LILY
Two weeks had passed, and my relationship with Arlo had grown even stronger. Tonight, his grandfather, Thomas, and his parents would be arriving. They had spent nearly two weeks in Spain because his grandfather decided to take a break abroad. I only heard from Nikki that there had been a slight misunderstanding between Thomas and Damian because of Arlo and me.
I still feel a bit shy around his parents. However, they never opposed me because they understood what it feels like to be arranged with someone you don’t love. Ma’am Ella once told me that she wasn’t supposed to marry Philip because Arlo’s father loved someone else.
When Philip discovered that the woman he loved married another man, he couldn’t accept the news. Ma’am Ella became his companion during his most miserable times. Since childhood, Ma’am Ella and Philip had been close friends. But one thing led to another, and they had a one-night stand that neither of them intended, resulting in an unexpected outcome.
“Ma’am Lily, don’t you have plans or somewhere to go today?” Nikki asked me.
“Nikki, how many times do I have to tell you to call me ‘Aunt’?” I replied.
“But, Ma’am Lily, it feels awkward. You’re so beautiful and fair-skinned, and calling you ‘Aunt’ feels mismatched. Just look at me—I’m so brown. My skin feels shy next to yours. We’re like coffee and milk together! So, I think ‘Ma’am Lily’ or even ‘Princess Lily Bonde’ fits better.”
“I’m so excited, Ma’am Lily, about your wedding. I hope there won’t be any problems with Thomas,” Nikki added enthusiastically.
“You’re something else, Nikki. I’ll have to reward you for your chatter. But why did you ask if I have plans today?” I asked her.
“Because, big sister, it’s my father’s birthday, and I wanted to invite you if that’s okay. If Sir Arlo weren’t busy, he usually comes to my father’s birthday too.”
“What day is it today?” I asked in surprise, which startled Nikki as well.
“It’s November 20, Ma’am Lily,” Nikki replied.
I bit my thumb in regret because today was also my mother’s birthday. I suddenly felt guilty for forgetting such a special day.
“Ma’am Lily, are you okay?” Nikki asked as she grabbed my arms when she noticed my distraction.
“Sorry, Nikki, I just remembered something. What time are we heading to your house?” I asked.
“Later, Ma’am Lily. We’re waiting for Alex,” Nikki said.
“In that case, I’ll head upstairs to get ready and call Mom and Arlo.”
Arlo and I had been staying in his mansion for seven days now. We returned here because he noticed that I was sometimes bored without anyone to talk to in his unit.
Big Sister Violet had visited me twice here in Arlo’s mansion and brought Ethan along. I told Arlo that my father and mother had returned to the country, so he wouldn’t insist on meeting my parents.
Thankfully, Big Sister Violet convinced him. I told Arlo that Olivia was my brother’s wife.
I grabbed my phone and opened my inbox to check for messages.
“Mom:” child, you can call me anytime. I’m at your grandpa’s house now.”
I smiled in relief, knowing I could talk to Mom properly on her birthday. My fingers moved like magic as I quickly dialed Mom’s number.
“Hello, child,” Mom greeted, her sweet voice unchanged.
“Mom, happy birthday, Mamita!” I said, trying to hold back tears.
“How are you, anak?” Mom sounded emotional on the other end.
“Mom, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. This is your special day—you should be happy today, Ma,” I said.
“child, you know why I’m crying. But hearing your voice eases my pain and worries,” Mom replied.
“Mom, I have a boyfriend now,” I confessed, surprising Mom.
Even though I couldn’t see her, I knew exactly how Mom reacted—I could imagine her startled expression as if she were in front of me.
“Who is he, child? Things might get even more complicated if your Dad and grandpa find out. Who is he, and where is he from?” Mom asked, her questions coming one after another.
“From the Bonde family, Mom. A well-known family,” I said.
Mom fell silent as if a heavy downpour had struck her.
“Bonde family?” Mom stammered, struggling to even pronounce the name.
