Today, I'm at home because Dad called me yesterday and asked me to meet his friend's daughter. After getting ready, I left my room and headed to the kitchen. To my surprise, I saw guests in the living room as I walked towards them. Dad noticed me and cheerfully called out,
"Oli! It's great to see you up. Come here, dear; I want to introduce you to someone."
Approaching Dad, I kissed him on the cheek. When I looked at his guests, I was astonished to see a lady with a man around Dad's age.
"Why are you here?" I asked the lady in front of me, feeling annoyed.
I noticed her eyebrows raise as she examined me from head to toe.
"Do you know each other?" Dad asked me.
I glanced at the lady briefly before addressing my father.
"Dad, I don't know her personally. We just happened to meet at a restaurant while I was chatting with a friend," I replied with a smile.
I noticed her evident struggle as she shook her head disapprovingly.
"Miss, let's cut the pretense. We both know that person is not your friend. There's no need for us to play games here, as we are well aware this meeting is not going to be pleasant," she stated firmly, her gaze fixed on me.
Both my father and his companion appeared taken aback.
"Oli, what have you done this time?" Daddy asked me as his brows furrowed.
I tried to smile at the lady, who seemed annoyed with me.
"Daddy, it's just a misunderstanding," I explained.
"Do you think it was just a misunderstanding, Miss? My friend and I were peacefully eating when you suddenly came and insulted us," she remarked.
I then took her hand and guided her to the kitchen.
"Let go of me!" she protested angrily.
With my arms crossed, I addressed her.
"Listen, I know our first meeting didn't go well, but can we just pretend to be okay?" I asked, keeping my eyes on her face.
She responded with a teasing smile.
"I didn't realize you were scared of your father. You seemed to own the world, the way you talked to Eli at the restaurant," she said challengingly with a smile.
"You don't know my father; that's why I'm asking you to let me go even now," I pleaded.
She chuckled softly.
"Alright, I'll agree, but on one condition," she stated.
I looked at her seriously, sensing she had something mischievous planned.
"Tell me your condition first so I can decide whether to agree or not," I replied.
She playfully shook her head, a mischievous grin dancing on her lips.
"Wow! You've got some nerve to say that. If you're not up for it, let's forget what we talked about today," she quipped, turning away from me.
Without hesitation, I reached out and caught her arm.
"Wait! I'm in, no matter what terms you have in mind," I asserted.
A faint smile played on her lips, hinting at a mischievous plan forming in her mind.
"So, do we have a deal?" she asked.
I closed my eyes, nodding in agreement.
"Deal," I replied simply.
"Why the hesitation?" she probed.
Meeting her gaze, I took a deep breath.
"I feel unsure about striking a deal with you when I don't fully know you yet," I confessed.
She chuckled softly.
"Don't worry, I won't harm you. Just be kind, and I'll take care of the rest," she reassured with a sly smile.
I nodded in agreement with her, letting a stranger win for the first time. It was the first time my charm didn't outshine the woman in front of me.
As we locked eyes for a moment, I noticed her beauty up close, realizing her face was familiar. I was sure I had seen her before; I just couldn't recall where.
"What do you see in my face?" she asked, breaking the silence.
I quickly looked away before saying.
"I'm Oli, by the way," introducing myself.
She smiled and replied.
"I'm Zyke," I said, reaching out to shake my hand.
After a moment, she took my hand and said,.
"Nice to meet you, Oli," she said.
As her hand met mine, a whirlwind of sensations swept through me, leaving my heart in a footrace and a chill running down my spine.
"Is everything alright?" Zyke asked, her gaze unwavering.
I swallowed, gathering my thoughts before responding.
"I'm good! I just had a sudden epiphany," I replied, keeping it enigmatic.
A knowing smile played on Zyke's lips as she studied me intently.
"Why the shaky, icy grip?" she teased, giving my hand a gentle squeeze.
Sensing a tremor in my hand, I quickly withdrew it from Zyke's grasp, and this action did not escape her eyes, which only widened her smile.
"Easy, Oli. No need to worry, I won't bite," she reassured with a playful grin.
After drawing me in with her allure, she pivoted and strode back towards my father, leaving me to trail behind her in silence.
"My apologies for my previous demeanor, Mr. Marquez," Zyke began, casting me a glance accompanied by a smile laden with unspoken understanding.
"There was a minor disagreement between Oli and I earlier," she continued.
Our fathers' eyes bore into us, their expressions reflecting a silent anticipation for Zyke's next words.
"Perhaps it's time for me to clarify, Daddy," Zyke continued, facing her father.
"Maybe it's time for me to let you know that Oli is what I'm talking about—meeting my special someone someday," Zyke added.
Zyke's words caught me off guard, yet, in the depth of her gaze, I found my comprehension. This must be the 'condition' she had alluded to earlier.
"Oli," my father finally said.
His gaze was shifting between Zyke and me.
"If Zyke becomes more than a friend to you, I have no objections. I just don't want you reverting to your past relationship with your ex," Dad said, looking at me seriously.
I gulped nervously at Zyke. I'm not sure if this is the right move or if it will make things worse later on.
