Loving again (The Heart's Betrayal Series)

Chapter 5

Ethan's POV.

Atticus Gonzales is an intimidating man. He was very tall, muscular and had a cigar stick stuck between his lips. His eyes were a dark green and his hair was all grey. He hasn't smile once since I got here and I couldn't help but think that this guy surpasses my uncle in the scary category.

"So, you said your name is Ethan?"

"Yes Sir" I answered keeping a brave face on. If I want us to strike a proper deal, I have to impress him.

"Hmm" he made a deep sound underneath his breath while studying my figure from head to tall. "And you're brother to that imbecile who refused my daughter's hand?"

I didn't know how to answer that. I figured he was referring to Holden, but my brother is not an imbecile.

Maybe that's a bit debatable since he recklessly embezzled a huge amount of money from the family company to help his girlfriend.

"Um, Holden is my brother." I decided to put it that way. This will mean that I am not agreeing to Holden being an imbecile.

Mr Gonzales didn't seem to care. "That's the same thing boy. You should be lucky I even agreed to this meeting with you. Your brother didn't make a very good first impression"

That's expected of Holden. "Yeah he can be a little bit careless sometimes, but I'm sure he means no harm"

"He rejected my daughter, my princess. That alone shows that he means more harm to me than good. I don't joke with my little girl"

I swallowed hard at the obvious threat in his words. What would he do if he hears the proposal I have for him. It definitely didn't involve marrying his daughter. I haven't even gotten over my heartbreak. Marriage is not an option for me right now.

"Sir with all due respect, I am not here to talk about the marriage deal you proposed. I_I didn't come here as my brother's replacement"

He frown in confusion looking lost. "so why are you here then? If you don't want to discuss about that, then I suggest you leave"

I expected that and I was ready with my response, "sir I have a much better deal to propose. You can help me bring my company back to its feet and I will make you a part owner of the company"

"That is a tempting offer, but I have to say no to that. What I'm looking for right now is someone who will take care of my little girl and cherish her until the very end. She's my one and only princess and I want her to be happy"

"But does she agree with this? Does she want this?"

He sighed sadly, "Isa has had too many asshole breaking her heart. At this point she's fed up of love. She doesn't want to date anyone or get married anymore and I thought this is the only way to make her happy again. I already told her about it and she didn't seem to care."

I couldn't help but feel sad for her. Loving someone hurts more than anything in the world. Having my heart broken by Celine was the worst pain I've ever had to experience for as long as I could remember. It makes me afraid to fall in love again, that is if I am even capable of ever letting go of my feelings for Celine.

A person like Mr Gonzales daughter might be what I need. A person who isn't looking for love as well, a person who has also given up in order not to get hurt any more.

It would have been nice to get married to her knowing that she expects nothing in return, but Mr Gonzales wants someone who would cherish her and make her happy and I can't be that someone.

Not when my heart still beats so fast for another woman.

With a defeated look, I stared back at Mr Gonzales. I'll have to come up with new ways to save the company. "I'm sorry Sir, but you're asking the wrong guy. Your daughter deserves someone more better than a man like me." I stood up ready to leave "thank you for having me"