**LILY**
Their professionalism reminded me of a mansion setting. I felt like I belonged here, even though I wasn’t accustomed to it. Occasionally, I caught Arlo glancing at me. Perhaps he noticed that I matched their dining etiquette effortlessly. He must have been surprised, thinking I would struggle with their silver spoons and table manners.
The room was quiet except for the clinking of utensils. Once dinner was over, Ella invited us to their spacious living room. Mr. Thomas was the first to sit, as usual. Arlo stayed close to me, never leaving my side.
“Where is your family?” Mr. Thomas asked.
“Grandpa, Lily’s parents are abroad. She’s here on vacation,” Arlo interjected.
Mr. Thomas didn’t seem convinced.
“You’re my only grandchild, Arlo, you know that. What do your parents do for a living?”
I was doomed. Mr. Thomas seemed ready with a barrage of questions. He waited for my response.
I looked at Arlo, but he seemed just as clueless about what to say. I had warned him not to rush things, but he didn’t listen.
“Mr. Thomas, my parents are both doctors. They’re currently in France. As for me, I graduated with a degree in Business and Communication,” I answered confidently.
Arlo sighed in relief. He had boldly introduced me, but ensuring we wouldn’t get caught was up to me.
This was his mess to clean up, not mine. Arlo squeezed my hand, silently thanking me.
“It’s good that someone has finally captured my son’s heart. He’s getting older, and he’s still single,” Ella said.
“That’s exactly what will happen to him—he’ll grow old single,” I joked, making Ella laugh.
“Grandpa, Mom, Dad, we need to leave. We have somewhere to go, right, babe?” Arlo said, tightening his grip around my waist.
“Yes. I think Arlo has a surprise for me,” I said, playing along.
“Philip, look how sweet they are. It reminds me of our younger days,” Ella said as Philip held her hand.
“Arlo, we need to talk first,” Mr. Thomas said.
“Yes, Grandpa,” Arlo replied, standing up.
Arlo helped Mr. Thomas stand up and assisted him as they walked. I just watched the two of them enter a room together. Sir Philip and Ella stood as well, but I was surprised when Ella didn’t leave me alone; instead, she sat beside me.
“How did you and my son meet?” she asked me again.
“We met at a beach resort. Then we started talking to each other until Arlo began courting me,” I said.
“Did Arlo mention that his grandfather is arranging for him to marry another woman? Please don’t feel upset by my question.”
“Mom, I don’t want to interfere with your family matters,” I replied politely.
When I saw Arlo coming out of the room, I stood up. I respectfully excused myself from Ella. Arlo approached me and told me it was time for us to leave.
“Take care on your trip,” she said warmly.
“Thank you, mom,” I replied, kissing her on the cheek.
“Take care of him,” Ella whispered to me.
“Don’t worry, mom,” I reassured her with a smile.
As Arlo and I headed out of the mansion, two cars pulled up in front of the house. Arlo held my hand tightly as if he had no intention of letting go.
An elderly man stepped out of one of the cars. He looked at me and Arlo, accompanied by another man who assisted him—likely a relative of theirs.
“Let’s go,” Arlo said to me.
He opened the car door, and I got inside. He then told me to wait as he went to greet the older man. Arlo turned his back to me as he walked toward him.
I saw them talking for a moment before Arlo escorted the elderly man into the mansion. While Arlo was inside, I took out my phone to check for messages from Violet.
**Unregistered Number:**
_Lily, you can call me anytime. This is my new number. Don’t worry about anything—I’m staying home. Are you okay? Where are you now?_
I was about to call Violet when I saw Arlo coming out of the mansion. He looked drained, as though he had no energy left.
