BITTERSWEET, PEPPERMINT

Lily's POV

"...bien sûr, monsieur, je vous assure que mon entreprise ne vous laissera pas tomber, nous ferons de notre mieux."

A soft knock was heard and the door to my office swings open, I lifted my head a bit looking forward to find my Secretary walking in with a bunch of files in her hands.

"Très bien, M. Adams, passez une merveilleuse journée"

I ended the call with the French client and faced Sasha who was now standing in front of my office desk.

"Ma'am, these are the documents you requested from the marketing strategy department"

"Thank you, Sasha"

She carefully placed them on my desk, wiping off the light bits of sweat that's gathered against her forehead.

My gaze travels along the widespread of paperwork to folders and my laptop on my desk that I had been going through earlier. I tried massaging my temples but the terrible headache I was experiencing wouldn't go away.  Although my family were rich, I still made sure to work very hard to keep everything up and running pretty well and smoothly.

Daddy had left the company in my care at age eighteen after I graduated from college, for the past two years I have been handling it, but still on various occasions needed his approvals and signatures for some certain important businesses. I was an only child of my parents, so I had to study a major in marketing to be able to take over the family business.

I was currently the COO of the company, also temporarily the CEO in cases where Daddy cannot afford to be there. He had told me that when I was ready he would hand the company over to me completely. Well... with a lot of effort and hard work, I guess. Sometimes I wish I had a sibling or two, then the faith and responsibility of many wouldn't be meant for me alone.

"And also Mrs Cruz called earlier, she tried connecting to you, but your line was busy".

I sighed. I was on the phone for more than an hour, of course she wouldn't be able to contact my cellphone.

"That's okay Sasha I'll call her back, thank you".

After quickly reviewing the files and marking out a few errors, I handed them over back to Sasha to properly finalize them in order, for the up coming conference meeting we had with a client in a week. She walked out of my office closing the door gently behind her.

Running a hand through my hair, I grabbed my phone going through my contact list I found the number that which belongs to my mom and dialed her number immediately. It barely rang before I heard her marvelous voice over the phone.

"Lily Ximena Cruz" she called me using my middle name " Are you avoiding your mother?"

"What!" I exclaimed "why would you think that mom, the reason you couldn't reach me earlier was because I was on call with a client" I tried explaining

"Yes, Sasha did inform me about that, still you should have called right after" she retorted

"Well... I was attending to some important documents and-" I paused.

I walked to my window staring out into the streets of New York, my senses were overwhelmed by the sights and sounds that surrounded me. Staring at the buildings and streets, even at night New York was a site to view. Houses, stores, restaurants, and stalls lite up the atmosphere bringing life to the surroundings. Cars and Taxis whizzed by, their horns honking impatiently, as pedestrians hurried along the sidewalks ready to start or retire for the night.

Yes, It was late already I noticed and I haven't had lunch yet, and I was very hungry.

"I'm so sorry Mom, I should have called right after" I apologize to her.

"It's alright, Munchkin" she muttered softly "Well I called you, because I wanted you to know that, we are having a family dinner this weekend with your future husband's family"

Silence.

Total reticence.

I stood motionless, just staring out the window void of emotion at the moment, trying so hard not to think about what my Mother had just said. Although I was aware about my conserved marriage to my supposed fiancee, I didn't want to be reminded constantly.

Ever since I was seventeen years old, my parents informed me of my secret engagement to the son of a famous, prestigious and very wealthy family. They told me that his parents had asked for my hand and they, my parents had agreed to their proposal.

I was sad and mad at that time ignoring my parents even, crying and pleading for my autonomy but all were heedless. Well... it was quite hard to accept at first but then recollecting the kind of family and society we belonged to I understood why I had to marry my predestined fiancee.

Birds of a feather flock together

All my life I was basically brought up to be prominent and perfect for him. I had to travel to Dublin, Ireland at my Grandmama's place to school in the best of schools there, and also to be groomed into the picture perfect wife.

"Are you there Munchkin?" She asked snapping me out of thoughts.

"Yes Mom, I'm right here"

"So, I'll be texting you the time and address, don't be late"

With that being said she ended the call without saying any goodbyes. Seconds after my phone notified that I just received a text message. Opening the message from my mother. It says

MOM ❤

785 Meadow lane, Greenfield, NY 67890. Sunday by 7pm. Don't be late.

My Mother was one who loves to keep to time, for her time was crucial and shouldn't be taken for granted, these was one of her most valued principles.

Speaking of time, it was already 8pm and was sure I was the only person left in the building, exhausted and extremely famished. Quickly gathering my things I placed them in my handbag and then left for my apartment.

.........................

The taxi driver steered us through a gigantic gate. As we traversed the verdant carpet of lush landscapes, nature's embellishments came into view, casting a spellbinding aura. The meticulously crafted water fountains, adorned with ancient decorative artifacts, exuded a welcoming vibe, their clear spring water delicately sprinkling, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

After a brief drive, a sight that defied all expectations came into view.

A colossal magnificent mansion-like edifice, unparalleled in its size, width, and height, emerged like a beacon of grandeur. Its sheer grandiosity left me utterly speechless, surpassing any superlatives I could conjure. It was evident, beyond any doubt, that my future husband's family possessed immense wealth.

Seeing all these, my thoughts were maybe the wealth was very ancient.

To my utmost delight, I saw my parents standing in front of the mansion-like house awaiting my arrival. With a grateful smile, I settled the fare with the taxi driver.

Clutching my Vintage black purse in one hand, I delicately cradled the exquisite vanilla-red velvet buttercream cake I made in the other.

Mother had eariler requested I baked a cake for the surpose family dinner. She said it was a good way of presenting yourself to your In-laws.

'Make a good first impression' she said.

I walked over towards where my parents were. They gave me a satisfied look as though giving approval to my looks. I wore a little black satin dress, slightly above my knee-length which has a streamlined silhouette. As for the heels I went with nude color, sandal style. I wasn't really a makeup person so I did a little touch up and applied mild lipstick. I guessed it was okay I would say, Although I wasn't a top notch person when it comes to things as such, but I do clean up nicely.

"Good evening Daddy, Mom" I greeted them both, happy to see my parents after not seeing them for a while.

"Pumpkin, dearest how are you?" My Father asked me with a warm smile on his face.

"Fine, Daddy h-"

I was cut off by my mother who shushed me before going ahead to ring the door bell.

The double standard doors of the mansion-like house opened gracefully, revealing a man and four other young girls standing behind. He was dressed in a tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt and a formal black tie. He don a waistcoat and a pair of polished black shoes. Completing the look is a pair of white gloves, adding a refined touch to his appearance. The ladies wear an immaculate and clean black and white uniform, consisting of a tailored blouse with a white apron, and a matching skirt.

I presume he was the butler.

He carried himself with grace and confidence, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor, exuding an air of professionalism and poise.

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez Cruz, Miss Cruz, you're welcome to the Zeus's family grand mansion" he said bowing slightly, a sign of respect "My name is Geoffrey, butler to this noble mansion, please do come in, they await your arrival"

Score point. He's a butler

Geoffrey did of quick flick with his fingers and one of the maids came over taking the cake from my hands. I muttered a small 'thank you', grateful because the cake was a bit heavy.

As we walk through a comprehensive hallway, Geoffrey leads us to a living area where the family members hosting the dinner were waiting.

A man who looked in his mid-fifties stood tall, holding a pretty lady who also looked in her early forties standing at the edge of an enormous staircase.

The woman came forward to meet us midway hugging my mother in the process.

"Sophia, long time no see" she said, looking at my mother who was smiling brighty as though there were more than acquiescence, Meanwhile my Dad shook hands with the man both exchanging pleasantries.

"You look good, Carmen" my mother complemented.

"You don't look bad yourself, my dear, seems like Hernandez here has been doing a pretty good job" laughter of all four adults filled the room, making me feel out of place.

As though sensing my uneasiness, the lady, Carmen came towards me. "You must be Lily, right?" She asked rather sweetly.

"Yes I am, Good evening Mr. and Mrs. Zeus, it is an-" she cut me off mid sentence, with a big scowl on her face.

"Oh my God dear, stop with all this formalities nonsense, we are going to be family soon, for heavens sake" she smiled.

"My name is Carmen and this is my husband, Antonio" she pointed towards the man. "And can just call us Uncle and Auntie, if that's okay" she spoke leaving no room for arguement.

"Okay, Auntie"

"Well Lily, we adults have some important things to talk about I hope you don't mind dear, you can take a tour if like you, Geoffrey will come fetch you once dinner is ready"

I nodded and quickly excused myself from them. I walked towards the east wing of the house, going through seemingly quietly.

The walls are adorned with expensive picture frames and art pieces, carefully curated to showcase the family's refined taste. One painting depicts a breathtaking sunset over a serene beach, while another captures the essence of a bustling cityscape.

As I ventured further, my eyes were drawn to a captivating picture hanging on the wall. It was a family portrait, a man, woman, boy and a little girl. The man and woman who I recognized as Carmen and Antonio, the boy and girl I supposed were their children.

The picture looks to have been take a few years ago. The little girl who looks to be not more than two years old had a bright toothy grin on her cute baby face, she was really beautiful. Although she gave life to the picture giving it a serene ambiance, my attention was inexorably drawn to the young boy, who appeared to be around six years old. His countenance lacked any semblance of a smile, evoking a profound sense of detachment, but didn't hide his impeccable handsome face. Within his eyes, there lingered an unmistakable yearning, an inexplicable depth of emotion. It was as if he didn't want to be there, yet there was this undeniable look of longing in his eyes. He seemed so young, yet there was a wisdom beyond his years. It was a mix of sadness and other indescribable feelings.

"Evocative, isn't it?"

I flinched at the sound of the sudden voice.