes scanned around as if looking for a certain person "*Wait, don't tell me I'm getting married to this woman!" He thought staring at Camila.

His eyes darted back toward Camila, whose expression remained unreadable, yet deep within her gaze was something akin to amusement. 

"This is my Camila," Nelson introduced, gesturing toward her, but Diego's mind was racing hard.

"Nice to meet you, Camila," Diego said, forcing a casual smile"

Raymond, oblivious to his son's inner turmoil, clasped his hands together. "I hope you're hungry! I prepared a feast, and we'll have plenty of time to catch up."

"Feast? You know I can't resist a good meal!" Nelson replied with a grin.

Reluctantly, Diego followed, his mind still spinning with twisted thoughts.

Once at the table, Diego took a seat across the table.

"Wow, this looks incredible, Raymond," Nelson praised, inhaling deeply as he settled in.

"Please enjoy" Maya uttered walking to the table.

"I'm Maya, nice meeting you" she greeted with a smile.

" I hope it meets your standards," Raymond chuckled, patting Diego on the back as he took his own seat. 

———

Megan sat in the back seat of the car, she tried to catch her breath. Panting hard from the strong emotions that had swept over her, bringing out a little handki from her purse, dabbing at the beads of sweat forming on her forehead. 

"How could i not have known it was Mr. Raymond, Diego's dad," she thought bitterly, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her purse. It was supposed to be a simple dinner invitation, 

Megan ruffled through her purse, pulling out a small compact. As she applied a light touch of makeup, she couldn't shake the nagging sensation of being unprepared for the evening ahead. "Great, just what I needed," she muttered to herself, frowning as she tried to hide the telltale signs of stress. 

"This was the damn reason he sent those gifts," her mind kept busy.

"It's just a dinner. It's nothing more," she reassured herself, though the anxiety gnawed at her insides. Biting her lip, she wrestled with the thoughts that danced through her mind. *This is going to be so awkward.* 

The thought of meeting Diego sent shiver down her spine. She had not yet laid eyes on him, but she was already feeling this tensed.

"I knew something was off, the moment I heard that name 'Alenjandro'" she muttered under her breath, half-hoping the sound of her own voice would ground her. 

With a deep breath, she glanced in the rearview mirror to steel herself. There she was, a young woman with dreams in her heart.

"Okay, Megan, just keep it cool," she said to herself, smoothing down her dress—an elegant navy blue that hugged her curves just right but felt both daring and safe at the same time. "You've got this."

Gathering her courage, she stepped out of the car, the fresh air hitting her like a splash of cold water yet lifting her spirits. The grandeur of the mansion welcomed her, and she was drawn toward the front door as if by an invisible thread of fate.

"Just remember, it's all just a dinner, nothing more" she repeated softly, almost as if willing herself to believe it.

"I see someone is missing" Raymond said looking around.

"Uh my daughter,she had to settle some few things at the car" Nelson responded 

"You know I did a quick background check and I must your daughter is one young ambitious woman" picking up his glass,a little smirk appeared on his lips.

"My daughter….." 

Nelson words was cut hanging as the door swung open.

Megan moved forward, spotting Raymond across the room, Then, she caught sight of Diego —her presence seemed to draw the attention of everyone,as all eyes fell on her.

Megan froze for a moment, her heart pounding. 

"Are you ready?" she thought nervously as she took a step further , her pulse quickening.

"Breathe, Megan, just breathe," she whispered to herself. she could feel the powerful thrum of her heart.

Diego eyes stared at her without blinking,at first he thought he was hallucinating, but this seems to be reality.

"Me…Meg…. Megan" he thought with a pounding heart"

"Why is she here, What the hell is going on" series of questions popped through his mind.

"Hi, I'm Megan" finally pushing herself to say something.

"Hello beautiful, have a sit" standing up from his chair, Raymond kissed her hand pulling out a chair for her.

"You must be so proud to have a daughter like Megan" Raymond continued.

Nelson chuckled letting out a wide grin.

"Diego, what are you doing,say Hi to Megan,she brought you home the day you got drunk" Maya said.

"What? Megan did what,he knew he felt someone helping him up when he collapsing at the Bar, but he never imagined Megan was the one" he felt the ground should swallow him.

"Hey" Diego reluctantly uttered without looking at Megan, trying every possible means to avoid eye contact with her.

Suddenly his eyes opened wide in disbelief, realizing his father had decided to choose Megan for him.

"No,No this can't be happening, there's no way" Diego thought running his hand through his neatly style hair.

He turned to his dad leaning forward he whispered "Please, spare a moment" with that he got up walking up to his room.

After which his dad followed.

"Dad what is so doing here" Diego blurted once inside his room 

"Who? oh you mean Megan" he replied 

"See, I told you you'll definitely love …." 

"No,I can't marry her, I'd rather Mary Lucia" Diego uttered.

"What do you mean, she's the woman I want for you and that's final" his dad said with a high voice.

"It can't be Megan dad, please understand" Diego pleaded 

"Why?Why can't it be her" his dad responded.

"I Hate her" Diego shouted.

"Yes dad ,I hate her since high school, we've always been enemies,I can't picture myself spending my life with someone like her, she's so cheap" Diego said.

"But I want, don't forget your promise,mess up and watch your life crumbling before you" Raymond reminded.

"Please dad, don't do this, please I promise to be good, just don't proceed with this" Diego pleaded almost dropping to his knees.

"Why do you hate her so much,all I see is one strong aspiring woman, together you both can build a perfect world for yourself" Raymond said.

"Diego, sorry I can't do anything, you'll have to learn to love her,if you really want your position back" he continued looking away.

"Let's get back downstairs,they must be waiting" Raymond said walking out.

He walked down, and Diego slowly walked behind him.

"Sorry about that, work issues" Raymond said with a smile.

"Uhh.. Diego" he called out.

"Why don't you show Megan around" he said causing Diego to freeze.

Diego's heart sank the moment his dad casually tossed out the request: "Diego, why don't you show Megan around? I think she'd love to see the garden." 

Diego felt his blood run cold. Show her around? The idea of being left alone with Megan—after he'd spent the entire evening trying hard to avoid her eyes across the dining room—was suddenly overpowering. He froze, half-expecting the universe to rescue him from this unbearable situation. 

Megan's eyebrows knitted together in discomfort as her gaze darted between Raymond's earnest smile and Diego's frozen demeanor. She clearly didn't like the idea either; her lips were pressed tightly together as if holding back a protest. But just like him, she didn't know how to voice her reluctance.

"This way," Diego mumbled, reluctantly standing up from his chair. He gestured toward the door leading out to the sprawling backyard and Megan stood up after him, a reluctant participant in his silent chaos, and followed him outside.

The moment the door shut behind them, the cool evening air washed over them, but the atmosphere was anything but refreshing. It was thick with awkwardness. 

Diego walked ahead, his mind racing with thoughts—most of them decidedly unhelpful. *Why did Dad have to put me on the spot? He could feel her lingering just behind him, their silence echoing between them like an uninvited guest.

Diego could hear the quiet rustle of leaves but all he could think was, *Shit* This is so bad.*

He stole a glance over his shoulder and saw Megan with her brow furrowed ever so slightly. She looked as uncomfortable as he felt, and for a fleeting moment, he pondered if they were both trapped in a farcical twist of fate, destined to walk in awkward silence.

In a couple of minutes they walked round the mansion walking back to the dinning sitting back on their seats.

"Did you enjoy the walk" Maya asked 

"Yes,I did" Megan replied nodding slightly 

"Hmm, this is so nice," Camila complimented, her eyes lighting up as she took another bite .The rich flavors of cheese and herbs brought a smile to her face, and she couldn't help but savor each mouthful. 

Maya stood across the table, her heart swelling with pride at the compliment. "I made that!" she exclaimed, her smile broadening. "I can always make more if you want." The offer slipped out almost instinctively, and she felt a warm rush of joy at the thought of pleasing her friend.

"Are you kidding?" Camila chuckled, her laughter bright and vibrant. "If you keep cooking like this, I'm going to have to move in with you." She took another forkful, nearly gasping at how good it tasted. "Seriously,this is amazing! You are officially my favorite chef."

Maya felt a blush creep to her cheeks. Cooking had always been her passion, a love stemming from her grandmother's kitchen ,To share that love with someone else, especially Camila, felt thrilling.

"I learned a lot from my grandma," Maya said, her voice softening at the memory. "She would spend hours in the kitchen, teaching me how to balance flavors, and always encouraged me to put a bit of my own twist on things." 

"Like the secret ingredient?" Camila teased, winking playfully. "What is it? A dash of magic? A sprinkle of fairy dust?"

Maya giggled, shaking her head. "It's love, obviously. But I suppose a little garlic doesn't hurt either!" she quipped back, pleased to see Camila enjoying herself.

Meanwhile the tension between Diego and Megan grew stronger with each passing moments.

And after what seems like eternity, her dad finally uttered,the word ,she had be waiting to hear.

"I think we should start leaving," Nelson announced,His voice was calm yet firm, with a note of finality. "Thanks, Mr. Raymond, for welcoming us so grandly." 

"Megan you're so beautiful, you're every man dreams" Maya complimented 

Maya watched the exchange, her heart squeezing a little. She wanted to reach across the table, to reassure Megan that she truly meant it when she had said, "You can always visit. Feel free."

"Thanks," Megan replied again, her voice softer this time, as if the unspoken feelings hung in the air between them.

"And don't forget, Megan," Raymond interjected warmly, offering a fatherly smile, "you're always welcome here. It's nice to have you around." 

As they all stood up, the energy shifted slightly when Raymond turned to Nelson, his expression turning more serious. "Uh, Nelson, can I have a little word with you?" he asked, the corners of his mouth twitching into a knowing smile.

"Sure. Just give me a moment," Nelson replied, turning away and setting his gaze on Camila, "Wait in the car honey, I'll join you guys shortly"

"Stay safe, Maya" Camila said with a smile 

Maya chuckled, nodding. She appreciated the light-hearted banter, which did wonders to ease the pang of awkwardness in the air. The evening had passed far too quickly, and she could sense that camaraderie relationship she felt for Maya.

"Can I ask you something, Maya?" Megan began hesitantly, breaking the slight tension that hung between them.

"Of course," Maya replied, resting her hands on the table, ready to listen. 

"Do you think… do you think we could hang out more? Just us?" Megan's voice was careful, as if she were unearthing a precious gem from a mound of dirt. 

Maya's heart swelled at the question, surprised by the earnestness in Megan's request. "I would love that," she said, her response flowing out effortlessly.

"Baking sounds perfect," Megan replied, the warmth of her smile finally reaching her eyes. "I'm not too bad at it myself, but I could use a little guidance." 

"Sure Camila" Maya said waving.

"See you soon Maya" she waved back walking out with Megan 

___________

"So , you wanted to talk" Nelson voice broke through the silence.

"I'll just go straight to the point,I hate beating around the bush" 

"It's your daughter Megan" Raymond continued.

"What about her" Nelson replied 

"I like her, and I want her for my son Diego" Raymond explained 

"I see, is your son aware about it" Nelson asked 

Raymond leaned in closer, his voice slightly lower, as if sharing a secret. "Megan and Diego know each other from high school," he began, an earnest expression on his face. "But Diego objected to this; they're not in good terms. Despite that, I still want Megan to be his wife."

The admission hung in the air, an unexpected proposal that caught Nelson off guard. He blinked, momentarily processing Raymond's words. "What do you say? It's an offer," Raymond continued, his tone steady.

For a moment, silence enveloped them as Nelson considered the implications. "You're suggesting an arranged marriage?" he asked cautiously, trying to gauge how serious Raymond was.

Raymond shrugged, a glimmer of determination in his eyes. "Not exactly arranged. More like a hopeful pairing. I believe they could complement each other, despite their history. Both are young and capable of growth; they just need a little nudge in the right direction."

After a brief pause, Nelson finally replied, "Interesting. Recently, I've been looking for a suitable man for Megan, and I think Diego is that man."

Raymond's eyes widened, surprised but pleased. "You really think so?" 

"Yes, although their relationship isn't ideal at the moment, my daughter deserves someone who challenges her, someone who shares a past with her—and while theirs is rocky now, I believe they can work through it."

Raymond leaned back in his chair, a look of approval settling over his features. "Exactly! They've already got that initial connection, albeit a fraught one. Sometimes, the best relationships start from the most unexpected places."

Nelson nodded thoughtfully. "But it will require patience on both sides. Megan is strong-willed, and I can sense Diego can be stubborn. 

Raymond chuckled. "I can definitely see the potential. Plus, our families are already friendly. Think of the power couple they could create! We'd be setting up a legacy!"

"Legacy, huh?" Nelson mused, his expression shifting toward a blend of amusement and contemplation. "That might be playing it a bit too grandly, but I like your enthusiasm."

"Let's not forget the most important thing," Raymond interjected, his voice growing serious once more. "Megan has to be on board with this, and we will make this work no matter what even if they object to it"

"Great! The engagement is in one week, if that's okay with you," Raymond said, a spark of enthusiasm lighting up his face. "Break the news to Megan," he continued, 

Nelson took a deep breath, his mind racing at the prospect of sharing such news with his daughter. "One week… that's fast," he replied, trying to wrap his head around the timeline. "But if this is what you truly believe is best for them, then I'll do it."

Raymond's eyes gleamed with warmth as he added, "See, I liked you the moment I saw you." His smile was genuine.

Nelson couldn't help but smile back,It was a bright contrast to the serious nature of their conversation. "Well, I appreciate that, Raymond," he replied, extending his hand for a shake.

Without hesitation, Raymond grabbed it, shaking hands with a firm grip that conveyed both confidence and trust. In that moment, Nelson perceived a hint of mischief in Raymond's expression, as if he were welcoming Nelson into a shared secret of sorts.

"Just to be clear," Raymond continued, his tone light yet earnest, "this is a big step. But I know if anyone can help Megan see the positives in this situation,it's you."

"Right," Nelson replied, letting go of Raymond's hand and leaning back in his chair. "She's going to have a lot of questions, though."I need to find the right way to present it to her."

Raymond nodded, his demeanor shifting to that of a supportive friend. ""I'll do my best," Nelson promised with a smirk on his face.