Ximena looked at Zuri then back at Eliana.
"Well, I don't know. I mean, we haven't spoken to each other yet," she said.
She couldn't possibly tell her that she thought of her brother as a flirt. That would seem impolite.
"Oh I see. Well, he can be annoying sometimes but he's really sweet and jovial. He's also caring. Oh, and he's romantic too," Eliana chuckled after saying the last sentence.
Ximena also laughed awkwardly.
"Your brother is really handsome," Zuri said.
"Yeah. Girls flock around him a lot," Chloe said.
"I see why he's a flirt," Ximena said looking down.
"What?" Chloe and Eliana chorused.
"Uh? Oh my! Did I say that aloud?" Ximena gasped. "I'm sorry I..." She shook her head. "Please excuse me."
With that, she left the three girls.
"What's with her?" Eliana asked.
"She's like that," Zuri replied.
********
Looking at the horizon, Ximena watched the sunset. She sighed for the umpteenth time. Her mind traveled back to what happened in the hall and she thought about Hugo. She ruffled her hair then closed her eyes.
"Watching the sunset, huh?" A voice said, breaking into her thoughts.
Ximena opened her eyes and looked beside her. A handsome young man stood beside her.
"It's been a while, Mena," he said again.
"Excuse me. Have we met? I don't recognize you." She raised a brow.
"I thought as much. I'm Walter Briggs. We met each other once when we were kids," he beamed.
"Oh. I don't recognize you," Ximena said.
"You're still as cold as before. Don't worry, we'll get along pretty well," he said with a smile.
Ximena didn't say anything. She looked away from him and continued watching the sunset.
"By the way, you are really beautiful," Walter said in an attempt to keep the conversation flowing.
"Thanks," she replied curtly without sparing him a glance.
"I think you got a bit colder than before. I just want to get along with you. Can you at least face me?" His voice was calm.
"I want to be alone for now, Walter. Can you please leave?" Ximena turned to him. "Or I'd rather leave."
She made to go but Walter held her wrist. She looked at her wrist then at him.
"You don't have to leave. I'll go now, okay?" He smiled.
"Hey Mena!" There you are. I've been looking for you," Hugo called.
Walter and Ximena turned to him. He let go of her.
"I'll see you some other time, Mena," he winked and left.
Hugo walked towards Ximena.
"What were you doing here alone with Walter?" He asked.
"You know him?"
"Yeah. We attended the same college."
"OK," Ximena said and turned back to the sunset.
"Are you always this cold?"
"What?" She turned back to him.
"We're supposed to know each other better. I mean we're getting married."
Ximena's eyes widened. "Are you in support of this marriage?"
"I don't have a choice. My dad's decision is final. Two months ago, my dad told me about it. I was really furious back then especially because I had to break up with my girlfriend," Hugo explained sadly.
"You had a girlfriend?"
"Yeah, I did and she was the best so far."
"Wait... You mean you had other girlfriends before her?" Ximena couldn't hide her surprise.
"Yeah. She was my third girlfriend. Why? Didn't you have a boyfriend?" Hugo asked curiously.
"No. I didn't even have any friends. My parents kicked against it. They didn't want me to have a boyfriend or even a male friend. I didn't know the reason until I found out two days ago that I was betrothed to you," Ximena said.
"Wow. I guess your parents are really strict. I can't believe you didn't have any boyfriend. It's really unbelievable," Hugo said.
"Hugo, let's do something. Since we both do not want this marriage, let's convince our parents. It'll be easier that way. Don't you think?" She suggested.
Hugo was quiet for a while, giving some thought to her suggestion.
"The thing is I wasn't happy with the betrothal but after seeing you tonight, I think I'm starting to reconsider."
"What?"
"I think you're the right one for me."
"We don't even know each other, Hugo. Besides, you love someone else. Are you really willing to spend the rest of your life with someone you do not know or love?" Ximena asked in utter disbelief.
"Our wedding is happening two months after our engagement. That's more than enough time to know you."
"You think two months is enough to know someone you're going to marry?"
"I think a day is enough. I can tell that you aren't a bad person. I'm a good judge of character," he winked and smiled.
"Why do you sound just like Carl?"
"Who's Carl?"
"He's a friend."
"Friend? I thought you didn't have a friend." Hugo raised a brow.
"He's actually my personal bodyguard but he's more than that. He's a very good friend of mine," Ximena said.
"Oh, ya veo," Hugo said, nodding his head. "Do you speak Spanish?"
"Yeah. I can speak three languages apart from French and English."
"Wow. I didn't know my bride-to-be is so smart. I can only speak three. Spanish, English and Italian. I'm not really fluent in French. You're really smart, futura sposa."
"Can you stop calling me that?"
"Why?"
"Because I don't like... I don't like it," She was just about to tell him that she didn't like him. Good thing she stopped just in time.
"Why? We're dating now. You're my girlfriend. Our engagement is in two weeks then you'll be my fiancée."
"Freundin mein fuss," Ximena scoffed and started walking away.
"What? What was that? Did you just speak German?" Hugo called after her. "Wow, she's so talented. I'm beginning to like her more," he smiled.
********
"Good night, Carl," Ximena beamed as she got down from the car.
"Sweet dreams," Carlos replied and watched her enter the mansion with Zuri.
"Are you gonna keep watching her, dude?" Juan tapped his shoulder.
"Let's go in." Carlos rolled his eyes while Juan sniggered.
"Did you enjoy the party, Mia?" Nora asked with a smile.
"Probably," Ximena said, walking towards the stairs.
"Then you must like him," Armando chipped in.
Ximena stopped and turned to her parents.
"You mean Hugo De León?" She asked.
"Yes, who else?" Armando replied.
"I don't like him," Ximena said candidly.
"Why? He's a nice man," Nora asked.
"He's a flirt. He doesn't miss the slightest opportunity to flirt."
"Flirt? With whom did he flirt?" Armando asked.
"With me!" Ximena said, getting pissed.
Armando and Nora chuckled.
"What's funny?"
"Oh darling, if he doesn't flirt with you, who would he flirt with? You guys will be married soon, so it isn't bad if he flirts with you. Seems like he took a fancy to you. As long as he's okay with the marriage , then it's set," Armando said.
"What? Why should his opinion supersede mine? I'm your daughter, dad. I don't want to marry him. Is it because he's a man and I'm a woman? Is that why his opinion matters more? Come on dad, we're in a modern world," Ximena countered.
"I'm sure you'll like him too with time," Nora said.
"And what if I don't? What if I never fall in love with him, mom? What will happen then? This is a life time commitment, mom. How do you expect me to stay committed to a man I don't love?" Ximena retorted angrily.
"Calm down, Mena," Zuri said.
"That reminds me, you'll be managing the Lavigne Newland Enterprises starting from Monday," Armando said, changing the topic entirely.
Ximena scoffed. "Don't you care about my feelings, dad?"
She bit her bottom lip angrily and began to walk furiously to her room.
"You're going on a date with him tomorrow," Nora said.
It made her even angrier. She increased her pace and shut the door loudly as soon as she got to her room.
"Good night, mom. Good night dad," Zuri said.
"Sleep tight, dear," her parents said.
********
Hugo threw himself down on the couch as soon as they got home. He had smiles all over his face.
"Seems like you enjoyed the party son. Do you like your betrothed?" Santiago asked and sat down beside him.
"Yes, dad. He really likes her," Eliana smiled.
"He couldn't stop smiling on our way back home," Chloe agreed.
"What do you think of her? Do you like her?" Santiago asked again.
"Dad," Hugo said. I think she's the perfect girl for me. She gives me new reasons to like her," he said, smiling.
"Wow! I knew you'd like her," his mother, Emilia said.
"But I don't think she likes me," Hugo said, his smile wearing off.
"Oh come on, little bro. I'm sure she will with time," Eliana said. "According to Zuri, Mena has never been in a relationship so I think that's the reason."
"Yes, that's what Zuri said. She'll grow fond of you with time," Chloe said.
"And that's why your dad and I have planned with the Lavignes, a date for the both of you tomorrow. You guys will get to know each other better," Emilia beamed.
"Really?" Hugo sat up immediately.
"Yes son," Santiago smiled.
"This is gonna be fun," Hugo muttered. "I'm tired already. I'm going to bed."
"Good night dear," his parents said.
"Sleep tight, bro," his sisters said.
"Goodnight," Hugo smiled and walked up the stairs leading to his room.
He freshened up immediately and flopped down on his bed with a smile plastered on his face. He picked his phone and dialed a number.
"Hello," he said after the call was taken.
"Hello, who's this please?"
"Did you get home safe, futura sposa?"
"Hugo?"
"You got that right. It's me, your groom-to-be," Hugo smiled.
"How did you get my number?"
"Your sister gave it to me."
"Zuri?"
"I don't think you have any other sister, do you?"
"So, why have you called?" She asked nonchalantly.
"Do you gave to be cold? Come on, let's get along," Hugo said.
"If you have nothing to say, then um hanging up," Ximena said.
"No, no wait!"
"What?"
"We're going on a date together tomorrow. Did your parents inform you?"
"Is that why you called?"
"Seriously, Mena? Why are you..."
"I'm hanging up. Good night," she said and hung up.
"Wait!" Hugo said but the call had ended already. "Hmm... I love this feisty side of hers. She's just so amazing," he chuckled.
********
Next day 5:45PM
THE LAVIGNES' MANSION
"Haven't you found a dress? It's almost six. You know exactly how much I hate being late," Ximena said, combing her hair.
"Wait a bit longer, Mena. You have to look really hot for your first date, okay?" Zuri said, browsing through the closet.
She had been on it for the last thirty minutes. She was so eager to choose a dress for her sister.
"Come on, Zuri. It's a date not a beauty contest. I don't wanna be late," Ximena yelled.
"I'm coming, sis!" Zuri yelled too.
"Whatever you choose, make sure it's green," Ximena said.
"Roger that, sis."
Three minutes later, Zuri rushed out of the dressing room beaming with smiles.
"I found the perfect dress for you, sis. He sure won't be able to take his eyes off you once he sees you in this," Zuri chuckled, holding out a short green one-shoulder dress.
"What? You expect me to wear that?" Ximena scoffed.
"Of course. It's perfect. I got the perfect shoes and bags too. You can't say no. I'm dressing you up today," Zuri said.
"But it's just a date, Zuri. I..."
"It's not just a date, sis. Now will you keep quiet and allow me to dress you up?" Zuri smiled.
Ximena rolled her eyes. "Fine."
Just then, a knock was on the door.
"Come in," Ximena said.
Jessica came in with her head bowed.
"Miss Lavigne, Mr Hugo De León is waiting for you in the sitting room. He's been waiting for seven minutes," she said.
"Oh my! He's here already!" Zuri gasped.
"You see why I told you to hurry up?" Ximena groaned.
"Tell him Mena's almost ready," Zuri said.
"Almost ready?" Ximena asked.
"Just tell him that," Zuri said and Jessica left. "Now, back to you."
Twenty minutes later, Ximena was all decked up.
"Now this is what I call Zuri Lavigne's handiwork. You're so beautiful, sis. Hugo won't take his eyes off you Eben for a second," Zuri said gleefully.
"You didn't have to do this. I don't even like him," Ximena said.
"I'll do it a thousand times, Mena. Your date is waiting, don't keep him waiting for too long," Zuri chuckled.
"Thank you," Ximena smiled and left the room.
As she walked downstairs, she saw Hugo busy with his phone. It didn't look like he'd been waiting for a long time.
"Let's go," Ximena said as soon as she got to him.
"Finally! You were..." The rest of his words got stuck in his throat when he saw her. "Fashionably late... I guess," he smiled.
"I'm sorry for keeping you waiting," Ximena apologized.
"It was worth the wait. Let's go," he said and made to hold her hand but she walked away.
"How could I have forgotten so quickly," he muttered and went after her.
"You don't have to come with us, Carlos," Hugo said when they got to the garage.
"And why is that?" Ximena creased her brows.
"I can take care of you myself. Besides, my bodyguards are more than enough," Hugo said.
"You get to bring your bodyguards and I can't even bring Carl along?" Ximena rolled her eyes. "You're coming with us, Carl."
And with that, Ximena entered Hugo's car. Hugo sighed and joined her inside. The driver drove off. Carlos followed behind in one of Ximena's cars.
********
THE DE LEÓN'S VILLA
"We're here," Hugo beamed as he got out of the car.
"Where's this place?" Ximena asked and came out too.
"It's our family's villa. I mean my family's villa but we're getting married soon so..."
"Villa? I thought we were going to a restaurant."
"This place is much better than a restaurant. Trust me," Hugo said. "Shall we?" He asked, stretching his hand to her. Ximena ignored it and made to leave.
"Not this time, Mena," Hugo held her back and locked his fingers in hers. "Let's go."
Ximena looked at him, closed her eyes and when she opened them, she began to walk with him.
"I'd expected you to wear a red or black dress. But you're putting on a green dress. You're so full if wonders," Hugo said as they walked.
"It's my favorite color," Ximena said.
"What? Green is your favorite color? You're the first girl to tell me this," Hugo said in surprise.
"Why? Is green a bad color?"
"No, no. You're unique," Hugo said.
Soon they reached their destination. It was like a big garden and was decorated with different colors of lights and flowers. Scented colored candles were placed around the place. A table with different delicacies was at the center with two chairs. Ximena couldn't help but marvel at the bedazzling beauty if the place.
"You like it right?" Hugo asked on seeing the look on her face.
"You're talking like you decorated this place yourself," Ximena said.
"Do you have to say that? You could have simply said yes or no," Hugo said.
"It's beautiful," Ximena said. "I like it."
"That's more like it," he smiled. "But do you know what's even more beautiful?" He asked.
Ximena raised a brow. "What is?"
"You. You're more beautiful," Hugo said looking at her.
"Thanks."
"Come on. Let's eat," Hugo said and drew out a chair for her.
He sat down after her.
"There are French, Spanish and English foods here. Oh! And there's German food too. I thought you might like it. You can eat anyone of your choice. You can eat all if you like."
Ximena was quiet. One after the other, she opened the dishes and began to eat. Hugo watched her as she ate and smiled to himself before eating too.
"Aren't you going to say something?" He asked after minutes if awkward silence.
Ximena looked at him then back at the food and continued eating and drinking juice.
"Why are you acting like you're the only one who was forced into this?" He sighed.
"Because that's the truth," Ximena finally spoke up. "You could have agreed with my plan but you didn't. Listen Hugo, you're the only one who can break off this alliance."
"How about this instead?".
"What?"
"Let's give this relationship a chance. If it doesn't work out then we'll end it."
Ximena rolled her eyes and drank a glass of smoothie.
"Ximena," Hugo called gently and she looked at him.
He stood up and slowly walked to her. Her gaze was fixed on him as he approached her, hands in pockets. When he got to her, he leaned towards her. She could feel her heart racing very fast.
"Wh-What are you doing, Hugo?" She stuttered.
He brought his hand out of his pocket with a handkerchief.
"You've got smoothie on your upper lip," he smiled and helped her clean it with the handkerchief.
'Seriously?' She thought.
"You act all tough but you're really soft," Hugo chuckled.
"What?"
"I saw how jittery you were when I approached you. You're tough on the outside and soft inside," he smiled.
"That's not it," she countered.
"Really? Then what happened?"
"It's just... You make me nervous," Ximena said.
"Wow. I didn't know I had such effect on you," he laughed.
"Stop gloating," Ximena snapped.
"That's hardly something to gloat about. I don't want you to be nervous around me," he said gently. "Oh, I have something for you."
"What's that?" Ximena asked.
Hugo took his other hand out of his pocket. On it was a small box which he gave to her.
"Open it and see."
She looked at him then opened it. It was a golden necklace with a heart pendant.
"Do you like it?"
"Yeah. It's beautiful. But you shouldn't have gone through the trouble..."
"Come on, Mena. It's a gift from me. You should cherish it. Let me help you put it on," he said and pulled her up gently.
He took the necklace from her and stood behind her. Gently, he moved her hair to one side and wore the necklace around her neck. He leaned closer and planted a soft kiss on her exposed neck. Ximena's eyes widened in surprise. Then he made her face him. She was astounded.
Slowly, he brushed off the few strands of hair on her face away. Caressing her cheek, he brought his face close to hers. Her heartbeat increased its pace. He pulled her close to himself by her waist, earning a gasp from her. His face was just few inches away from hers.