Chapter 498 Meeting the Parents
In the middle of the park, there was this man-made lake with a small pavilion right next to it. After a bit of walking, they decided to take a break and sat down in the pavilion. The lake's water reflected the lights, looking like stars twinkling in the water.
At the other end of the pavilion, a couple was sitting close, whispering. After a while, Rachel noticed they were kissing. She quickly looked down and tugged Nicholas to leave.
Nicholas was caught off guard but saw what was happening at the other end too. He followed Rachel out of the pavilion.
Rachel's face was flushed, but luckily, it was nighttime, and the park's streetlights were dim, making it hard to see clearly.
Nicholas's ears were a bit red too. It was kinda awkward to stumble upon such a scene together.
"Nicholas, should we head back?" Rachel whispered, worried they might run into another couple.
"Okay," Nicholas replied softly.
They retraced their steps and headed towards the parking lot. Just as they reached the park entrance, someone by the lake set off fireworks, lighting up the night sky. Rachel was startled by the sudden noise, and Nicholas quickly pulled her into his arms protectively.
They stopped and looked up at the dazzling fireworks filling the sky. Standing at the park entrance, they watched the entire display.
As the night sky returned to darkness, Rachel turned around with a smile, "Let's go." She then pulled Nicholas out of the park.
The car was still parked at the movie theater's lot, and it took another ten minutes to walk back. By the time they drove back to the apartment, it was almost midnight.
Most of Rachel's stuff was packed and placed in the house Madison lent her at Springside Villa. At Nicholas's place, she had some daily necessities and two sets of clothes, along with the suitcase she brought back from Frostpine today. It wasn't much, but it was enough. After getting back to the apartment, she grabbed her pajamas and went to take a shower, while Nicholas went to the kitchen, busy with something.
When Rachel finished her shower and came out, she didn't see Nicholas in the room. She walked out and saw him coming out of the kitchen with a bowl.
"Nicholas, what are you doing? Making food this late?" Rachel asked curiously.
Nicholas looked up at the sound of her voice, his smile dazzling her. He waved her over. "My mom asked me to bring you some fish gelatin. Have it before you sleep."
Rachel slowly walked to the dining table. The small bowl of fish gelatin was crystal clear.
"Do your parents know me?" Rachel asked, feeling a bit nervous.
"Yeah, I told them when I went back. They saw your photo and liked you a lot," Nicholas replied softly, understanding Rachel's concern. He then handed her the fish gelatin. "Have it first."
Rachel sat down and quietly ate the fish gelatin.
Nicholas sat across from her, watching her silently.
Rachel noticed his gaze and looked up from her bowl. "Nicholas, do you have something to say to me?"
Nicholas was silent for a moment before asking, "Rachel, would you like to come home with me?"
He patiently waited for Rachel's answer.
He wanted to take her home.
He wanted to marry her.
Rachel scooped a spoonful of fish gelatin into her mouth, her heart beating faster. She then gently nodded. "Okay."
It felt natural for them to reach this point, without any suddenness or prior discussion. Everything just happened at the right time.
Two days later, the studio opened as usual, but it was more of a ceremonial thing with no real work to do.
Rachel spent the morning at the studio and then headed out. She went to the mall to buy some gifts since she and Nicholas planned to visit his family the next day.
With years of business experience, Rachel was good at picking gifts—nothing too expensive, just right. She carried several bags back to the apartment.
Just as Rachel was juggling the bags and opening the door, her phone rang. She pulled it out and saw 'Alfonso' on the screen. He was her former boss and also her senior in college. Rachel was puzzled; they kept in touch occasionally, usually when Alfonso had friends needing custom gifts, and he'd refer them to her. Sometimes, she'd treat him to a meal as a thank you.
Rachel answered, "Hello, Alfonso."
"Rachel, are you back in Horizon City?" Alfonso's gentle and elegant voice came through, sounding kind.
"Yeah, I just got back yesterday. Are you back in Horizon City too?" Rachel asked politely, knowing his family lived elsewhere, and he usually went there for Christmas.
"Yes, I just got off the plane. Do you have time tonight? Let's have dinner. My sister wants to order a dress, and I want to introduce her to you," Alfonso said.
"Sure, where's convenient for you? I'll pick the place," Rachel offered.
After all, it was business, and she wanted to make a good impression, especially since it was her former boss's sister.
"I've already chosen the place. I'll send you the address later. See you tonight."
After hanging up, Rachel texted Nicholas, telling him she wouldn't be having dinner with him tonight and that he should eat on his own. She then packed her things for the next day and the gifts, changed into a different outfit, put on light makeup, and left. She didn't drive but took a cab. Her old car was still parked at the studio, and she hadn't driven it much recently. Parking was cheap at the studio, and she had rented a space there, so she left it.
She thought she was early, but when she walked in, Alfonso and his sister were already there.
Alfonso's sister, like him, was very elegant. When she saw Rachel, she stood up and greeted her with a smile, "Thank you for your coming, Ms. Ximena."
"You're welcome. It's my pleasure," Rachel replied with a polite smile.
The three of them sat down and chatted while eating.
Rachel discussed the dress with Alfonso's sister, mentioning that the process would take a while because the designer was about to have a baby. Alfonso's sister said she wasn't in a hurry and could wait, so Rachel accepted the order.
As they were finishing their meal, Rachel got a call from Nicholas. She apologized and turned to answer quietly.
"Rachel, where are you? Are you done? I'll come pick you up," Nicholas said while driving.
"Almost done. I'll send you the address," Rachel said. After hanging up, she sent the restaurant's address to Nicholas.
Then, Alfonso's sister teased, "Is that your boyfriend?"
Rachel blushed slightly and nodded. "Yes."
Seeing her nod, Alfonso paused for a moment with his knife and fork but quickly resumed as usual.
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