Chapter 3
"So, what are you studying?" Grandpa asked.
"Graphic design."
"Wow, very good," he nodded approvingly. "So, this old man is curious—do you have a boyfriend?"
The moment he said boyfriend, my heart skipped.
Boyfriend… why does that feel important?
I froze. Something was wrong—very wrong. I felt like I was forgetting something crucial, something that would get me into serious trouble if I didn't remember.
God, please help me remember…
Boyfriend? I don't have one...
Aha!
"Oh no… oh no… oh no!" I gasped.
"The blind date!"
I jumped up immediately, opened my purse, pulled out some cash, and placed it on the table.
"This should cover the coffee. I have to go, Grandpa. Enjoy your coffee and stay safe!"
With that, I literally ran out of the coffee shop before the old man could even respond.
Grandpa stared after me in shock.
"Why did she leave in such a hurry?" he murmured. "Such a good kid… and I didn't even get her name or phone number. How will I contact her? I would have tried to fix her up with that stubborn grandson of mine, Williams," he said with a faint sigh, shaking his head. "But that boy is far too headstrong for his own good—always convinced he knows what's best, always doing things his own way. I feel that if anyone could soften that hard head of his, it would be someone as free as her."
***
I ran all the way to the restaurant without stopping to catch my breath. When I finally stepped inside, I bent slightly, breathing hard, and scanned the room for my blind date.
No one.
I didn't see any man sitting alone.
Did he leave already? I thought nervously.
If he had already gone, I was dead meat.
I turned to look in another direction, and that's when I saw a man sitting alone. His back was facing me, so I couldn't see his face. I walked toward him slowly and stopped in front of his table.
Sensing someone there, he raised his head.
***
Magnus' POV
I arrived at the fast-food restaurant right on time. I expected her to already be there, but she wasn't, so I picked a random seat and sat down.
After waiting for a while, she still hadn't shown up. One thing I hated the most was waiting.
Normally, my patience would have already run out, but today I stayed calm, reading business headlines on my iPad.
A moment later, I felt someone standing in front of me. I looked up—and my eyes met those of a beautiful young woman.
I wasn't expecting her to look so innocent… or even more beautiful than the picture my assistant had attached to her background check.
The night before, my grandfather had announced during dinner that he had arranged a meeting with my future wife.
"I'm not interested," I told him flatly. "I also have several important meetings tomorrow."
"You don't have to worry about that," Grandpa replied. "Williams will handle everything until you get married."
"What?" Williams choked on his food. "You can't make me do this!"
"I can," Grandpa said calmly, "unless your brother gets married."
Williams turned to me with a pitiful look.
"Grandpa, I don't want to get married," I insisted.
"I know," he said, "but you have to—for yourself. And Jeremy is over four years old. You can't keep holding on to her. This is my final decision. No negotiation."
That night, I got the name of the girl I was supposed to marry. I instructed my assistant to run a full background check and bring me every detail the next morning.
***
Leah's POV
He lifted his head from his iPad, and when his face came fully into view, my heart stopped for a moment.
I wasn't expecting someone this breathtakingly handsome.
Handsome felt like an understatement—it didn't even begin to describe his captivating beauty. Calling him handsome almost felt insulting.
I stood there, awestruck, before quickly regaining my composure.
"Hi," I said, forcing a bright smile. "I'm Leah Anderson."
I stretched my hand out for a handshake.
"I'm Magnus Wilson," he replied coldly, not accepting my hand.
I pulled it back awkwardly and took a seat. "I'm sorry for being late. I ran into a little situation on the way."
"It's okay," he said calmly. "I didn't wait long."
He placed a plain-looking notebook on the table between us.
"This notebook contains everything you need to know about me. Read it and decide if you still want to go through with this."
"Now?" I asked.
"Yes."
"Okay," I said, picking it up.
A waiter arrived, took our orders, and returned shortly with the food. The table fell into silence as we ate. Afterward, the waiter cleared the table while I continued reading, and Magnus returned to his iPad.
Finally, I reached the end.
"I'm done," I said, closing the notebook and placing it back on the table.
Magnus looked up, his eyes locking onto mine. "What do you think?"
My heart missed a beat.
Why is he looking at me like that? God, I can't handle this…
"Well," I began carefully, "you are very productive, which I admire. It also seems like working is your only hobby. I think you should have other interests besides work."
I paused before continuing.
"And about your son, Jeremiah… I think you should reduce some of the pressure you place on him. He is still a child. His childhood shouldn't be filled with so much responsibility."
(Why was I scared when she mentioned Jeremy? Was I afraid she might change her mind about marrying me because she doesn't want to be a stepmother?)
Magnus leaned back slightly. "Is that all you have to say?"
"Yes," I replied softly.
"I didn't know we were supposed to bring a notebook filled with our likes and dislikes," I said awkwardly. "So… I don't have mine with me."
"There is no need," he replied calmly, his tone firm yet effortless. "I already know everything I need to know about you."