II - THE MERGER

As Noah Delgado entered the lavish office of Martin Lopez, his footsteps echoed softly against the polished marble floors. Martin looked up from his desk, a faint smile gracing his lips as he greeted his visitor.

Martin Lopez is tall and confident, with sharp features and piercing gray eyes. He has dark, neatly styled hair and an olive complexion. He often wears impeccably tailored suits that highlight his stature and convey authority. His presence commands attention and exudes an air of power and sophistication.

"Noah, it's good to see you," Martin said warmly, rising from his chair to offer his hand in greeting.

Noah returned the smile, clasping Martin's hand firmly. "Likewise, Martin," he replied, his voice tinged with respect.

Martin gestured towards one of the plush leather chairs in front of his desk. "Please, have a seat," he said, motioning for Noah to sit opposite him.

As they settled into their seats, Noah couldn't help but admire the opulence of Martin's office. The room was adorned with exquisite artwork and luxurious furnishings, a testament to Martin's wealth and power.

"Noah, the G group proposed a merger," he said, his tone grave. "I don't trust them," he said straightly.

Noah's brow furrowed at the news, his mind wondering why Martin was telling him this. "I see," he replied, his voice measured and a little confused. "What are you planning to do then?"

But Martin leaned forward, a calculating glint in his eyes. "Well, Gonzales is cunning. He's trying to find a way to get my company to bankruptcy, or maybe he even thinks he can outmatch me," he said slowly, his words carrying a weighty significance. "Of course, that won't happen."

Martin stared at Noah. Noah couldn't shake the feeling of being under Martin's scrutinizing gaze. Martin's piercing gray eyes seemed to bore into Noah, assessing him with an intensity that made him squirm uncomfortably in his seat.

Noah shifted uneasily, the weight of Martin's stare weighing heavily upon him. Despite his best efforts to maintain his composure, he couldn't shake the nagging sense of inferiority that gnawed at him in Martin's presence.

Martin's lips curled into a faint smile, a knowing glint in his eyes as he observed Noah's discomfort. He knows Noah will do whatever he asks him. "Noah, given that you have a daughter and I have a son." he paused and looked at Noah.

As Martin mentioned their children, Noah's mind raced ahead, anticipating Martin's next move. He couldn't help but wonder if Martin would suggest a marriage merger between their families. "I suggest a merger through marriage," Martin said.

"A merger?" he echoed. His voice tinged with skepticism. "What do you mean?"

Martin leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "I have a son, Tres," he explained, his tone confident. "And you have a daughter. If we were to arrange a marriage between them, G group can't enter into my company."

Noah's mind whirled with the magnitude of Martin's proposition. The implications were far-reaching and profound. "It's an unconventional idea," he admitted, his voice thoughtful. A nagging doubt crept into his mind as Noah mulled over Martin's proposal. He couldn't shake the feeling that the merger would only serve to benefit Martin.

As Noah contemplated Martin's proposal, a bitter truth dawned on him. Martin held a grudge against Jayla for losing his youngest daughter, Michelle Una Lopez. Noah couldn't shake the feeling that Martin saw Jayla responsible for the tragedy. That blame had led Martin to view Noah as an underdog in their business dealings. Despite blaming Jayla for their current predicament, Noah couldn't shake the fact that she was his daughter, and his love for her remained unchanged.

Martin sensed Noah's hesitation, a knowing glint in his eyes signaling his awareness of the advantage he held. "Well, let's not forget the incident ten years ago."

Noah's heart skipped a beat at the mention of the past, his mind racing to comprehend the sudden turn in their conversation. He sighed heavily before responding, "I understand, Martin. We'll proceed with the merger." A heavy silence followed each man grappling with his thoughts and emotions, knowing their decision would have far-reaching consequences for their families. Martin's smile widened slightly as he sensed Noah's compliance. "Thank you, Noah," he said smoothly. "I appreciate your cooperation. I'll summon you again soon to discuss the details further."

Noah nodded. His expression resigned. "Of course, Martin," he replied, his voice tinged with a hint of resignation. "I'll be ready to discuss whatever you need."

With a final nod of acknowledgment, Martin and Noah parted ways, their paths diverging again. Still, their fates are intertwined by the weight of their decision.

In the dimly lit recreation room of the Lopez mansion, Michael Tres Lopez sat engrossed in a game on the PlayStation, enjoying a day with his siblings, his fingers flying over the controller with practiced precision. Beside him, his twin siblings, Nicolai Dos Lopez and Nicole Dua Lopez, engaged in their spirited competition, their laughter mingling with the sound effects emanating from the screen.

Michael Tres Lopez, the eldest brother, was a towering figure with a strong, silent demeanor. His gray eyes held wisdom, and his muscular build spoke of strength. His dark, tousled hair fell effortlessly over piercing gray eyes. Despite his tough exterior, he was fiercely loyal to his siblings, always ready to protect and support them.

Nicolai Dos Lopez and Nicole Dua Lopez were twins with striking emerald eyes and chestnut hair. Nicolai, the older twin by 20 minutes, carried himself with quiet confidence, his tall frame exuding an air of calm authority. His dark, tousled hair fell effortlessly over piercing gray eyes like Tres. In contrast, Nicole radiated an infectious energy, her laughter filling any room she entered, her chestnut curls cascading down her back. She has a petite frame, and like Dos, her gray eyes sparkled with mischief, always ready for the next adventure.

As the game progressed, tension began to mount between Dos and Dua, their playful banter escalating into heated exchanges as Dua fell behind in the virtual race. With each passing moment, her frustration grew, fueled by the knowledge that her brother seemed to have an unfair advantage.

"Dos, you're cheating!" Dua accused, his voice rising angrily as he struggled to keep pace with his brother's relentless onslaught. "There's no way you're that good without some cheat code."Dos merely shrugged off Dua's accusation, a mischievous glint in his eyes as he continued to dominate the game. "Just because you're losing doesn't mean I'm cheating, Dua," he retorted, his tone teasing. "Maybe you just need to practice more." as he mocks his sister.

But Dua was not to be appeased, her competitive spirit driving her to fight tooth and nail for victory despite seemingly insurmountable odds. With a frustrated growl, she redoubled her efforts, determined to prove her worth and emerge victorious against her brother's perceived cheating.

"Dos, this isn't fair!" Dua exclaimed, his voice tinged with frustration as she watched her virtual character fall behind again. "You must be using some kind of cheat code!" crossing her arms in anger.

Dos chuckled at his sister's accusation. His confidence is unwavering as he deftly navigated the game's challenges. "Come on, Dua, you know I would never cheat," he replied, his tone laced with amusement. "You're just not quick enough to keep up with me."

Feeling defeated and frustrated, Dua turned to Tres, her eyes filled with emotion as she recounted her struggles during the game with Dos. "Big brother," she began, her voice quivering with pent-up frustration, "I swear, Dos must be cheating. There's no way he's that good without some cheat."

Tres listened attentively, his brow furrowing with concern as he absorbed Dua's words. "Dua," Tres muttered, his voice calm but probing. "You know Dos takes his gaming seriously."Dua walks towards the couch. Tres glanced over at his sister, Dua, who sat on the couch with her arms crossed and a deep pout on her lips. She was sulking, her bottom lip jutting out in a clear display of frustration.

Tres followed his sister and sighed, running a hand through her hair to soothe his sister. "Dua, it's just a game," he said gently, his tone laced with patience. "You know Dos isn't cheating."But Dua wasn't convinced, her sulky demeanor persisting. "But it's not fair," she insisted, her voice tinged with petulance.

Tres rolled his eyes, but a fond smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Despite her childish behavior, he couldn't help but feel a sense of protectiveness towards his younger sister. As her big brother, it was his job to look after her, even when she acted like a brat.

"Come on, Dua," Tres said, affectionately reaching out to ruffle her hair. "Just play another game. I'll buy you ice cream later."

Dua's face lit up at the mention of ice cream, her sulky expression melting away as she jumped up from the couch, eager to play another game alone. Tres chuckled softly, knowing that even though Dua could be a handful at times, she was still his little sister, and he wouldn't have it any other way.

As Dos watched his big brother and twin sister, his eyes widened in disbelief at the accusations. "What? That's ridiculous!" he retorted. "How come Dua got an ice cream, and I got to be accused of cheating." Dos pouted to annoy Dua but looked at Dos and stuck out her tongue to annoy him back.

Tres moved towards Dos, patted his shoulder, and shook his head. "Let her," Dos sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I get it, Tres," he admitted, his voice tinged with resignation. "Fine, fine." Dos returned his attention to the game.

As Martin entered the room where his children were gathered, his expression was serious, and his presence commanded attention. Clearing his throat, he addressed them with a tone that brooked no argument.

"Twins, I need to speak to Tres alone for a moment," Martin announced, his voice carrying a weight that left no room for protest.

Tres exchanged glances with his siblings, his curiosity piqued but tempered by apprehension. The twins left the room, leaving Martin and Tres.

Once alone, Martin fixed Tres with a penetrating gaze, his demeanor serious. "Tres, I propose a marriage-merger to the Delgados," he began, his voice measured.

Tres's eyes widened in surprise at the revelation, his mind reeling with the implications of such a proposal. "I'll be marrying who?" he's wise to realize he'll be the one who'll get married. Martin nodded solemnly, his expression grave. "His eldest daughter, Jayla," he confirmed, his tone serious.

"The brat?" Tres said calmly, his eyes meeting his father's gaze.

"You know what the G group is proposing, and I believe I no longer need to explain anything to you?" Martin said, full of assurance. Tres nodded. His expression serious as he absorbed his father's words. "I understand, Martin, for this family and business," he said solemnly.

Martin's heart swelled with pride at his son's maturity and selflessness. "Well then, Tres," he said warmly, touching his son's shoulder.

Martin is about to leave the room when he turns back. "Consider her as a replacement for Una." Tres was well aware of what happened ten years ago.

Tres's heart skipped a beat at his father's words, a rush of conflicting emotions flooding his mind. "Father, I understand your-" he stopped. "Una was irreplaceable. Jayla can never fill the void left by her absence."

Martin reached out to his son and tapped his shoulder once again.

As Martin left the room, the atmosphere lightened slightly, but tension still lingered in the air. Tres watched as Dos and Dua returned, his expression thoughtful as he considered how to address the situation.

"Guys, we should remember that eavesdropping is not respectful," Tres said gently, his tone firm but kind.

Dos nodded in agreement. His expression was contrite as he acknowledged Tres's words. "You're right, Tres," he admitted a hint of guilt. "But it's Dua's fault." pointing at Dua.

"What? It was you, Dos," pointing back at Dos. But Dua, ever the naughty one, couldn't resist a retort. "Well, if it means we'll be getting an older sister, I'd say it was worth it," he quipped, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. She was the youngest among them and the only female in the family. All she wants is to have at least a big sister or a younger sister.

Tres couldn't help but chuckle at Dua's cheeky remark despite the seriousness of the situation. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, Dua," he replied with a smile, his tone gentle. "But let's remember to respect everyone's privacy, okay? And if Martin has something important to share with us, I'm sure he'll do so in his own time."

Dos and Dua nodded in understanding, chastened by Tres's gentle reprimand. "Sorry, Tres," Dos said apologetically, his expression sheepish.

Tres smiled warmly at his brother and sister, grateful for their willingness to acknowledge their mistake. "That's all I ask," he said kindly, his voice filled with affection as he patted Dua's head. "Now, Dua, what do you want? Your ice cream or want to continue your game." pointing at the PlayStation.

Dua screamed in excitement as she pulled Dos, telling him she wanted a vanilla ice cream and Dos better be treating her. "Two scoops of vanilla ice cream, Dos, I said two," gesturing to the number two in her hand.

"Wait, why me? Tres was the one who promised you." he retorted as he let Dua pull him outside.

Tres chuckled as he followed his siblings.