Chapter 1 BRAT GUREN

Brat

I am Brat Guren, son of one of the wealthiest families in the United States of America. My father is Walter Guren, a magnate and one of the most important businessmen in the corporate world.

I work as General Manager at the company my grandfather, Dominick Guren, founded more than forty years ago. This company did not begin in the United States; it was founded in Germany and was originally called Berkshire.

Two years later, I was born here in the United States. My grandfather told me that he created this company with me in mind, hoping that one day it would be mine-his grandson, who at the time didn't yet exist but for whom he was already planning a future.

My mother was the daughter of the second most powerful shareholder in the multinational Berkshire Guren Associates, which is owned by a group of entrepreneurs who hold shares and operate businesses in various industries, including hospitality, tourism, luxury jewelry with diamonds and emeralds worth billions of dollars, as well as brick manufacturing worldwide.

The alliance between these two families turned us into one of the most powerful dynasties in the United States: the Guren-Hatha family.

The shares were consolidated and secured under my name. My future was already guaranteed-even before I was born. I inherited sixty percent of the company shares, a move that was crucial to my grandfather's plans for the business and for me.

When my maternal grandfather died, he left me everything he owned since my mother had already passed away four years earlier from cancer-just as her mother had, when she was only eight years old.

The same story repeated itself with me. Since my mother was an only child, and she was gone, I inherited her entire fortune as her only son. This inheritance was even greater than the company shares. At only twelve years old, I became the richest child in the United States.

But at the same time, I became the loneliest one. My grandfather was the closest thing I had to family, because my father only dedicated himself to his work. With my mother's absence, I grew into a rebellious boy, yet under the strict control of a demanding father.

When I reached adulthood, I rebelled and moved out, buying my own apartment with the money from my grandparents. I spent my days drinking and chasing women.

Even so, I kept studying since I couldn't fully escape my responsibilities. After finishing my studies, I attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study Business Administration, at my grandfather's insistence. Reluctantly, I completed my degree and graduated at twenty years old.

I immediately joined the company. It wasn't a choice-it was an obligation. As the only son and heir, I carry the responsibility of continuing my father's and grandfather's legacy. My grandfather had been clear about this since I was a child: one day, I would have to take charge of the company. And now, I do-though not entirely on my own, since my father and several partners help me make it grow bigger each day.

After a long workday full of meetings and negotiations, at five in the afternoon I'm exhausted and eager to release some stress. I call Miguel to arrange a night out, since I haven't seen him in a while. But lately, it's been hard to meet up with him-he's always busy with his girlfriend. I'm sure he'll say no again, claiming he has plans with her.

What a drag! He's been insisting forever that I should meet her, but honestly, the idea disgusts me. Why would I care to meet her? She matters to him, not me. He keeps telling me he's crazy about her, and frankly, the topic repulses me. I can't picture myself tied down like that, chained to someone else.

That's definitely not for me. I'm a lone wolf who only enjoys female company when I need to let off steam, nothing more.

It's not about being sexist, but those things just don't interest me. I prefer to have fun and not owe explanations to anyone. My freedom means everything to me. Romantic relationships bore me. All that talk of "love" is meaningless to me. I'd rather sleep with someone and move on-I have no interest in commitments.

Miguel, Jon, and I used to be inseparable. Parties, drinks, women-those were always part of our lives. We had a blast together. I was always the wildest of the three, but Miguel tried to keep me in check. Then that girl showed up, and everything ended.

I call Miguel-once, twice, three times-until he finally answers.

"Hey, what a surprise, Brat..." my friend says.

I smile to myself. It's true, we haven't seen each other in a long time, and I'm glad to reconnect.

"Surprise? I'm always available. You're the one who's always busy," I reply.

And it's true-Miguel never even makes time for himself.

"You're right, I barely have time for anything," he admits, laughing on the other end of the line because he knows I'm right.

"Still, friends should always make time for each other," I say seriously.

"You're right again. Sorry about that," he concedes.

"No problem. Anyway, have you finished what I asked you to do?" I ask.

"Yes, I just did. But I'm going to stay a bit longer at the office to get ahead on work. In a month I want to take a few days off and go to my mom's country house in Barú with Gaby, Jon, and a friend he's seeing. I'd love for you to come along too-bring someone so you won't get bored," he says.

Poor guy-he's been caught. That's not for me, though. I'm not into countryside getaways, so I pass on the plan.

"No, I'll skip it," I reply.

Miguel goes quiet for a moment, then says, "Brat, don't let me down. It's a really special day for me, and I want you there. Please, say yes-and you'll finally get to meet my girlfriend."

"What's so special about that day?" I ask, though I already have a bad feeling about the answer.

"I'm going to propose to Gaby. But I want it to be a surprise. Come on, don't say no. Bring someone with you so you won't feel out of place."

Well, what a shocker. I figured it was only a matter of time. Poor Miguel-he's been trapped.

Dear readers, don't forget to vote and leave your comments-it motivates me to keep writing for you. With love, Francia.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter of Brat, Beautiful Doll.Stay tuned for the next ones-they're going to be even more intense.