LILY
“Do you want me to hand you over to the people chasing after you? Lily, I believe, and I know, you can face my parents.
You even managed to stay in the trunk for hours, knowing how dangerous it was. And now, all I’m asking you to do is meet my parents. Just be a good pretender, and whatever you want from me, I will give it to you.”
I looked at him, his face serious.
“How long do I have to pretend?”
“I still don’t know. As Grandpa promised, our agreement will end once the company is fully under my name,” Arlo answered.
“Why don’t you just follow what your grandpa wants and marry the woman he’s chosen for you?” I asked.
“Because!” he said firmly.
“Why do some people value money and position more than love?”
“I think not everyone does. That’s why I need your help—I won’t marry someone I don’t even know.”
“But you’re afraid of losing the company?” I asked.
“No! I’m not afraid. I don’t want my parents to interfere with my decisions. I have my path, and I won’t let anyone change it.”
I was amazed by his answer.
“I can feel you,” I whispered to myself.
“Did you say something, Miss Lily?” he asked.
“Nothing, Mr. Bonde. I was just thinking about how I’m going to face your parents.”
“You can do it.”
“Were you the one who changed my clothes last night?” I asked. He sighed deeply.
“No, I asked Nikki to do it. Don’t worry, Miss Lily. I’m not interested.”
“Mr. Bonde, I was just asking. I didn’t imply you were interested.”
I wasn’t asking anything suggestive, yet his reply felt different. Just because he’s handsome and I might have a secret crush on him doesn’t mean I can’t argue with him. His claim of disinterest? He might eat his words someday.
I adjusted my seat and stayed quiet, staring out the car window.
“Won’t your parents look for you?” I asked after a deep breath.
“No. I told them I’m seeking a job to solve my problems.”
“Okay.”
If only he knew—I’ve been hiding from my parents for almost a year to avoid being married to someone I don’t know, just like him. But if it turns out he’s the grandson of Grandpa’s friend, I’d willingly go back home. I shook my head at the thought.
“How old are you?” I asked.
“Um… I’m 34.”
“You haven’t told me your last name. How about me—how old do you think I am?” he asked back.
“Lily Perry, and I’m 25 years old. I should’ve brought bio-data with me so you wouldn’t have difficulty checking my background. A simple woman, a former receptionist at a small hotel, now living in a billionaire’s mansion.”
He smiled at my answer.
His phone rang again. I glanced at him as he frowned at the screen. He didn’t answer the call. Instead, he sped up the car.
He turned the car onto a driveway, and I saw a huge mansion ahead—it must be his parents’ home. I wasn’t wrong. When we reached the gate, a man opened it for us.
“Good evening, Sir,” the man greeted Arlo.
“Good evening, Zion.”
The man glanced at me. I think he’s around the same age as Arlo.
I was startled when Arlo held my hand. I felt a jolt, like electricity, from the warmth of his touch.
“Relax,” he said softly to me.
I nodded, and he led me out of the car. As we stepped outside, I looked around. The mansion was massive, with many lights illuminating the exterior.
“Let’s go,” Arlo said, holding my hand.
Whatever happens, I hope things go smoothly with his parents. I prayed they wouldn’t ask too many questions.
“Wait, what if they ask me about my family?” I asked.
“I’ll take care of it. Just stay calm in front of them.”
“Okay, if you say so,” I replied.
As the door opened, my knees trembled. This was the first time a man was introducing me to his parents. My hands were cold, and when Arlo noticed, he tightened his grip on my hand.
“My child,” a beautiful woman greeted us. She must be Arlo’s mother.
