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