Toxic Truth

20

LIAM

You need to meet my parents.

That's what she said. About ten minutes go.

Now she's holding my hand and leading me to where her parents are standing, talking to someone.

Zella's parents are Ashton Walter and Estrella Walter.

Ashton Walter is a worldly known businessman, and his wife Estrella Walter used to be a supermodel and retired a few years ago, now she works with her husband.

Yes, I checked everything about them when I searched up Zella for the first time.

They stop talking to the other couple, and their smiles widen when they see Zella. However, the moment their eyes fall on me and our hands intertwined, the smile on their faces drop, lacing with confusion.

I guess Zella forgot to tell them a tiny detail of her life.

Her mom lets go of her husband's arm and approaches us with a questioning look. "Zella?"

"Mom, meet my boyfriend, Liam."

And that's it. Just like that she drops the news on her parents.

Her mom's eyebrows nearly shoot up to her hairline, and her dad steps forward too.

"Boyfriend?" He scowls, there is no trace of amusement or happiness on his face.

Her mom's reaction, however is the opposite. She gasps in surprise and wraps me in a hug.

"Why didn't you tell us before? I'm so sorry about her, she likes to surprise us with sudden news. My reaction would've been way better if I knew about you."

I chuckle, wrapping my arms around her. "It's okay, I'm glad to meet you Mrs Walter."

"So am I! I can't wait to know you!" She beams and steps back.

"Liam," Her dad gruffs and eyes me. I can tell by the way he's looking at me, that he's judging me, thinking what his daughter saw in me.

Plastering up a charming smile, that I know won't have any effect on him, I hold my hand out for him to shake. "Mr Walter, It's so good to see you."

He accepts the handshake but grips my hand harder than necessary. "I don't think I can say the same yet."

Estrella's head snaps up to him and she sends him a warning look.

"Dad!" Zella hisses.

"What?" He gives them an innocent look. "I need to know who my baby is dating before I make any judgements about him."

Estrella laughs. "Ignore him, he can be very overprotective sometimes, come sit with us! And please call me Estrella."

I smile at that and tilt my head in agreement. "Of course."

Zella and her mother walk forward but her dad stays back. Coming up closer, he stands next to me and murmurs. "I've had MMA training for years, don't even think about doing something wrong, and if you ever think of breaking my daughter's heart, remember what I just told you."