"Mr. Daniel?"
Daniel's face, cold as ever, showed no expression. Leaning back in his chair, he held the phone to his ear.
"Who is it?"
"Guess who I might be."
He adjusted his glasses lightly. "Hmm."
"Won't you ask why I called?"
Daniel stayed silent — the quietness growing louder with every second.
"Okay. We need to talk. Tomorrow afternoon, at the café."
Daniel didn't reply and hung up. Standing by the window, he stared at the sparkling city lights.
---
Selena reached the café and looked around. Seems like he hasn't arrived yet, she thought, entering the place.
She walked to a table and sat down.
It had already been an hour, but Daniel still hadn't arrived. She kept staring at her watch and glancing at her phone. Finally, she stood up, clenching the file in anger, and walked out.
She was about to leave but stopped.
"But I can't leave yet," she murmured, lowering her face. "I'm here for my own business. I need to be patient."
She waited outside for a while longer, but it didn't help. Looking at the time, she sighed, trying to calm down, then finally called him — no response.
Selena's jaw tightened. Losing her temper, she left.
---
"What does he mean?" She frowned, slamming her phone on the table.
Mika flinched at her outburst. "Calm down first," she muttered softly, pouring a glass of water. "Maybe something came up—"
"Whatever. If he doesn't want to show up, why did he even agree to the deal?"
Mika smiled awkwardly, speechless. Suddenly, Selena's phone buzzed — an unknown number.
"Who is it now…" she muttered and picked up.
"Who is it?" she asked sharply.
"Miss Selena, I'm Mr. Daniel's secretary."
Selena smirked bitterly. "What do you want now?"
"Well, sorry for not showing up at the café today. Actually—"
"No, what do you mean? I waited for over two hours and he just disappeared! Didn't even pick up calls. I understand he's busy, but that doesn't mean he can keep me waiting like that. At least you should have informed me! If he didn't want to come, he could've just said no in the first place!"
"Miss, please let me explain—"
"Yes, please. I do need a proper explanation!
"Selena, calm down," Mika whispered nervously.
"We're really sorry," the secretary continued. "There was no plan to keep you waiting, but Mr. Daniel's grandmother suddenly fell ill and was rushed to the hospital. We… almost forgot about the meeting. I apologize."
Selena's anger fell instantly; her face turned blank. She looked at Mika, clutching the cushion lightly.
"I… I'm sorry. I didn't know."
"It's fine. If you don't have any issue, we can reschedule for tomorrow."
"I'm fine with that."
"Okay then, I'll hang up now."
Mika scratched her forehead, still confused. Selena put her phone down and hid her face in her hands.
"What's wrong?" Mika asked.
"His grandma's health suddenly deteriorated," Selena said softly. "Why did I get so furious? Damn."
"It's okay," Mika patted her back. "Maybe you can call him later, ask how she's doing."
Selena nodded quietly, staring at her phone screen.
---
That night, Selena sat on her balcony, watching the starry sky. Passing by, Edward saw her sitting alone and walked over.
"Grandpa." She smiled faintly. "Why are you still awake? It's late — you should rest."
"I'm fine." He smiled and patted her head. "What about you? Sitting out here this late — something bothering you?"
"No. Just don't feel like sleeping." She looked up. "By the way, Grandpa, how's the company doing?"
"Ah, don't worry. It's doing well." He sighed softly. "Selena, think about yourself too. Don't stress so much. I know you're doing this for your father, but for him — you were the most precious one."
Selena smiled weakly. "I'm fine, Grandpa. I just… miss Dad. I feel lonely now."
"I'm still here with you. You don't have to carry everything alone."
She chuckled, eyes glistening. "A friend's grandma got sick yesterday… I just got dragged back to the past. I missed Grandma."
Edward stayed silent.
"You once told me nothing lasts forever," he said softly. "But you still need to move forward. Keep going — with everyone, or without anyone. Love yourself and be happy, because you are the only one you truly have."
They sat quietly under the stars.
Grandma, I hope you're happy wherever you are. You too, Dad, she thought, drifting to sleep.
---
The next day, Selena waited at the café, feeling guilty about yesterday. Soon, Daniel arrived and sat across from her. She lowered her head, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Daniel stared out the window, silent.
"Umm… how's your grandma doing?" she whispered.
"She's fine."
Selena clutched her dress, her heart pounding.
"About the deal—"
"Let's do it." Daniel's tone was firm.
She looked up at him; his gaze was sharp and cold.
"If you have more conditions, we can add them to the contract. We can register the marriage today."
"But… today?" Selena murmured.
"It's urgent." He sighed. "My grandma keeps urging me to get married. I got frustrated and told her I already have a girlfriend. Now she won't talk to me until I bring her to meet her."
He turned to Selena. "You know my conditions. If we sign now, you'll need to fake it as my wife."
"Okay then. Let's sign."
Daniel slid the papers toward her. She took a deep breath. Sorry, Grandpa. But he is the best coice I've got, I can't lose it this tine, she thought, signing.
"It's done." She handed the papers back.
"Our wedding's next week. Prepare yourself." He stood.
Selena smirked, standing too. She extended her hand.
"Congratulations. Pace yourself — there's a lot more to come."
Daniel held her hand and met her gaze.
"You too."