8 An Old Friend Unexpectedly Arrives

On the way to the mansion, Alex called Hunter to gather more information about the girl with red-brown hair and deep blue eyes. Much to his disappointment, Hunter had seen the beautiful girl with Sanua but didn't know her name, let alone have ever spoken to her. However, Alex did find out that Sanua occasionally came to Club Zen with the girl.

When Alex got to the mansion, brunch was served immediately. 

"How's the company doing?" Old Mr. Zi inquired as looked up from the buttered toast he was eating.

The Zi's were known for their picturesque architectural designs. They were descendants of a long line of architects. Even though Alex may have wanted to study something else, being an architect coursed through his veins. Staring at the old man who seated at the head of the table, he couldn't help but feel proud to be a Zi.

"It's doing really well."

"Oh; good, good." Mr. Zi replied proudly showing his white teeth, his wrinkles visible as he smiled.

He was secretly keeping an eye on his grandsons' success and what was happening at the company, or so he thought. Alex, on the other hand, was fully aware of his grandfather's meddling. However, since it did not bother him, he chose to turn a blind eye. They were busy catching up and eating when the doorbell to the mansion rang. Its echo resonating throughout the room.

Grandma Zi smiled, stood up, and turned toward the front door, as if she had been expecting a visitor ahead of schedule.

Baffled by her actions, Old Mr. Zi called out. "Wife, where are you going? Let them out there answer the door." 

"Ah it's okay, I invited a guest." Replying, as continued walking to the door, a mischievous tone was heard.

A few moments later, she returned, and by her side stood a charming young woman. The instant his grandmother mentioned she had a guest, Alex discerned her intentions and chose to ignore her.

"Alex?" A voice asked from behind him.

Knowing exactly what his grandmother was up to, he let out a soft sigh then looked to the woman who entered the room.

"And who might you be?" He replied, annoyed that his grandparents were trying to set him up again.

"Goodness; how disappointing that you don't seem to remember me," the angelic voice replied.

Before anyone could say anything more, Mrs. Zi interrupted.

"Come Talia, have a seat." She pulled out a chair next to Alex.

"Alex, you remember Natalia Omalu. You both went to the same elementary school. She came over when you guys were six, and you played together..." His grandmother went on, trying to refresh his memory.

"Mhm, I️ do. Talia, it's been a while. How have you been?" Alex smiled, recalling his childhood friend.

"I've been well. It's good to see you again, Alex. Mrs. Zi and I️ met last week coincidentally. We had such a good conversation that when I️ asked about you she invited meet join her today. I️ came by since we hadn't seen each other for quite a while," a rehearsed Natalia said.

Madam Zi smiled proudly. If her grandson wanted to be stubborn about giving them grand kids, she would gladly help him find love to speed up the process. Talia had to be the best candidate since they knew each other. She was glad when she met her the previous week.

Especially since Talia had a crush on Alex from the day he saved her from bullies in school. A handsome and confident Alex stood up to her bullies and defended her when no-one wanted to be her friend. Everyone wanted to be Alex's friend because he was popular. To remain on his good list, they had stopped teasing her to look good in his eyes. That was when Natalia Omalu started liking Alex Zi. Grandma Zi Smiled as she recalled the conversation with Natalia.

"You've grown up well," Alex admitted.

Natalia's waist-length hair now rested on her shoulders. She was no longer chubby but rather strikingly beautiful. Her hazel eyes that were always sad back then was now bright and as she smiled at him, Alex was happy to see how much she had changed.

"I have? Well, thank you. I️ must say you're still good-looking." Natalia couldn't help but blush more as her eyes met Alex's.

Hearing Alex compliment her looks, Natalia blushed and acted like she hadn't tried her best to stand out in front of her future husband. Oh, how she desperately wanted to be the woman at Alex's side; Mrs. Zi.

"Thank you." Alex replied unfazed by her charming words. He was indeed surprised to see her. It has been ten years since he last saw her.

"Why didn't you tell me you were coming back?"

"I wanted to surprise you and here I am. Don't feel bad this is an unplanned return."

They chatted through brunch and everyone was in good spirits. After everyone finished eating, Alex and Old Man Zi went to the study to talk about the potential investors he met with the day before. By the time they were done, two hours had passed.

Heading downstairs, he was surprised to see Natalia had not left and was chatting heartily with his grandmother. He walked over to them and announced his departure. His grandmother tried to persuade him to stay for dinner, but he refused.

Natalia seemed disappointed that Alex was in a hurry to leave. But he pretended to not notice her dejected eyes. She knew he was single and Alex was certain that his nosy grandmother had expressed her desired for grandchildren. 

Grandma Zi had been excited when she found out Natalia returned. She purposefully invited Natalia to brunch when Alex said he would be coming by. She knew Natalia had been fond of Alex back then and decided to play cupid. Mrs. Zi liked the idea of having Talia as her grand-daughter-in-law, but hearing Alex state he was not staying, both ladies were disappointed their plan had not worked.

"Why don't you give Talia a ride back to the city since her driver left earlier." She tried coaxing her grandson.

Unaware of their scheme, Alex agreed. He drove Natalia to her hotel and was about to drive off when she hurriedly asked him to dinner later during the week. He refused her invitation but promised they would catch up another time. Alex left the hotel and drove home to Lake-view.