Chapter 13 - Parents' Trap

The afternoon had gone very fast.

Arabella clenched her fists while she entered the hotel where she’s going to meet Bill Sky.

In a grand restaurant, she was ushered by a receptionist into a VIP room.

The room was spacious and elegant that only the kings could afford.

Arabella immediately saw Bill Sky sitting alone with a news magazine in his hand.

Bill was so attractive and his aura was so powerful. ‘How can this man look so very sexy even if he's just reading a magazine?’ Arabella gulped while her heart was racing.

“I’m here.” She walked forward to him.

“Have a seat. My parents were coming in a minute.” Without gazing at her, he said.

Arabella simply obeyed and sat beside him.

In front of them were 2 chairs for his parents and inside the room, she saw 3 chefs on standby.

‘Wow. The chef should be cooking not to take orders.’ Arabella was amazed at how rich this family is.

A moment of silence had passed.

Bill never left his gaze on the magazine without even talking to her. He’s obviously uninterested.

“Are you nervous?” Finally, Bill spoke to her.

“No. I’m fine.” Arabella said quickly, trying to compose herself.

She just wanted to finish this night and saved Farrah from him.

“Good Girl.” Without staring at her, Bill said.

“What about Farrah?” Arabella asked. Farrah’s the only reason why she accepted this show.

“She’s staying in one of the rooms here.” Bill answered while still reading the magazine.

That’s good to know. He’s really a man of his words. Now she’s ready to play her role for tonight.

“I’m sorry Darling, we caught up with the traffic jam.” An old female voice echoed in the room.

They all stood up and welcomed Bill’s parents.

Bill put his arm on her shoulder and said “Mom, Dad, meet Arabella Jones, my girlfriend.”

“Hi. It was nice to meet both of you.” Arabella smiled and slightly bow her head.

“This is my father Ed and my beautiful mom Kelly.” Bill added presenting his parents.

“Oh, Darling it was nice to meet you too. We are so happy that we finally meet you.” Bill’s mom hugged her.

Arabella was stunned.

Bill’s dad just stared at her while giving her a quick nod as acknowledgment.

His personality was like Bill Sky. He was not so friendly, unlike his mom. She was so warm and approachable.

“Let’s have a seat.” Bill Sky said while holding her waist now with his right arm.

Then the three chefs went to them to get their orders.

“Darling, you order for us since you are our guest. We can eat whatever you like” Bill’s mom said in a happy manner.

“Oh. Okay then.” Arabella’s smile widened.

Arabella read carefully the menu and ordered. Her orders were mostly seafood and spicy foods.

Yes. She came here to save Farrah because she was left with no choice but it didn’t mean she will just obey him just like that. It didn’t mean that he can just play with her and control her with his hand. She’s not a puppet nor a dog that he can pet.

The other chef served them a fine wine and pour it into their glasses.

“Arabella. What a nice name.” His mother was really good at her.

“Thank you, Mrs. Sky.” She replied.

“You know we are so happy to meet you. It’s Bill’s first time to introduce a girl to us.” She was obviously happy while she spoke.

Arabella just smiled. ‘How can she treat me so well, even if she was ugly?’ she thought. Compared to them, one can say they are the most elite in Capital Z. His mother is the most elegant woman she had ever seen while his father is the most powerful.

The good thing about his family is that they are super-rich, but they don’t look down on people. That made her somewhat hoping that it was nice to be their true daughter-in-law.

“So, tell me, when is your wedding?” Bill’s dad suddenly spoke to Bill.

Arabella was frozen and her nerves were shaking uncontrollably. She felt very cold in an instant.

His dad was not powerful for nothing. He was indeed very straightforward.

“We are on it. Will announce if it’s final.” Bill quickly retorted.

Like father, like son.

“The sooner the better son.” His father ordered. It was brief but carries a powerful command.

“How about the end of this month Darling? It’s a full moon. It’s a good day for marriage because it will grace your union with tender romance and blissfulness.” Bill’s mom quickly added.

“What do you think Arabella?” Bill’s dad was speaking to her now. His eyes were all on her.

‘Gosh. What could she possibly reply?’ Arabella thought nervously.

Arabella grasped her two hands together under the table as she felt very cold.

Suddenly, she felt a big hand had touched her hand and squeezed it a bit. It gave her warm and she was back to her calm.

“Hmm… I’ll go for whatever Bill’s decision.” Arabella gathered herself and tried to smile confidently.

“Okay then, let’s do it.” Bill said while squeezing her hand tighter under the table.

Arabella had frozen again.

“Oh. Then that’s a piece of great news. We are very happy son. I will prepare everything. This should be the grandest wedding in Capital Z.” Bill’s mom obviously couldn’t contain her happiness.

Arabella looked at Bill Sky with a smirk. ‘How could he approve just like that?’

The food came and was served on the table. The view of the table became colorful because of the mouth-watering cuisines cooked by the international master chef specially for them.

“Honey. You tried this.” Arabella intentionally put a spicy prawn on his plate because he was allergic to it.

Bill looked at him sharply. He squeezed her tightly under the table.

When Bill didn’t move. Using her fork, Arabella got the spicy prawn from his plate and shove it directly into his mouth.

“Do you like it, Honey?” Arabella’s smile widened like she was playing him.

Bill couldn’t do anything but swallow it. He then drunk a glass of water and smile at her wickedly.

He then got the spicy spinach and also shove it directly in Arabella’s mouth.

“Do you like it too Honey?” Bill asked with a tease.

Arabella felt like vomiting. ‘Shit! How did he know I don’t like grass? She was referring to spinach and any leafy vegetables.

Bill smiled at her as if her disgust was too obvious.

The other two people became their audience while they continue teasing each other.

“Act normal. Don’t forget about Farrah.” Bill brushed his lips into her earlobe and whispered.

Arabella immediately blushed. This man really knew how to make her tamed.

To the eyes of his parents, Bill’s act was very sweet, but what they didn’t know was he was threatening her to death.

Arabella gathered herself and tried to smile tenderly to Bill and to his parents.

They were about to finish the meal when his dad suddenly felt nauseated.

“Darling, are you okay?” Bill’s mom was in a panic.

“Dad. Are you okay? Let’s go now to the hospital.” Bill drew to him as he asked worriedly.

Arabella couldn’t move. For some reason, even if they were complete strangers to her, she felt very worried too for his dad.

“I’m okay. No need for hospitalization. Just send me home.” His dad asked Bill to drive them home.

“Let’s go now.” Bill assisted his father to stand and helped him walk.

Arabella saw his mother became weak and her elegant smile turned into sadness so, she also grabbed her hand and assisted her to walk.

They followed Bill and his father in Bill’s car.

Arabella was hesitant to get in the car because it was not on the plan. She needed to find Farrah and end this crazy show.

“Come with us to the villa, you’re a family now after all.” Bill’s mother's voice sent warmness in Arabella’s heart.

Kelly held her hand firmly and they sit together on the back.

Arabella saw Bill’s stared at her in the front mirror with no expression.

Bill was the one driving the car and his father was resting his head on the passenger seat.

They were in the middle of two black cars. One in front and one following them as for their security.

There was a moment of silence in the car. Bill’s mother rested her head while closing her eyes. It’s like her blood pressure went up due to Bill’s father’s sickness earlier.

Bill was also focused on driving so, Arabella just diverted her gaze to the view outside.

They entered a very large and up-scaled compound with few huge manors in it. One can easily say that only the rich can afford.

‘Wow! Amazing!’ Arabella couldn’t help but admire.

The car stopped in front of a huge manor. If she was not mistaken, it was the biggest manor in the compound.

The huge golden gate automatically opened. There is a long driveway going to the main house with pine trees assembling on every side.

The car stopped again in front of a big French door. It was framed with gold and the surfaces were made with real mother pearl tiles.

Four men quickly opened their doors. Bill and an old butler assisted his father to his room. Arabella assisted Bill’s mother inside the house.

The interior of the house was lit by huge chandeliers. Rooms were everywhere. She saw a wide stair going to the 2nd floor and connected also to the 3rd floor. From the ceiling to the lightings, fixtures, and furniture and down to the floor showed elegance. It was really grand and regal.

Arabella liked everything she saw from this house.

She couldn’t help but be amazed.

Bill’s mother and Arabella went to the living room.

“May I have a word with you for a minute?” Bill’s mother asked. She looked tired, but still, she managed to smile at Arabella.

“Sure, Mrs. Sky.” Arabella replied with a smile too.

“Oh Darling, please drop the formalities. You are part of our family now. Call me ‘mom’ instead.” She held Arabella’s hand to make her feel welcome.

Arabella was stunned again.

Arabella smiled “Hmm… Okay, mom.” Feeling uneasy, she gathered her wits to utter the word.

“I know Bill could be very stubborn sometimes, but he’s a good person and a good son.” Bill’s mom paused a while and smile delicately “Please understand him always and whatever happened don’t give up on him.” Bill’s mom was like begging her not to leave him.

“Can you promise me that?” She added while still holding Arabella’s hands.

Arabella was dumbfounded in an instant. How could she scheme this old woman with such a good heart? She didn’t know what to say. How could she promise? A promise is such a big word.

Arabella felt a pang of sudden guilt.

“Hmm…” Arabella was about to say something, but Bill and his dad joined them in the living room.

“Oh Darling, are you better now?” Bill’s mom asked quickly when she saw them walking towards them.

Arabella was very thankful for their presence as she didn’t know how to answer Bill’s mom.

“I already took my medicine, but I’m still groggy.” Bill’s dad was quite strong in appearance but his eyes have a hint of tiredness.

“Son. It’s already late. Both of you just stay here for the night. Your mom will be less worried if you’re here. Would it be fine Arabella? Bill’s dad’s voice was firm like no room for negotiations.

Arabella was stunned again. As her nervousness spread over her entire body, her mind malfunctioned.

Bill obviously saw Arabella’s reaction, he held her waist and answered for her, “It’s okay Dad. Arabella wouldn’t mind as long I’m with her and we are together.” He smiled at her wickedly.

Arabella slightly nodded and tried hard to put up a smile even if she’s suffocated.