A/N: Hello everyone! Thank you so much for those who've followed in this story. And, I'm very happy to see how the story is being received. Thank you for the votes and the reads. And, if you have any comments, please don't hesitate to post it up here.

Thank you again, and have an awesome day.

Happy reading!

----

Five

The drive to the villa was longer than I expected. The traffic was a little horrifying but I was able to get out of it without killing anyone. When I reached the small subdivision, I slowed down my speed just to take in the green scenery and the silent neighborhood. The houses around me had a good yard distance from each other, which wasn't unusual since everyone who lives in this neighborhood either is a retired rich businessman or a politician.

When I turned on the first pavement from the entrance, I was a good ten miles away already. I was in the middle of nothing but green grass and open field. After a short minutes drive, a small two story Victorian style house arose in front of me. And, as I got closer, a row of trees aligned side by side welcomed me. It was like I was entering a different lifetime.

Finally, I reached the house and parked my out of place car just in front of the front porch. Then, like on cue, the white wooden door opened as my grandfather stepped out. He was wearing his usual casual cotton white shirt and loose, denim shorts. The old man looked like he was made to be here, which was ironic from the life he used to live in the city before he gave the company to my father.

"Hey, granddad!" I greeted as I got out and clicked the locked button on my remote key.

"Hey, honey. What are you doing here? I though you were out on vacation." He greeted back as he meet me half way.

"I was, but it was cut short due to some change of plans." I replied bitterly as I remembered what happen last night.

"What's with the tone, young lady?" He asked, curiosity thick in his voice.

"I don't want to talk about it now. Maybe, later." I replied softly and sighed.

"Okay. Well... give me a hug and we can talk about it inside." He offered, opening his arms wide.

I pouted my lips as I seek for his comfort. I didn't hesitate as I hugged him back, allowing me to stay in his arms for a good long minute. After I let go, he gave me a small pat in the back and guided me inside the house.

He offered me something to drink after I've settled down on the living room couch. I lay down on the biggest sofa, feeling the sense of home. This is home for me anyways before I lived in my apartment now.

"I'll only have some water. I can't stay long." I replied in admission as I let out a sigh on my balled up position in the sofa.

My grandfather chuckled at my actions and nodded. "Well, make yourself at home and we'll get to the point on why you are here."

When he got out of the living room, I sat back up and gathered the pillows in the couch to make a small fortress around me. I kept still for a second until my grandfather returned with my glass of water.

"What's with the pillow fortress?" He asked with a chuckled as he place the glass down on the table between us.

"I wanted something to do while you get me my drink." I answered with a laugh, feeling a little carefree with my random actions.

He sat down on the dark brown, single couch on my right and popped up the footrest below from the lever on the side. "So, what do you want to talk about?" he asked after he was contented with his seating position.

"You already know why I'm here, granddad." I mumbled in reply, eying him sternly.

"Ah, yes. I have an idea." He agreed with a grin. "So, you want to get out of the family tradition?" He asked in a-matter-of-factly.

"Yes. I don't want to do it." I admitted with a sigh. "I think I can run the family business while still searching for mister right. I wouldn't stray away from family duties at all." I added with more confidence. I know can I do it, maybe.

"Michelle. Did I tell you the story of why this family tradition came about in our family?" He asked, ignoring my previous statement.

"I think you told me the gist of it from last time." I replied with a brief nod.

"But, I didn't tell you the details as to why this had became a tradition?"

"No, you haven't told me the specifics yet." I answered hesitantly, not really in the mood on understanding this cursed family tradition.

"Well, where should I start then?" He asked with a coy smile.

My grandfather's dad had been poor when he was young. His parents where farmers, but he wanted more in his life than growing corns and cows. He was the kind of kid that dream big. And, that dream started to create sparks for him. He was a smart kid. He always rank in his class, and in high school, he graduated with honors. In collage, he took a loan and found himself someone for a scholarship. The man who took him in was a businessman and hotel owner. He was the reason that he started this business. He was working as a waiter in one of his restaurant when he met him. And, that meeting changed everything.

After he graduated, the man who took him in had him worked under his guidance. He wasn't aware of the old man's plans at all. My grandfather's dad knew that the old man who took in him didn't have children or a wife. And, as he age, he started to tell him is worries on who to leave the company behind. At his deathbed, great-grandfather was there beside him until his last breath.

His last words to him was 'Do not be like me. Live and find love. And, have some children to look after all you've worked hard.'

"He didn't know that in his will the company was given to him. And, after his funeral, my grandfather had taken over everything in his name. He might not be his own blood, but he was like a father to him. But, along the way, he had forgotten his words. When he was diagnose on his first illness at age 38, he remembered about his last words. He got married at the age of 42 and had me after a year." He concluded with a short pause.

"You have to understand the gravity of work you are accepting on this job. I understood a little late, but I wasn't too late to have your father after I married Leila. And, your dad, I didn't need any explanation since he was in love with your mother on such a young age. I embraced that relationship since he wouldn't experience what my father and I experience. And, you..."

"I understand that you are worried about me. But, I'm young and I'm not you grandfather." I finally said after his story telling.

"You will see what I mean if you start working tomorrow. The job is very demanding." He stated with a grin. "Just go along with it, honey. You will get it."

With a sigh, I lay back down on the couch. I think talking will get me nowhere. Why do they want me to get married so fast? I can date while still working. It wouldn't be that hard, right? But, from the looks my grandfather is giving me now, I think there is no talking my way out of it.

"Okay." I agreed softly with a sigh of defeat.

After our little chat, I got a call from Jade. If you've guessed it, she is pissed that I wasn't where I should be. I said my goodbyes to my grandfather with a heavy heart.

The journey back to my apartment got me thinking about what my father told me a few minutes ago. I don't see the necessity of being married because you will run a hotel empire. They know I'm not that workaholic - at times - and I am capable of handling my personal and professional life. I've been doing it since my father had given me the job as marketing head. But, why the hasten act on telling me about it now after giving me the position as President? The job I have been doing wouldn't possibly increase just from the change of position. And, I've seen how my father worked. There must be more to this than they are telling me.

When I got to my apartment, I was greeted with an annoyed look from Jade. Her lips were tight into a grim line. She eyed me with her eyebrow raise when I didn't say anything to her.

"Where were you?" She asked, breaking the short silence between us. She never likes it when I don't explain directly why I was late to our meetings or gatherings.

"I was at granddad's." I replied truthfully since there really was nothing to lie about.

"How is he?" She asked, her face softening at the mention of my grandfather. She has a soft spot for my grandfather for allowing her to get some free access to out hotel functions when she failed on asking that to my father.

"He is doing well." I replied briefly, not really putting any detail since I know what would be her next question.

"What were you doing there?" I guessed right.

"We were just catching up with things..." I replied with disinterest. I now have a reason to lie.

She studied me for a second, weighing my answer and my tone. "Were you trying to talk him about the marriage thing?" She asked with her eyebrow raised. Sometimes, I don't get why I even bothered lying to one of my best friend.

"You don't have to worry about me being a killjoy on this, he didn't even flinched when I almost beg him to except me on this 'tradition'." I replied sourly, emphasizing the last word with distaste.

"You're here! Where have you been?" Paige interjected, walking towards us by the living room from the direction of my room.

"I was at granddad's." I replied briefly, turning towards her with a sad smile.

"You couldn't talk him out of it?" She stated, though it sounded like a question.

"Yes. He wouldn't really give in that easily." I replied glumly.

"Okay. Let's talk about this later. We need to go now... Is Russell driving us?" Jade interjected as she grabbed her purse on the couch.

"Where are we going anyway?" I countered, ignoring her question. "Plus, I needed to change." I added, looking down on my casual wear.

"You'll know when we get there... where is Russell?" She replied with a grin, and then turned her attention towards the hallway leading to Maria and Russell's room. "Russell!" She called aloud.

"You can't just ask my own employee to do your work, Jade." I said in disbelief as I watched Russell walked up to us.

"Are we going somewhere tonight, Ms. Newman?" Russell asked as he eyed us in confusion.

"We are going to a party tonight. Can you drive us there?" Jade asked sweetly, the demanding tone on her voice gone.

Russell looked at me, waiting for my go sign. I glance at Jade for a second, contemplating about the ride. But, I knew there wasn't much complaining I could do to change her mind. Whether I liked it or not, we are going to that party. So, I looked back at Russell, giving him a brief nod.

"I'll get the car ready." Russell stated after a short silence and started to retreat towards the main door.

"Let me change and this better be worth it, Jade." I warned as we offered behind Russell.

"Oh. It is." Jade replied with her confident smile.

It didn't take much time for me to change with the help of my two best friends. And as we got the car half an hour later, Jade made sure to get me inside. When Russell drove us out of the garage building, I've finally forced Jade to tell us where we are going. She had no excuse to refuse since she had to tell Russell the place in order for him to drive us there.

"Tonight, we are going to party at the Burns Mansion. I have an invitation from Dahlia Burns for her wedding anniversary." Jade said with a grin.

"What the - ?" I looked at her in disbelief.

"How did you get an invitation?" Paige asked with more coherence though she looked as shock as me.

"Don't underestimate my connections girls. If there is a sought out party, I'm going to be there no matter what." She replied smugly.

"And, why do you think that going to an anniversary party would be a good place for me to find a husband?" I finally got out of my shocked state as annoyance consumed me.

"Because, I know the circle that these two have." Jade replied unaffected by my mood.

"And, you think I don't belong to their circle?" I asked, feeling a little hurt by her judgment.

"Oh! Come on, Mitch. We all know you've been avoiding the Burns especially..." She snorted and trailed off as I held up a hand.

"Don't you dare mention his name in my presence now." I mumbled in clinched teeth.

"You don't have to worry about bumping into him, if that is why you are pissed right now. He is still back in Vegas the last time I checked." Jade stated in context.

"And, seeing his family is fine?" I asked in disbelief.

"You aren't really at war with them, just him." Jade pointed back sternly. She isn't going to back out of this, even if she knew how pissed I'll be with her for making me go through with it.

"Jade, why would you do that?" Paige finally spoke up.

"Oh! Don't look at me like I'm the bad guy here. We both know that at some point, she will have to cross path with that group of people. I wanted it to be over before even considering them." Jade hissed in reply.

"Fine! I'll put up with this." I looked at Jade deadly before turning away and eyed the city lights as the car speeds through the highway towards our location.

I don't why I'm mad. Maybe, it is because she surprised me yet again, or she was right. It's not easy to find someone to marry anywhere were you can be sure that they aren't after my family's money. I know I'm kidding with myself about being okay to just date anyone. In a society like this, deception is everywhere, and you can't trust anyone to be truthful of their intentions.