C2 “You're getting married.”

Lillian got up from her bed and stretched. She yawned and went into the restroom. She came out minutes later and saw her mother sitting on her bed.

“Good morning Mom.”

“Morning sweetheart. How was your night?” Her mom replied as she became aware of her daughter's presence.

“It was beautiful, thank you.”

“Has it been long you came?” Lillian said again.

“I just came in seconds before you came out.” Her mom replied, and she mouthed an 'oh'.

“Come and sit, I want us to talk.” Her mom said again, tapping on the bed beside her.

“About?” Lillian queried with a raised brow.

“Have a seat first.” Her mom replied and Lillian did as she was told.

“So, what is this about?” Lillian asked now staring directly at her mother and Mrs. Helen took her hands into hers.

“Lillian......” She stressed out, making Lillian more interested.

“You do know we all in the family love you, right?” She said again, and Lillian nodded slowly.

“And we would.........” The door opened, interrupting her.

“Good morning, Lady Helen. Good morning, Miss Lillian. There's someone here requesting to see Miss Lillian.” The maidservant who came in said in a bow.

“And who is the person?” Mrs. Helen asked as she and Lillian paid more attention.

“He said his name was Mark Norman.” The maid replied, and Lillian stood up immediately.

“Mark is here?” She said in a smile and not waiting for the maid to reply, she ran out. She walked hurriedly down the stairs, not minding if she tripped or not. Furthermore, she finally got downstairs and walked forward to see the man who had always made her heart flutter during their childhood.

Mark was her childhood best friend and ever since she left Los Angeles, they've not been able to contact or see each other.

Mark stood up when he felt someone's presence behind him. He turned and there he found his little queen standing not far from him.

Lillian, not waiting to be told, immediately jumped on him, and he wrapped his arms round her, laughing and Lillian, whose legs were now in the air, joined in and they both laughed like a maniac.

“Wow, my queen is finally a big lady.” Mark said in a smile as he dropped her back on the floor, making Lillian laugh again.

“How did you know I was back?” She asked with a cheeky smile.

“Your brother told me about your arrival yesterday, and that was why I came running this morning to confirm if it was true.” He replied.

“Can't believe I'm finally seeing you after so many years. You know what? We have a lot of catching up to do. So, go upstairs, freshen up and come downstairs, we are going out.” He said again, making Lillian chuckle.

“I also missed you too.” She replied with a sweet smile.

“Yeah, I know. Now, do as I said.” He said and pushed her slightly.

“Está bien (okay).” She said in Spanish and even though Mark didn't understand what it meant, he still chuckled and Lillian ran upstairs to get prepared.

************************

In a restaurant (VIP section)

Lillian occasionally stole glances at Mark and smiled as she munched on her crispy rice salad. Mark noticed this and couldn't help but to chuckle.

“You look stunning.” He finally said, breaking the silence and Lillian blushed. This was almost like the hundredth time he was saying this to her today, and she has been blushing like never.

When they left her place in the morning, he took her to different places which included the couple's amusement park, a museum, a video gaming store, and now they were in a restaurant.

After that, they would go to the cinema because Mark already bought their movie tickets.

“You know, we were having so much fun today that we forgot to talk about what happened in our various lives.” Lillian said as she wiped her lips with the serviette.

“Yeah, you are right, but I didn't forget. I just wanted us to have fun all through today, then maybe we could talk about that later.” Mark explained.

“But we've had enough fun.” Lillian said pouting.

“Is someone tired already? Look, you better don't get tired because we're just getting started.” Mark said in a smile and Lillian smiled back.

“I wasn't actually tired of having fun. I just wanted us to get to know each other better.” She suggested and Mark, knowing where she was headed, dropped his cutlery and wiped his lips with the serviette.

“Alright.” Mark said.

“So, do you have a girlfriend?” She asked the one question in her mind. She placed her two hands on the table to support her chin.

“I once had, but we parted ways when we felt we were no longer compatible.” Mark paused for a moment and although Lillian felt a little jealous at that instant, she still pretended to feel sorry.

“Aww! I'm so sorry about that.”

“It's alright. It wasn't your fault anyway. So, what about you?”

“Me?” Lillian asked to be certain.

“Yeah. Do you have a boyfriend?” He repeated her question.

“Yes, I do.” She said before busting into laughter after seeing the look on his face.

“I was joking.” She corrected, still laughing, but Mark still wasn't satisfied with it.

“I'm serious Mark. I don't have a boyfriend, and I've never had.” Lillian said now serious, and he heaved a sigh of relief, making Lillian bust into another round of laughter. Gosh, She never knew he would react this way.

“Why are you laughing?” Mark asked.

“Nothing, but you're seriously funny.” Lillian commented, trying hard to suppress her laughter.

“I didn't even say anything funny.” Mark defended.

“But your expression said so.” Lillian stated the obvious. Her phone rang from her purse and she opened it and brought out the phone.

“Hello Mom.” She said immediately she accepted the call.

“Lillian, where are you?”

“I'm in a restaurant with Mark. Any problems?”

“I want you to come home now.”

“Ugh mom, can't it wait?” Lillian said in a pout.

“No. Be home in ten minutes.” Her mom said and hung up.

Huh?

“Any…. Problem?” Mark asked when Lillian dropped her phone.

“It's mom, she wants me home now.” She replied as she put her phone back in her purse.

“But why?” Mark asked confused.

“I don't know, but whatever it might be sounded urgent, and I must go now.” She replied.

“I'm sorry.” She added and stood up.

“Alright then, I'll take you home.” Mark said, as he also stood up.

“Thank you.” Lillian said with a small smile. Mark dropped some dollar notes on the table and they both left the restaurant.

Some minutes later*

Mark drove into the compound and found a place to park.

“Thank you for the ride.” Lillian said as she tried to get down but was stopped by Mark who held her arm.

“Mind if I come in with you?” Mark said as he stared into her silver colored eyes.

“N.......n.no” Lillian stuttered out, almost lost in his gaze.

“Why?” He further asked as he brought his hand to her face.

“Because I would rather not stress you.” Lillian replied, looking down at her purse.

“But I'm not complaining.” Mark said, trying to convince her.

“Umm..... please mark, I need to go now. I don't know what it is my mom needs me for.” She pleaded and Mark left her.

“Alright, take care.” He said as she alighted from the car. Lillian waved at him and went inside, then he drove off.

She entered the living room and saw her parents sitting there, but they weren't alone. There were four other people with them. It was a lady and three other men opposite her parents. The lady and one of the men were sitting, while the other two were standing behind them. It seems they were all having a conversation but stopped when she entered.

Lillian took her eyes from them and focused back on her parents.

“Mom, I'm here now. What is it? You sounded so urgent.” She said as she sat down on the couch beside her mom, who now partially faced her.

“Yes, your dad and I want to talk to you about something important.”

“Really? Then I'm all hears.” Lillian said, trying not to have eye contact with the people opposite her.

Her father cleared his throat and finally released the bombshell.

“You'll be getting married.”

“Of course I'll get married when I'm ready, dad.” Lillian replied and chuckled, thinking it was one of her father's jokes.

“You'll be getting married, Lillian and not when you're ready. In fact, as we speak, I already have someone for you, there he is.” Mr. Jeffrey said, pointing to the man sitting on the couch.

“Dad, what are you saying? If this is a joke, please stop it. It's no longer funny.” Lillian said, wishing everything he said was a joke.

“I'm not joking, Lillian. I mean everything I said. The man in front of you here is your soon-to-be husband. So, I'd advise you to try to get to know him better.” Mr. Jeffrey explained.

Lillian turned to see the expression on her father's face, and he looked dead serious.

“And as a matter of fact, you're getting married a day after tomorrow.”

What?????

She immediately stood up, took her purse and stomped off without uttering a word.

“Lillian, Lillian.” Mrs. Helen tried calling her back, but she didn't listen.

“Go and make her see the reasons.” Mr. Jeffrey said, and Mrs. Helen nodded and left.

“Jeff, you know how much I hate stubborn ladies, so you better teach your daughter some manners.” The man who was sitting on the opposite chair finally said.

“You don't have to worry about that, Don. I promise her mother would talk some sense into her.” Mr. Jeffrey assured and Don scoffed.