Nick and Rachel

Rachel stood in disbelief as her parents dropped the bombshell of her betrothal. The shock and fury welled up within her, and she couldn't fathom how such an archaic arrangement could exist in the 21st century, let alone be imposed upon her without consent. Her emotions overflowed as she confronted her parents.

"This can't be happening," Rachel exclaimed, her voice laced with incredulity. "I won't allow myself to be married off like this. It's my life, my choice."

"Believe me, Rachel, this is happening. The betrothal has already been set in motion." Her father responded with stern resolve, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Desperate for support, Rachel turned pleading eyes toward her mother. "Mom, please tell me this isn't true."

Her mother, wearing a warm smile, tried to assuage Rachel's concerns. "Darling, I understand your frustration, but it's a long-standing family tradition. Your aunt Maria was married off through this arrangement, and she found happiness."

Rachel retorted with bitterness, her anger unabated. "Aunt Maria is a widow. And let's not forget she married for wealth and ultimately killed her husband. That's not happiness, Mom."

Unfazed, her mother confidently pressed on, seemingly disregarding the gravity of her own words. "Well, yes, that did happen, but it doesn't change the fact that she's content with her life now."

Fury surged through Rachel's veins, but before she could voice her objections, her father interjected with finality. "Rachel, there will be no further discussion. You will honor this betrothal. We have chosen a suitable partner for you. It's for your own good, and it secures a better future for you."

Rachel's forehead wrinkled in defiance. "Just like Aunt Maria, right? No, I refuse to accept this. I am 22 years old, capable of shaping my own future."

Her parents were taken aback when she boldly declared, "Besides, I already have a boyfriend."

The shock on their faces was palpable as they gasped in unison.

"A Boyfriend?"

Rachel seized the opportunity to elaborate. "Yes, a boyfriend. I didn't want to reveal it before because I was uncertain of your reaction. But our love is genuine, and we share a deep commitment to each other."

Her mother swiftly dismissed her revelation as a lie. "You're merely fabricating this story."

Rachel's determination solidified as she met her mother's gaze. "It's not a lie. In fact, he's eager to meet you both, to prove the authenticity of our relationship. Please, give him a chance."

Her father's unexpected response both shocked and heartened her. "Very well, Rachel. We will meet your boyfriend, but on one condition."

Hope and apprehension mingled within her as she cautiously inquired, "What condition?"

"You must honor your betrothal and meet the person we have chosen for you," her father stated, his voice tinged with firm resolve.

Rachel's world crumbled as she shouted in disbelief, "What?!"

*********

Nick reclined in his opulent office, a woman perched on his lap, her soft touch and tender kisses distracting him as she playfully toyed with the buttons of his shirt.

But the tranquility shattered when an unexpected intrusion disrupted their private moment-his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hill, unceremoniously barged into his domain.

"Mum?! Dad?!" Nick exclaimed, his surprise evident as he hastily stood up, pushing the lady away, desperately attempting to regain composure.

His father, Mr. Hill, delivered a disapproving glare. "So, this is how you spend your time when you claim to be too busy for family matters?"

"Dad, let me explain. This is Nora," Nick began, but his mother interjected, dismissing Nora with a dismissive gesture.

"We are not interested in her, son," she stated icily.

Nora. Nick's assistant feeling humiliated hastily made her exit from his office, leaving a tense atmosphere behind.

Nick struggled to fasten his shirt buttons, attempting to regain composure. "What are you both doing here, anyways?"

"Since you couldn't find the time to visit us, we decided to pay you a visit instead." His mother responded with a smirk, sending a shiver down Nick's spine.

Sarcasm tinged Nick's response. "Oh, what a brilliant idea. Flying all the way here just to see me."

"Yes, because we have someone of utmost importance for you to meet," Mr. Hill declared.

"And who might this important person be that it compelled my parents to fly from London to meet me? You didn't even bother when I fell ill," Nick countered.

"Your future wife," Mr. Hill replied seriously.

Nick laughed heartily, assuming it was a joke. However, the solemn expressions on his parents' faces swiftly wiped the amusement away.

"This is all a ridiculous prank, right?" he asked, taken aback.

"Do we appear to be jokers to you, son?" Mr. Hill retorted, his voice serious and unyielding.

"No, Dad. But last I checked, I didn't recall being engaged."

"Check again, son. Because you are," his mother added, her words leaving no room for doubt.

Nick's laughter died in his throat.

"You can't make such decisions for me. I am a grown man, capable of choosing my own spouse. It's my life."

His father's response was resolute. "Unfortunately, you have shown a lack of judgment in managing your own life. We can't trust you to make this decision. You need guidance."

"I run your companies, Dad. Every day, I make significant decisions," Nick argued, his voice firm.

Mr. Hill's anger flared as he scrutinized Nick's disheveled appearance. "Yes, you excel at running my companies, but you have miserably failed at managing your own life. Look at yourself."

Nick's messy hair and undone buttons became a poignant symbol of his perceived shortcomings "Just because I have a playboy reputation doesn't mean I'm incapable of settling down. Those allegations-"

His mother's voice dripped with disappointment. "We expected better of you. This is not the son we raised."

"Mom, I didn't know those women were married. It's not entirely my fault," Nick protested, his defense tinged with desperation.

His father's voice grew resolute, leaving no room for negotiation. "You've caused enough damage, son. It's time for you to find stability."

Dread coiled within Nick as he dared to voice his fears. "And if I refuse?"

"Then your rights as my heir will be relinquished, passed on to another deserving candidate," his father declared, his words a crushing blow.

Nick, stunned by the revelation, struggled to comprehend the consequences. "But who? I am your only son."

Mr. Hill's gaze hardened, his resolve unyielding. "Yes, but not my only child. Your sister will inherit everything, and you will be permanently cut off."

Nick's confidence wavered as he questioned his father's resolve. "You wouldn't truly abandon your only son like that."

"Watch me," his father replied with steely determination. "You have 48 hours to make your decision. Your mother and I will be waiting."

With that final pronouncement, his parents departed, leaving Nick alone in his office.

"Brandon, you have to meet my parents tonight," Rachel pleaded with her boyfriend, her eyes filled anxiousness and nervousness.

Though their relationship was relatively new, Rachel was head over heels for Brandon. With his charming curly hair and sparkling brown eyes that lit up whenever he smiled, she had no doubt that he was the love of her life.

"Tonight?" Brandon asked, disbelief evident in his voice. Rachel nodded eagerly, her anticipation growing.

"Why? Just two weeks ago, you didn't even want me to meet them at all," Brandon said, clearly confused.

Rachel hesitated for a moment, contemplating how to approach the subject. She decided to shield Brandon from the truth, not ready to reveal that she was betrothed against her will. Even she found it hard to believe.

"I know it's sudden, but I've told them about our relationship, and they're really eager to meet you," Rachel lied, hoping he would agree. She couldn't bear the thought of losing Brandon.

Brandon's eyebrows furrowed as he considered her words. "I'm not sure I can meet them tonight," he replied, his tone uncertain.

Rachel felt her patience waning, and her response came out more aggressively than intended. "Why not?" she snapped, catching Brandon off guard.

"I just feel like you're not telling me something," Brandon said, a hint of concern in his voice.

Sensing his suspicion, Rachel knew it was time to come clean. She took a deep breath, gathering her courage.

"Fine, the truth is... I'm betrothed to someone else," she confessed, her voice quivering. "My parents want us to get married, but if they meet you and like you, maybe they won't stand in the way of our happiness."

Brandon burst into laughter, and Rachel's heart sank. "What's so funny?" she asked, her frown deepening, feeling the weight of her situation.

"Come on, babe, stop being silly," Brandon replied, still chuckling.

"You think I'm joking?" Rachel retorted, her frustration mounting.

"Yeah, you're not serious, are you?" Brandon asked, his laughter fading when he saw the seriousness etched on her face.

"Yes. I'm serious. Dead serious," Rachel replied firmly, her eyes pleading for him to understand. "In fact..."

"That's not possible. Your parents can't force you into marrying someone. That's crazy," Brandon interrupted, his voice filled with disbelief.

"I know. But that's what they're doing, and I have to stop them. That's why you have to meet them," Rachel explained, her tone tinged with desperation.

"And you think that will work?" Brandon questioned, his voice laced with doubt.

"I'm positive. And if it doesn't, I'll just fly to Paris with you," Rachel replied, injecting a touch of sarcasm to lighten the mood. Deep down, though, she hoped her parents would genuinely accept Brandon, sparing her from marrying a stranger.

"I love you," Brandon said suddenly, his words breaking through Rachel's thoughts and melting her heart.

"I love you too," she replied, her voice filled with both tenderness and uncertainty, hoping that her parents wouldn't come between their love.

*********

"You're betrothed?" Carlos, Nick's friend, exclaimed in disbelief as they sat at the bar, sipping their drinks.

Nick slumped in his seat, clearly feeling down. "Yeah, apparently," he replied, his voice heavy with resignation.

Carlos couldn't help but chuckle. "That's the craziest shit I've ever heard," he said, trying to inject some levity into the situation.

Nick nodded, appreciating the attempt at humor. "I know," he replied with a sigh.

"But you can't let your parents do this to you, man," Carlos said, concern evident in his eyes as he looked at his friend.

"I don't know, Carlos. There seems to be no way out. My dad is dead serious about cutting me off permanently," Nick responded, his frustration palpable. He knew his father wasn't bluffing.

"Yikes, that's harsh. But listen, don't give up just yet. There has to be something you can do," Carlos encouraged, placing a supportive hand on Nick's shoulder.

Nick rubbed his temples, deep in thought. "I wish it were that simple, but it feels like my options are incredibly limited. It's either her or my inheritance, and I can't joke around with losing everything I've worked for," he explained, his frustration seeping into his words.

Carlos let out a sympathetic sigh. "That's a tough spot to be in, buddy. But remember, you have my support no matter what you decide. Good luck," he said, raising his glass in a silent toast.

"Thanks, Carlos," Nick replied, grateful for his friend's unwavering support.

Carlos finished his drink, taking a moment to savor the last sip. "So, when are you leaving?" he asked, breaking the silence.

"Tomorrow. I'll be having dinner with the girl and her family the day after," Nick answered, a sense of resignation in his voice.

Carlos raised an eyebrow. "Well, I guess all we can do is hope she's pretty. It would make things a little easier for you," he commented, trying to inject a touch of optimism.

Nick turned to him, a wry smile crossing his face.

"Yeah."

"Mum, Dad, this is Brandon," Rachel said with a warm smile as she introduced her parents to Brandon, who was joining them for dinner.

"Brandon, these are my parents, Maria and Drake Ross."

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you both. Rachel has spoken highly of you," Brandon said with a genuine smile as he reached out to take Maria's hand.

"Well, we haven't heard much about you," Maria replied, serious.

"We'll change that tonight," Brandon replied, graciously kissing Maria's hand, unfazed by any tension in the air.

"Welcome to our home, young man," Rachel's father, Drake, said, extending a firm handshake to Brandon.

"Thank you, sir," Brandon replied, maintaining direct eye contact with Drake.

As they settled into the living room, Maria spoke up, "Dinner will be ready soon, so let's take this opportunity to get to know you better, Brandon."

"Of course, I'm open to any questions," Brandon replied politely, sporting a friendly smile.

Drake initiated, "Let's start with what you do."

"I'm a classical musician. I play the piano, violin, cello, and several other instruments," Brandon confidently shared.

"Impressive," Drake acknowledged, nodding in approval.

"Yes, Dad. He's truly amazing and incredibly talented," Rachel chimed in, hoping to gain some favor for Brandon.

Maria followed up, "So, where did the two of you meet?"

"We met at a popular restaurant in Westminster. Brandon was performing there, and when I saw him, it was love at first sight," Rachel explained, her face glowing with happiness.

"Love at first sight?" Drake scoffed, but Rachel held her ground.

"Yes, Dad. Love at first sight," Rachel responded with determination.

"Brandon," Drake called out, suddenly serious, "do you have any criminal records?"

Rachel wanted to jump to Brandon's defense, but she remained silent, unsure if he had any criminal history. However, she knew it wouldn't change her feelings for him if he did.

"No, sir," Brandon replied, causing Rachel to release a silent sigh of relief.

"Of course, he doesn't have any criminal records," Rachel interjected, addressing her dad, who seemed determined to find faults. But the next question her father asked left her speechless.

"Have you ever cheated on my daughter before?"

"Dad! Seriously?" Rachel exclaimed, shocked by the question.

"Let him answer, dear," Maria added, urging Brandon to respond.

"Absolutely not. I would never betray her trust," Brandon replied with indignation, his loyalty unquestionable.

"Brilliant!" Drake exclaimed with a smile, and Rachel thought the interrogation was over.

But then Drake unexpectedly called out, "George, you can come out now!"

All eyes turned toward the man in black as he entered the living room.

"Everyone, this is George, a private investigator I hired yesterday to learn more about Brandon, to ensure he's worthy of my daughter," Drake stated, shocking everyone in the room.

"Dad! Why would you do such a thing?"

"Don't you want to know what he found out about your boyfriend?" Drake asked his daughter, leaving her utterly speechless.

"George, go ahead and tell her," Drake continued.

"He was charged with rape twice," George, the private investigator, began, and Rachel's heart started racing.

"But those charges were dropped because I didn't do anything. Besides they were all in the past," Brandon stood up, feeling both frustrated and defensive.

"Dad, I can't believe you'd stoop so low just to humiliate my boyfriend," Rachel said to her dad, her eyes welling up with tears.

But Drake remained silent, his gaze fixed on George.

"George, please continue."

"On the 24th of this month, Brandon was seen kissing and hugging a girl outside T-Bridge Hotel Mainstone at 4:00 p.m. These pictures prove it," George revealed.

Rachel's heart sank as she took the pictures from George, desperately hoping they were fake, only to discover they were genuine.

Heartbroken, she felt as though all the air had been sucked out of the room.

"Babe, I can explain," Brandon pleaded, taking Rachel's hand in his. She looked at him silently, unable to find the words to respond.

"We'll save you the trouble," Drake declared firmly. "Security! Get this man out of my house."

"Sir, please let me explain. I..." Brandon tried to say, but the security guards firmly grabbed his arms.

"Drag him out of here," Drake ordered.

"Baby, please, just look at me. I can explain everything," Brandon implored as the security guards escorted him away.

"I can't believe this," Rachel whispered, her tears streaming down her face as she collapsed back onto the sofa.

"I know, darling. And we are so sorry," Maria said, sitting down next to her daughter, offering comfort and support.

Rachel's voice trembled as she spoke through her tears, "This changes nothing. I'm not getting married. Ever!" She said and immediately stomped out of the room.

"Rachel!" Her father called out, but she ignored him, retreating to her room, where she could process her emotions.

********

Later that night..

"Maybe we should tell her," Maria suggested.

"Absolutely not," Drake responded firmly.

"She has a right to know," Maria insisted.

"It would only burden her. I don't want that for her," Drake explained, concerned for their daughter.

"But at least she would understand the true reason why we're doing this. She would understand and not resent us," Maria countered.

"No, it's best she doesn't know," Drake maintained, thinking it was for Rachel's own good.

"But it isn't fair to her," Maria argued, wanting to be transparent with their daughter.

"I know, darling. But if we tell her, she'll feel the need to fix everything. The only way she can help us is by getting married. It's for the best she doesn't know," Drake explained, feeling torn.

"The Hills will be here tomorrow. Make sure everything is perfect," Drake changed the topic, knowing they had other pressing matters to attend to.

"Alright," Maria replied, preparing to make the necessary arrangements.

"Honey?" Drake called out softly.

"Yeah?"

"You know I love you," Drake reassured her, offering a comforting presence.

"I know," Maria replied.

*******

"Darling, can I come in?" Maria gently asked, knocking on Rachel's door.

"No, go away, Mum," Rachel responded, her voice filled with sadness. But Maria entered the room anyway.

"Oh, my poor baby. I know you must be hurting right now, but trust me, time fixes everything," Maria consoled, her heart aching for her daughter.

"I just can't believe he would do that to me. I loved him," Rachel expressed her pain.

"You deserve someone better in your life. Someone who will treat you like the queen you are," Maria reassured her, wanting to uplift Rachel's spirits.

"Who is he?" Rachel asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Who, my dear?" Maria replied, slightly confused.

"The person I'm betrothed to," Rachel clarified, her tone tinged with resignation.

"Well, do you remember the Hills?" Maria inquired.

"Yes, I do. They're yours and Dad's close friends," Rachel recalled.

"Well, they have an amazing son who currently handles his father's companies abroad," Maria revealed.

"So, this is some kind of arranged marriage," Rachel scoffed. "Does their son even know about this?"

"I'm sure he does," Maria replied confidently.

"And he's fine with it? Fine with marrying a complete stranger?" Rachel questioned, her skepticism evident.

"You two will grow to love each other, you'll see," Maria reassured, hoping to alleviate Rachel's worries.

"Mum, can you even hear yourself? You sound crazy. This isn't something out of a romance novel. This is my life," Rachel protested, feeling overwhelmed.

"I know, darling, and that's why we're doing this. We want what's best for you," Maria explained, her voice filled with motherly concern.

"I can't talk to you right now. I need some fresh air," Rachel declared, feeling the need to clear her mind.

Maria understood and respected Rachel's need for space. "Take your time, my love. We'll be here for you," she said, her love for her daughter shining through.

Rachel nodded silently, then walked out of the room, seeking solace outside.