Conspiracy

WHAT PEOPLE knew was that Seri was the owner of House of Seri—the fastest rising fashion house in the country. Though she was ambitious enough, she could not have done it without the help of her best friend, France. He was the only son of wealthy congressman Fernan Reyes, a widower and an excellent businessman.

France was the real owner of House of Seri. He could not just tell it to the world since his father would be very disappointed. Imagine, Congressman Reyes’ only son was gay and would rather design clothes than inherit his father’s wine empire!

France, despite having everything a man could wish for, had to live a life full of pretensions. And Seri’s role was France’s partner-in-crime. She pretended to be his girlfriend, so people would not question France’s sexual orientation.

It wasn’t supposed to be a problem. She could protect France’s image while benefitting from it at the same time. But Congressman Fernan did not want any other girl for his son! He had another woman in mind—the daughter of one of his political colleagues.

Now France and Seri must convince Congressman Fernan that the latter was the only girl for him.

“If you let me, I want to seduce your dad,” Seri declared.

They were inside their favorite fancy restaurant across House of Seri. France had just received a call from his dad that the old Reyes wanted him to stay at their province for ‘family matters.’

“What?” France’s jaw dropped. “Seri, I know you’re crazy. But are you crazy?”

Seri grinned.

“Your dad is technically single and is free to date any woman he wants. If you listen carefully, this will be the plan.”

“Okay.” France, nevertheless, looked interested.

Seri motioned him to lean forward.

*** *** *** *** ***

THE CAR DOOR finally opened, and Seri stepped out, glancing at her surroundings. Indeed, the air in the province is different from the city. The one-hour air travel and two-hour land travel drained almost all her energy, but it was worth it.

She was welcomed by the Reyes mansion, a well-preserved estate that was built a century ago. It was modified over time, adding a sense of modernization in it.

She saw a tall and dignified man in his fifties sauntering toward her. Seri could not help a smile. Congressman Fernan was way more good-looking in person than in pictures. If he runs for senator, she’d definitely vote for him even without his campaign propaganda.

She pulled her eyeglass up to her head. First impressions are very important for Seri. And seeing Congressman Fernan’s fixed gaze on her, she knew she got it right.

“Congressman Reyes, hi,” she greeted as if she wasn’t meeting him for the first time. “I’m Seri, France’s girlfriend.”

“His girlfriend?” Fernan uttered as soon as he stopped in front of her. “I did not agree with bringing someone along with him. Where’s my son?” He looked displeased.

“Well, I’m sorry that I did not come here with him today. He was just tied up with his schedule, but he promised to be here in a couple of days. He wanted me to meet you. To formally introduce me to you as his girlfriend. I’m so honored to meet you, Sir, finally.”

“This is not what we agreed upon,” he said.

“W-what do you mean?” Of course, Seri knew what he meant. She just pretended she was there for the sole purpose of meeting her future father-in-law.

“Don’t get me wrong, dear. It’s not that I don’t want you here. Please excuse my attitude. Don’t worry. The maids will take care of your needs.”

“Oh. That is so sweet of you, Congressman. Thank you,” she said and smiled coyly.

Fernan looked distracted for a moment, but he returned the gesture.

*** *** *** *** ***

FERNAN left for the rest of his appointments that day, and Seri was informed that he’d be back before dinner. She took the opportunity to take a tour of the house to carry out her plan effectively. The maids were very cooperative, thinking that she was only curious about the father of her beloved boyfriend. Of course, any normal girlfriend wanted to make sure to get to the good side of her boyfriend’s parents.

Seri smiled as she stared at Fernan’s portrait in the living room. He looked elegant and respectable and sexy despite his age. France really took after his father.

Congressman Fernan is definitely not an easy quest. But he’ll fall into her hands, nevertheless.

*** *** *** *** ***

“JANICE.” Seri smiled at Janice, one of the maids, holding a tray of coffee.

She just got down from the stairs in her nightgown when she saw her.

“Good evening, Miss Seri. Why are you still awake?”

“I can’t sleep. I’m wondering if I can borrow a book from the library.”

“I’m taking this coffee to the library, too. Congressman always asks for coffee after drinking his favorite whisky.”

“So, he’s in the library now?” Seri smiled. Perfect timing. “Can I bring that coffee, instead? I want to make a good impression on Congressman as France’s girlfriend. Do you mind?”

“I think Congressman won’t. Thanks for doing me a favor, Miss Seri. I’m actually very sleepy right now,” Janice said gratefully.

“You must go to bed, then. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of Congressman for you.” Seri took the coffee from her. “Good night, Janice.”

“Good night, Miss Seri.”

Seri waited for Janice to disappear into the kitchen. Then she pulled out one sleeping pill from the pocket of her silk robe.

*** *** *** *** ***

SERI throw her silk robe into the pot of an artificial plant. She was now only wearing a black sheer nightgown, exposing her nipples and lacey panties. She knocked twice, and she heard Fernan’s response from inside the library.

“Good evening, Congressman,” she greeted sweetly.

Fernan was sitting on the couch. He shifted on his seat the moment his eyes laid on her. He looked surprised for two reasons probably. One, it was her and not Janice who brought the coffee. Two, she was practically naked in front of him.

“S-Seri. What are you doing here?”

His eyes looked heavy. The bottle of whisky on the table was half-empty. He must have drunk a lot.

“Janice said you always ask for coffee after you drink, so here it is. I hope you don’t mind, Congressman.”

“That was so thoughtful of you. But you did not have to do that.”

“I insisted, Congressman.” She put the coffee on the table and sat beside him. “I also wanted to have a little chat with you if you don’t mind. I want to get to know my boyfriend’s father.”

Fernan cleared her throat as he casually took the cup and sipped. Seri bit her lower lip for her smooth victory.

“W-what do you want to know?” he asked as he put the cup down.

“Anything.” Seri placed her hand on his thighs. Fernan sucked his breath. “I want to know if would you mind sleeping with me?”