This Is My Life

The moment Hunter walked into his bedroom and shut the door behind him, he walked into the en-suite bathroom and took a deep breath before answering, knowing Damon would have heard the news by now.

"Damon, hey," Hunter greeted, trying to keep his tone casual.

"Hey! What's this news about an engagement?" Damon asked the moment the call connected, his voice was laced with surprise and a hint of amusement.

Hunter sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I have no idea. I just heard about it myself. I think my grandmother might have had a hand in this."

Damon chuckled on the other end. "Your grandmother? Maybe that's what the dinner invitation at the villa was supposed to be about."

Hunter frowned, recalling the dinner request from his grandmother and the calls he had ignored the previous evening. It did make sense. "Yeah, maybe. I can't believe she'd do something like this without telling me first."

"So, does your wife know about it the engagement? What does she think?" Damon asked, curiosity evident in his tone.

Hunter laughed dryly. "My darling wife thinks Hunter must not be very bright."

Damon burst into laughter. "Well, that's one way to put it. So, what's your plan? And are you going to the office today?"

Hunter glanced at the wall clock, then out the window. "No, I think I'll head down to the villa first to talk to my grandmother about her ridiculous action. A phone call won't cut it."

"Alright, man. Let me know how it goes. And be safe," Damon advised before hanging up.

Hunter sighed, slipping his phone into his pocket. He had a lot to figure out, starting with his grandmother's motives. As he made his way back to the living room, he saw Delilah about to leave.

"You're leaving already? No goodbye kiss for your husband," he called out, quickening his pace to reach her.

Jessica grinned, while Delilah eyed him with displeasure, "You're asking to be thrown out of here," she said as she headed for the door, and he raised both hands in surrender.

"Alright, I give up. I'm curious about something, does this recent development mean you'll no longer go after Hunter Quinn?" He asked, looking at her with curious eyes.

Delilah turned to face him, a sly smile playing on her lips. "If anything, I'm more interested in Hunter now. Not even you and your ridiculous scheme will stop me from getting what I want."

Hunter felt a strange mix of relief and apprehension at her words. He watched as she headed out, determination etched on her face.

Hunter turned to Jessica as Delilah shut the door behind her, "I guess this is now about Chloe?" He asked, and Jessica smiled as she gave him a nod.

"Those two don't get along. I almost feel sorry for Hunter whoever he is," she said, and not wanting to reveal anything more, she focused on clearing the table.

"Uhm, I need to head out. You know, get busy before she makes good her threat and kicks me out," Hunter said and Jessica smiled.

"She wouldn't kick you out. D is softhearted. Don't let her cold attitude fool you. She's just upset things aren't going her way," Jessica assured him as she took the plates to the kitchen.

"Well, I hope so. I'm heading out now. Have a nice day," he called out to her as he glanced at the clock again before heading out the door.

He got into a cab and went down to his house. After changing into his normal clothes, his driver drove him to the Villa.

The drive to the villa was filled with thoughts of how he would confront his grandmother. He needed answers, and he needed them now.

When he arrived at the villa, the grandeur of the estate struck him as it always did. He got out of his car and made his way to the front door, his steps heavy with anticipation.

The butler greeted him with a polite nod and led him to the drawing room where his grandmother sat, engrossed in a book.

"Grandmother," Hunter began, his voice steady but firm.

She looked up, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Look, who's here. The rascal finally decided to show up. What a pleasant surprise."

Hunter didn't return the smile. "I just heard about the engagement announcement. Care to explain?"

His grandmother's expression remained calm, but there was a glint in her eyes. "Ah, I see you've heard. That explains the reason for your visit. I'm always in awe of how fast news travel now."

"Is this supposed to be funny? How could you do something like that without talking to me first?" Hunter demanded, his frustration evident.

"I would have had you showed up as I requested," she said calmly.

"I told you I was busy…"

"But now you're not too busy to show up here, are you?" She cut in smoothly.

"I don't even know this person! This doesn't make any sense!" Hunter exclaimed.

"It's all your fault. You would have met her and gotten to know her had you come for dinner instead of ignoring my calls," she insisted stubbornly.

Hunter shook his head, incredulous. "You can't just decide these things for me. This is my life."

"Your life? You're a Quinn, my dear, and you must understand that this arrangement is for your own good. Chloe is a remarkable young woman, and I believe she will be a great partner for you. I'm only looking out for your best interests," his grandmother replied, her tone gentle but firm. "Chloe is smart, ambitious, and she cares about you more than you realize."

Hunter took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. "She cares about me? How can she care about someone she doesn't even know? Listen, grandma, I thank you for trying to look out for me but I am not interested. I am capable of finding my own wife myself, and soon, I will present her to you. Until then, desist from making such arrangements on my behalf," Hunter said sternly.

His grandmother stood, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "You know me better than that, Hunter. I've given you more than enough time, and now I've taken matters into my own hand. I can't go back on my word. You're going to marry the young lady I've picked out for you."

"No, I won't," he insisted,

His grandmother smiled, "I will arrange for you both to meet soon. Make sure you show up on your date when I send the details to you," his grandmother said and walked away before he could argue further.

As Hunter left the villa, his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Even though he was not interested in marrying this person that his grandmother had chosen, he was curious about her and the nature of her relationship with Delilah.

Picking up his phone he called Fred, "I take it you've seen the news of my engagement?" He asked the moment the call connected.

"I have. Congratul…"

"Ask the investigator to look into the lady and find out everything he can about her. He should also find out what connection she has with Delilah," Hunter cut in, and hung up without letting Fred say another word.