The Royal Contract

Presently, he stared at the woman, who had her back on him, wondering what her connection was to Angela, believing his grandmother had never mentioned her before to him.

But he had been so busy with work that he rarely called his grandmother recently. Then again, he was also guilty of spending too much of his time living his bachelor life.

“I am sorry, but we have not met yet.” He stepped closer to Angela, making his presence known as the two women talked as if he was not in the room. “Amelia, right?” He offered his hand as an introduction.

He watched her move a little to the other side of Angela, finally facing him. As he expected, she was more beautiful up close. His eyes could not help but look at her from head to toe.

“Yes,” Amelia reluctantly answered but eventually extended her hand to him. But instead of shaking them, he pulled her soft hand to his lips, giving her a proper welcome.

Who knew that his grandmother was keeping a gem as a friend. He watched her reaction when his lips touched her skin. A certain spark in her eyes should be enough to indicate that she was also captivated.

.....

“Amelia, such a nice name. I am Evan.” Finally, providing his name, hoping to charm the beautiful woman before him.

He was not picky as long as she suited his taste, then maybe he could date her for a while as long as he was here. Finally, deciding to use this time to take his long-overdue vacation.

It would be like killing two birds with one stone.

He could spend some time with his grandmother, maybe even convince her to go with him when he returned to his home and finally lived with him. At the same time, enjoy the company of this lovely woman for the duration of his short stay here.

“Well, Evan is also a nice name,” Amelia responded with a smile, but he could see she was not glad to meet him, just simply being polite. Suddenly, feeling that he was mistaken about her.

Maybe she was not as forthcoming as the usual girls he went out with at home. But he loved a challenge when he saw one. However, a prick on his side made him look down at his grandmother, who eyed him with a warning.

But his grandmother already knew that it would not stop him from his plans. His grandmother knew that he did not do relationships, but he loved to date beautiful women.

“My grandmother mentioned that you were with her when the incident happened and immediately called the ambulance for help.” Making simple conversations to make her comfortable. That was how he usually worked his magic.

“I was merely at the right place at the right time.” Amelia never wanted to be called a hero since she never considered herself one.

If there was a person who deserved recognition, it was the paramedic who responded quickly and the doctors and nurses who nursed Angela back to life.

“I still think that you deserved our gratitude for not leaving Angela here on her own in her time of need.” Evan kept saying, moving to the other side of his grandmother and gently squeezing her shoulder.

Although he was genuinely interested in charming his way to her pants, he still felt thankful that she had taken the time to assure his grandmother was ok, not even leaving her side until she felt better.

Other women would not even bother to spend time with an old lady, thinking that they were hard work to deal with, but this kind woman stayed and did not leave Angela’s side. That earned her some bonus points with him.

“No, don’t think much of it.” Amelia quickly replied. “I am more than happy that Amelia is ok now. Besides, I am glad I was able to return the favor.” She answered him, looking at Angela as if they were talking about some code, a secret just between them.

“Can you excuse us, but Angela needs to get back to bed and rest?” The nurse earlier came back, carrying a tray of medicines, making them step aside as the nurse wheeled Angela back to her bed.

Evan moved along to the other side of Angela and assisted her back to her bed. Then the nurse provided the medicines for her to drink. After a short ceremony of checking on her, the nurse excused herself and left the room.

Amelia moved towards the other side of her bed and helped his grandmother, tucking her under the blanket. He noticed that she used the bed to create a distance between them.

“I think it would be nice if you can treat Amelia to a nice dinner, Evan.” Angela smiled at her as she shifted in her bed, finding a comfortable position for her back. But give him another warning look to behave this time.

But he only smiled back at his grandmother, not heeding her adorable threat. He looked at the woman in question, who had her eyes on his grandmother’s face, probably avoiding looking at him.

“I will love to invite you to dinner. I am sure I can arrange something special tonight.” He could arrange a reservation at a nice restaurant around here. “What about I pick you up at your place?”

He suggested avoiding looking at his grandmother, who was probably sending him some dagger looks. She could not blame him since she was the one who suggested this dinner.

He was only capitalizing on the opportunity. Who would not want to have dinner and be with a beautiful woman? Certainly not him.

“I don’t think that is such a good idea.” She finally responded, declining his offer, which he was slightly surprised.

Women did not usually say no to him. It was a rare occasion that he had experienced before, but it was some time ago. But he still wondered why this woman was not falling for his captivating look and charm.

He wondered if it had something to do with last night, remembering the phone call. He was not expecting that she would be calling at such terrible timing.

“Why not?” He stared at her face, daring her to look at him. But she kept her gaze down. “It is only dinner. Surely, you don’t see me as a bad person.”

Usually, those lines work on women who were hesitant to trust him. Not all women, after all, fell for looks alone. Some needed more convincing than others, a little push in the right direction.

“Of course not,” Amelia answered as a sort of conflict overshadowed her eyes. It was as if she had an internal debate with herself. “I don’t think such things about you. I don’t even know you.”

It was a good sign because it indicated that he still might have a chance to convince her to change her mind. He truly wanted to go out with her as his mind kept nagging at him not to allow her to get away.

“Precisely why we should go out tonight. It will be a perfect opportunity for us to be friends.” He looked down at his grandmother, who silently watched their interaction as if she enjoyed a show.

“I think you two should continue your conversation somewhere else and allow Angela to rest.” The nurse was back, carrying some things back to the room.

“I think the two of you should go out.” Angela finally spoke up. “Please, Amelia, would you be kind enough to show my grandson a little city tour. It has been a while since he was last home. He might have forgotten it already.” Her voice had a slight tinge of accusation on it directed at him.

“But I barely knew any places around here, too, since I am mostly away,” Amelia explained to the woman that she was not qualified to act as a tour guide when she did not know much of her home too.

“I assure you that I have not forgotten this place.” Evan finally interjected into the conversation. “But I am more than happy to show you around.” He used his grandmother’s words, hoping to secure a date with her.

“Then, it is settled. The two of you shall go to dinner tonight.” Angela said, deciding for the two of them. “Now, leave my room and let me sleep in peace.” Dismissing their presence with a sweet smile.

He watched the other woman’s face go in slight shock, but she never had the chance against his grandmother. Suddenly, he wondered if she would abide by Angela’s wishes or ignore her command for them to date.

But he was hoping for the former as he walked away from the bed and headed to the soft cushion, where he found her sleeping earlier.

Soon, she followed him but did not bother to sit down. “Can we talk outside?” She asked him but did not wait for his answer as she continued to walk to the door.

Having no choice, he followed her, curious about her intention. “What is it?” He asked as soon as he closed the door behind him.

“I don’t think we should have dinner tonight or any other night.” Shutting him down. “It has nothing to do with you.” She continued in a low voice, not wanting Angela to hear her. “But, me.”

He could only wonder about the conflict he read in her eyes. Was it the reason why his charms would not work on her? Did it also have to do with what she was telling Angela earlier?

She did look a little bit broken-hearted.