บท 23: Chapter 23 - Less Intimidating

Deans dad led me to the office and promptly shut the door. I looked around at Deans office and was pleasantly surprised at the room. The office had huge windows which I assume during the day would have a lot of natural light come in. It felt very woody and earthy with mixes of greens and browns and grays. But he also had pops of color scattered about.

Before I could fully finish admiring his space, his dad went and sat down on one end of the couch that was in the room. I gently sat down on the other end sitting on my hands to hide how sweaty they were from stress.

His dad adjusted his sleeves before pulling out a folded paper from his inner pocket. He smiled lightly at the paper and looked at me directly, though he did not hand over what was in his hand.

"First and foremost I want to say that I am deeply appreciative of you helping get my wife such precious gifts. For you it may not seem like a lot but to me its a big deal." He paused and turned to look out the window.

His profile now the only visible thing about him. He stared on ahead almost like he was watching a movie. I could see a lot of Deans looks came from his dad in this view. Though Deans hair is curly, they both had thick dark hair and a heart shaped face. Their eyebrows and eyes their most prominent feature. Off to the side he seemed less intimidating and even a bit lonely.

"Truth be told, I always feel anxious at big anniversary events such as her birthday. For our wedding anniversary and other national days like mothers day those were easier since I could do dinner or plan out activities to do." He sighed.

"Her birthday was something I struggled with because of a promise I made to her late sister Kit. She used to give her these extraordinary presents and before she left us she asked that I make every birthday special for her dear little sister."

I was surprised to hear about Deans maternal family. As one of the top wealthiest families, many people would investigate each family member to see whether there is any chance for a scandal to bring us down or see any openings to join in on the wealth.

I was not even aware that Dean had a late aunt named Kit. Before I could ask about her his father moved on.

" I thought long and hard about how to repay your kindness in helping keep up Kits wishes for my wife. That was when I found something that Dean made for me years ago for fathers day." He set down the folded paper and on his phone showed me a photo referencing what he was talking about.

It was a 'coupon'. In elementary school it was popular to make little coupons or vouchers for parents. Like 'free massage for 5 minutes' or 'breakfast in bed' kind of deal. "I was kind of inspired and did an adult version of it." He finally pushed the folded paper towards me and I opened it to see what was written inside.

"This an offer that can only be used once. It is a pass for me to grant you one wish. It can be anything that a young lady like yourself could enjoy. This is the deal of a lifetime." I gripped the paper and though it was only one page the weight of the contents made it seem like it was hundreds of pounds.

"Sir... I am utterly shocked. This is too much I can't possible accept this. I mean anything I want that is a dangerous wish to let someone have." I felt distressed, this was scary to hold. And felt wayyy to over the top for me to handle.

"Please I insist you accept. I understand the implications of this gift but there is no time limit on it. Save it for a rainy day or when you feel like you know what you want, you have a lifetime to use it."

He did not want to budge so I just held the paper but resolved myself to never use it.

"I initially thought about matching you with some eligible bachelors for marriage but considering my own son is so against the act I guessed it was maybe a sentiment shared by you young people. "

'HUH?' This meeting just seemed to be more out of pocket as time passed. "I can sense you seem apprehensive about it but please I would not offer something I am not capable of honoring."

At that he nodded to end the conversation and led me out of the office. He said his goodbyes before reminding me, "Think carefully about what I said. That offer is a promise." I titled my head and gave a slight bow. "Thank you Mr. Cortez I will consider them strongly."

"Well I think I will head back, enjoy the rest your evening kiddos." Once his dad is out of sight Dean turned his attention towards me and crossed his arms. His sleeves on full display in an attempt to seem intimidating. "Care to share was that was about Princess?"

I immediately pulled put the paper from behind me to show him. I had no desire to hide things and I also knew Dean would not give up until he knew the answer.

His dark eyes scanned the paper and widened in shock at seeing the offer.

"My God. You need to buy a lottery ticket or invest in some crazy company this offer is insane. He has never offered me something this insane and I am his only child, his only son."

I laughed nervously. I still felt this was too much. I was going to bring up the marriage matchmaking deal that this offer replaced but the words got stuck at the back of my throat. I could not bring myself to tell Dean.