Arranged To Be His

Heira got up from the bed she lay on, her eyes catching something familiar. A charm bracelet lying on the table. She reached for it, her fingers brushing over the tiny silver charms dangling from the chain. It looked familiar. Then she remembered, it was the same one Sebastian had given her on her last birthday. She smiled as she caressed it in her hand. Each year, they exchanged gifts, a quiet ritual that had somehow become their thing. She had always looked forward to it, wondering what thoughtful gift he would come up with next. She remembered wearing this bracelet almost every day until she'd misplaced it a week ago. Sebastian stepped into the room, his expression easing when he saw her awake. "You're up," he said softly. "How are you feeling now?" Heira nodded, brushing some strands of hair behind her ear. "I feel much better." "Good. You had me worried for a bit." She couldn't help but smile faintly. He had made her eat the meal he prepared, take her medication and rest after she complained of a throbbing headache following the altercation with Dante. Heira could not help but wish Dante was like him. The man who loves her, she only saw as a friend, while the one she loves wasn't treating her right. Though she appreciates how Sebastian treats her, she has fallen in love with Dante. He had the face, the confidence, and the presence that drew her in from the start. "This looks so much like mine," she said, while still holding the bracelet. "Yeah it's yours, I saw it on the floor when I went to your father's office," Sebastian answered. "I was going to return it to you but I didn't get the chance to." Heira remembered how things played out that day, how she shoved her hands in anger as her father reached for it. She must have dropped it during the argument. "There's something you should see." Sebastian then dropped a file close to her on the bed. She looked at his face expecting him to talk as she picked it up in hesitation wondering what it might be. "That's the new executive director." Her eyes shot up in surprise. "What!" The name stared back at her in bold black print. Fred Anderson Her heart skipped a bit. "No... no, this can't be" The last time he heard those names was years ago. How could she ever forget her high school bully? The memories still haunted her. "You are too soft, Heira. Always crying," he would fake-pout, rubbing at imaginary tears while his minions cackled behind him. If not for Bethy, she might never have survived those days. Bethy was the only one fierce enough to ever stand up against him. Always ready to fight and defend her when no one else would. Heira shut her eyes, a wave of disbelief washing over her. Maybe if she slept, she'd wake up to find this all a dream. Sebastian hesitated before speaking again. "I overheard your Dad speaking to someone on a call," he said gently. "He thinks the company needs someone... more calculated and emotionally detached. He believes you're too soft-hearted and with your heart condition... he thinks it's too risky to let you lead." The words burned more than any insult Fred had ever thrown at her. Too soft The same words her high school bully always used. At this point, she was done being hurt. She was ready to tackle it all. She was sure life wasn't giving her what she deserved, but she wasn't going to keep tolerating it any further. For a while, she thought clearly about what she could do. Her mind shifted to Dante. Surely he can help her even if he might not want to. His name carried weight in her father's company and thus, he has the right to impose what he wants in the company. She remembered him promising to do anything as long as she came back home so she could meet his grandmother. Maybe that was the deal she needed. Also, she genuinely wants to meet Granny Mae. The woman she had heard so much about. Everyone described her as gentle, warm, and full of grace. Maybe, Heira thought, she could use a little bit of that warmth right now. It was getting late, so she decided to get back to the villa. Sebastian offered to give her a ride, but she turned down his offer. She surely doesn't want him in Dante's face anymore after what had happened earlier. Dante is ruthless and she knew what he was capable of doing. She wasn't going to get him to hurt someone else, especially not Sebastian. He has been the sweetest to her. By the time she arrived at the villa, the house felt cozy, too alive, like someone else had stepped in moments before. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. She was going to let Dante know exactly why she'd come back, and this time she wasn't going to be taken for granted. Her hand gripped the doorknob and it felt heavier than usual, almost resisting her. When she finally managed to push the door open, it gave a long, creaking groan that echoed faintly through the hall. To her surprise, she saw Dante sitting on the coach beside an elderly woman. That must be Granny Mae, she thought. Their eyes fell on her like they had seen a ghost. The door must have startled them. But then her gaze drifted upward. Standing just below the staircase was the woman she had caught with Dante. The same woman behind the reason why she had left? "Sylvia?" She whispered in disbelief. Her mind spun, trying to piece it together. What game is this? She thought, her pulse quickening. What on earth is Dante up to? Dante, who appeared to be shocked on her arrival, panicked and hurried towards her. "Heira!" he blurted, his voice a little too loud. "You are back darling, meet my grandmother," he said, forcing a nervous smile as he reached for her hand. Before she could process what was happening, he was already guiding her closer to the couch. Granny Mae's face lit up the second her eyes fell on Heira. Her frail, wrinkled hands reached up, cupping Heira's cheeks with warmth that melted some of the tension in the room. "Ohh my dear, you are so beautiful. It's lovely to meet you. My son does have great taste." She said, adoring every one of her features before pulling her in for a gentle hug. Then after, she looked in Sylvia's direction who was just standing there awkwardly. Her lips pressed into a polite, puzzled smile. "And who might she be?" she asked. The question hit like a spark as Dante searched his mind for words. "I.. huh.. she's..." "She is my maid." Heira quickly jumped in. Granny Mae's eyes wandered on Sylvia and she turned to Dante for confirmation. "Really?" "Huhh... yes, that's right." Dante managed to say amidst his shock. Granny Mae nodded, seemingly satisfied, though her eyes narrowed at Sylvia's glittering dress. "Well then, my dear," she said firmly, "you shouldn't allow your maid dress like this. She's working under you, not competing with you." "You have to be careful. These women nowadays are too desperate. You keep your eyes open, dear. Don't let anyone try to steal your man." Granny Mae said, with all concerns as she held Heira's hand. "Oh don't worry ma'am, she wouldn't dare," Heira replied, locking eyes with Sylvia. Her calm, polite tone betraying the fire burning behind her gaze. "Why are you standing there awkwardly? Come get Granny's bag." Heira beckoned to Sylvia, who looked damn pissed. Sylvia's glare could have cut glass, but she didn't move until Dante signalled to her. With a sharp breath, she stepped forward, snatched the bag, and stormed off to drop it. Her pride burning under the weight of Heira's quiet victory. Dante looked like he was fuming with anger but he knew Heira had just saved him from getting into trouble, whether he liked it or not. Granny Mae then grabbed Heira's hand and they both went into the room reserved for her. The old woman seemed to have grown fond of her as she spoke with gentleness. Her kindness made her heart ache. But kindness was a luxury Heira couldn't afford that night. Not with Sylvia still in the same house. Before Granny Mae retired to rest, Heira turned her attention to Sylvia. Her voice was calm and polite, but with a clear message. "Sylvia, could you tidy the kitchen for me?" she began, taking advantage of the situation to teach her a lesson. "And the dishes, make sure they're spotless." Sylvia blinked, clearly offended. "Excuse me? You can't be serious." "Do I look like I'm joking?" She tilted her head slightly. Sylvia huffed, muttering as she stormed off to find Dante. But that only earned her a curt look from him, one that said 'do as you're told'. Furious and humiliated, she had no choice but to obey. One task led to another. And soon, Sylvia was darting between the sink and dining table, muttering under her breath while Heira watched with a faint and satisfied smile playing at her lips. By the time night fell, Sylvia was exhausted. Her makeup had smudged, and her hands were red from scrubbing. She tried to spend the night but Heira stopped her. "You can't stay here," She said, her voice soft but firm. Sylvia turned, disbelief flashing on her face. "What do you mean I can't stay? It's late." "Then you should hurry," Heira said evenly, folding her arms. Sylvia's jaw tightened. Her teeth grinding as the sting of humiliation burned beneath her skin. She clenched her hands so hard that her nails began to dig into her palm. But she had no choice but to leave at that late hour, as the odds were not in her favour. Heira closed the door behind her and exhaled deeply. For the first time in a long while, she felt good. She had taken control back and sent the woman ruining her marriage into the cold night. And somehow, sending Sylvia out felt like justice served warm.