Deanara Samaniego’s POV
“Mom?” I surprisingly said upon seeing her in front of our door.
She had her arms crossed as she surveyed me from head to toe. My mother, Diana, was wearing her corporate attire like she had gone from a business meeting and just went here to see me because I am getting into her nerves again. Her expression told me she was delighted to see me but a bit disappointed to still find me in my pajamas when it’s already eight in the morning.
She’s a morning person like me, too, and doesn’t like wasting mornings. I usually got up early but I felt unmotivated since Gray and I weren't on good terms last night. But, I cannot invoke that defense in front of my mother as she doesn’t like how women bowed down because of boys. Although, when it comes to my father, she knows how to make her cold heart melt. That is love. And, I am happy to be able to feel it with Gray.
“Are you not going to let me in?” She grumply asked and impatiently passed by me, observing our home.
It wasn’t only mine as Lyuna and I shared this home together since we were in college. It’s not a huge one, just an apartment type house, with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a porch and balcony. It isn’t like our mansion but it was my home for years when my family left me to stay abroad.
“Why are you staying here instead of your condo unit? I bought the whole building for you and you are here?” She scrutinized the house but I know she’s proud.
I was the one who designed the interior of the house. I know she’s thinking how I am wasting my time now.
“Where is your friend now? The one you are telling me? Why are you alone?”
“She’s with her boyfriend.” I replied. “What are you doing here?”
“Why, can I not be here?” She raised her brow and I could see myself in her. We looked alike, well, not really, but people always told me I look like the younger version of my mother.
“I mean, you didn’t tell me!” I replied. “You should have told me you are coming so I was able to prepare something from you.”
I arranged the couch where she could sit but she continued to walk across our house, still looking for something to scrutinize. My mother is always like that. Perfectionist. I get used to it and that is why it’s also hard for me to introduce someone to her because she wants that someone to be perfect. Where would I find a perfect guy?
Gray isn’t perfect yet I loved his imperfection.
Speaking of Gray, I should inform him about my mother.
“Why would I tell you if it is a surprise?” She glared at me. “Why are you still in your pajamas? Don’t you have work?”
“We are on summer break.” I answered. “Where’s father?” I continued asking. “There’s still three weeks before my birthday and…”
“I have something important to do here, so I went earlier than them. Also, have you talked to Mattel?”
“No, Mom!” I shook my head. “We haven’t seen each other yet.”
“It’s because you blocked him. Is that it?”
I cursed in my mind. What else did Mattel tell my mother? I cannot believe he was talking to my mother. Since when did they become close?
“When did you become close with Mattel?” I curiously asked. “I cannot believe you are talking to him.”
“I know his family. He’s a great guy, so why not make it work together?”
“Mom?” I lifted my brow. “What are you saying? What did Mattel tell you?”
My mother turned to me and pointed at my room.
“Get dressed!” She ordered. “We will be having a lunch date with Mattel.”
“Seriously?” I widened my eyes and waited for her to say something but she just looked at me.
“What are we going to talk about? And, I still need to do something and…”
“Are you going to see your boyfriend?”
I was taken aback. My lips parted as I sighed. From the looks of it, I know my mother already investigated me and Gray. I just don’t know what she had found out about Gray. I hope it isn’t that bad, but knowing her, my mother would know even the deepest secret of a person. She will pass as an investigator or detective.
“I am going to introduce you to him. It’s just you came here ahead of time.” I explained. “He’s Gray. He’s a great guy and they are with the same business as us, but Gray has an airline of his own--”
“Gray has been cheated on by his brother, right?” She confirmed which shut me up.
What else could I say? She now knows everything about Gray and I don’t have to say something. I would just have to wait for her approval yet it doesn’t seem like he wants Gray for me.
“How long have you been together?” She asked.
“Half a year,” I replied. “Not long but…”
“Are you sure about him?” She looked closely at me.
“Mom, yeah. You’ve been wanting me to have a boyfriend. Now, I already have and --”
“I don’t like him.”
“What?” I widened my eyes. “You haven’t seen him yet and you don’t like him?” I scoffed.
“I know him enough to say that he is not the best for you.” She concluded.
I hate how my mother seems to know everything without even meeting the person. It’s not new. I love my mother but sometimes I hate how she wanted me to grow up.
I remembered when I was a kid, she talked to my friends to stay away from me everytime she found something that wasn't fitting to her liking. Before, I never cared because I knew she was just protecting me but I realized she was so overprotective.
I am old enough now. Must also be the reason why up until now I am not settling with them in Spain. I still want to enjoy my freedom for a while.
I missed my grandmother.
“How did you know that? You haven’t talked to him.” I sighed. “Can you meet him first before you conclude something like that?” I am already pissed at my mother.
“I don’t need to meet him. I heard enough.” She firmly said as she stared at me. “Or perhaps you are not even aware of everything I know about him?”
We both stared at each other until I was the one who let go. I wanted to ask yet my heart was telling me not to. I am not ready to know those things. I am not prepared for that.
“Break up with him.”
“Mom?”
I didn’t expect that.
“You are kidding, right?” I blinked, hoping she’s joking.
“I am not.” She confirmed.
And, I almost fell down when she said those words.
“I have already arranged your marriage.”