The Counselor » gxg [UNEDITED]

02.

Maurice's POV

I considered what ate Risa has told me. She got a point after all. It is unfair for Alessandro that I already had a judgment on him, without even trying to get-to-know him. In the end of the day, I can truly say that I tried to work things up, if ever this does not end up well eventually. As of the moment, I am facing the mirror, putting my make-up on in preparation for the dinner that has been set by my parents for me to meet my fiancé. It is now  5 'o clock in the afternoon. I just started to prepare this early, since I take some time for doing these stuffs myself.  The reason why I do this by myself is to have control over the products that will be used, and with the overall look. 

After half an hour or so, I finished with the hair, and the make-up. Now, I will just have to look for a decent outfit. I stood up, then went into my walk through closet. It took some while to find one that suits my mood and taste for today. I ended up with a simple beige off-shoulder and bodycon dress, paired with a gold heeled sandals.

Just after putting my shoes on, I heard a knock in the door. Without even waiting for my response, my mother got into my room. Then, she took a look of me from head to toe. She smiled proudly as she approached me, taking a closer look of me. 

"My baby is such a beautiful, and stunning woman now. I am glad that you are done, and you fulfilled your promise to not embarrass us, since your soon-to-be father-in-law Leandro has just arrived, together with your soon-to-be mother in law, and of course, with your fiancé. I am sure that Alessandro will have his jaw drop upon seeing you." She then chuckled. "I will see you downstairs. I will just entertain them first, all right?" She caressed my hair one time before she went out, then headed downstairs. 

Meanwhile, I stayed in my room for a moment, contemplating and trying to compose myself. 

Just try... just try, Maurice. Who knows? It might work out.

I thought to myself as I held onto the knob of the door, then got out of my room.  From where I am standing right now, I can already see the Morillos staying by our living room already. My parents were entertaining them. However, I cannot see the face of the guy whom I assume to be the person to be married to me, since his back was facing my direction. 

I fixed myself for the last time before I walked downstairs. 

Alessandro's POV

I looked around, getting a little nervous as soon as our car has reached the entry point of the Claveria residence. The plants were well taken good care of, I can say. Their personal security personnel has strictly checked through our vehicle, and validated our identities. These guards are probably hired recently, since they did not know about us yet. 

The butler has guided us on where we would be parking our car. He was also the one to open the car doors for us three as our driver has unlocked the car doors.

"Welcome to the future in-laws of the heiress of the Claveria group of companies, as well as to the soon-to-be husband of her. It is such an honor for me to serve you tonight." He bowed at us before he assisted us to the main house. 

As soon as I got into the house, I could not help but to be in awe on how spacious yet neat, and elegant it is. Tito and tita has welcomed warmly as soon as we got in, they guided us to the living room where they and my parents settled down to chat. Meanwhile, I just sat on one of the isolated sofa chairs. 

It still has not sink into me that I was chosen to be the groom for Maurice Claveria. I have known her, however; I doubt that she has known me since we do not belong to the same class, and she's a year older than I am. I remember when we were in College, I have admired her. Whenever our professor casually mentions about the way she presents herself in class, she was outstanding. 

Do not get me wrong, even if I had admiration for her... I did not want this to happen, since I also had a girlfriend whom I truly loved, and I was forced to break up with her. In addition to that, I did not want Maurice to be tied with a person who would not give her the happiness that she deserves. Sadly, this choice was not left for the both of us to decide. Our fates have been locked, probably even before we were born.

I was given the task to make her fall in love with me, however; I do not know how I could possibly do that, and how I am supposed to do such.

Oh, I have been talking a lot, but I have not introduced myself yet. I am Alessandro Morillo, the son of one of the top shareholders in the Claveria Group of Companies. On top of that, my parents also own one of the well-known pharmacy or drugstore here in the country. 

Even though that I was born in a family of businessmen and businesswomen, I can say that I did not inherit their passion for business. I enjoy photography a lot, my dream was to visit every country and continent, then to be able to snap a picture of that place. I wanted to make a name in that industry. Unfortunately, like what I have said, my fate has already been locked, even before I was born.

After some while of being so drawn into my thoughts, my mother has called my attention. 

"Iho, nandiyan na si Maurice, alalayan mo." She told me. 

(A/N: For those who do not speak Tagalog/Filipino, this means: "Son, Maurice is there already, assist her.")

"Kaygandang dalaga talaga nito, ah ah." My father commended. "Sige na, iho. Simulan mo nang magpalakas." He teased me afterwards.

(A/N: For those who do not speak Tagalog/Filipino, this means: "She is such a beautiful young lady, go son. Try to do your moves now, so you can score to her heart.")

I just shook my head at them as I stood up, fixing myself before I faced her. However, I froze eventually. I did not expect her to be this beautiful. I can feel my cheeks heat up, it seems like my blood all rushed up there. I gulped as I took a look of her from head to toe before I walked towards her, then offered her a hand on her last two steps. 

I was speechless, my heart was pounding crazily, and my throat seemed to dry out. 

It seems like all of the feelings that I had for her in the past, came back, especially when she held my hand as she walked the last two steps down.

Maurice's POV

So this is how he looks like, I must admit that he is charming. On top of that, I can feel like I have seen him somewhere. I just could not recall when and where I have seen him exactly. 

"You two look so good together." My mother commented, flashing a smile. "Anyway, shall we head for dinner?" She then glanced to my father, then to the remaining Morillos. 

They all agreed to do so. We then headed to the dining room. I carefully and gently let go of his hand as soon as we reached the table, he allowed me to sit me down first as he pulled a chair out, before he did likewise for himself. 

"Thank you." I smiled at him as he was sitting down, I can see him being caught off guard. 

"You're welcome." He responded, smiling back at me as he reached for my hand, then caressed it one time but let go as soon as the helpers began to serve us food.

I do not know why I do not feel anything about it, even though he was truly charismatic. 

Soon, we bowed our heads as my father has led the prayer to bless the food before we consume it. Silence has filled between Alessandro and I as we were eating, while our parents began chatting while they were having their meal. 

Alessandro and I remained like that, eating silently until my father called our attention.

"Ah, by the way, Maurice, dear... and Alessandro, I forgot to tell you two that we hired one of the best marriage counselor in the country for you two. Hopefully, she can help you get along with each other, and make you understand the commitment that you two will be entering. The counselling will right away start by tomorrow. It will consist of a couple of sessions. I would want the two to focus on working on your connection, and establishing your relationship. Do not worry about the tasks that you have left on your tables, we will handle them until the day of your marriage."

*****

What to expect in the next chapter? It will be the first encounter of Alexa, and Maurice. Stay tuned for that.

- Aidenne