Romance with the Cursed Siren

CHAPTER 13. Planned Union

Gabriel spends his entire night at Meryl's apartment, seizing the moment they have missed. Though her studio wasn't enough for their heated exploration, they still manage to catch up.

Now, the lover boy is back at their mansion to change his clothes into formal attire to report to the office and engage in his duty in their company after leaving for a week. He's currently facing the mirror, looking at his image in his pair of expensive black suit and fringed-up hair, when suddenly his eyes darted to the black backpack that he brought with him throughout his escapade. He slowly walked towards it and opened the bag pocket and fish out the bracelet that Crystal gave as a remembrance before he left. He rolled the tiny pearls with his fingers.

"I almost thought that you were just a dream." He mumbled, looking at the bracelet in his hand.

“Gabriel?” Suddenly Camila Anderson, Gabriel’s mother, came into his room. He quickly put the pearl bracelet into his pocket before getting out of his closet.

“Mom, I missed you,” He greeted her with wide arms and caged her into a warm embrace.

“Oh, son. Why didn’t you see me when you arrived home yesterday? I’m so worried about you, I thought you were only sleeping but when I checked you out in your room, you’re already gone.” His mother lovingly said while caressing his face.

“I’m sorry, mom. Rachel ruined my sleep and I need to go to Meryl.” He explained, making his mother frowned.

“I see, so you miss her more than you miss me, huh?” Camila huffed playfully.

“Oh, you know that’s not true. You’re the most wonderful woman I ever had in my life. Of course, I miss you more than anyone else. It’s just that your husband and Rachel have a good job ruining my comeback, you know. So, I have to cool down.” Gabriel said, trying to soothe his mother.

“Okay then, if you say so.” the aged woman said pinching his cheek.

“Anyway, are you done? Let’s go, have breakfast with us, I prepared a feast for you, my dear boy.” She said, pulling Gabriel out of his room.

“Aren’t you going to tell me what happened to your adventure?” Camila suddenly asked as they walked down the staircase and headed to the dining area.

“Why is everyone interested in it? Meryl asked me the same thing, even dad did.” He said when his eyes darted to his father seated ahead of their rectangular dining table. His mother only smiled and gestured to him to sit already. 

“So, you spent the night with the saleslady instead of going to the hotel for dinner with Rachel last night.” His father said, while his mother is serving food on Gabriel’s table.

“Darling, stop scolding our son. Do you want him to leave again? Everything hasn’t sunk in him yet. Besides, who wouldn’t be surprised when you learn that you’ve been arranged for a marriage with someone you don’t love?” Camila said, to avert the discussion.

“But it was already planned for a long time and it is your beloved grandmother who put everything in place with the President of A Construction and Design.” Joemar tried to reason out.

“Joemar, please. Stop it already, you're in front of the table. Can’t you talk about it later when you are both in the office?” Again Camila stops him as she looks at him with sharp eyes.

“Darling, I am only trying to make him understand the business.” Joemar still didn’t stop, and that’s when Camila burst out with annoyance by slamming the empty glass on the table beside his plate. Gabriel just smirks secretly when his mother shows how she dominates his father like that.

“Better, now eat,” Camila announced and winked at her son, who was sitting across the table in front of her as she also settled on the right side of her husband.

After finishing his plate, Joemar stands up all ready to go to the office, but before he leaves, he reminds Gabriel to report to him first thing once he arrives at the office.

“Finish your breakfast but don’t be late.” Joemar firmly added before he walked closer to his wife and kissed her goodbye.

“Mom, why would grandma do such a thing?” Suddenly Gabriel inquired when he was alone with his mother.

“I’m not sure. All I know is that they want the two companies to combine and think that marrying their grandchildren is a solid option.” 

“But why Rachel? I heard that the eldest son of the President has a daughter. Why didn’t they choose her instead of the brat annoying Rachel? Then I might give this marriage a chance for the sake of the company’s reputation..” Gabriel complains, but his mother only shrugged her shoulders.

“I have never met his eldest son, actually. Some say he got married and left his family’s fame and wealth for his wife. Sounds ridiculous right?”

“Well, for me, it sounds courageous,” Gabriel commented.

“Anyway, does the president didn’t agree with the relationship he has with his wife, that’s why they left?” he asked again.

“I don’t know. By the way, aren’t you done yet? Your father might scold you again if you arrive late at the office.” Camila reminded him. 

“Yeah right! Thanks for reminding me, mom. I have to go.” he said and pecked his mother’s forehead.

“Bye, come home early. I’ll cook your favorite roasted chicken.”

“Can’t wait,” Gabriel responded with a wide grin.

Gabriel reluctantly drove to their company building and without second thoughts he went straight to his father’s office, not minding to ask his secretary before getting in. 

“You’re late,” his father welcomed him.

“No, I’m not. I just came in time.” He said and raised his hand to show his wristwatch at exactly eight o’clock.

“See?” he proudly announced, making himself comfortable on the couch while gasping for air.

“Haven’t you asked your secretary to get you a new phone?” Joemar asked as he stood to follow his son and sit on the other couch across from Gabriel.

“I haven’t yet. Probably later.” 

“Alright. So, I just want to talk with you regarding the arranged marriage you have with Rachel.” His father started.

“Okay. what about it? Are you going to withdraw it?”

“No, however, we can delay the wedding. That is, if you are going to cooperate with us. Stop being defiant Gabriel and try to build a good relationship with your fiancee.” Gabriel sighed, feeling defeated.

“If you are not going to do this, our company will be at risk once Mr. Austin Morris pulled out their investment with us.”

“Oh, God! I don’t understand why I should suffer this kind of burden!” Gabriel unbelievably utters and dug his face into his palms.

“Mr. Teofilo Alonzo and your late grandmother had a contract agreement that once his granddaughter reaches the age of eighteen, she will get engaged to you. And with your union, our company will combine and expand for more opportunities.” 

“Dad, I can’t do it.” he resisted.

“You have to, your official engagement party will be held next month. So I suggest you should break up with Meryl and focus on Rachel from now on. She may be a brat by now but eventually, she will learn how to act mature.” 

Gabriel stands up with so much frustration after talking with his father and, without uttering any word, he gets out of his father’s office to go to his.

“Good morning, sir Gabriel.” Ryan, his secretary, greeted him just when he passed along his desk beside his office door and immediately opened the door for him.

“Ryan, get me a new phone,” Gabriel ordered Ryan, who is behind him following.

“Right away, sir.” He said and pulled out his phone and typed something on it.

“What are these?” Gabriel suddenly asked when he saw the pile of paperwork placed on his desk.

“Sir, those are the reports from the finance department that need your signature,” Ryan explained.

“Also, sir. I just want to remind you about the meeting with Mr. Edgar Banks,” he added.

“What time?” he asked as he walked ahead to the glass wall behind his desk and put his hands inside his pocket and touched the bracelet. He pulled it out and stared at it.

“After lunch, sir.”

“Ryan, do you believe in sirens?” Gabriel suddenly asked without looking back. 

“What sirens are you talking about?” but it was Axel Dixon who asked back while chuckling softly. Gabriel immediately put the bracelet back inside his pocket before turning to face his friend and gesturing to Ryan to go out of his office.

“What sirens are talking about earlier? Don’t tell me you happen to see one?” Axel unbelievably asked.

“Yeah, I did. In my dreams.” he retorted.

“I thought you really saw one,” Axel said as he took a seat in front of Gabriel’s mahogany desk.

“Or you might be hallucinating after the waves hit you and get you stuck on an island with a beautiful lady and think that lady is a siren after she showed you her swimming abilities. Am I correct?” Axel mocked him.

“That’s what you call a legit incredible experience, bro. Now tell me about the island lady. Do you know that I’m dying to hear your stories about her? What does she look like? Oh goodness, I’m sure she is innocent, very unlikely to the ladies we have around here.” Axel impatiently and dreamily commented.

“She is, but before I leave the island, she suddenly becomes aggressive, like she doesn't want me to go,” Gabriel responded while gawking ahead to nowhere with a wide grin.

“That’s my man!” Axel cried excitedly.

“So? When are you going back there? I’m definitely coming with you this time.” he added.

“I’m not sure if I’m still going back. I promised her, but I don’t know, I just don’t want her to get upset before I leave.” he sadly announces.

“What! But why? After you hit her? That’s not definitely a gentleman’s way, Gab.” Axel argues.

“I did not hit her! You’re such a brainsick!” Gabriel exclaimed.

“You didn’t?” Axel asked, raising an eyebrow at his friend.

“No, I mean I was supposed to but my guilt overwhelmed me.” Gabriel sadly remembers how Crystal surrendered to him, but the thought of the lady would only assume for a relationship he knew that he can’t provide, he resists. Plus, he already has Meryl and Rachel. He would only be unfair to her.