The Bad Boy Next Room (Charlie and Taylor)

"It's not a problem," Charlie answered. "This isn't some fling, Grandpa. I really like him. Taylor is nice - a responsible brother, sweet and caring, overprotective, but so are most men in my life -"

Charlie's comment left Charles laughing. He asked, "Does that include me and your other grandpa?"

Charlie did not respond. So, Charles asked, "How are your studies?"

"I'm on top of everything. Taylor supports my studies because he has goals for himself too," Charlie answered. "He is also a dean's lister."

She continued talking about Taylor, skipping the part about how they live together, and after some convincing, Charles finally said, "Well, if you care about him that much, shouldn't he have the respect of being introduced to your father? Taylor's family already knows about you, so it's only fair that your father meets him too."

Inner Devil: 'Remember what I said about grandparents funding forbidden romance?'

“Um, Grandpa. Can you help me introduce Taylor to Dad?" Charlie asked, biting her lip.

A sigh left Charles' lips. He said, "Only because you are one of my two favorite granddaughters."

"Haha.” Charlie smiled and said, "You only have two granddaughters."

***

While Charlie was talking to her maternal grandfather, Taylor and Douglas were having a heated exchange in the living room.

"What is this Taylor? You better not be fooling around!" Douglas demanded. He was up on his feet, motioning with both hands at Taylor. "Charlie comes from a very reputable family!"

"I'm not fooling around, Grandpa," Taylor reacted with a frown. "I'm serious about Charlie. I'm going to marry her."

"What?" Savannah reacted. "Marriage already?"

"Yes, Charlie and I had already agreed on this," Taylor said, raising his chin confidently.

"What?" This time, Grayson reacted. "You had already asked to marry her?"

"In the distant future. I shall ask her, and she will agree," Taylor corrected. "It doesn't matter when I ask her. I'm already convinced she is my soon-to-be wife!"

Taylor saw the look of horror on his parents' faces, but his grandfather looked the most disturbed. Only Tristan was amused. His brother said, "I like Charlie as my sister-in-law."noveldrama

"See? Even Tristan claims it," Taylor pointed out.

"So, you haven't really asked her about marriage?" Grayson clarified.

"I will, eventually," Taylor answered.

"Why are you so confident she would agree?" Savannah asked.

"Because I know myself," Taylor said, crossing his arms against his chest. He pointed to himself, saying, "I am blessed with this face. I have the charm, the talent, and the brains. Of course, I have you guys! Lastly, I honestly won't take no for an

answer."

"I have the determination of a YouTube pop-up ad. No matter how often you try to

close me, I'll keep coming back," Taylor claimed.

"You - you -" Douglas pointed at Taylor, his finger shaking. "You better not mess this up, Taylor. You hear me!"

"Why, Dad? Who are Charlie's parents?" Savannah asked.

Taylor's grandfather took deep breaths. He settled back in his chair, saying, "Charlie Rae is the granddaughter of Charles Eros, the richest man in Dowel City and the current chairman of Dowel Landmasters."

"And it's not just her grandfather," Douglas revealed. "Charlie is a King! Her father is Adrian King, the CEO of King's Enterprises and the chairman of ACE Construction company in Halliport City. Taylor, you did not just date a wealthy girl. You are dating a billionaire heiress!"

Taylor's parents gasped, whereas Tristan said, "Cool!"

On the other hand, Taylor hissed. He shook his head and remarked, "No wonder she can't cook."

***

Later that night, Taylor was with Charlie in her bedroom. They were both tired, so they quickly got under the covers. Before falling asleep, Taylor suddenly said, "Babe, you are a billionaire, huh?"

"Mmmm. Yeah," Charlie confirmed.

"Okay." Taylor paused before saying, "I'll say it now-I refuse to be a trophy husband!"

Charlie, "..."

Taylor turned dramatically on his side to face her, adding, "Don't ever ask me to

be a stay-at-home husband. I might lose my damn mind.”

Charlie, "..."

"I'd turn into one of those guys who debates espresso machines for a living in their podcast," Taylor made a face, adding, "You'd come home one day, and I'd be wearing a silk robe, swirling whiskey, talking about the stock market like I know what I'm doing -"

“Stop!” Charlie laughed. "It's not like I could stop you from doing what you want.”

"Exactly," Taylor said. "I just want to ensure we are on the same page."

Again, Charlie chuckled. She pecked Taylor's cheek and said, "Let's sleep. Goodnight, my future billionaire husband."

Taylor laughed and said, "Actually, I kinda al - never mind."

"What?" Charlie asked.

"Nothing," Taylor kissed her forehead, yawning. "Goodnight, Babe."