Mateo smirked while parting the hair blocking Chantal's face and said, "This is going to be a long night so prepare yourself, my soon-to-be wife."
----
Mateo Harris was one of the successors of his generation and at a young age, he was able to hold the title of the top executive in most multinational companies.
After Nolan Harris, his father gave his full trust in him and Mateo became one of the best Presidents in years of working.
But with so much freedom, Mateo no longer understood who and what he should be doing in the public's eye which alarmed the nation of Fly Airs and Nolan made concluded that Mateo should marry his friend's daughter, the Heir of TechMiller Corp.
Chantal's family was rich ever since she was a child but because of the love of her father, Chantal grew up spoiled and came to the point that her father could no longer control her so Roman also agreed to the condition Nolan offered, and thought that within that year her daughter might learn something from the charismatic Mateo, the best President in his years of working.
In the large living room, a group of two couples started to chat, and a hint perfume of incense can be smelled across the house.
"Oh we are done with the preparations, I'm glad that you don't want to change anything here," said Lesia, Mateo's mother.
Zaira, Chantal's mother held Roman's hand tightly and smiled, "They were all looking pleasing to me but please if you needed help. Tell us—"
Zaira was cut off when the door suddenly opened, and the four of them Roman, Zaira, Lesia, and Nolan were looking at Mateo and Chantal walking toward them.
"Oh, here they are! Our soon-to-be successors!" Roman shouted that making Chantal hug her arm.
Mateo was walking in front of her and Mateo felt that Chantal was not comfortable because of his parents.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Miller." Mateo greeted Zaira with a kiss on her hand, then turned to Roman, "Mr. Miller!"
The two shook hands and while Chantal stood there looking at them she didn't know what to do and just stared.
Lesia chuckled looking at Chantal in a half-bun style hair, and a puff dress whose length was above the knee.
"Hi, Chantal! I've heard so much about you," said Lesia.
Lesia made an effort to remove the unease look on Chantal, but no matter how warmly she welcomed the girl, Chantal still couldn't change the expression on her face.
Chantal was looking at her father and mother that was preoccupied with entertaining Mateo, Chantal felt pressured and slightly smiled at Lesia.
"May I know where the bathroom lies?" Chantal asked politely.
Lesia placed her hand on Chantal's shoulder and Chantal felt unease but she managed to stand still, "Straight on that alley, then turn to your left."
Chantal hurriedly stood up and Mateo looked at her while she started to walk.
Chantal's heart felt heavy, and her eyes began to swell with tears, the scene where Roman was warm to Mateo, Chantal suddenly felt jealous.
"Your dream of having a successful son come true," Chantal said as she bit her lips.
Chantal absent-mindedly turned to her right and she was suddenly inside a room that seemed to be a vault of things.
Chantal hides in a single spot trying to control her tears.
Chantal recalled how Roman talked to his friend about her being an ace at school, filled her name with pride, and at the end of that quote Roman said, he wished that Chantal was a boy so she could continue his history.
From that day Chantal changed, the reason for her to be like she was now.
The door opened and Chantal stopped wondering who it was and just said, "Why are you here?"
Mateo caresses his nape, "Ah—this is my home?"
Chantal hugged her knees tightly and after losing energy for the grip she finally decided to stand up.
Mateo's hand was placed in his pocket while looking at Chantal.
"Did something happen? Are you alright?" Mateo asked her worriedly.
Chantal walked into a square wrapped in cloth, Mateo was watching every move she made and saw where the girl was going, Mateo was about to stop her but Chantal already removed the red cloth that was wrapped in the large portrait.
Chantal looked at the painting on the portrait, "Who is she?" She asked Mateo.
Mateo's jaw clenched and walked towards Mateo, "Just a girl."
Chantal looked around and saw that this was a storage of things that they didn't need, "was she that girl? The one he talked about that night?" Chantal asked herself.
Mateo was watching Chantal's every move and the young man immediately knew that something was bothering her, "does visiting your in-laws put that much pressure on you?"
"I just saw that you quite enjoyed my parent's company and didn't notice that you would follow me here."
Mateo's glare can be seen after he turned on the light, making Chantal see the portrait clearer.
"I was looking at you this whole time," said Mateo while looking at Chantal.
Chantal's heart started to beat fast and this sign was too much to ignore.
She shook her head and a smile appeared on her lips, "A beautiful girl in a portrait to be stuck in a storage room don't you think?"
Mateo's mood suddenly changed and became more irritated, "Let's get out of here." his low voice echoed in the room filled with things.
Mateo walked first to open the door and saw that Chantal was still looking at the portrait and with a weird expression, she asked, "why do we have to get married? Is it because you had an issue?"
Mateo held the knob tight and he didn't know what to say he stretched his neck by bending it from side to side, "I need you to marry me for some reason I couldn't tell you."
"Now that you've signed the contract there is no turning back, the moment that pen inked the paper, you're already mine."