Shadows of expectations

"Daemon, where the hell are you going?"

"I'm leaving this place."

"Leave? And where the h*ll are going to stay? With your friends who do nothing but hang out at the bar, girl? Tell me?"

I stopped walking and faced it.

"Then what do you want me to do? Do everything that grandpa says? F*cking no! I had enough ma, I don't want to be subservient to everything he wants. I have my own life, I can choose and decide who ever I want to marry. He doesn't want that." I said frustrated.

"I understand. But you know your grandfather, when he wants... that will be followed. So, please don't make it hard for you, for us." It said calmly.

I was shaken. "No! If I had a woman to marry, it would be the woman I love. No one else."

"God! Daemon... then present him to your grandfather to finish this. Because I'm tired of hearing his sermon." mom

"Fine---"

"Make sure you really present something to him. You know what your grandfather can do. You like it or not, you're gonna marry the girl he chooses for you." Threatening it.

-----

"D*mn! It's really hard to be a Salvatore." Mino

"So, what are you gonna do about it?" Ashton asked.

I sighed.

I honestly don't know what to do.

"Why don't you go back to Morreen and ask her to marry you." Mino suggested.

"That's a good idea. But the question is? Will Morreen get back with him? We know that Daemon has been wooing Morreen until now." Ashton.

"Well, maybe if you tell her that you want to marry her, she might agree to get back with you." Mino

Morreen and I have been together for almost six years. We have a perfect relationship as a couple. But Morreen wanted to have a family, because that's what her parents wanted. They say we are at the right age so we can get married and start our own family. But I'm not ready for that. I still want to do a lot and I want to prioritize it first before having a family. That's why we broke up.

"What if you find a girl, hire her to marry you." The three of us looked at Theo who had just arrived.

"Wow! Are some kind of magician and you can read our minds. How did you know that Daemon is having problems with this woman?" Mino asked.

"Well, who else should I know but my beautiful girlfriend who is Daemon's cousin." Theo answered and sat next to me.

I forgot that he and Denice are already dating.

"Wait--- what did you say? Girlfriend?" I will ask.

It grinned.

"H*ll no! You answered a Denice Salvatore? Wow! Dude! Good luck in your future." Ashton laughed at Theo.

"Congrats! You might be the next one to march inside the church." I said and patted him on the shoulder.

"You know what I think Theo has a good idea. Theo also has a brain ahahaha.." Mino

"G*go! What do you think I'm brainless?" He said while throwing a can of beer at Mino.

"A bit ahahahaha" Mino

I just shook my head at them.

I don't have time now to be happy.

I didn't stay long at Mino's bar and I went home to my condo.

I just drank a little because I have to go to the office early tomorrow.

I was sitting on top of my bed holding my cellphone. Trying to call Morreen.

Its been six months since we broke up. And she's been ignoring my calls for a month now.

I tried to call his cousin Monic.

"Hello?"

"Monique, it's me Daemon." I said.

"Ahh---"

"Please, don't end the call. I just want to ask if you can talk to Morreen? I've been calling her and she didn't even answer my calls or texts. I just want to know if she's okay. " I said.

The other line was silent. It took a long time to answer.

"She's in Canada right now."

"What? When did he leave?"

"I think she'll be there for three weeks and if ever don't tell her I told you. Alright, I need to go."

"W---wait..." he hangs up.

That's why I can't contact him.

I threw the cellphone at my feet and lay down.

Tomorrow....

I was at my favorite cafe having my breakfast.

Every morning I always come here for breakfast. Even though I don't have work in the office, I still come here.

Because their coffee here is delicious and it's one of the things I keep coming back to here.

I was about to finish my coffee when a male customer came in.

I would have ignored him when he suddenly pulled an employee out of the cafe and talked outside.

I also stood up after finishing the coffee. I left the cafe and walked to my car when I passed them both.

"What the hell hurts me." The woman said.

I looked at his arm that the man was holding tightly.

I continued walking when I was stopped.

"I'm the one who hit you even though you have a child and then you're acting." The man said

I really hate that kind of man. I'm not perfect but disrespecting a single mom, I can't just let it go.

I grew up with no father. Only mom takes care of our three siblings.

I came back and approached them both.

I stood next to the woman.

"If you don't want to, don't force it. You keep looking desperate." I said they both looked at me.

"And who are you to say that? Can you please not interfere." I held the woman in my other hand when she tried to pull her away.

"I am her boyfriend." I looked at the woman next to me who looked surprised as well.

She's beautiful.

I looked into her eyes. I've never seen a pair of eyes this beautiful.

"Are you fooling me? You're her boyfriend? You must be delusional!" He couldn't believe it.

"Why? Never seen a handsome guy having a beautiful girlfriend before?" I said he smirked.

"Maybe you don't know that your girlfriend has a child." He says.

"I know. And so? Are you the father? Maybe I won't believe in that matter because you are the kind of man that she will never punish." His face suddenly crumpled because of what I said.

"F*** you..."

Before he could punch me, a guard came to send the man away.

"We're not done yet."

"Um.. Reese, are you okay? That man is really shameless." His colleague asked at the café.

They have the same uniform.

"Yes, it's okay." He looked at me.

"Umm... thanks for your help."

"You're welcome."

"Just wait, I'm going back to the shop first." His colleague said and hurried back to the café.

"Ahh... my hand." He said.

I looked at his hand that I was still holding.

I immediately let it go. "I think you should be careful next time. It looks like that man won't stop you. You should learn how to defend your self."

It just made me smile.

I remember what Theo said at the bar about hiring a girl to be my wife.

I looked at the woman.

She's beautiful, no doubt.

"Umm.. thanks again. I'll be right back----"

"Ahh... wait. Would you like to be my wife?"

"Huh!?"

"Ah... no.... no.. I mean is I'm going to hire you to be my wife. Oh! F*ck! What the h*ll I'm saying. Never mind. I'm sorry." I said and left in a hurry.

Daemon's POV

I am now in the office staring at the computer screen. I've been staring at it for almost an hour. I finished what I was doing because I came in early earlier.

I woke up early because I thought I could have breakfast at my favorite café. But I suddenly remembered what I said to the girl yesterday. I can eat it but it's embarrassing. What else might he think about me?

Are you the one to say that? Well, you don't know each other.

I didn't have breakfast and coffee.

I leaned on the chair and held my stomach when it flared up.

I'm used to eating breakfast every morning before I go to work.

"Demon!" I looked at Matt who is my officemate.

"Why?"

"Your grandfather is calling you to his office." It said.

"Sh*t!" I said softly to myself.

If it's not about work, it's definitely about what he wants. I will marry the woman of his choice.

I work here in his company as an employee and in a low position.

It's not because I'm the grandson of the owner that I'll get a high position right away. Grandpa is different when it comes to us, we have to work hard before getting it.

I want to be successful before getting married. I want to prioritize my work, before anything else. I want to reach somewhere before settling down, having a family.

Well, Morreen doesn't understand that.

I don't want to hope that the family I grew up in is rich, I won't work anymore. I don't want to rely on my grandfather, in short I don't want to rely on his wealth.

I stood up from my seat and walked to his office.

I took a deep breath before knocking and going inside. I found it reading something, maybe other company's proposals.

"Did you call me, sir?" He raised his face and looked at me.

"Take a seat." It's a command.

I approached his table and sat in the empty chair opposite him.

"Your mother told me that you are going to introduce someone to me. Is that right?" It said looking at the papers in hand.

I told you so. He really won't stop me until he gets what he wants.

"Umm... yes, sir." My answer.

It looked up at me.

Lady! Now where am I going to find a woman to present to him!?

He put down the papers he was holding and focused his full attention on me.

"Well, I'm looking forward to that. This coming weekend at the family dinner, I want to meet her. Bring her." He said seriously.

"And if you don't present anything to me, you're going to marry the girl I want for you." It's still connected.

-

Grandpa and I ended our conversation without me saying anything. No one has ever beaten him.

I have to find a way to make him stop me. I don't want to be like my cousins who always obey what he wants.

After work at the office, I went straight home to the condo. First I declined Mino and Ashton's invitation to drink. That won't help my problem.

I need someone to think of a way, there are only a few days of weekends.

Before I went to sleep I tried several times to contact Morreen. Even on socmed, I tried to call him but he couldn't even answer me.

Tomorrow...

I woke up early, took a shower and got dressed for the office. I also left the condo early.

And now I'm going to the café that I always pass by every morning before I go to the office.

I also need reinforcement now.

I just parked the car in front of the café before getting out of the car.

I was walking into the cafe when I noticed a man standing by the door.

I think I know him.

"Stalking my girlfriend?" He looked at me in surprise.

He is the guy last time. The one who harassed the female employee of this cafe.

"You don't care..." he said and bumped into me before leaving.

Is he crazy!?

I went inside and went straight to the counter.

"Hey... thank you, and that man has left. Just call the police, it's scary what he's doing following you." I heard a woman say.

"I did it but still won't stop." This is the answer.

"You should learn how to defend your self." I entered their conversation.

They both looked at me.

"Good morning." I greeted and smiled.

"Ayy.. oh sir, have you been there for a while? I'm sorry we didn't notice you." It said.

"I just got here and sorry, sorry I joined your conversation. I saw the man who harassed you last time at the door while standing and looking at you."

"You helped me before, right?"

I nodded.

"And thank you again."

I wondered. "Thank you for what?"

"When you arrived, he probably left when he saw you. Among the many customers who came, he left just now when you came in. Maybe he remembered you, you introduced yourself as my boyfriend." This explains it.

"Ahh... yeah. Maybe..."

"I hope you come here every day, sir, so that man doesn't bother Reese anymore. It's scary." His colleague said.

I looked at him. He just smiled lightly.

"Do you want to order now?" It's just a question.

After I ordered, I sat down in the same place I used to sit.

"Here's your order." A minute later he delivered my order.

"Thank you--- oh wait." He turned to me.

"Reese, right? I heard that your colleague called you Reese, so I assume that's your name." I said.

"Yes. Reese is my name." He answered.

"Umm... I just want to clarify something... or maybe you forgot about it. The last time I was here, when I helped you and I... umm..."

"Is it because you said 'do you want to be my wife?' 'I want to hire you to be my wife?' is it because of that?" He said laughing.

I suddenly felt ashamed. He still remembers what I said.

"Sorry about that."

"It's okay.. I'm used to it. Many people tell me that, then when they find out that I have a child, they'll take it back." It smiled.

"Ahh.. that's not what I meant---"

"You don't need to explain to me, sir. Besides, we don't even know each other. I thought you only said that because your parents are forcing you to marry a woman you don't like, so you will find a way to prevent what you want from happening. them."

"You're right."

He looked at me in surprise. "Huh? Seriously? As in?"

I smiled at his reaction.

"Yes...." he suddenly sat in the empty seat in front of me.

"Are you serious? I thought I only read that in movies and books. Also in real life?"

"It happens. The truth is my grandfather wanted me to marry the girl he chooses for me. But I don't want to because I don't love the woman he wants for me. And I don't even know her. And I don't know what to do. But my friend suggested to hire a girl to pretend to be my wife. To be my wife for 365 days, after that it's over." I told him.

"Okay" he only said.

"Okay?" I repeat what he said.

He smiled at me. "Am I qualified to be your wife, sir? If I meet your qualifications, I agree to pretend to be your wife."

I was surprised to see him. Is she kidding me?

"Seriously?"

"Yes."

"W---wait.... do you like me?"

He suddenly laughed at what I said. "Let's say you're handsome, sad to say I don't like any of you. This is the only way I can think of for Micheal to stop me. Once he proves that I'm really your boyfriend, maybe he'll stop following me ."

I nodded. "Well, in that case I can help you. We can help each other."

"Yes. But I have a condition..."

"What conditions?"

"Don't fall in love with me. Deal?" He held out his palm in front of me.

I accepted his hand. "Don't fall in love with me too. And we have a deal." We both shook hands.

Now, I have someone to present to gr

Daemon's POV

"Really? Where did you find a woman who would agree to what you want?" Ashton asked.

I already told them about Reese and her willingness to be my wife for 365 days.

They still can't believe it. Well, I can't believe it either.

Who is a woman who is willing to have such a set-up?

"How much did you pay? Or maybe someone else asked you to pay?" Mino with a silly smile on his lips.

"Well, we haven't discussed that yet. And you're thinking wrong.. I think she's not that kind of woman. And she doesn't like me." I think she's different from the girls I've met.

"Woah!! Seriously?" Theo said in disbelief.

"Is that a miracle? A Daemon Salvatore? It's the first time that's happened. Now, I badly want to see this girl." Ashton.

"Don't worry, I will introduce him to you at my upcoming wedding." I proudly said.

"That's it! Our man is going to settle down and have his own family." Mino teased

"But, what about Morreen?" Theo asked.

I sighed.

"I tried contacting her, but I got nothing." I said disapprovingly.

"It's supposed to be Morreen. What if she finds out about what you're going to do?" Theo

"It's just a contract no string a touch. Right, Daemon? Unless I'm in the contract you know that ahahaha." Ashton.

"Of course not. The three of you know how much I love Morreen. I won't trade her. If only I have a choice, if she's here.. she's the one I'll ask to marry." I said.

"Well, let's cheers to that." Mino

We just drank until the alcohol hit me. I went home before them because I have to go to the office tomorrow.

I have to show Grandpa that I can take the job he gave me seriously. And I don't have to marry the woman he wants for me to get to the top.

I want to make it to the top by myself.

While driving to my condo, I thought of first passing by my café where Reese works.

I just want to talk about our set-up when the deal between the two of us goes through.

After arriving I just parked the car before going to the café.

It's eight o'clock at night and they're still open.

I went on and went inside.

"Good evening---- sir, it's you. It's a miracle that you came here at this time." He said when he noticed me.

Join him here at Reese's café. I think Mary is her name. Reese introduced him to me when I came here.

"Is Reese still here?" I asked when I couldn't find it on the counter where it was always there.

"Hey.. you sir.. do you like Reese?" It's teasing.

"I won't be surprised because many people really like that friend of mine. Others are obsessed with him, like Micheal." It's still connected.

Honestly. Reese is beautiful.

"Obsessed? How can you say that?" I will ask.

I'm also curious about that man.

"Yes. Too much. He's been flirting with Reese for a long time, but Reese doesn't like him..." Mary

"How can you not? You look like Micheal."

"It's not that Reese doesn't want her. What I mean is, she doesn't want to have a relationship because she wants to focus on her son. She had a lover once, she answered, but when the man found out that Reese had a child it was divorced." He explained.

I nodded.

"But this Micheal is different, he does accept Reese's son but my something."

"What something?" I want to ask.

"One time he flirted and went to the apartment where Reese was staying. He found the person guarding Skye. Skye is Reese's son. He tried to take Skye because he said he was going to take her for a walk but the guard didn't want to give her because it was Reese's legacy not to touch Skye Skye to others. It's good that Reese came and stopped Micheal. He told Micheal to stop flirting with him but Isa didn't want to and even came to the point of stalking Reese and hurting him." This story.

I just nodded.

That's why it was so easy for Reese to agree. She has her reasons.

"Mary, have I finished the--- Daemon?" I looked at Reese who had just come out of the kitchen.

"What are you doing here, at this Time?" He asked and approached us.

"I'm looking for you.. I want to say something." Mary's language

Reese looked at me.

"Ahh.. I want to talk about our deal." I said.

It nodded. "Okay. Umm.. I have something else to do---"

"Okay. I'll finish it." Mary sighed and smiled at me.

"Huh? Are you sure?" Reese

"Of course. Besides, you've done a lot since earlier. Go home and my son might be looking for you."

"Okay. Thank you." He faced me.

"What's the deal about?" he asked.

"Maybe, let's talk along the way. I'll take you to you."

"Are you sure? I can go home alone." Reese.

"Oh. Send it.. oh" Mary. He handed Reese a bag.

"Take care my friend." He said to me.

I smiled. "I'll take care of it." I assure you.

"Let's go." I said.

He first looked at Mary before turning his gaze back to me.

"Okay." He said and started to walk out of the café.

"Careful" Mary added.

WHILE driving, neither of us said a word.

"So.. umm... I've already talked to my friend. He knows someone who can marry the two of us." When I start

"Okay. When is the wedding?" She asked while looking at me.

"Tomorrow? The dinner will be three days from now. We have to do it right away." I answered while glancing at him.

"You can take Mary with you, you're worried." I suggested not to speak.

"Okay." This is the only answer.

"Are you okay?" I will ask.

I was a little nervous that he might backtrack on what we talked about.

"Yes. I'm just asking myself why I entered it?" He suddenly laughed.

"Ahh.. are you thinking of backing out?" I asked nervously.

"No. I have one word and I will stand by it. Eh, You? Are you sure about this?"

"Do I have a choice? Even if I introduce you as my girlfriend to grandpa, he still won't stop me until I get married. And I don't even know why?"

"Maybe he just wants to see you have a family before disappearing from this world."

"No way. That old man is strong. He might last another 20 years."

I looked at him for a moment when he laughed.

We have arrived here where he is staying.

"Do you want to come in and have a coffee first? I smelled the wine on you a while ago." He says.

"Ahh.. because my friends and I had a little drink before I went to the café." My answer.

"Okay. Thank you for the delivery---"

"I might need a cup of coffee before I go home." I said before he got out of the car.

"Okay." He smiled and went out.

I also got out of the car next.

"Let's go" he asked so I followed entering his house.

"Reese, it's good that you came. Skye was crying a while ago, it's good that she settled down and fell asleep." An elderly woman said.

"You have someone with you." It pays attention to me.

"That's Daemon, my friend.

"Good evening." I congratulate you.

"She is mother Fely who takes care of Skye, my daughter."

"Have you eaten yet? I'll serve first." He said and left.

"Sit down first.. I'll just check on Skye in the room." Reese.

I nodded and sat on a chair.

His house is small. Just the three of them.

A few minutes later it also came out. He has also changed his clothes.

"I'm done serving, eat first." Mother Fely who just came out of the kitchen.

"Let's go"

I could do nothing but stand up and follow him to the dining table.

"Sit down.. Wait, are you eating those?" He asked me.

"Of course. I don't like food." I answered and sat down.

"I'm fine with that." It smiled.

I was even surprised when he prepared me with rice and dishes.

"Umm.. thanks."