Chapter 13 – The Marriage Alliance
Lily’s Pov
After I spoke with Damon in the hallway, we went back inside to meet my parents. They stared at me with expectant eyes.
“Well? Are you gonna tell us or leave us in suspense,” my dad grumbled.
I chuckled, “Dad, can’t you pause for two minutes and embrace dramatic suspense?”
My dad frowned, “Two minutes have already passed. I want to know if you’re marrying him or not.”
I stared at Damon and he nodded. I released a sigh and nodded.
“Yes, the arranged marriage is perfect,” I answered.
My parents beamed positively.
“This is good news, I knew we made the right choice when we chose Damon,” my father said.
“But Dad, now you have to step down so I can take over, especially with this issue you have with Grey Enterprise,” I said.
My dad nodded, “I’ve longed to hear you say those words all these years, Princess. I’ve been waiting for when you’d return and relieve me of my stress.”
My eyes glistened with tears, “I’m here, Daddy. You can rest now and don’t worry about anything.”
My dad nodded, “Alright. I’ll call for a board meeting and introduce you to the board members. They’ll assist you in any way you require.”
‘Also we have to talk about your wedding gown, Princess,” my mom said.
nodded, “Yes, Mom, but right now we need to focus on the Patent case. I’ll head out to discuss strategy with Damon. I’ll see you both at home.”
‘That’s not a good idea, baby girl, you’ve just returned and you haven’t rested yet.”
Damon nodded, “Your parents are right. Go home with them. I’ll come by the house later tonight so we can discuss it. By then, you’ll be well rested.”
stared at him and smiled. It felt nice. It’s been a while since someone other than my family was Jenuinely concerned about me.
With Peter and Jacob, all I got was scolding. And just when they’d offer a sliver of care, Nadine would pounce in like a wildcat and ruin it.
‘Alright, then,” I nodded.
He flashed me a grin and bowed slightly to my parents then he turned on his heel and strode
out.
‘He’s quite the charmer, isn’t he?” my mother wiggled her eyebrows at me.
I frowned, “Eww, Mom, gross.”
She chuckled, “What? I’m only saying that he’s hot.”
“With
your husband right next to you?” I asked.
My father smirked smugly, “Her husband knows she adores him.”
My mom chuckled, kissing my dad and I rolled my eyes. It was nice to see some things that never changed.
After being away for fifteen years, my parents were still madly in love with each other and I wanted that for myself but I wasn’t sure anymore.
“You two get a room,” I groaned.
Shortly afterwards, the doctor arrived to discharge my father as he rambled off strict warnings. Very soon we were back home and my father hugged me again.
“I’m glad you decided to come back, Princess, but I’m not happy you wouldn’t let me kick the ass of those stupid boys!” he said.
The night I called Mom, sobbing and begging to come home, I told her everything.
My mom had been furious, my dad wanted to end them but I wanted to bide my time.
“Don’t worry, Daddy, no one is going to get off so easily. I’ll take my revenge on them one by one, I said, smirking.
My father laughed, “Now that’s the daughter I know and love.”
My mother clapped her hands excitedly as the maids gathered around.
“Prepare a feast to celebrate, our daughter is back!” she exclaimed.
Then my dad had an idea, “Why don’t we invite the board members to dinner?”
My mom shook her head, “No, honey. Business is tomorrow you’ll introduce your daughter to them. But for today, it’s strictly for family.”
That day I took a long and hot shower, basking in the sweet-smelling scent of the vanilla bubble bath.
The maids waited at my hands and feet as they dressed me up for dinner.
By the time they were done and I stared into the mirror all scars and bruises had faded. Standing before me was a woman who had been through hell and remained standing.
My mother knocked softly on my door and I turned to her.
‘You look so beautiful,” she gushed, her eyes tearing up.
‘Thank you, Mommy,” I smiled.
Together we went downstairs and had dinner. That night my parents regaled me with tales of what had happened in my absence.
It made me feel happy. I was finally glad to be home. After dinner, they went to their bedroom, and shortly after I heard them giggling like children before they shut the door.
I walked into the rose garden my father had planted for me and inhaled deeply, staring up at the sky.
Years ago when my father found out I was allergic to white roses he made sure none of them were kept in sight.
When he found out how much I loved red roses he made a garden full of them. I’ve always been so loved, I guess that was why I was so trusting of Jacob and Peter.
When I met Nadine, she was like the sister I’ve always wanted. Being an only child was hard but now I would have it no other way.
“A penny for your thoughts, Mi lady?” a baritone voice said behind me.
I gasped, startled as I whirled around, missing my step a bit. My arms flared widely and I shut my eyes, preparing my body for the impact of the floor but it never came.
Instead, I was enveloped in strong warm arms as the scent of musky vanilla teased my nostrils. “Come now, Mi Lady, don’t tell me you’re falling for me,” his thick smooth voice tickled my
senses.
I opened my eyes and stared into the warm brown orbs of Damon Sterling.
Lily’s Pov
