The Wedding Proposal

Chapter 3

Vicenzo's POV

I gripped the steering wheel in frustration and ran a hand through my already tousled hair. My mind reverted back to the conversation with my gran earlier this morning.

*Flashback*

I came down the stairs and saw my grandma sitting on the couch, looking dejected. I wonder what could be bothering her. She just arrived from Italy two days ago for a breast cancer research function but she seemed pretty forlorn. My brows furrowed in confusion and slight anger. Whoever was giving my gran a hard time would have it from me.

I went over to her and sat down, laying my head on my lap. 

" What happened gran? Is something bothering you? Won't you tell your favourite grandson?"

She cracked a smile and responded while running her hand through my hair.

"You know what I'm talking about Vice. Every time i come here with the same hope that you've finally found someone and settled in with your own little family."

I groaned in exasperation. Not again! "Gran, we've been through this. I don't need anyone. Besides i haven't found anyone so-"

She cut me off," That's because you've never tried!"

"Gran, I-"

"Listen young man... I'm not getting any younger now. You know how i long to hold my great grandchildren. It's been so long since i last heard the cries of a child in my house. Won't you fulfill my last wish? You work too hard my son and i am afraid that will take a toll on you sooner or later. You need someone to accompany you in this life. You shouldn't be alone. I want you to experience the joy of a married life, where you have someone to take care of you in sickness and in health. You need someone to make you happy!"

"Don't say so gran! You have many more years to go"

"No. I have heard enough. I am giving you one month. Find yourself a nice lady, someone who is right for this family.,' she said in a tone of finality." I'm leaving for Italy today. When i come back in one month i expect you to have a lady by your side. Otherwise you will have to be married to a woman of my choice. I have no other option but to do this to you love. You have left me no other option."

*Present*

I was so lost in my thoughts that i barely saw the dog running towards my car. Out of nowhere i saw a ball of fluff in front of my Bentley continental GT . I pressed hard on the brakes and the car to a screeching halt. My heart almost skipped a beat. I hope i did not hit the poor dog. I immediately got out of the car to inspect any damage i might have caused.

I stood in awe on seeing the woman in front of her. While she tried to apologise for her dog, i was lost in her mesmerising eyes. She looked absolutely angelic. I probably looked like a creep but i couldn't take my eyes off of her. Her wavy curls cascaded down her shoulders. She was tall, taller than most girls i knew. She was lean but somehow had curves in all the right places. Her skin is flawless and her brown eyes had absolutely captivated me. How could someone be so perfect?

It is not until that she talked to me that i was snapped out of my daze. I was busy staring at her like a creep but she did not even seem to pay attention to me. She just apologised and left so quickly that i barely got to talk to her.

*Later in the evening*

It's been hours since i last saw her but i just cannot seem to get her face out of my head. She looked somewhat sad but still so perfect. And stupid me was so taken aback by her beauty that i could not even ask her her name.

I groaned in frustration for the umpteenth time today. 

I checked myself in the mirror one last time before heading out. I wore a navy blue tuxedo that i had my assistant pick up for me. Honestly i have no time to go shopping for this stuff. Thankfully i have a personal assistant who knows exactly what she has to do and where to get my suit from. I am somewhat late but who cares. I am Vicenzo Giovani Salvatore, CEO of Salvatore industries, a multi billion dollar tech firm. The function of tonight is in honour of the best CEO of the year which each year has made its way into my hands ever since i took over the company. I have no doubt tonight will be the same since no one can even match up to me.

 As soon as i got out of my car and headed for the red carpet, I heard my name being screamed by members of the press. Giving a tight smile, i posed for just a few seconds before heading out. I am not very particular of the press given how they are always thirsty for a new rumour so i tend to keep my distance.

As soon as i entered the room, all eyes fell on me. Well nothing new here. I have been the subject of attention of many me but my workaholic self does not pay any attention to them. They are most gold diggers who only want a run at my money. I do not do relationships, mostly one night stands which go no further than that and i make sure that that is understood well before. 

Looking around the room, my eyes fell on the one person that i have been dying to see ever since i saw her this morning. Will you look at it? We are both even in the same colour. That gorgeous blue dress does her absolutely justice. She looks absolutely ravishing. Her long legs are highlighted by the high low aspect of the dress. 

Not wanting to repeat the events of this morning, i approached her to get to her more. I need to know at least her name. 

"Hi! I'm Vicenzo Salvatore. Didn't quite catch your name this morning." I could see her brows furrowed in confusion. But she replied nonetheless.

"I'm Lenora DeVille...Wait..What do you mean this morning?" she whisper yelled.

I knew she would not recognise me. She did not even pay attention to me this morning. I chuckled and put my hands in my pockets. Well let me remind her. "How's your dog?"

Her doe eyes widened yet again and exclaimed," Wait! The car that almost hit Dodger this morning, that was yours?!"

I lifted my brows in amusement. "So you really don't remember me from this morning? Well that's a first. What were you on? I mean now that i come to think of it, your eyes did look a little red."

Her facial expressions changed just as i said that. Way to go Vicenzo. You managed to make a girl sad in the mere first few minutes you spoke to her. What a lady charmer huh?

She forced a smile on her face and replied," Don't worry, I'm not a drug addict."

I was about to try to do some damage control but was cut off by an announcement that the ceremony was about to begin. We took our places at our respective tables and paid attention to the event.

When it came to the bigger scale industries, i knew my name would be announced soon. I started to smooth out any crease on my suit as i had to go on stage soon. I have been the back to back winner of the CEO of the year award for 4 years now. I doubt anyone would be able to match up to par with me.

When the winner was announced and i didn't hear my name, my jaw clenched and i was visibly ticked off. My jaw relaxed and i felt surprise wash over me when i saw Lenora go on stage to receive the award. Beauty with brains. She was full of surprises and mysteries which i would be more than happy to unravel myself.