6. MEET THE FAMILY

"Mum, are you hungry?” I ask my mother as I unload the dozens of groceries I got her.

It's been almost two weeks now since I accepted Jordan Smith's deal, and I must say life has been a lot easier. The next day after I called him, as a way to honor his part of the deal, he credited my account with so much money that I had to wipe my eyes thrice to be sure I was counting the figures.

Two million dollars, I'd seen and I'd gaped at him and then told him I couldn't possibly accept this gift to which he simply shrugged and commented: “ there's more where that came from, Arabella. Take it.” And so I did, and boy, is life so much easier now.

“Where did you get money for all of these?” Mum asks, eyeing the groceries like the plague.

“Uhhh …” I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “Well, you see, mum, I got lucky. A friend— an old friend I helped a long time ago gave me a little something.”

Mum raises an eyebrow. “Really? Did he also move me into this new hospital and covered my treatment bills?” When my eyes widen in surprise, she rolls her eyes at me. “I'm not stupid, Arabella. I know there is no way you could have been able to afford my medical bills with your job as a barista.”

I shrug with a small smile and take a seat next to her. “Well, I could very well be a stripper. Heard the pay is good.”

Mum is quiet for a beat before she asks in a cold tone. “And is that what you've been doing for this old friend in exchange for all… these?” She gestures to the room and I almost want to spill everything to her.

“Of course not,” I lie through my teeth instead. “He's a friend really. Nothing much, nothing less.” Except I'm going to be marrying him in less than two weeks.

Mum doesn't seem to believe me, but she drops the subject and instead starts talking about Eric. If he's approached me ever since and what the status of our relationship really is. I want to tell her there is no more relationship with anyone for me. Ever. I'll be getting married to one of the most eligible bachelors in the United States.

Sometimes, my first and last thought is always what our marriage will be like. I've always been a romantic at heart— promising myself that I was going to marry for love. Seems fate had other plans for me all these while.

I just hope the universe would at least work in my favor and let this marriage be bearable. That's all I ask.

**********

I leave my mother's room, shutting the door behind me and then coming to an abrupt halt when I come face to face with the man standing before me. The man who has occupied my thoughts for so long.

“Jordan?” I frown and walk up to him. God, he smells so good. Like sandalwood and sin. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to see you,” he smiles. “I never heard from you again after that day you signed the contract in my office and… maybe I missed you.”

I look over my shoulder at my mum's door. “Well then, how did you…” I trail off when I remember his words at my house. “Of course, you also know which hospital my mother is in. Seriously, do you know my social security number?”

He shrugs, but gives no answer. “I came because there is somewhere I want to take you.”

That piques my interest. “Oh? Where?”

He offers me a boyish grin and my heart skips a beat at how breathtakingly handsome and young he is right now. “It's a surprise, you'll see. Come on.”

Before I can process anything or decline, his large hand is already on the small of my back and he's leading me outside.

Well, I guess a little surprise wouldn't hurt. I just hope it will be worth it.

*******

As expected, he doesn't agree to tell me where we're going and after countless times of asking, I finally give up and the car ride is one of silence.

I let my thoughts wander on different things, only looking up when an iron wrought gate opens and he drives into a beautiful compound. I gape as my eyes wander around the compound and the mansion in the middle of it. This home is like those types we see on TV. I knew how rich Jordan was, but now I'm starting to think I underestimated his wealth.

“Surprise!” He says as he kills the engine.

“Where is this?” Even my voice holds so much awe.

“My childhood home. Well, my family's home now.”

I look at him. “Why did you bring me here?”

He's quiet for a beat, gauging my expression, I guess. “You're going to be a part of the family, so it's only expected that I introduce you to my family before our wedding, don't you think?”

He has a point. I never even considered the prospect of that. All I've been thinking of is what marriage with him will be like. Now, I'm compounded yet again with another worry: what if his family don't like me? What if they feel I'm not worthy enough or wealthy enough to be linked to their family?

“Come on, mum has been bombarding me with questions about when I'll bring you to come see them.”

“Oh.”

He's already out of the car and already walking to my side of the car before I can form another response. He opens the door and I get out, mumbling a “thank you” to him. He takes my hand in his ( much to my surprise) and we start walking to the front door. With every step I take, it feels like my heart is about to combust from nervousness. I don't know what is waiting for me on the other side, but I hope it's a warm welcome at least. Even though they don't approve of me, I hope they at least treat me well.

When we make our way into the house, a gasp falls out. If I thought outside was immaculate, I was wrong. Inside feels like stepping into paradise, with the modern architecture and the interior. If I lived in this kind of place, nothing would make me step out ever.

“Mum, I'd like you to meet someone,” Jordan finally says and that's when my attention comes back to the present. I turn to them— the beautiful raven haired woman— and my heart starts to beat faster. “Meet my fiancee, Arabella Chase.”