Chapter 2

Aliyah's POV

Carlos.

He wasn't just any random man, he was Mike's grandfather. A man who looked even more agile than Mike. With my chest pressed against his, I could feel his abs through his shirt and I gulped under his intense gaze.

Heavens, was he supposed to be so hot even though he was probably in his sixties?

“Are you okay?” I heard him ask and my grip on his shoulder tightened instinctively as his voice sent shivers running down my spine.

“Y-yes,” I muttered, pulling my hands away from his shoulder immediately and the moment he let go of me, I almost whined at the loss of contact.

“You're crying.” He pointed out, looking at me in worry and I immediately wiped my tears, turning away from him.

“No, I'm fine… Just, something got in my eyes.” I lied but he stared at me like he knew I was lying. “I gotta go—”

Laughter interrupted my words as Mike made his way downstairs with Sylvia and my heart shattered at the sight. How were they so unbothered after breaking my heart?

“Grandfather?” Mike questioned in shock as he pulled away from Sylvia and I could see the disappointment in his expression.

“You've always been so stupid. I'm actually not surprised that you would cheat on her just before your wedding,” Carlos said, and I sniffed as Mike shook his head.

“No, it's not what it looks like —”

“Care to explain why your fiancée is crying while you're laughing and hugging her sister? Do you think I'm a fool? To think I was going to give you my company as your wedding gift.” He muttered in disappointment and Mike's eyes widened in shock.

“No, no, grandfather, don't get this twisted, Aliyah and I are still getting married—”

“You must be out of your damn mind if you think I'll marry a backstabbing, cheating liar like you. The wedding is called off.” I spat and Mike's face fell as I stormed out of the house.

“You have no idea what you lost, Mike. All because of… that.” I heard Carlos say from behind me and it felt good to know that he supported me.

But it didn't get rid of the ache in my heart. I hadn't made it to the gate when I heard Carlos’ voice behind me.

“Let me drop you off. I feel sorry for the way my grandson treated you.” He said and I stopped before turning to him. “Don't say no, please. You look like a mess.”

“Okay,” I muttered softly and he guided me to his car. I glanced back at the house to see Mike standing by the door, his gaze conflicted as he stared at me.

“Young boys these days aren't quite satisfied with what they have,” Carlos said as his car drove out of the house and I let out a sigh.

“Three years. I've done everything to love him for three whole years. Yet he has been cheating on me with my sister for over a year now. What exactly did I do wrong? Is there something wrong with me?” I sobbed, wiping my cheeks before sighing. “I'm sorry, I shouldn't be dumping it all on you like this.”

“Don't be sorry. I did ask to drop you off after all. Feel free to trauma dump on me.” He replied with a soft smile and I found myself smiling too.

“Thank you, Mr. Carlos.” I breathed and his face immediately contorted into a frown.

“Mister? Please, drop the formalities. Call me Carlos. Please.” He said and I found myself chuckling as I nodded.

“Okay… Carlos. I was just trying to be respectful.” I muttered, and he scoffed, rolling his eyes, and I chuckled again. “Thank you for driving me home. I would have probably done something crazy if I came home alone.”

“You can't let a man bring you down so much. Especially not someone like Mike. He's not worth it.” He whispered and I sighed, hugging myself gently.

“I loved him. I looked forward to this wedding. I mean… everything is literally ready! My gown, my vows, everything… How do I face my family and tell them that the marriage isn't happening anymore?" I questioned, my eyes welling up with tears again as I sobbed into my hands.

I felt his large palm on my shoulder and I looked up to see him stare at me with an empathetic expression.

“Have you ever thought that you dodged a bullet? What if it's not your loss but theirs? Look at you. You're a fucking goddess. You're stunning. Who wouldn't want to be with you? Mike is simply blind. And stupid. He didn't deserve you.” He said and my heart soared as I stared at him.

“Thank you…” I whispered, my lips curling into a smile and he smiled too. “Here, this is my apartment, you can stop here. Thank you for this… I really feel better.”

“My pleasure.” He muttered as I got out of the car. I turned to leave, taking two steps forward but then I turned back to him with a nervous smile.

“Do... you want to come in? For a glass of water?” I questioned shakily and he stared at me for a moment, making me nervous.

Why was I inviting him in?

“Sure.” He said and got out of the car before following me in. I was nervous as I moved around the small apartment, and he watched me like a predator watching its prey act stupid.

“I should go.” He finally said after minutes of profound silence and I nodded immediately. I was so fucking stupid.

“I'm sorry for wasting your time—”

“You didn't. Thank you for inviting me in. And thank you for the water.” He said and I nodded with a soft smile.

“Have a safe trip back,” I whispered, waving gently and he paused at the door for a moment, making me confused.

To my surprise, he stepped back and turned to me, his eyes glazing with an odd intensity of what looked like desire.

Before I knew it, he was right in front of me and his lips were on mine.