My Cursed Mate

Gray clouds covered the sky the next morning. Kazandra and Vega still drove to Empire to meet with the team because they couldn’t postpone the visit. The sooner they get in touch with the suppliers, the sooner they could start the project.

“Have you brought the raincoats and umbrellas?” Evos looked at their team and all of them nodded. Together with Evos, they used a black van while Kazandra and Evos used Kazandra’s car.

“Ravina will be meeting us there. I have one request Mr. Ishmael, can you smile? The owner of the coffee plantation likes it when people are smiling as she believes that a person’s mood can affect the quality of coffee they are growing. She wants a happy vibe inside her plantation.”

Vega was silent for a few moments before he reluctantly nodded. Smiling was not something he could easily do but because of the expectation from the woman’s eyes, he agreed. The coffee plantation was located outside Zaithan. It took them three hours to reach the place and by the time they were there, the sky turned a bit darker.

One of the workers came to welcome them and led them to the mansion’s living area that has a full view of the coffee plantation through the wide glass panels they used instead of wooden or concrete walls. The room was spacious with a coffee bar designed as a counter to the right side. It was complete with all the tools and equipment needed to make coffee.

It also has a space with couches and bean bags and another area where a long table was set up. To the left side of the living area was a room separated by a glass wall. It was filled with bookshelves and a sitting area. The members who were with them couldn’t help but be amazed at what they were seeing.

“Please make yourself at home. Our boss will come and meet you in a while.” The worker gestured at the area where the sofas were. They all went to sit down and enjoy the snacks that were prepared for them.

Vega walked to the covered patio and swept his gaze on the open grass area in between the house and the actual coffee plantation. He stood there for a few minutes and returned inside at the sound of Ravina’s voice.

She was busy talking with Kazandra with Evos secretly looking in their direction. He shook his head and approached them. “Is there a problem?” He interrupted.

“Oh, nothing.” Ravina shook her head. “I’m just double checking with Kazandra of our additional orders from the farm.”

Vega nodded and while they were busy, he raised his head at the direction of the entrance to the living room. A woman with short chocolate brown hair and a smiling face entered. Her eyes were twinkling and her steps were lively and full of energy. She swept her gaze along her guests and was satisfied because they were all smiling, that is until her eyes landed on the man beside Kazandra.

Kazandra noticed the elder woman’s gaze and subtly bumped her shoulder to Vega’s shoulder. The man remembered his promise and forced a smile on his face. Seeing the forced smile, the elderly woman laughed and walked towards them.

She patted Vega’s shoulder. “I know that you are happy. You don’t need to force a smile.” Her gaze briefly went to Kazandra before returning to the man.

“This is Vega Ishmael, CEO of Empire and a new partner to Vignier.” Kazandra introduced the man. She then walked up to the elderly woman and stood beside her.

“Vega, this is Madam Elise Yahvner, the owner of the coffee plantation and also a close friend of mine.” She also introduced the elderly woman.

Vega extended his hand in a handshake which the woman returned. “It is my pleasure to meet you.”

Elise’s smile widened. “No, it is actually my pleasure to finally meet you in person as I have already heard about you many times.”

With those words, Vega glanced at Kazandra and caught a glimpse of her smile. He could tell that their host informed her friend about him beforehand and yet she still requested for him to smile.

“Why don’t we visit the farm before it rains, will that be alright?” Elise looked at Kazandra and Vega then at the other people in the room.

They all nodded. Elise was happy to be their tour guide. They left through the side patio and walked the grass filled area before the plantation. The elder woman happily informed them of the different varieties of coffee they were producing and also gave them their characteristics. The team was busy with taking pictures and recording what the elder was saying.

“Beyond this area, there is a river. If you can visit here again, you can go and explore that area too.” Elise pointed at the end of the plantation and it made the team excited.

They returned to the house at the first sign of rain but before they could reach the shelter, heavy rain poured down. Although they were wearing raincoats, some parts of their bodies were still wet. The workers who were there to meet them assisted and led them to several rooms where they could take a bath and change clothes.

After they were all changed, Elise invited them for lunch that was composed mostly of stewed dishes, perfect for the rainy weather. There was also Kazandra’s favorite dish. A pot of pork ribs in sour soup filled with radish and leafy vegetables.

At her fist sip, she forgot that she was there with the man that she liked. She was enjoying every part of the dish. This part of her caught Vega’s attention and he couldn’t take his eyes off her. Kazandra did not notice this as she was so focused on her food.

Elise did not allow them to leave because of the pouring rain. They were then assigned to rooms for the night. Evos was currently inside Vega’s room as they sat face to face. He almost forgot about one important matter and didn’t have the time to ask about it. Now that they were alone, Evos could freely ask.

“Why are you staying in Miss Hernandez’s home and what’s your relationship with her?” Evos did not hold back. He was questioning Vega like he had done something wrong.

“I think she is my mate but I am not sure yet. I’ve already consulted with my brother and I decided to give this a chance. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future but if there is a slight chance that this attraction is a sign that she is my mate then I am willing to take the risk.”Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.