The Elixir Project [Gen L Society #4]

Chapter 17

André

It's been exactly one day, four hours, 7 minutes and 13 seconds since I last saw Charles. Okay, maybe that wasn't accurate, but I was about to lose my mind if I didn't see her.

After that night I told Charles about my feelings for her, I knew she probably didn't believe it. I was drunk that night, but not drunk enough to be spewing nonsense.

Scrolling through my phone, a text message popped up on my screen.

From Grandpapi:

Meet me now at the restaurant

I sighed, massaging my temples. May idea na agad ako kung ano ang sasabihin niya sa akin.

I stood up from my seat, put on my jacket and cap over my head before heading out of the penthouse.

Not long after, nakarating ako sa hotel. I found Grandpapa inside the same restaurant at the ground floor. He was wearing his favorite suspenders and brown trousers yet again as he sipped on his mug.

"Papi!" I greeted with a big smile on my face as soon as I reached him.

"Axe, what's your plan now?" He asked, placing his mug on the table. I just knew it was coming.

Sitting across him, I folded my hands over my chest. "Papi, kaka-graduate ko lang. Can't I enjoy my free time for at least a year?"

"Axe, the company needs someone," he stated in a serious tone. "I'm getting old."

I pouted. "Am I next in line? Why don't you ask the older ones?"

"Izo got his hands full and Chain is in space," he explained.

"The hell? Chain is in space?" I wondered how my other two younger brothers were doing. I suddenly realized I knew nothing about my brothers anymore. I wanted to ask more, but a woman's voice interrupted my momentum.

"Good afternoon, Don Aurelius Laurent."

When I looked up, I saw a lady all dolled up with her cream tube mini dress. "Olivia?" I furrowed my brows, looking at her.

"Oh, hey, André!" She greeted with her cheery tone.

"Sit down, hija. And please, just call me lolo," Grandpapa answered.

Olivia sat down on the chair next to me, while I tried to process what was happening. I didn't want to think of the worst case scenario, but I guess it was already happening.

"Axe, I've already discussed this with the Figuerres' and Olivia here would be your soon-to-be wife," Grandpapa casually stated.

My eyes widened in disbelief. "What?"

"Don't give me that expression. Besides, I've given you plenty of time to fool around. I already told you that you're bound to get married soon."

"But, papi!" I protested, standing up from my seat. "You could've asked me first."

"I did, quite several times. And remember the condition?" Grandpapa glared at me.

My jaw stiffened, remembering about his condition that time I asked for his help regarding Charles.

"Try to get along now, will you?" Grandpapa told the both of us before he left.