On the other side, Almond's phone wouldn't stop ringing with messages. He knew his question and action must have shocked his buddies. He chuckled thinking about the weird expression they must have had when they received such a picture with an awkward caption. It'll surely be like that of a goose chasing a clown; how laughable.
He unlocked his phone to meet countless messages, both private inbox and group chat. He felt a headache coming at him on how to explain himself without them making jest out of his predicament, as they are really skilled in the schadenfreude of theirs. He opened the group chat and met messages like "Indeed, you've become ugly." With a laughing emoji, this was sent by someone he said to be his tight buddy called "Henry"; others were like, "This workaholic era has turned you into something!" "You're looking unappealing, guy; try and rest." Every other message was saying he had become ugly, and it terrified him so much that he immediately called Nicholas, his assistant, to meet him at his grandfather's place to confirm how he looked in reality and not in pictures, but the young man is currently busy at the company and doesn't know if he'll have a chance to arrive on time.
Still not satisfied with the arrangement, he wants someone to dismiss that thought from his mind with immediate effect. He had to video call Henry, who had been his very close buddy right from childhood days and practically knows everything about each other. Though Almond is a few years older, they both treat each other with respect and love, so even after finding all this action of his to be weird, Almond didn't have the intention to stop until he got to the bottom of his intuition, or else he'll keep on blaming himself; otherwise,.
Henry, who only later picked up after multiple attempts, says while grinning, If not the CEO himself, you are calling this time, and if the day could either mean two things, it is either you're less busy or something is eating your mind up so you're baffled, but I'll believe it to be the latter with this your facial expression.
Almond chuckled. Truly, you understand me the most, but do you think I shouldn't be baffled like this? Not me being narcissistic, but nobody in their right mind will turn down a marriage with me. Why would a lady detest marriage to such an extent? Honestly speaking, we all know it's an arranged marriage, so she should make her exaggerated attitude so obvious with awkwardness. It made it seem like I had some terminal illness; she even said it to my face point blank that she'd never have anything to do with me or this marriage. She said marriage would only tie her down, break her wings and cage her bird. Who has that kind of mentality in this century?
I guess it's just an excuse from her, or she might be someone with a history; not knowing you well also added flames to the fire of her attitude, or else she'll have known that the more you can't get something, the more you'll want it, and the more you'll work hard for it. Henry said.
For real though, you know the moment she shouted at me and walked out of the restaurant, I already made up my mind to get her. When the old man introduced her as my wife-to-be, I didn't really have any interest; I just wanted to fulfil a duty, which was why I asked Nicholas to run a background check on the old man.
The information I got is her being a calm and reserved lady; her attitude today is out of context, although I find her to be cute and adorable. I wonder when I turned into a masochist, but really, the lady is a ten out of ten beauty when she isn't talking. You had to see how capable she looked when sitting alone at the restaurant, only for me to walk up and introduce myself, and boom, her attitude took a 180-degree turn. That's why I became worried if I'm too ugly for my liking. Almond Wonders.
Do you really not know how terrible you look nowadays? I bet the lady finds you too unappealing; that's why we couldn't stay and walk out on you. Who uses more than 20 hours to work daily? Do you even get time to rest? Men also need to have their beauty sleep, or you don't know men also need rest to recharge their energy. You don't even bother with taking care of your skin. Team, I'm naturally handsome, Henry said sarcastically.
Anyway, I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but that was then; you're no longer some young hulk girls run after during those days. You're in your thirties and not twenties, so behave like one. I hope you know what's up now, old man. With a smile, Henry said before hanging up he knew very well he'd take time to reflect on his words, even though they're just half-truths.
Henry, in his mind, knew how untrue he was when he claimed Almond was no longer handsome; the man was still very much good-looking. He was just no longer a young lad but a man. Henry knew how much he forgo his rest for the company to keep going and stay at the forefront in his expertise. Henry wished for him to take a rest even if it's once in a while; the man is too much of a businessman, which is why Grandpa Jones won't back off from this marriage arrangement. At age 33, Almond didn't have anyone he was seeing, not to mention settling down and having kids to keep the old man company.
Almond was left speechless when Henry described him as an old ugly duckling who only knows how to work and do nothing else. How could Henry Conscience let him? At least Almond believes himself to be only a hard-working aunt, some forty- or fifty-year-old man who's still jobless at an old age. Even he sees himself as a handsome man, or what else would explain that head that turns whenever he's in the vicinity? Whether old or young, male or female, they will be trapped by his extraordinary face that someone with not a good mental fortitude will be jealous of. This bit of attention he has always gotten ever since he was a child.
Also, he's someone that is time conscious; he believes every minute that passes matters, and the ticking of the clock cannot be backward even for a second, which is why he always made sure to make proper use of his time, sealing deals, signing contracts, expanding his business, making money and also making up for his parents past regrets and unachieved dreams. Those are the things he found time worthy.
He isn't part of those rich second-generation heirs who took pleasure in debauchery and squandering their ancestors wealth. Although he isn't privileged to grow up with his parent by his side, his grandfather hasn't done any less a good job; he had been provided with the best education right from childhood, not to even talk of good amenities, all of which aid him to where he is today. He has always been someone who is smart for his age and has a thinking far ahead of his peer group.
Before he could properly conclude his thought, the driver announced they'd arrived at the old mansion. He sighed, reasoning how to convince the old man so he won't be blamed for scaring the young lady away. He properly adjusted his dressing, got down and majestically walked through the door with the aura of a king; the maid and the butler receiving him all bowed their heads as a gesture of respect and courtesy in welcoming him.
Almond finds the old man already sitting, awaiting his arrival at the chess area. He knew this could only mean he was in a happy mood and wanted to have a deep conversation with him, which terrified him, as he expected the old man to burst at him by now, either manipulating him or saying how unfilial he was for making the young lady unhappy and scaring her away.
Without waiting for Almond to reach him or say anything, Grandfather Jones stood up with all smiles; all that happened was within my expectation. I already made proper preparations, so you don't need to be disturbed. Just make all the necessary arrangements and hand over who'll be in charge of the company. You're getting married in two weeks, and you should prepare for your honeymoon also. You don't have to be surprised.
Know you would love it.
You! Almond was beyond shocked. Who arranges a marriage and prepares for a wedding on a whim? You'll only scare the young lady away; she might even think I'm in a situation where I'm desperate for a marriage and settling down. Almond exclaimed.
Aren't you? Grandpa Jones questioned. I mean, aren't you supposed to be desperate at this age? You're with anyone? Do you plan to be anytime soon?. It's better you accept this arrangement of mine without stress; I wouldn't mind binding an old man like you to the altar! You should know what I'm capable of.
Grandfather, really, this is not me being rebellious; I'm only trying to see things from the lady's point of view. She wouldn't want us to rush things. I know you would have heard how she got angry at me and walked out of the restaurant when I only said, You guys are discussing our wedding plans.' She doesn't want to throw caution to the wind. It's an arranged marriage, for goodness sake! I also wish you would get her, but not by forcing her to my will; it only makes us seem too overbearing, and I would not want that happening.
I don't care if you like it or not; I only know you're getting married in two weeks, so prepare, and you might decide not to. Let's see who wins.