Nick and Rachel
ed up within her, and she couldn't fathom how such an archaic arrangement could exist in the 21st centur
ice laced with incredulity. "I won't allow myself t
as already been set in motion." Her father responded wi
pleading eyes toward her mother. "M
I understand your frustration, but it's a long-standing family tradition. Your
ria is a widow. And let's not forget she married for wealth a
g the gravity of her own words. "Well, yes, that did happen, but
d with finality. "Rachel, there will be no further discussion. You will honor this betrothal. We hav
Aunt Maria, right? No, I refuse to accept this. I
en she boldly declared, "Beside
ces was palpable as t
oyfr
t want to reveal it before because I was uncertain of your reaction. B
r revelation as a lie. "You're
"It's not a lie. In fact, he's eager to meet you both, to prove
and heartened her. "Very well, Rachel. We wi
d within her as she cautious
person we have chosen for you," her father
led as she shouted i
***
his lap, her soft touch and tender kisses distracting hi
usion disrupted their private moment-his parents, Mr.
ent as he hastily stood up, pushing the lady aw
glare. "So, this is how you spend your time whe
ck began, but his mother interjected, d
sted in her, son,"
ted hastily made her exit from his off
tons, attempting to regain composure.
ecided to pay you a visit instead." His mother respo
Oh, what a brilliant idea. Flying
of utmost importance for you
elled my parents to fly from London to meet me? You
fe," Mr. Hill r
e. However, the solemn expressions on his pa
lous prank, right?" h
ou, son?" Mr. Hill retorted, hi
checked, I didn't r
are," his mother added, her w
hter died i
me. I am a grown man, capable of ch
ve shown a lack of judgment in managing your own life. We
y day, I make significant decisi
pearance. "Yes, you excel at running my companies, but you hav
is perceived shortcomings "Just because I have a playboy reputati
appointment. "We expected better of
ed. It's not entirely my fault," Nick prot
oom for negotiation. "You've caused enough dam
as he dared to voice his
ed, passed on to another deserving candidate,"
ruggled to comprehend the consequen
Yes, but not my only child. Your sister will inheri
ned his father's resolve. "You wouldn't
termination. "You have 48 hours to make your
t, his parents departed, lea