Chapter 6

"It's you!" Dad exclaimed. 

I watched Lilian's face scrunch up in confusion.

"You're so much more beautiful than the pictures." He said, extending a hand towards her.

She blushed and shook his hand. "Thank you, Mr Bladell."

"Call me Kane. Please, feel at home."

"Thank you for having me."She replied. I could see how excited everyone was and it made me happy. They could never find out that all this was fake.

My mum led her towards the dining room while gushing over her, closely followed by my sister.

"She's really beautiful. I can see why you're so eager to get married." Abel said, patting my shoulder.

I shushed him. "Don't ruin the surprise! I've not told any other person yet. I'm planning to tell them over dinner."

"Okay." He made a mouth zipping motion. "Can we go eat? Hospital food sucks."

"Why don't you go ahead? I'll join you."

He nodded and walked away.

I went to my room and brought out the diamond ring I had made for her this morning. Proposing in their presence will cancel any disbelief they may have.

"Byron, how nice of you to join us." Mum said sarcastically as I approached the dining table.

"I had to do something urgent. Hope I didn't keep you guys waiting for too long?"

"Better late than never. Right son?" Dad asked.

I nodded in agreement and turned to look at Lilian. She was engaged in a conversation with Rose and it seemed like they had gotten along well.

I sat beside her and held her hand under the table. She glanced at me and smiled so lovingly I almost believed she was in love with me.

Didn't know she was this good an actress.

We said the grace and started eating. Abel kept on kicking my leg under the table and snickering. I ignored him and rehearsed the speech I had planned to give when I proposed.

After dinner, we all went to the living room.

"So.." mum began to say as we all settled down but I cut her off.

"I have an announcement." 

Everyone turned to face me. Abel gave me a knowing smirk.

I brought out the ring from my pocket and went down on one knee in front of Lilian.

Mum and Lilian gasped, dad sat there, grinning while Rose brought out her phone to start recording.

"My world turned from black and white into a spectrum of colors.

Days were dragging. I’m comfortable lying on my bed but I feel homeless, hollow. Not until I met you. You’ve filled a void in my heart I never knew it was that big.

Meeting you made me feel alive and loving you completed me. I want to be the best husband you deserve and build a family with you. Make me the luckiest man.

Will you marry me? "

She nodded vigorously and shakily extended her hand. "I'll marry you." She whispered, breaking into a sob.

I couldn't tell if she was nervous or excited but I was certain that we looked like a couple in love. I slipped the ring unto her finger.

Everyone cheered for us and I bent to kiss her forehead.

I could feel my heart racing. It was probably from the excitement I was feeling right now.

"When is the wedding ceremony? Will you call your parents over so we can pick a date?" Mum asked excitedly.

Lilian's face fell and I tightened my grasp on her hand.

"Actually, Lilian and I thought we should get married as soon as I proposed so we are getting married next weekend. Right babe?"

"Yes. We want to get married as soon as possible." She said, smiling.

"That's great news. I'll get working on it this very instant." Mum said, a wide smile on her face. " Take Lilian home now. She has to be at her dress fitting and cake tasting tomorrow."

"Okay mum. See you tomorrow."

"You're not sleeping here this night?"

"No. I'm sure the reporters would have gotten tired of waiting. I will go home this night."

"Okay son. Take care of Lilian." She hugged Lilian and I and walked us to the car.

Rose came running after mum had gone back inside. "Lilian, I'm so glad you're my sister-in-law. Thank you for marrying my brother." 

Lilian teared up again and gave Rose a hug. 

"Good night brother. See you tomorrow."

"Don't you have to go to school?"

" I can't miss the dress fitting. I'll take the week off. I'm sure the principal will understand." She smirked.

"Good night Rose." I said, resignedly. Nothing could change her mind now. Once she was determined, she would do everything to achieve her goal.

I got in the car, ignited the engine and started the journey to Lilian's house.

"Thank you for today, Lilian. My family was very convinced." I said with all the gratitude I could muster. 

"You didn't tell me you were going to propose."

"It just came up. I wanted to make it more realistic. I'm sorry if you were caught unaware."

She sniffled and hugged herself. I wanted to reach for her, to comfort her but I held myself back.

I wasn't myself around her and I do not like it. Immediately the wedding is done, I'll avoid her as best as I could.

We drove in silence till we reached her house.

"Your family is lovely Byron." She said, hands on the door and ready to bolt. "They are different from every other rich person I've met."

"Thanks for playing along." I replied.

"By the way, the ring is beautiful. It looks so precious, are you sure I should keep it?" she asked nervously. 

"Of course, it's yours afterall. Made just for you" she stared at the ring before reaching for the door.

"Good night, Mr Bladell." She said, a tiny smile on her face.

"Goodnight, Miss Jackson."

She got out of the car and went into her house, not looking back once.

**

Instead of going home, I went to Regina's, as I promised I was going to drop by. As I stepped into her penthouse, I breathed in the soothing scent of sandalwood she enjoyed keeping around and immediately felt relaxed.

"Byron, you're here" she came over and helped take off my coat. As she called my name, my mind flashed to Lilian's pink face. I shook my head trying to rid myself of the thought. Regina fawned over me and led me to the couch. 

I just seemed to let go of all my worries with her. I stopped worrying, collapsing into her embrace. "This week has drained the life out of me." I complained.

She ran her fingers through my hair. "That's why I'm here, to help you recharge." Her  voice was gentle but slightly seductive.

I lifted my head, my eyes memorizing every inch of her face, her features blurring into someone else's. They looked so similar. I couldn't help myself and leaned in for a kiss. I can't leave Regina, I couldn't let her go. I broke away from her.

"We're having the wedding ceremony this weekend." I let out.

Her eyes suddenly became stormy but I quickly explained. "That doesn't change a thing between us. What I have with her is nothing but a contract."

She patted my cheek. "You know you don't have to explain yourself to me, I believe you." she chuckled and pulled me by my collar . "You better not forget me." Her voice was low in a threatening manner. 

"Of course." I smiled dotingly. Her expression relaxed.

"I want to go shopping tomorrow, I'm changing my closet." I sent her the money without batting an eyelid.

"Thanks Darling" she smiled happily. For the first time, my thoughts were with someone else as I hugged Regina close.